Poor Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Impact of brining and drying processes on the nutritive value of tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum).

Preservation of fish as diet ingredient is challenging in many tropical regions due to poor socioeconomic conditions and lack of freezing facilities. So, alternative preservation techniques could be viable to address the issue. The present study evaluated the effect of brine salting (15% w/v) prior to drying at different temperatures on the nutrient profiles of tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum). Whole fish samples (n = 48; 792 ± 16 g; 8 months old) were grouped into two as brine-salted and non-salted, and treated at seven different drying temperatures of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60°C for a period of 23 h each. To evaluate the impact of Maillard reaction, reactive lysine was also quantified. Drying temperature had no effect on the evaluated macro- and micro-nutrients of tambaqui fish (P > 0.05) while brining reduced the overall protein concentration by 6% (58.8 to 55.4 g/100 g DM; P = 0.004). Brining significantly reduced many amino acids: taurine by 56% (7.1 to 3.1 g/kg; P < 0.001), methionine 17% (14.7 to 12.1 g/kg; P < 0.001), cysteine 11% (5.1 to 4.4 g/kg, P = 0.016), and reactive lysine 11% (52.0 to 46.4 g/kg; P = 0.004). However, alanine, arginine, and serine were not affected by brining (P > 0.05). Brining also reduced the concentrations of Se by 14% (149 to 128 μg/kg DM; P = 0.020), iodine 38% (604 to 373 μg/kg DM; P = 0.020), K 42% (9.71 to 5.61 g/kg DM; P < 0.001) and Mg 18% (1.32 to 1.10 g/kg DM; P = < 0.001) versus an anticipated vast increase in Na by 744% (2.70 to 22.90 g/kg DM; P < 0.001) and ash 28% (12.4 to 16.0 g/100g DM; P < 0.001) concentration. Neither brining nor drying temperature induced changes in % lysine reactivity and fat content of tambaqui fish (P > 0.05). Agreeably, results of multivariate analysis showed a negative association between brining, Na, and ash on one side of the component and most other nutrients on the other component. In conclusion, drying without brining may better preserve the nutritive value of tambaqui fish. However, as a practical remark to the industry sector, it is recommended that the final product may further evaluated for any pathogen of economic or public health importance.

The impact of indoor air pollution on children’s health and well-being: the experts’ consensus

BackgroundPollution of the indoor environment represents a concern for human health, mainly in case of prolonged exposure such as in the case of women, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill, who spend most of their time in closed environments.Main bodyThe aim of the study is to organize a group of experts in order to evaluate the evidence and discuss the main risk factors concerning indoor air and the impact on human health as well as challenging factors regarding preventive strategies to reduce pollution. The experts highlighted the main risk factors concerning indoor air, including poor ventilation, climatic conditions, chemical substances, and socio-economic status. They discussed the impact on human health in terms of mortality and morbidity, as well as challenging factors regarding preventive strategies to reduce pollution.ConclusionThe experts identified strategies that can be reinforced to reduce indoor pollution and prevent negative consequences on human health at national and local levels.

Prevalence, determinants, intervention strategies and current gaps in addressing childhood malnutrition in Vietnam: a systematic review

