Occupational Status Research Articles

Bias analysis on socioeconomic status and lung cancer in a pooled international case-control study

Abstract Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups showed increased lung cancer risks even after adjustment for smoking habits and other exposures to lung carcinogens. Although several biases were often indicated and discussed, only few studies quantified the impact of potential biases. Methods We conducted a bias analysis on the association of lung cancer and SES using data from the SYNERGY project, including 12 case-control studies with 18 study centres from Europe and Canada (16,550 cases, 20,147 controls). SES in quartiles was derived from the International Socio-Economic Index of occupational status (ISEI). Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by logistic regression adjusting for age, study centre, and smoking. In addition, we estimated natural direct SES effects and natural indirect smoking effects by inverse odds ratio weighting. In a multiple quantitative bias analysis, we considered impacts of misclassification of smoking status, selection bias, and unmeasured mediator-outcome confounding by a protective genetic factor, and created 95% simulation intervals (SI) by bootstrap. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results Adjustment for smoking as well as natural effects estimation showed that nearly half of lung cancer risks of lower SES groups in men and up to one third in women were attributable to smoking. Consideration of all types of bias reduced lung-cancer risks in the fully adjusted logistic regression models, with the strongest impact by selection bias: For the 4th versus 1st (highest) ISEI quartile OR decreased from 1.83 (1.69-1.98 CI) to 1.50 (1.30-1.73 SI) in men, and OR 1.48 (1.27-1.72 CI) to 1.20 (0.96-1.53 SI) in women. Conclusions Smoking is the main target for prevention of lung cancer, along with occupational and environmental exposures, in particular in lower SES groups. This finding remains, though our analysis revealed reduced lung-cancer risks of lower SES groups after multiple bias adjustment. Key messages • Impact of potential biases was quantified in the association of SES and lung cancer. • Lung cancer risks were partially attributable to smoking and multiple biases.

Socio-behavioural associates of Early Childhood Caries among preschool children aged three to four years in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study

BackgroundEarly Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease among preschoolers in Sri Lanka, with stagnated prevalence over the decades. Therefore, it is important to determine the socio-behavioural associations of ECC among preschoolers to reduce the country’s ECC burden.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 3 to 4 year-old preschoolers/mothers dyads in Gampaha district in 2019. Preschoolers who completed third birthday and had not completed fifth birthday on the day of data collection were selected. The dependent variable was the presence (dmft ≥ 1) or absence (dmft = 0) of ECC. Independent variables were sex, monthly family income, mother’s educational and occupational status, child’s birth order, family type, frequency of consumption of sweets and sweetened drinks, time of sweet consumption during the last 24 h, toothbrushing frequency, supervision of toothbrushing, dental visit, and maternal dental caries. A pre-tested validated questionnaire was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsTotal of 1038 preschoolers were selected. There were 529 females (51.0%) and 509 males (49.0%). The prevalence of ECC was 56.3% (95% CI: 53.1–59.3). Consuming sweets between meals had a higher odds ratio than consuming sweets after main meals (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.25–2.35), consumption of sweets every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweets several times a week or less (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.02–4.13), consumption of sweetened drinks every day had a higher odds ratio than consumption of sweetened drinks several times a week or less (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07–2.79), and the presence of maternal caries had a higher odds ratio than the absence of maternal caries (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69). The use of adult fluoridated toothpaste than not using adult fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.48–0.85), tooth brushing twice per day than not brushing twice per day (OR = 0.67, 95% CI:0.51–0.89), and supervised toothbrushing than unsupervised toothbrushing (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) was negatively associated with ECC.ConclusionsECC is highly associated with sweet consumption and oral hygiene behaviours among preschoolers in Gampaha District. Interventions should focus on the oral health behaviours of preschoolers to reduce ECC burden.

Gender dynamics in dual-earner couples: Spousal occupational status and working hours

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary households, this study explores how a spouse’s job status impacts working hours in dual-earner households, emphasizing gender dynamics. Analyzing data from the 2011–2017 Chinese General Social Survey, it finds that higher occupational status for either spouse correlates with reduced work hours for both genders. Yet, gender-specific differences arise. Husbands with higher job status tend to engage less in household chores, increasing women’s burden. This research deepens the understanding of labor market fairness and household division, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough investigation into these dynamics for precise insight into employment dynamics within dual-income families.

Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and suicidal behavior correlates of stigma among people with physical disabilities in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundPeople with physical disability may experience stigma in various ways, including social avoidance, negative attitudes and discrimination. Stigma among people with physical disability can vary based on study participants’ socio-demographic, behavioral and psychosocial factors. Therefore, identifying the socio-demographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates of stigma is important because the findings of the study can help inform future interventions aimed at reducing stigma among individuals with a physical disability.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the psychosocial, suicidal behavior, and socio-demographic correlates of stigma among people with physical disabilities in the University of Gondar communities, northwest Ethiopia.MethodData collection was conducted among 269 participants who had a physical disability within University of Gondar communities in Northwest Ethiopia. The participants, who included students and employees at the University completed the stigma scale for chronic illness (SSCI-8), which was used to measure stigma. The participants also completed four other questionnaires, including the perceived social support, the Kessler − 10, and the WHODAS. We used independent sample t-tests and ANOVA to examine group differences in stigma, while Pearson correlation analysis identified the correlates of stigma with other continuous variables.ResultThe overall mean stigma score among people with a physical disability was 14.68 with 95% CI (13.98, 15.38). About 90.71% of people with physical disability had stigma. Stigma varied along socio-demographic variables, including marital status (single) with a mean (SD) score of 15.17 ± 5.64, educational level (diploma and above) with a mean (SD) score of 14.99 ± 5.89, and occupational status with a mean (SD) score of 15.54 ± 5.79 (p < 0.001). In addition, stigma varied among participants with suicidal ideation with a mean (SD) score of 16.93 ± 7.43 and attempt (18.74 ± 8.41), levels of psychological distress (severe) with a mean (SD) score of 20.88 ± 6.94 (p < 0.001), low perceived social support with a mean (SD) score of 18.60 ± 7.54 (p < 0.001), and moderate/severe level of functional impairment with a mean (SD) score of 21.76 ± 7.34 (p < 0.001). Moreover, stigma was positively correlated with psychological distress (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). Conversely, it was negatively correlated with perceived social support (r=-0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicate that stigma is prevalent among people with physical disabilities, with variations observed based on marital status, occupation, and education level. Additionally, stigma showed significant correlations with functional impairment, psychological distress, perceived social support, and health related quality of life. Therefore, addressing stigma, promoting social support and providing appropriate interventions can help improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of individuals with physical disabilities.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults of the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors.

While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the diet quality and the role of diverse socio-economic factors.Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index (cDQI) score, categorizing foods into "healthy" and "unhealthy". The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal, and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham, and bacon), legumes, and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models.Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweetened drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), and processed meat (+35%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories.Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

The perception of meaningful work by employed and self-employed workers in the sphere of education

The collection of studies on meaningful work is still quite fragmented and lacks resumptive theoretical models that can be applied to various employment statuses. This article examines the meaningful work phenomenon for both employed and self-employed workers using qualitative data. Drawing on 16 in-depth semi-structured interviews with school teachers and self-employed private tutors in Russia, the analysis demonstrates the nature of meaningful work constructed by employment status. Different institutional frameworks form institutional legitimacy, professional community, the final product of work and the prestige of occupation. The article’s primary theoretical contribution is the development of a theoretical model that describes the multifaceted and impermanent nature of meaningful work. The practical implications include the revelation of prominent differences among workers having different employment statuses, which is a solid foundation for future attempts in conducting quantitative research.

