Presence Of Other Family Members Research Articles

Quality of life of individuals with serious mental illness and family caregivers

The well-being and satisfaction of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and their family caregivers are less than desirable. Research on the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with SMI and their caregivers, including disorders other than schizophrenia, is limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the self-perception of QoL in patients with SMI and their family caregivers and the associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with SMI and their caregivers who completed self-assessment instruments to determine their QoL. Social support and burden in caregivers and symptomatology levels in individuals with SMI were assessed. The physical aspect of QoL in individuals with SMI was associated with employment status and symptom severity. The physical component of caregivers’ QoL was associated with kinship relationship, the presence of other family members with disabilities, social support, and age. The mental component was associated with global symptomatology and the diagnosis of major depression in individuals with SMI and caregiver burden in family members. In conclusion, these findings on correlated factors of QoL in individuals with SMI and their caregivers could be used in developing therapeutic interventions for mental health.Plain summaryA significant number of people with serious mental health problems and their families often endure poor quality of life. However, research on how these individuals truly feel about their lives is limited. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of quality of life among individuals with serious mental health issues and their family caregivers in Spain. We sought to understand the personal sentiments of these individuals and their caregivers regarding their quality of life and the factors that influence it. Our findings indicate that job status, symptoms of the illness, and family relationships play crucial roles in how these individuals view their quality of life. Additionally, caregivers' age, support they receive, and the challenges they face in their families can influence their feelings. This implies that, to enhance their lives, it is crucial to consider these factors and provide appropriate support.

“Online Teaching in Times of COVID-19 in India and Palestinian Universities: Challenges and Antidotes"

Purpose
 Covid-19 pandemic has influenced universities across the world to make an abrupt shift from face-to-face teaching to digital/online teaching. The present paper investigates challenges experienced by Indian and Palestinian universities while teaching online in times of Covid-19 pandemic.
 Design/methodology/approach
 Data was collected from instructors of four Palestinian and Indian universities using a semi-tailored electronic questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS.
 Findings
 Results showed that unique challenges experienced by four Palestinian and four Indian universities’ instructors when teaching online during the Covid-19 pandemic include difficulty in receiving feedback from students in online classes compared to traditional face-to-face classes; difficulty in categorizing students into sub-groups to facilitate group working; and unfavorable online environment at home because of the presence of other family members and children. On the basis of this study’s findings, universities should prepare for future crises by ensuring instructors are competent and have knowledge in information communication technologies (ICT) as well as take into consideration the development and enhancement of the quality of online (virtual) courses delivered during emergencies.
 Originality
 This paper aims to research the implications involved in online teaching and online learning. Through data collection, this research paper was able to measure the impact and suggest recommendations.
 Practical implications
 Study in the research will contribute to overcome the challenges of stakeholders involved in education profession. Online teaching and learning, both had its own challenge and discomfort whilst implementing it.
 Social implications
 This research will help to strengthen the bond between educators and learners. Online teaching and learning created an unsaid interest and dilution in education world. This research can pave the way to develop better understanding between stakeholders.

The Practice of Herbs Integration Among Patients With Hypertension Attending Primary Care Facilities: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The practice of integrating herbs among patients with hypertension to manage their condition has become more evident across many countries. This systematic review was conducted primarily to determine the prevalence and diversity of herbs used by patients with hypertension attending primary care facilities. Data Sources: Studies were obtained from five electronic databases (September 2019) and references of included studies. Review Methods: Studies performed on patients with hypertension attending outpatient clinics and hospitals that reported prevalence or diversity of herbs were included. Two independent researchers performed screening, quality appraisal and data extraction. Results: Sixteen studies were included in this review. The prevalence of herbs used ranged from 6.5% to 69.0%. The two most common herbs reported were Allium sativum and Vernonia amygdalina. The main reasons patients’ took herbs were to reduce blood pressure, to relieve symptoms of the disease and perception that allopathic medicine was a failure. Age, education level, presence of other family members with hypertension and gender were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the use of herbs. Conclusion: Patients with hypertension who attend outpatient clinics tend to use herbs to complement their allopathic medicine. Further evaluation in the form of randomized controlled trials should be conducted to determine the effectiveness of herbs and herbal medicine in improving hypertension among patients.