BackgroundChildhood malnutrition in all forms is a major public health issue worldwide. This review systematically examined the prevalence and determinants and identify the potential interventions and current gap in addressing malnutrition including undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in Vietnamese children aged 0–18 years old.MethodsEmbase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched through June 2022 to identify relevant articles published within the past 25 years. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Risk of publication bias was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist.ResultsSeventy-two studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Undernutrition has decreased over time but still 22.4%, 5.2% and 12.2% of children under 5 were stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Anaemia, iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiencies were the more common forms of MNDs, the prevalence varied by age, region, and socioeconomic group. Population-based surveys reported that 11% and 48% of children aged 0–11 years old were iron and vitamin D deficient, respectively. Zinc deficiency affected almost one-quarter of the children and adolescents. Retinol deficiency was of less concern (< 20%). However, more evidence on MNDs prevalence is needed. Overweight and obesity is now on the rise, affecting one-third of school-aged children. The key determinants of undernutrition included living in rural areas, children with low birth weight, and poor socio-economic status, whereas living in urban and affluent areas, having an inactive lifestyle and being a boy were associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity. Nutrition specific intervention studies including supplementation and food fortification consistently showed improvements in anthropometric indices and micronutrient biomarkers. National nutrition-sensitive programmes also provided nutritional benefits for children’s growth and eating behaviours, but there is a lack of data on childhood obesity.ConclusionThis finding highlights the need for effective double duty actions to simultaneously address different forms of childhood malnutrition in Vietnam. However, evidence on the potential intervention strategies, especially on MNDs and overnutrition are still limited to inform policy decision, thus future research is warranted.

Health risk assessment and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the aged brick molders, in India.

The Brickfield Industry is the major and oldest informal industry in India, where millions of brickfield workers make their livelihood. Aged brickfield workers are also involved in different activities in the brickfield, especially in brick mold activities owing to poor socioeconomic conditions. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the aged brick molders and compare them with aged control subjects. A Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate posture during their job. The RULA posture analysis showed that the posture adopted by aged brick molders required changes immediately. The result of the ART tool also stated that the brick molding activities' exposure level was high and required further investigation urgently. The study concluded that due to working in a forward bending posture for a prolonged period, aged brickmolders suffered from severe low back and knee pain along with upper-limb disorders due to repetitive activities.

Ayurveda Approach towards Respiratory Illness in Children

Abstract: Preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and other infections are the leading causes of morbidity in children, therefore each child's physical and emotional needs differ according to their age, personality, and developmental stage. 15% of children suffer from RRTIs. Predisposing variables include immune system inadequacies, anatomic and functional changes in the respiratory tract, air pollution exposure, and poor socioeconomic conditions. RRTIs are a prevalent disorder, especially in children under the age of six, and are usually caused by poor environmental conditions. 60% of patients had bacterial growth but RRIs begin as a viral respiratory tract infection and symptoms of infection for at least 10 days.i URTI is most common known cause of morbidity in children, which causes limiting daily activities and causing school absence.

Prevalence of human intestinal helminths in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

study on human intestinal helminths was conducted across eight primary schools in Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State. Stool samples were collected from 495 randomly selected pupils and examined using the direct smear technique to determine the prevalence of helminthic infections with predictor variables being regressed against outcome variables. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain biodata from the pupils to assess the association of intestinal helminths with socio-economic variables. The overall percentage of intestinal helminth-infected pupils had no statistical significance (p=0.1294). The probability of the outcome variable occurring rose by approximately 1.18 and 1.15 times for every unit higher in the predictor variable, as indicated by the positive coefficients for S1 and S4 schools (0.164821 and 0.136310). Only Trichuris infection exhibited a negative coefficient (-2.535188) among single infections and was significantly associated (p=0.0249). Ascaris + hookworm and Ascaris + Trichuris infections among the multiple infections revealed negative and positive coefficients (- 9.730077 and 1731.696, respectively), and they were strongly related (p=0.0001 and 0.0000). The number of infected students in (14-18) age range had a positive coefficient (0.020680) and was significantly (p=0.0441) associated with odds ratios of about 1.02, meaning that the odds of the dependent variables increase by about 1.02 times for every unit increase in the independent variable. The proportion of males with the infection displayed positive coefficients (0.980800) and was significantly (p=0.0052) associated with odds ratios of about 2.67, indicating that the likelihood of outcome variables occurring increases by approximately 2.67 times for every unit rise in the predictor variable. Conclusively, the findings observed could be attributed to the poor socio-economic status and poor personal hygiene arising from the lack of basic amenities such as pipe-borne water and other sanitary facilities in the study location. Adequate health education on sanitation, provision of portable drinking water, toilet facilities and mass deworming programmes are highly recommended in the area.