Level of Awareness of Breast Cancer Among Adult Female in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Breast cancer is the leading and most prevalent form of cancer among the women in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness of the breast cancer among adult female. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 adult females in Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka during July to December 2013. Data were collected purposively by face-to-face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 103 adult females participated in the study with the mean (±SD) age was 36.26±12.70. Majority 39(37.9%) of the respondents were in age group 29-39. Most 82(79.6%) of the participants were married, 90(87.4%) were housewives, 31(30.1%) were HSC qualified. Maximum 31(88.35%) respondents had average knowledge on breast cancer. Education and occupational status was found significantly associated with level of knowledge of the respondents. Conclusion: The overall knowledge of the respondents was found average. As it is a major health burden in women and incidence is very high in Bangladesh concern authority should take necessary action to adopt measures to increase the awareness on breast cancer. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 14-21

Configuration of accident trajectories after a rehabilitation programme: on the sharp edge between reintegration and socio-professional exclusion

Purpose To analyse the factors influencing the configuration of accident trajectories from de perspective of patients and assess the role of rehabilitation in managing pain and functional limitations autonomously. Material and methods Using a qualitative, longitudinal, interdisciplinary approach, we conducted two comprehensive interviews (one year apart) with patients experiencing chronic pain and functional limitations following orthopaedic trauma. Thematic analysis was conducted utilising MaxQDA® software to systematically analyse the data. Results Twenty-four patients participated (4 ♀; 20 ♂; 44.9 ± 10.6, min. 19; max. 63.5 yo; 1.0 ± 4.0 years duration; pain 4.6 (1.8) severity subscale (0-10) [mean (SD)]). Through reconstruction their experiences we identified three types of accident trajectories: socio-professional reintegration, ongoing reintegration, and exclusion. Factors influencing these trajectories included physical and psychological health status, occupational status, private and social context, and insurance and therapeutic aspects. Patients’ perceptions and socio-demographic characteristics also contributed to trajectories specificities. Conclusion Understanding the factors that influence accident trajectories links individual and social dimensions, offering an overall comprehension of patients’ situations and structural constraints. This understanding enables the factors influencing trajectories to be considered during rehabilitation, thereby promoting the patient’s socio-professional reintegration through targeted interventions.

Cognitive function characteristics and influencing factors in patients with depressive disorders: a 5-year follow-up report based on the epidemiological survey of mental disorders in Shandong Province, China.

Cognitive impairment represents a notable feature of depressive disorders. Comprehending its characteristics and influencing factors is vital for patient rehabilitation. This study is based on the 2015 Shandong Province epidemiological survey of mental disorders, from which 871 individuals meeting DSM-IV criteria for depressive disorders were selected as the research group. Using 1:1:1 matching by sex, age, and residence, we randomly selected 825 individuals with no DSM-IV diagnosis but positive on GHQ-12 and additional risk assessments as the elevated risk control group, and 825 with negative screenings as the minimal risk control group. In 2020, a follow-up survey was conducted, resulting in a final analysis of 1,855 cases. The survey included demographic data, various clinical information, and a series of screening and questionnaire assessments. The current depressive group scored lower on the MoCA than the non-depressive group (t=8.86, P<0.01). The research group scored lower on the MoCA than the elevated and minimal risk group (F=11.98, P<0.01). The depression-unremitted group scored lower than the depression-remitted group (t=6.44, P<0.01). The Analysis indicated that males, with better life quality, poor early psychological status and, and longer education were associated with higher MoCA scores. Conversely, older age, rural residency, employment, current depression, and poor marital were associated with lower MoCA scores. Individuals with depression commonly suffer cognitive impairment, which tends to partially improve as depression remits. Individual cognitive function is influenced by early psychological health, depressive status, quality of life, age, sex, educational level, residence, occupational, and marital status.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the level of citizen insecurity in the Peruvian population

Introduction: Citizen insecurity is a complex, multidimensional and multi-causal social problem, defined as the spaces where people feel insecure mainly due to organized crime in all nations that suffer from it. Objective: To analyzes the sociodemographic factors associated with public insecurity in a Peruvian population. Methodology: The research employed a non-experimental, quantitative design with a descriptive and cross-sectional approach. A total of 11,116, citizens participated, ranging from 18 to 85 years old (young adults, adults, and the elderly), of both sexes, and with any occupation, education level, and marital status. The study employed purposive non-probability sampling to select the participants. Results: More than 50% of the population feels unsafe, in public and private spaces. All analyzed sociodemographic variables (p &lt; 0.05), showing distinctions in the perception of citizen insecurity based on age, gender, marital status, occupation, area of residence, and education level. It was determined that young, single students, who had not experienced a criminal event and reside in urban areas, regardless of gender, perceive a greater sense of insecurity. Contribution: The study is relevant due to the generality of the results in a significant sample, demonstrating that the study contributes to understanding how various elements of the socioeconomic and demographic context can influence the way in which individuals perceive insecurity in their communities, likewise, the perception of citizen insecurity directly affects the general well-being and quality of life of residents, influencing their behaviors and attitudes towards coexistence and public policies; which will help implement more effective actions in the sector to reduce crime rates.