A disfiguring neglected tropical disease sweeps war-torn Yemen: a community-based study of prevalence and risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural communities in the western highlands.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in Yemen and is endemic in many rural areas across the country. A community-based cross-sectional survey followed by unmatched case-control comparisons was conducted among 612 participants in Utmah district, western Yemen. A total of 223 participants were included in the case-control analysis to identify the significant risk factors. Skin scrapping samples were examined by microscopy and internal transcribed spacer 1 nested polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 33% (202/612) of the participants had active skin lesions and/or scars that met the clinical criteria for CL. A total of 90 (14.7%) participants had suspected active CL lesions; however, a prevalence of 8.7% (53/612) was obtained based on molecular and parasitological examination, with Leishmania tropica being the only causative agent identified. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being ≤10y old, being female, living in houses with cracked walls, living in the presence of other family members with typical ulcerating skin diseases and sleeping outside were factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having CL. Moreover, keeping livestock on the ground floor of the house was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of having CL. The study reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of CL among the studied population. Therefore there is an urgent need for effective control measures and improved treatment efforts against this devastating disease.

Visiting Policies and Parental Presence During PICU Admission: A Survey in French Units.

To describe the policies about parent visiting and involvement in care during admission to French PICUs. A structured questionnaire was emailed to the chief of each of 35 French PICUs. Data about visiting policies, involvement in care, evolution of policies, and general characteristics were collected from April 2021 to May 2021. A descriptive analysis was conducted. Thirty-five PICUs in France. None. None. Twenty-nine of 35 (83%) PICUs replied. Twenty-four-hour access for parents was reported for all PICUs responding. Other allowed visitors were grandparents (21/29, 72%) and siblings (19/29, 66%) with professional support. Simultaneous visits were restricted to two visitors in 83% (24/29) of PICUs. Family presence was always permitted during medical rounds for 20 of 29 (69%) PICUs. Most of the units rarely or never allowed parental presence during the most invasive procedures, such as central venous catheter placement (18/29, 62%) and intubation (22/29, 76%). Unrestricted access to the PICU, for both parents, was available in all responding French units. There were, however, restrictions on the number of visitors and the presence of other family members at the bedside. Moreover, permission for parental presence during care procedures was heterogenous, and mainly restricted. National guidelines and educational programs are needed to support family wishes and promote acceptance by healthcare providers in French PICUs.

Prevalence and Life Cycle in Patients with Scabies Infection-A Study in Kumudini Women’s Medical College Hospital, Tangail, Bangladesh

Introduction: Scabies is a common contagious parasitic dermatosis. Transmission of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis generally occurs by skin-to-skin contact, but with crusted scabies it may also occur through fomites, such as infected clothing or bedding. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Objective: To find out prevalence and life cycle in patients with scabies infection. Materials and Methods: Scope and Delimitation of the Study. This study focused the management of scabies. This study was conducted among the OPD patients in Kumudini Women’s Medical College Hospital, Tangail, Bangladesh and BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was conducted from July 2021 to August 2022. The diagnoses of scabies of the potential respondents were based on the set criteria. Only those diagnose clinically with scabies were included in this study. There were no scraping procedures (acarus test) done to confirm the diagnosis of scabies. Other skin diseases aside from scabies were not included in the study. Results: In our study 110 scabies patients it appears that maximum population affected with Scabies infection were aged between 0-6 years (16.3%) and 7-12 years (20.9%) and minimum were between 43-48 years (prevalence 3.6%) and 49-54 years (prevalence 3.6%). The highest prevalence 13.63% in female were in the 7-12 years and lowest prevalence 0.95% in 49-54 years. The highest prevalence 6.36% in male were in the 7-12 years and lowest prevalence 0.95% in 25-30 years and 31-36 years. November (29.09%), December and January (34.54%) show the highest prevalence in scabies infection. In Bangladesh, this three months represent a winter season. On the other hand, July to October represent almost hot condition. So from my result, it is concluded that scabies infection is more prevalent in winter than summer. Scabies infection is not serious problem for our country because the highest prevalence 50% of severity of scabies infection limited with in Moderate (second stage of classical scabies infection) category. Classical scabies is more active in Bangladesh; on the other hand crusted scabies is limited person in Bangladesh. Conclusion: Scabies is more common where overcrowded conditions prevail; it can affect any individual irrespective of social status, personal hygiene, profession, gender, age or ethic origin. These include increased number of household members, presence of other family members with scabies, overcrowding, poverty and low educational attainment. Children (l-12 yrs.) have the highest incidence of scabies as compared to the other age group.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Immunocompromised Patients, Children, and Adults in Sana'a, Yemen.