Comparison of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Risk and Nutritional Status According to Menopause Age and the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on MetS Prevalence in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

The increased life expectancy and the occurrence of premature menopause prolong the mean postmenopausal phase in women's lifespans. Although the roles of poor socioeconomic status (SES), anthropometric characteristics, and nutritional status in premature menopause and the health of postmenopausal women are well understood, the differences in nutritional status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence in postmenopausal women depending on their menopause age are less explored. Furthermore, the association between SES and MetS risk in postmenopausal women is not studied. Thus, this study aimed to compare distinct nutritional status and MetS risk between women with premature menopause and natural menopause. Additionally, the association among SES, health-related lifestyle behaviors (HLBs), and MetS risk in postmenopausal women was studied. This study included 31,799 postmenopausal women from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The relationship between disease prevalence and nutrient intake of the subjects was analyzed using analysis of variance (GLM), and Scheffé test was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association among SES, HLBs, and MetS as well as premature menopause. Women with premature menopause showed poor SES, anthropometric characteristics, and HLBs compared with women with natural menopause. Additionally, premature menopausal women had markedly lower intakes of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3 fatty acid, and β-carotene, but higher intakes of energy, carbohydrate, saturated fatty acid, and sugar than women with natural menopause (p < 0.0001). Premature menopausal women showed significantly higher MetS prevalence by having hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.0001), hypertension (p = 0.0145), and reduced HDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.0001) relative to natural menopausal women. Furthermore, our findings indicate a substantial link among SES, HLBs, and the risk of premature menopause. In postmenopausal women, deteriorating SES and HLBs appear to influence the prevalence of MetS. Notably, our study reveals that higher intakes of protein, calcium, phosphate, and iron are correlated with a lower risk of developing MetS. These observations suggest that proactive nutritional education for premature menopausal women is necessary to improve MetS risk and their nutritional status. Also, SES-dependent interventions regarding nutrition and HLBs in postmenopausal women will be significant to lower MetS risk, MetS-derived chronic disease, and mortality in postmenopausal women.

Impact and Assessment of Climate Change on Agricultural Production in India: A Geographical Perspective

Climate change is an imminent global challenge that poses significant threats to our planet’s ecosystems, human societies, and overall well-being. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns (UN) 2023 has shown all too clearly that climate change is here, and human activities have been the main driver of climate change. At the core of climate change is Global Warming which has triggered the melting of glaciers, sea level rise, weather fluctuation, erratic rainfall, and an increase in temperature patterns over the next century is predicted. The main objectives of this research paper is to examine the various causes of climate change in India and what is the impact of climate change on agricultural production in different parts of the country. The entire study is based on secondary sources of data. The result of the study shows that agricultural sector, which is already having difficulties as a result of the growing need for food, is being negatively impacted by climate change. In India, agriculture is very important because it is the foundation of the country's economy and provides a living for most of the population. 17.4% of India's GDP, or its gross domestic product, is derived from agriculture (Economic Survey, 2015–16). Drought, heat waves, storms, flooding, delayed monsoons, and variations in seasonal temperatures are some of the elements that negatively affect agricultural operations, such as planting, tending, and harvesting crops like Zaid, Rabi, and Kharif. These factors affect India's agricultural productivity as well as livestock farming. The study also reveals that Climate change has resulted in altered cropping patterns and decreased output of crops such as sugarcane, ground nuts, and paddy in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Some Indian states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, and Kerala, have demonstrated climate variability by experiencing drought-like conditions in certain areas and flood-prone areas in others. Also, it results in the failure of crops, which drives farmers in some states to take their own lives due to crippling debt. On top of that, there is a risk to food security, a change in the quality of nutrition, a modification in pest and disease, but—above all—it is making life harder for the people having poor socio-economic status.

Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Practices and Agricultural Livelihoods among Rice Farmers of the Brahmaputra Valley in Northeast India.