Relationship between Residential Patterns and Socioeconomic Statuses Based on Multi-Source Spatial Data: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

The relationship between residential patterns and socioeconomic statuses highlights the complex interactions between the economic regime, welfare system, and neighborhood effects, which are crucial in urban inequality studies. With the diversification of the housing demand and supply system, the traditional analysis conducted separately from the ethnic or spatial segregation perspective fails to capture the rising inequalities and changing socio-spatial context. Taking Nanjing as an example, based on a multi-source database including the housing price, residential environmental quality, surrounding support facilities, and mobile phone user portrait data, this paper proposed a modified method for discovering the coupling relationship between residential patterns and socioeconomic statuses. It is found that socioeconomic status contributes to residential spatial aggregation and that the relationship between social and spatial dimensions of residential differentiation is tightly coupled and related. The lower socioeconomic strata were displaced to the periphery and the older urban core, while affluent inhabitants were more likely to settle voluntarily in segregated enclaves to isolate themselves from the general population through more flexible housing options. The heterogeneity of the urban socioeconomic dimension is primarily affected by consumption and occupational status, while housing prices mainly determine the divergence of spatial distribution.

Impact of Socio-Demographic Factors on Quality of Life and Coping Strategies of Children with Different Disabilities.

Background and Objectives: Children with disabilities face unique challenges that can affect their well-being and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the QOL and coping strategies adopted by children with disabilities and explore how socio-demographic factors influence QOL and coping strategies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Saudi Arabia with children aged 6 to 18 years, used a stratified random sample to ensure representation from a variety of demographic groups. Short Form-12 (SF-12) was used to assess the QOL in the sample population. The Brief COPE Inventory was used to examine coping strategies among the children. One-way analysis of variance was applied to examine differences in the QOL, coping strategies scores, and demographic variables. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the role of demographic variables in predicting QOL and p value was considered statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: The results of the study clearly revealed significant differences between the mean scores of QOL for gender, age, and type of disability, duration of disability, education qualification, family status, family occupation, and housing status. Female participants showed better QOL in physical functioning than their male counterparts. Children with intellectual disability reported better QOL in general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Participants with seven to eight years of disability reported higher scores in physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Children whose parents were working in private agencies and living in rented houses scored higher on the general health aspects of quality of life. The findings also revealed that the duration of the disability was a significant predictor of the QOL. The mean scores of different dimensions of coping strategies clearly revealed that male participants used dysfunctional coping (p < 0.01), as compared to problem-focused and emotional-focused coping while female children relied more on emotional-focused coping. Emotion-focused coping was significantly higher in participants with visual (p < 0.01), learning (p < 0.01), and intellectual disabilities (p < 0.01). Dysfunctional coping scores were higher among children with auditory disabilities (p < 0.01) and multiple disabilities (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of demographic factors in understanding and improving the well-being of a diverse population of disabled juveniles. It offers valuable insights into the subtle factors affecting quality of life. Future interventions and policies can leverage these findings to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and to foster a more supportive and inclusive approach.

Determinants of brain drain among physicians in Turkey: Findings from a national exploratory study.