Intestinal parasite infection (IPI) is still a very important public health issue. The severity of the parasitic disease has been reported as a high infection in immunocompromised patients and children. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among immunocompromised patients and children with various gastrointestinal system complications in Sana'a city, Yemen, with different variables, including genus and age, and explore the risk factors associated with parasitic intestinal infections. The study socioeconomic data and certain behavioral and environmental risk factors and stool samples were collected from immunocompromised adult and children's patients, including children (one to eight years old), pregnant women, diabetes mellitus patients, cancer patients, HIV patients, and older adults. Out of 436 fecal samples, the overall prevalence rate of IPIs among immunocompromised patients and children in Sana'a was 51.8%. In contrast, the rate of infection in children (26.1%) was higher than that in old patients (25.7%) and in females (38.5%) and higher than that in males (13.3%). The protozoa (44.5%) have been shown more than intestinal helminths (7.3%) in samples, and the most common intestinal protozoan was Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica (13.8% and 12.8%), respectively. The most common intestinal helminthiasis was Hymenolepis nana with 1.8%. Concluding that the rate of infection was high for several reasons, including lack of commitment to hygiene as not handwashing after using the toilet (88.9%), eating uncovered food (56.3%), poor sanitation as lack of water sources (59.5%), reduced health education, and presence of other family members infected by parasites (61.3%). Interventions are required to reduce intestinal parasites, including health education on personal hygiene for patients, increasing awareness, and improving the environment and healthcare system.

Psychological effects of, and compliance with, self-isolation among COVID-19 patients in South Batinah Governorate, Oman: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCovid-19 pandemic has left deep psychological impacts, especially among infected patients. It is extremely important to understand the extent of those effects, while improving the compliance with isolation measures at the same time.ObjectivesTo detect prevalence of stress using two psychological scales and examine the stress associated factors, also to identify self-isolation compliance rates among COVID-19 patients.MethodsCross-sectional research was conducted from 15 November to 22 December 2020, involving 379 patient participants selected via systematic random sampling. Kessler 10 Psychological Distress (K10) and the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) tests were used to ascertain the levels of distress.ResultsK10 measure revealed elevated stress amongst 121 (31.9%) of participants, whereas IES_R indicated the level was 37.7%. Using the K10 indicated the multivariate analysis was significant for females (OR = 2.482, 95% CI: 1.532–4.021), patients with financial problems (OR = 2.332, 95% CI: 1.270–4.282) and patients experiencing shortages of essentials (OR = 4.920, 95% CI: 2.524–9.590). The IES-R scale indicated that only female and patients experiencing shortages scored significantly in multivariate analysis, (OR = 1.895, 95% CI: 1.1223–2.935) and (OR = 2.928, 95% CI: 1.1580–5.424), respectively. Those undergoing shorter isolation periods reported lower levels of stress on both K10, p=0.016 and IES-R, p=0.002. Approximately 90% of patients used their own towels during isolation. Moreover, 80.2% slept in separate rooms and 74% used masks in the presence of other family members. Essential supply shortages were reported by 14.2% of respondents.ConclusionsSelf-compliance rates were not optimal, while psychological distress was more prevalent among some groups. Intervention is imperative to minimize stress and improve self-isolation compliance.

\u2018There are no more secrets\u2019: acceptability of a family-centered model of care for HIV positive children in Eswatini

BackgroundHIV-positive children have lagged adults on retention in HIV care and viral suppression. To address this gap, Eswatini’s Ministry of Health started a pilot family-centered HIV care model (FCCM) targeting HIV-positive children under 20 years old and their families.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 25 caregivers and 17 healthcare workers (HCWs) to assess acceptability of FCCM in four pilot FCCM health facilities in Hhohho region of Eswatini. Thematic analysis with inductive and deductive codes was used to identify salient themes.ResultsCaregivers and HCWs reported FCCM benefits including strengthening the family bond, encouragement for family members to disclose their HIV status and supporting each other in taking antiretroviral drugs. Caregivers reported that they spent fewer days in clinic, experienced shorter waiting times, and received better counseling services in FCCM compared to the standard-of-care services. FCCM implementation challenges included difficulty for families to attend clinic visits together (e.g., due to scheduling conflicts with weekend Teen Support Club meetings and weekday FCCM appointments). Both HCWs and caregivers mentioned difficulty in sharing sensitive health information in the presence of other family members. HCWs also had challenges with supporting caregivers to disclose HIV status to children and managing the larger group during clinic visits.ConclusionsFCCM for HIV-positive children was acceptable to both caregivers and HCWs, and they supported scaling-up FCCM implementation nationally. However, special considerations should be made to address the challenges experienced by participants in attending clinic visits together as a family in order to achieve the full benefits of FCCM for HIV positive children.