Global climate change has seriously threatened agriculture and connected sectors, especially in developing countries like India. The Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, Northeast India, is vulnerable to climate change due to its agrarian economy, fragile geo-ecological setting, recurrent floods and droughts, and poor socioeconomic conditions of the farmers. The climate-induced hindrances faced by the rice farming community of this region and the local adaptation practices they employ have not been adequately studied. Therefore, we carried out a survey among 635 rice farmers across four agro-climatic zones of Assam, namely the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone, North Bank Plain Zone, Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone, and Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone, to understand how they perceive and respond to climatic changes. The survey revealed that all the respondents have perceived an increase in ambient temperature, and 65% of the respondents have perceived a slight change in rainfall characteristics over the years. Most farmers reported adjusting the existing farming practices and livelihood choices to adapt to the changing climate. Farming adjustments were made mainly in terms of field preparation and management of water, rice variety, nutrients, and pests. Environmental variables like rainfall, flood, drought, and pest level, and socioeconomic variables like family size, education, farming experience, training, digital media exposure, and land area were found to influence farmers' adaptation choices. The findings imply that policies to strengthen flood, drought, pest management, education, land-use planning, agricultural training, and digital media applications in agriculture are needed for effective climate change adaptation in this region.

Impact of Parental Unemployment on their Adolescence Children

Introduction: Unemployment means a situation where a person searches for employment but is unable to find work. It is key measure that has impact on economy [1]. Methodology: Convenience Sampling Method was used to collect data from respondents. The sample size was 30. Sampling Tool: Self-Administered questionnaire was given to 30 respondents from government school (Class 10 and 11) Results: Near to half of respondents were of age 16. More than half of respondents i.e. 53.3% were male. Majority of respondent’s father were literate i.e. 86.7%. Two third of respondent’s father i.e. 66.66% were involved in other occupation like private sector where as majority of respondent’s mother i.e. 86.66% were housewife. Forty Percentages of respondents talks to parents about impact of low socioeconomic status on their life with their parents daily whereas 33.3 % of respondent’s didn’t talk to them about the problem. Majority of respondents i.e. 86.66% had no impact on their grade due to their low socio-economic status. More than three fourth of respondents i.e. 73.3% had no impact on social life and 66.7% of respondents have impact on diet and nutrition due to poor socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant association between parental unemployment and its impact on their adolescence children. Conclusion: More than three fourth of respondents i.e. 73.3% had no impact on social life and 66.7% of respondents have impact on diet and nutrition due to poor socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant association between parental unemployment and its impact on their adolescence children.

Association of perceived childhood socio-economic status and health with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in India: using data from LASI Wave I, 2017–2018

BackgroundChildhood adverse experience has been linked with poor health outcomes across the life course. Nevertheless, whether such an association or direction could be projected to older people’s life remains still unclear and needs to generate more evidence, particularly in India. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the association of childhood socio-economic status and health with depressive symptoms amongst middle- aged and older adults in India.MethodsThe data for the study was drawn from national representative survey “Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)” Wave I, 2017–2018 in order to conduct cross-sectional study. Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the association of childhood socioeconomic status and health with depressive symptoms in the older population.ResultsPoor childhood health was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (AoR: 1.56, CI: 1.19, 2.04). Likewise, respondents who were bedridden for a month during their childhood had high odds of developing depressive symptoms (AoR: 1.16 CI: 1.01, 1.34). In addition to this, the odds of having depressive symptoms increased significantly among the average (AoR: 1.28 CI: 1.08, 1.51) and poor childhood socioeconomic status group (AoR: 1.31 CI: 1.11, 1.55) as compared to the higher socioeconomic category.ConclusionsChildhood socioeconomic status and health have a significant role in determining mental health in later life. Results suggest that considering childhood socioeconomic status and health is important while diagnosing depression in older population in order to identify the significant associated factors in early childhood and thus help in preventing depressive symptoms in later life.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns on Body Mass Index of Primary School Children from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds

BackgroundChildhood obesity is associated with various health outcomes. Restrictive measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, like lockdowns and school closures, affected children’s daily structure, physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep quality, possibly exacerbating risk factors for childhood obesity and higher body mass index (BMI) in children. Poor socioeconomic conditions may have led to relatively higher risk for elevated BMI levels following pandemic measures. In this study, the impact of measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the BMI of third graders was investigated regarding children’s socioeconomic background (SEB).MethodsData from 41,728 children (8.84 ± 0.56 years, 20,431 female) were collected in the context of a cohort study. Children were tested either before the pandemic (preCOVID: Sept2017–March2020, n = 26,314), or following the first (postLDI: Aug2020–Dec2020, n = 6657) or second lockdown in Germany (postLDII: Aug2021–Jan2022, n = 8757). SEB was based on the official school type classification of the state of Berlin. Outcome was BMI standard deviation scores (SDS).ResultsSignificant effects of Time and SEB revealed elevated BMIs in postLDI (M = 0.23, p = 0.011) and postLDII (M = 0.22, p = 0.011) compared to preCOVID (M = 0.17) cohorts and higher BMIs for children with lower SEB (b = − 0.13, p < 0.001). A significant Time × SEB interaction indicated that the effect of SEB on children’s BMI increased in response to lockdowns, especially in postLDII (b = − 0.05, p = 0.006). Results suggest that the COVID-19-related measures lead to increased BMI in children, and that children of lower SEB were at particular risk for higher BMIs following lockdowns.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the dependency of children’s BMI on societal circumstances. Over the course of two lockdowns in Germany, children have experienced BMI increments, particularly in low socioeconomic areas. Authorities are called into action to counteract increasing rates of childhood weight by promoting physical activity of children and establishing related post-pandemic offers.

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in clients presenting for primary care physiotherapy within private practice settings, and the factors that may be associated with metabolic syndrome. The secondary aim was to determine client’s attitudes towards lifestyle change. DesignA cross-sectional study in which self-report and biometric data were collected. The study was conducted in physiotherapy private practices across metropolitan and regional areas, Australia. Participants230 clients (mean age 54 (SD18) years, 64% women) presenting for physiotherapy participated. Main outcome measuresParticipant socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected. Metabolic syndrome presence was determined by the existence of three or more risk factors on physical examination and capillary blood sample: abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated random blood glucose, elevated triglycerides and/or reduced HDL cholesterol. ResultsThirty-seven percent of participants had metabolic syndrome, but none knew they had it. Metabolic syndrome was associated with older age and poorer socio-economic status and may have been associated with lower levels of physical activity but not diet. Of those identified as having hypertension and elevated triglycerides, many were undiagnosed (56% and 29% respectively). ConclusionMetabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy. Clients felt lifestyle change was important and they were willing to make changes. This study highlights the need for greater screening of metabolic risk factors in primary care and presents an opportunity for physiotherapists in private practice to identify risk and intervene to improve the overall health of their clients and contribute to chronic disease prevention. Contribution of the Paper•Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in clients attending private practice physiotherapy (37%) compared to the general population (25%).•Older clients from areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage who are no longer employed and are inactive are most at risk.•Physiotherapists can make an impact by detecting metabolic syndrome and then providing advice and prescribing exercise and physical activity, along with referral for appropriate medical or dietary management.

Fighting Classroom Hunger : Analysis of Mid-day Meal Scheme of Odisha

India State Hunger Index (ISHI) reported that, “India is home to the world’s largest food insecure population, with more than 200 million people who are hungry.” Adding to this, the report urged that, the country’s poor performance is driven by its high levels of child under-nutrition and poor calorie count. Education plays a vital role in the development of human potential. State Governments are spending considerable portion of their resources to provide educational facilities all over the country. In spite of these efforts, the goal of cent percent universalization of elementary education appears to be far and elusive due to inherent socio-economic factors present in the society. Free and compulsory education up to the age of 14 years is the constitutional commitment and it is estimated that primary school children (6-14 years) form about 20% of the total population. Poor school enrolment and high school dropout rate are attributed to the poor nutritional status of the children compounded by poor socio-economic condition, child labour and lack of motivation. The researchers have used empirical research to find the real gap in the system.