The shortage of physicians in Turkey is a highly critical emergency. In fact, physicians' migration to developing or high-income countries, defined as brain drain, threatens the sustainability of the national healthcare system. This study explored the driving factors associated with Turkish Physicians' brain drain, including high-economic inflation, social-politics, poor-living, equity, violence, and the desire to practice medical activity abroad. A cross-sectional survey of 1,861 Turkish physicians aged 25 to 65 years old was conducted employing the Brain Drain questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Significant differences were observed among physicians staying in Turkey versus considering migration to Western countries, regarding their age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupational status, work years, hospital night shifts, income, and cigarette/nargileh smoking habits (all p ⩽ .018). The main reasons for brain drain included transport problems, harassment, low salary, malpractice, bad environment, job insecurity, workload, burnout, treating difficult patients, inadequate postgraduate systems, peer-pressure, health safety concerns, and favoritism in the workplace, as well as stress and depression caused by work overload. In fact, depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and burnout varied significantly among the different groups of physicians (all p ⩽ .013). Additionally, key predictors of brain drain were better job opportunities, poor hospital management (in Turkey), job-related stress, dealing with difficult patients, research deficiencies, workload, burnout, transportation issues, short consultation time, low salary, and fatigue. Among the general factors contributing to the brain drain in the Turkish Health System, we identified significant issues related to research deficiencies, compulsory working duties, poor quality of postgraduate, inadequate medical-schools, poor hospital management, and shortage of consultants. Physicians' migration is a major global public health concern, leading to substantial risks for healthcare services, especially in Turkey. Many physicians decide to migrate to work in Western countries.

Prevalence of poststroke fatigue and its relationship with clinical characteristics among community-dwelling stroke survivors: A cross-sectional survey

Background and objectivePoststroke fatigue is widely overlooked due to a lack of awareness, definite cause, and cure. It is influenced by cultural variance in psychosocial factors and stroke epidemiology patterns across different countries. To date, the prevalence of poststroke fatigue has not been determined in the Indian setting. Hence our objective was to estimate the prevalence of fatigue among community-living late subacute and chronic stroke survivors. Additionally, we determined the association between poststroke fatigue and participants’ clinical and demographic data. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-time stroke survivors following discharge from two tertiary care hospitals. Medical records were screened and included if they met the criteria for age >18 years, able to follow a two-step command with no existing neurological or systemic conditions that would influence fatigue scores. Telephonic consent was obtained, and an interview was conducted to obtain the scores for fatigue, daytime sleepiness, depression, functional mobility, and disability. ResultsA total of 323 participants (mean age: 60.3 ± 12.6 years, mean stroke duration: 8.6 ± 4.4 months) completed the interview. Poststroke fatigue was reported in 11.8 % (n = 38) of the population. Occupational status (χ2 = 5.73), functional mobility (χ2 = 5.84), and disability scores (χ2 = 8.00) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with fatigue scores. Individuals with disability exhibited five times (OR = 5.00, CI: 1.45–17.23, p = 0.01) higher odds of experiencing fatigue than those without disability. ConclusionOur study reported a relatively lower prevalence of fatigue among community-living late subacute and chronic stroke survivors. Implementing strategies to address these contributing factors could effectively ease fatigue in individuals recovering from stroke.

Prevalence of Adhesive Capsulitis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan.

Background An inflammatory condition leading to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, adhesive capsulitis is associated with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cervical spondylosis, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and shoulder injury due to trauma, fracture, rotator cuff tear, surgery, or immobilization. Adhesive capsulitis may affect a notable proportion of the diabetic population. There are numerous studies that show that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are not only at higher risk of developing adhesive capsulitis but also suffer poor outcomes despite treatment, especially in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, there is significant variation in data regarding the prevalence of adhesive capsulitis in Pakistani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective To determine the prevalence of adhesive capsulitis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Methods The present observational cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Medicine, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from February 2024 to August 2024. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was labeled by HbA1c of more than 7.0%, or two random blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dL or more, or an existing diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and/or use of anti-hyperglycemic therapy. Adhesive capsulitis was diagnosed clinically on the basis of history (gradual onset shoulder pain with limitation of movements) and examination (reduction in active and passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, especially abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation) in the absence of significant abnormalities on shoulder X-ray. After ethical approval and obtaining informed consent, 430 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Demographic information, diabetes control, and HbA1c levels were noted, and the patients were assessed for adhesive capsulitis. All the data was recorded and entered into IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), for analysis. Results Having a female preponderance (266, or 61.9%), the mean age of the participants was 54.0 ± 13.1 years. With regard to occupational status, 126 (29.3%) had a sedentary occupation, 45 (10.5%) were unemployed, and 259 (60.2%) had a non-sedentary occupation. The mean diabetes duration was 6.4 ± 5.3 years, and the majority of patients had poor diabetes control (322, or 74.9%). Adhesive capsulitis was present in 61 (14.2%) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. On stratification, no significant statistical association of adhesive capsulitis was seen with gender (p-value: 0.075), age (p-value: 0.465), occupation (p-value: 0.056), diabetes duration (p-value: 0.118), or diabetes control (p-value: 0.090). Conclusion Adhesive capsulitis was not an uncommon finding in our study, reported in almost one-fifth of the 430 patients enrolled. We recommend that treating physicians screen diabetic patients for adhesive capsulitis so that proper pain relief, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation may be provided timely and efficiently, thereby reducing morbidity and improving the quality of life for such patients.

Decoding microbial keratitis: Epidemiology, clinical spectrum, and treatment outcomes in a tertiary care setting

Background: Infectious keratitis poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, with variable incidence rates reported globally. Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent ocular morbidity and potential blindness. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to study and investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, clinical progression, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes of microbial keratitis in a tertiary care center in western India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from July 2020 to July 2022, enrolling 90 patients with suspected microbial keratitis. Clinical data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, with P&lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Most patients were males (67.80%) and laborers (27.8%) from urban areas, with fungal keratitis being more prevalent in rural regions. No statistically significant associations were found between keratitis type and demographic factors, such as age, gender, occupation, or socioeconomic status. Bacterial keratitis was more common in urban areas. Delayed presentation was linked to larger ulcers and worse visual outcomes. Fungal keratitis presented with smaller but deeper ulcers compared to bacterial keratitis. We found 8.06% positivity rate for Gram and KOH stain each. Microbiological cultures identified bacteria and fungi in 11.29% and 20.97% samples, respectively. Treatment varied from topical medications to surgery, with 26.67% of patients receiving both. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis, targeted treatment, and comprehensive microbiological workup in managing microbial keratitis to prevent vision and eye loss. Further research is warranted to enhance understanding and optimize management strategies for this sight-threatening condition.

Factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla

Background: In Nepal, child marriage is seen as a significant obstacle to the country's social and economic growth as well as a significant threat to the health of women. Despite a steady decline in this harmful practice over the past decade, child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls married in childhood across the globe. The objective of the study was to find out the factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of Jumla District where 280 married reproductive age group women were taken as subjects. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected by using semi-structured interview schedule. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Study findings showed that majority (77.9%) of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage was statistically association with educational status at the time of marriage (p=0.000), occupational status (p=0.000), type of marriage ((p=0.014), educational status of father (p=0.009), occupational status of father (p=0.016), parental income (p=0.000), decision making (p=0.003), husband´s education and occupation (p=0.000). Inadequate education (70.7%) and economic resources (83.9%), customs (66.8%) and unemployment (63.2%) are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, increasing responsibility (80.7%), lower abdominal pain (67.5%), uterine prolapse (65.4%), early pregnancy (71.1%), unplanned pregnancy (58.9%) and prolonged labor (51.8%) are the main consequences of early marriage. Therefore, it is concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents were married early which lead to many consequences. Conclusion: The study concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage had significant association with educational status at the time of marriage, occupational status, type of marriage, occupational status of father, parental income, decision making at time of marriage, husband´s education and occupation. Inadequate education and economic resources, customs and unemployment are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, early pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, prolonged labor, lower abdominal pain, uterine prolapse, and increasing responsibility are the main consequences of early marriage. Hence, the efforts have to be made to prevent the early marriage through awareness and various educational programs.

HUBUNGAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN DENGAN STATUS GIZI ANAK USIA SEKOLAH SD 3 MUHAMMADIYAH PALEMBANG

Food is a type of food that is very well known and commonly consumed by the public, including school children. Data (WHO) on the nutritional status of children in the world with a prevalence of emaciation of around 13.9%, obesity of &gt;340 million people. Riskesdas in 2018 for children aged 5-12 years based on the BMI/U index with a thin nutritional status of 6.8% and an obesity nutritional status of 9.2%. Riskesdas for South Sumatra Province in 2018, the prevalence of nutritional status of children aged 5-12 years was based on the BMI/U index with the nutritional status of thin children at 6.26% and the nutritional status for obesity at 9.08%. Meanwhile, based on Palembang City data, the BMI/U index for the nutritional status of thin children is 6.88% and the nutritional status of obese children is 11.59%. Snacks that are not guaranteed to be clean can cause digestive disorders and poisoning. To determine the relationship between food consumption and the nutritional status of school-aged children. His research used a descriptive analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The number of research respondents was 169 students. The research instrument used was a Semi Quantitative Form-FFQ questionnaire with interview and questionnaire methods taken at one time. The research carried out was located at SD 3 Muhammadiyah Palembang in March 2024. The variables explained included the characteristics of the respondents (age, parents' education, parents' occupation and nutritional status of the respondents). The research data used for statistical tests was the Spearman Correlation analysis test. Research Results: There is a relationship between food consumption and the nutritional status of school-aged children (p value 0.000 &lt; 0.05). The higher the frequency of food consumption, the risk of obesity in school-aged children will increase. Keywords : School age children, Food consumption, Nutrional Status Bibliography : 11 (2020-2023).

Has Cross-City Commuting Promoted Housing Purchases among the Workforce within Metropolitan Areas?—An Empirical Analysis from Micro Survey Data from China’s Three Major Metropolitan Areas

The ability of the cross-city commuting labor force to obtain housing has a profound impact on the development of the housing market and the enhancement of social welfare, but whether cross-city commuting has facilitated housing purchases remains to be verified However, the research on whether cross-city commuting behavior promotes labor force housing purchase in metropolitan areas is still lacking, especially in China, where the culture of buying houses is relatively special. This article used field survey data from the 2023 China Metropolitan Area Occupation and Housing Status Sampling Survey to empirically analyze whether cross-city commuting has facilitated housing purchases within metropolitan areas. The analysis was conducted by constructing a baseline model, a mediation effect model, and a subsample regression model. The results show that the cross-city commuting facilitated housing purchase within metropolitan areas, and the location preference is to purchase a house with a distance of 20–40 km from the workplace, but the contribution of the cross-city commuting to multi-suite purchases is relatively low. Mechanism analysis shows that compared to the workers who work and live in peripheral areas or the workers who work and live in cores, intercity commuters are promoted to purchase housing by relatively higher income and inducement of the housing price gap. The above conclusions still hold after controlling potential endogeneity issues and in robustness tests. The research of this paper can provide a new perspective for alleviating the housing inequality in the metropolitan area.

A descriptive study on quality of life among menopausal women residing in selected rural areas of Udupi district, Karnataka

Background: Menopause is defined as the period of time when ovarian function stops, resulting in permanent amenorrhea, or as the cessation of periods for a period of time equal to three prior cycles. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study conducted among 100 menopausal women, by using The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) Questionnaire, The data is collected by administering a semi structured socio-demographic proforma, residing at rural area in cherkady village of udupi district. Results: The data in Table 1 depicts the majority of the menopausal women 30 (30%) were in the age group of (46 to 50) years. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 100(100%) were married. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 62(62%) belong to the Hindu religion. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status 66(66%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status 100 (100%) were unskilled workers. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status of husband 70(70%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status of husband 55(55%) were semi-skilled worker. The majority of the primigravida women with place of residence 100(100%) were from rural area. Regarding the menopausal women type of family 53(53%) belonged to nuclear family. The highest percentage of menopausal women 100 (100%) had a monthly income ranging from Rs.2391-7101.A maximum of 34 (34%) attained menarche at the age of 12 years and 49(49%) of them were of61-70 kg weight. A maximum of menopausal women 100(100%) were doing exercise twice a week. About the majority of 99(99%) menopausal women were anemic. About the majority of 88(88%) menopausal women perceived adequate social support. None of them had habit of smoking and alcoholism.