The kidney in COVID-19: protagonist or figurant?

The etiology of injury in COVID-19 patients is diverse and multifactorial. Autopsy and biopsy studies reveal, alongside podocyte and tubular cell anomalies, the presence of virion within the cells. Evidence suggests that, in addition to the direct cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the glomeruli and renal tubules, there is also the indirect effect of cell-mediated immunity, the cytokines storm and the cross-talk between organs with possible systemic effects of the disease. These mechanisms are interconnected and have profound therapeutic implications involving extracorporeal removal of inflammatory cytokines. Dialysis patients, and children, in particular, should be classified as "at high risk" of contracting the disease. Infections are one of the most frequent causes of death in children with chronic renal failure who undergo dialysis. The reasons for this particular susceptibility are to be found in the compromised immune system, secondary to chronic malnutrition, immunosuppressive therapy, and uremia, frequent contact with healthcare personnel and other patients attending the dialysis unit and in need of the presence of other family members during treatment.

The burden and epidemiology of polyparasitism among rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria

Parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among underprivileged communities in developing countries including Nigeria. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of polyparasitism (multiple parasitic infections) among rural communities in Kano State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 551 individuals were screened for the presence of intestinal, urogenital and blood parasites by using different diagnostic techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, household and behavioural characteristics were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 84.0% (463/551) of the participants were found to be infected with at least one parasite species, with 51.2% (282/551) of them having polyparasitism. The most prevalent parasites were Plasmodium falciparum (60.6%) followed by Blastocystis sp. (29.2%) and hookworm (15.4%). No significant association was found between malaria and helminth infections (p>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of other family members who had intestinal polyparasitism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.12; 95% CI=2.72, 6.24), walking barefoot outside (AOR=1.70; 95% CI=1.09, 2.63) and being male (AOR=1.74; 95% CI=1.14, 2.66) were the significant risk factors of intestinal polyparasitism among the population studied. Polyparasitism is highly prevalent among rural communities in Kano State. Therefore, effective, sustainable and integrated control measures should be identified and implemented to significantly reduce the burden and consequences of these infections in rural Nigeria.

Impact of seasonality on the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among the aborigines

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia (G.) lamblia infections among the aboriginal community during the wet and dry seasons. Methods: A total of 473 stool samples from the aborigines in Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia were collected during wet (n=256) and dry seasons (n=217). Smear of all the PVA-preserved stool samples were subjected to Trichrome staining and microscopic examination under 1 000 x magnification (Nikon eclipse E100) for the detection of G. lamblia. Positivity was recorded based on the presence of G. lamblia in trophozoite and/or cyst forms. Results: The prevalence of giardiasis was 12.10% and 8.29% during the wet and dry season, respectively. Age of less or equal to 15 years old and presence of other family members with G. lamblia infection were found to be the significant risk factors to acquire G. lamblia infections during both seasons. Untreated water supply was the significant risk factor of giardiasis during the dry season. This study highlighted the possibility of anthroponotic transmission of G. lamblia during both seasons and waterborne transmission during the dry season in the aboriginal community. Conclusions: This study suggests that seasonal variation plays an important role in the prevalence and risk factor of G. lamblia infection in the aboriginal community. Therefore, close contact with Giardia-infected family members and water-related activities or usage of untreated water must be avoided to reduce the burden of G. lamblia infection in this community.

Evaluation of the Multidisciplinary Assistance provided in a Public Neonatal Care Unit from mothers` perception

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to investigate the evaluation of mothers about the care provided by the multidisciplinary team in a Public Neonatal Care Unit located in the Federal District/Brazil. Methods: this is a descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 57 mothers and data were collected from April to September 2015. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire with questions distributed in three main domains, such as accessibility and accommodation; communication and relationship with the team and assistance received. Results: the result showed an association of mothers’ satisfaction with the variables “income” and “length of hospital stay”, and demonstrated that the majority of the mothers evaluated the unit positively. However, it was highlighted the need to improve communication between neonatal staff and mothers, and to implement a more flexible visiting policy in order to allow the presence of other family members in the mentioned Unit more frequently. Conclusions: data obtained from this research may contribute to improve the quality of care in the NICUs, in view of the importance of evaluation of assistance so that better care to mothers is available.