INFECTION PREVALANCE IN PATIENTS OF PESHAWAR, KP, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Peshawar, KP, Pakistan, shedding light on the socio-demographic factors associated with the spread of the virus. A total of 280 patients were purposively selected from Dost Welfare Foundation Hospital and its affiliated branches between April and July 2017. The research employed a comprehensive approach, gathering data on patients' detailed medical history, signs, and symptoms, incorporating age and weight parameters to ascertain HIV presence. Blood samples were meticulously collected and subjected to analysis using both Immune Chromatography Technique (ICT) and Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) for HIV detection. Results revealed a substantial 23.5% prevalence of HIV infection among drug users, with a notable higher prevalence observed among IDUs. Gender-wise disparities were evident, with higher prevalence in males, along with unmarried individuals and those grappling with poor socioeconomic status. This study underscores the urgent need for community-oriented awareness and educational initiatives targeting IDUs to mitigate the further spread of HIV infection. Additionally, the implementation of stringent protocols for the safe disposal of contaminated needles and the prevention of unscreened blood transfusions is imperative. The research advocates for a multifaceted approach, combining medical interventions with social and educational strategies to address the complex socio-economic factors contributing to the prevalence of HIV in this vulnerable population.

Vulnerable newborn phenotypes in Peru: a population-based study of 3,841,531 births at national and subnational levels from 2012 to 2021

We aimed to examine the national and subnational prevalence of vulnerable newborn phenotypes in Peru, 2012-2021. Newborn phenotypes were defined using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight [LBW], non-LBW) using the Peruvian National Birth Registry as six (by excluding birthweight) and ten newborn phenotypes (using all three outcomes). Small phenotypes (with at least one classification of PT, SGA, or LBW) were further considered. Using individual-level data, we stratified the phenotypes by maternal educational level, maternal age, healthcare insurance, altitude of residence, and geographic region (Coast, Andes, and Amazon). The prevalence of the five vulnerable newborn phenotypes for the study period was LGA+T (15.2%), AGA+PT (5.2%), SGA+T (4.6%), LGA+PT (0.8%), and SGA+PT (0.7%). The Coast had a higher prevalence of newborns with large phenotypes (19.4%) and the Highlands a higher prevalence of newborns with small phenotypes (12.5%). Mothers with poor socioeconomic status, extreme ages and living at high altitude had a higher prevalence of newborns with small phenotypes, and mothers who were wealthier, more educated, and older had a higher prevalence of infants with large phenotypes. Our findings cautiously suggest that socioeconomic and geographic disparities may play a crucial role in shaping vulnerable newborn phenotypes at national and subnational level in Peru. Further studies using longitudinal data are needed to corroborate our findings and to identify individual-level risk factors. Ter Meulen Grant from the KNAW Medical Sciences Fund of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAWWF/1085/TMB406, KNAWWF/1327/TMB202116), Fogarty Program (D43TW011502).

Exploring the Most Effective Mass Media Tools for Creating Awareness of Climate Change: A Study

In the twenty-first century, climate change is one of the most challenging issues for humanity, and mass communication channels, particularly radio and television, play a vital role in creating awareness of climate change among people in third-world countries. This study aimed to explore the more effective mass media tools for creating awareness of climate change. Data for the current study were collected through in-depth interviews with media experts and climate change authorities in Afghanistan. The study revealed that there are many ways to communicate with the public. Still, the most effective is through the mass media, because the mass media can communicate with millions of people at a time, everywhere. Furthermore, low literacy rates and poor socioeconomic conditions are the main reasons that most Afghans turned to radio and television. Besides, access to print media and the Internet in Afghanistan is limited. Radio and television are the best sources in the first place to create awareness of climate change.

Exploring Barriers to Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents and Young People with Physical Disabilities in South Africa.