Smoking behavior of males attending the quit tobacco clinics in Bahrain and their knowledge on tobacco smoking health hazards

BackgroundOne third of Bahraini adult (20–64 years) males and 7.0% of females use some form of tobacco. The corresponding rates for cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) are 11.0% and 6.0%, respectively. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge on tobacco smoking and past smoking related behavior of male patients attending the Quit Tobacco Clinics (QTC) in Bahrain.MethodsA sample of 339 male clinic attendees was taken proportional to the population distribution in the three QTC at Al Hoora Health Center, Hamad Kanoo Health Center, and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Health Center. Data collection was performed until the sample size was completed (September 2015 to December 2016). Knowledge on the health effects of cigarette and WTS was examined based on 10 statements on cigarette and similar ones on WTS. Respondents “agreeing” with the statements were considered knowledgeable and those “disagreeing” or responding “don’t know”, not knowledgeable. All the “agree” responses for cigarette/WTS were summed across the 10 health effects and average health knowledge scores for cigarette/WTS were computed.ResultsMost of the study participants were Bahraini nationals, ever married and educated with at least secondary level. The majority (65.8%) of participants smoked a single type of tobacco product, and the rest, two (28.0%) or three or more (6.2%). Age of starting cigarette and WTS was 16.2 ± 4.0 and 19.3 ± 6.7 years, respectively. The majority (81%) smoked in the presence of other family members and 26.3% in the presence of a child. 76.2% smoked in the presence of others in their cars. 18.9% of the attendees had quit smoking at the time of interview. 81% of the participants knew about the hazards of both cigarette and WTS with a significantly higher (p = 0.0001) mean knowledge score for cigarette (93.3 ± 3.0%) than WTS (85.2 ± 2.1%).ConclusionThe relative lack of knowledge on the hazards of WTS in a sample of Arab country population with an increasing trend of WTS warrants the attention of health policy makers in the country and region.

Giardia duodenalis infection among rural communities in Yemen: A community-based assessment of the prevalence and associated risk factors

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia infection among rural communities among rural communities in Yemen. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 605 stool samples were collected and screened for the presence of Giardia duodenalis (G.duodenalis) cysts and/or trophozoites by using three different diagnostic methods: direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, and trichrome staining. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and environmental characteristics of the participants. Overall, 28.1% (170/605) of the participants were infected by G.duodenalis. The prevalence was significantly higher among male participants compared to female (P=0.034); however, it was not significant among different age groups (P>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified four variables as the significant key risk factors of Giardia infection among the sampled communities. These are, in addition to being of the male gender, using unsafe water sources for drinking water, not washing hands after defecation, presence of other family members infected with Giardia, and close contact with domestic animals. The study reveals that Giardia infection is still prevalent among rural communities in Yemen. The provision of clean and safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and health education regarding personal hygiene practices, particularly handwashing, as well as identifying and treating infected family members is imperative and these interventions should be considered in a strategy to control intestinal parasites among these communities in order to curtail the transmission and morbidity caused by G.duodenalis.

Molecular epidemiology of blastocystosis in Malaysia: does seasonal variation play an important role in determining the distribution and risk factors of Blastocystis subtype infections in the\xa0Aboriginal community?