Despite South Africa having a progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policy framework, adolescents and young people with disabilities (AYPWDs) are less likely to receive sexual and reproductive healthcare, being consequently predisposed to a long-term detrimental impact on their health. Our study explored the barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHSs) in clinics among AYPWDs in Mpumalanga, South Africa. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with twenty-seven AYPWDs in four focus group discussions using semi-structured interviews, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and then applied a thematic analysis of the data. Employing a socio-ecological model, the findings show a poor socioeconomic status, lack of information on SRH, and the attitudes of AYPWDs as barriers at the individual level, hindering AYPWDs from accessing SRHSs in clinics. AYPWDs also faced difficulties to talk about SRH with parents, a lack of support to seek SRHSs, improper care from family/parents, and negative attitudes of friends, at the interpersonal level. They further expressed barriers at the community/societal level as negative attitudes of non-disabled community members and poor infrastructure for wheelchair use. At the organization level, their access to SRHSs was negatively affected by HCWs' maltreatment, described in the forms of negative attitudes, being judgmental using verbal abuse, discrimination, and bullying. Furthermore, AYPWDs described difficulties in communication with HCWs, as well as violating their confidentiality and misconceived ideas on their sexuality. Intensified efforts to strengthen public health strategies are needed to improve access to SRHSs by AYPWDs in South Africa, as well as enhancing the proficiency and communication skills of HCWs and educating AYPWDs, parents, and non-disabled community members on SRH.

Ethical challenges in organ transplants for refugees in a healthcare system.

Several ethical issues are associated with providing living organ transplantation services, and there is limited information on these issues faced by the teams providing service to refugees or asylum seekers. To determine the challenges healthcare professionals face in organ transplant centers providing services to Syrians under temporary protection status and discern whether these difficulties align with ethical issues in living organ transplantation. This study employed a qualitative design and conducted individual semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 18 transplant team members in Istanbul between September and November 2022. Data analysis was based on Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The participants comprised 18 healthcare professionals, including 6 physicians and 12 nurses working in organ transplant teams in Istanbul. The University's Ethics Committee provided approval. Participants were informed regarding confidentiality and signed an informed consent form. Three themes emerged from the data on ethical issues faced by organ transplantation services to Syrians: (a) beneficence or double equipoise, (b) autonomy, and (c) justice. Transplant teams experience problems related to preserving double equipoise in the provision of living donor organ transplantation because of language barriers, poor socioeconomic conditions, and cultural factors, which increases transplant teams' individual and indirect social burden. Although problems arise from the language barrier when obtaining informed consent in the autonomy theme, institutional and national policies in preventing donor abuse have a comforting effect. Health workers had the least problems with the justice theme, wherein national health policies are determined. Fewer issues related to autonomy and justice were reported in providing organ transplantation services to Syrians, with the most intense reported issues being maintaining double equipoise. The results revealed the need to develop institutional, national, and international policies with individual solutions to prevent difficulties healthcare professionals face in this process.

Helicobacter Pylori and Intestinal Parasites Co-infection in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Hospital, South-South Nigeria

Pregnant women are susceptible to severe health problems caused by Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections. These conditions include iron deficiency anaemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and maternal morbidity and mortality. These infections usually spread due to poor personal hygiene and socioeconomic conditions. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infections amongst pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. We analysed the samples using the H. pylori antibody rapid tests, stool direct wet mounts, formal ether concentration, and saturated sodium chloride floatation. The data revealed that 34% of the women were infected with H. pylori and 20% with intestinal parasites. The highest occurrence of H. pylori infection and intestinal co-infection was in the 26-30 age group. Entamoeba histolytica was the most common type of protozoa present, while Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichuria were the most common forms of helminth infections. The Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant difference with respect to age. These results provide essential epidemiological data on the prevalence of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Okolobri, Bayelsa State. The study highlights the need to screen pregnant women for H. pylori and intestinal parasites to improve antenatal care for both mother and child.