BackgroundAlternating wet and dry seasons may play an important role in the acquisition and distribution of Blastocystis subtype infection in the tropics. This cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to provide the prevalence of Blastocystis and to determine the potential risk factors associated with each subtype during the wet and dry seasons in the Aboriginal community, Pahang, Malaysia.MethodsA total of 473 faecal samples were collected: 256 (54.1%) and 217 (45.9%) samples were obtained during the wet (October-November 2014) and the dry season (June 2015), respectively. All fresh faecal samples were subjected to molecular analysis for subtype and allele identification.ResultsOf the 473 samples, 42.6% and 37.8% were positive for Blastocystis ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4 during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Prevalence of Blastocystis ST1 was significantly higher during the wet season compared to the dry season (Z = 2.146, P < 0.05). Analysis of the association of each Blastocystis subtype with socioeconomic characteristics showed the presence of other family members infected with Blastocystis ST3 and the use of stored river water for domestic activities were the significant risk factors for Blastocystis ST3 infections during both seasons. Untreated water supply and low monthly household income (less or equal to RM 500) were the other significant risk factors for Blastocystis ST3 infections during wet and dry season, respectively. The presence of other family members with Blastocystis ST1 and ST2 was the only significant risk factor associated with ST1 and ST2 infections during both seasons. We hypothesise that transmission of Blastocystis ST1, ST2 and ST3 occurred from person to person during both seasons. The waterborne transmission was also identified as a mode of transmission of Blastocystis ST3.ConclusionThe significant risk factors identified in this study were important in the dynamic transmission of Blastocystis infections during both seasons. Provision of treated water supply and health education are affirmative actions to be taken to control Blastocystis infections in this community.

Food Security in Households of People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study in a Subdivision of Darjeeling District, West Bengal.

Objectives:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) adversely impacts food security in households of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Little research has focused on food insecurity among PLWHA in India. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of and factors relating to food security in households of PLWHA in the Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.Methods:A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among 173 PLWHA residing in Siliguri and registered at the Anti-retroviral Therapy Centre of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital. Data was collected at the household level with interviews of PLWHA using a food security survey instrument. We analyzed the associations using logistic regression.Results:The prevalence of household food security among the participants was 50.9% (88/173). Five years or more of schooling, higher socioeconomic class and males were found to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of food security. A later stage of the disease and the presence of other family members with HIV/AIDS were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of food security. The major coping strategies to deal with food insecurity in the acute phase HIV infection included borrowing money (56.1%), followed by spousal support, loans from microfinance institutions, banks, or money lenders, borrowing food, or selling agricultural products.Conclusions:The present study revealed that only about half of households with PLWHA were food secure. Prior interventions relating to periods of food and economic crisis as well as strategies for sustaining food security and economic status are needed in this area.

Epidemiology of intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli school children in rural Malaysia.

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the current prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) among Orang Asli school children in the Lipis district of Pahang state, Malaysia.Methods/Principal findingsFecal samples were collected from 498 school children (50.6% boys and 49.4% girls), and examined by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, Kato-Katz, and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and personal hygiene information were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 98.4% of the children were found to be infected by at least one parasite species. Of these, 71.4% had polyparasitism. The overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were 95.6%, 47.8%, 28.3%, 28.3%, 14.1% and 5.2%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that using an unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, presence of other family members infected with intestinal parasitic infections (IPI), not washing vegetables before consumption, absence of a toilet in the house, not wearing shoes when outside, not cutting nails periodically, and not washing hands before eating were significant risk factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism among these children.Conclusions/SignificanceIntestinal polyparasitism is highly prevalent among children in the peninsular Malaysian Aboriginal communities. Hence, effective and sustainable control measures, including school-based periodic chemotherapy, providing adequate health education focused on good personal hygiene practices and proper sanitation, as well as safe drinking water supply should be implemented to reduce the prevalence and consequences of these infections in this population.

The changing dynamics of television consumption in the multimedia living room

This increasingly saturated media environment potentially alters how viewers engage with televisual media and with each other. In this respect, we address how mobile devices, such as tablets, have entered our living rooms and alter TV’s social uses and practices. By means of in-depth interviews, we revisit the enquiry of the audience in the living room context, with specific attention to Lull’s typology of social uses. The study shows the use of these mobile Internet devices in front of the TV is integrated in our everyday TV viewing behavior. In addition, we recognize the complex nature of physical and verbal avoidance and affiliation in a multiscreen living room. Participants personally consume media content in the presence of other family members, which allows physical contact but reduces the opportunities for conversation. In addition, these computer technologies allow online sociability, which we label as ‘outbound affiliation’. These tendencies are discussed in a broader understanding of contemporary (media) culture, with a particular focus on the reflexive audience and the related broader process of individualization. In conclusion, we understand the findings as emerging trends that are likely to evolve in the future. In addition, we define the value of traditional audience research as well as the necessity to understand the mediated nature of audience conversations.

Pediatric Immunological Disorders Biorepository (PIDBioRep) at University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil.

Pediatric Immunological Disorders Biorepository (PIDBioRep) at University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil.