Prevalence Of Symptoms Research Articles

Silent Struggles: Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health in Law Enforcement.

To determine the prevalence of head injuries (HIs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms in law enforcement officers (LEOs) and (2) the association between HIs and psychological health conditions. County-level survey administered via Research Electronic Data Capture. A total of 381 LEOs completed the survey (age=43±11years; 40 [11%] females; time as LEO=1-50years, median=15years). Cross-sectional study. We examined the prevalence of HIs (the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method), PTSD (PTSD Checklist-Civilian [PCL-C]), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). We used Mann-Whitney U and chi-square analyses to compare PTSD and depressive symptoms between those with and without a HI history. There were 282 (74%) participants who reported a lifetime history of 1 or more HIs; 116 (30%) sustained 1 or more HIs on the job. PCL-C scores ranged 17 to 85 (median=27); 33 (10%) participants met or exceeded the clinical cutoff score of 50 to indicate a positive PTSD screening. Participants with a HI history (median=29) had higher PCL-C scores than those with no HI history (median=24; P <.001), but the proportion of participants who met the clinical cutoff for PTSD was not different between those with (n =28, 11%) and without (n =5, 5%) a HI history (X2=2.52, P =.112, odds ratio=2.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-5.83). PHQ-9 scores ranged 0 to 20 (median=3); 124 (36%) participants reported mild or greater depressive symptoms. Participants with a HI history (median=3) had higher depressive symptoms than those with no HI history (median=2; P =.012). The proportion of participants with mild or greater depressive symptoms was higher among those with a HI history (n =99, 39%) than without (n =25, 27%; X2=4.34, odds ratio=1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.93). HIs are prevalent in LEOs, which may have consequences for their performance, well-being, and career longevity. PTSD and depressive symptoms are higher in those with a HI history, suggesting LEOs need better traumatic brain injuries and mental health resources.

Insomnia in Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Consequences, and Therapeutic Approaches.

Sleep disorders represent prevalent non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting over 90% of the PD population. Insomnia, characterized by difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep, emerges as the most frequently reported sleep disorder in PD, with prevalence rates reported from 27 to 80% across studies. Insomnia not only significantly impacts the quality of life of PD patients but is also associated with cognitive impairment, motor disabilities, and emotional deterioration. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the mechanisms underlying insomnia in PD, including neurodegenerative changes, basal ganglia beta oscillations, and circadian rhythms, to gain insights into the neural pathways involved. Additionally, the review explores the risk factors and comorbidities associated with insomnia in PD, providing valuable insights into its management. Special attention is given to the challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering care to PD patients and the impact of caregiving roles on patients' quality of life. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of insomnia in PD and highlights the importance of addressing this common sleep disorder in PD patients.

A systematic review of symptoms experienced by children and young people with kidney failure.

Kidney failure at any age has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL) but the overall symptom burden for children and young people (CYP) is poorly described. Kidney failure has no cure and whilst transplantation is the preferred management option, it is not always possible, with patients requiring supportive care at the end oftheir lives. To use the literature to understand the symptom burden for CYP with kidney failure who are approaching end-of-life. Using three databases, a systematic literature review was performed to identify eligible studies to extract data on symptoms experienced in CYP aged < 21years with kidney failure. Data extraction was completed by two authors using a pre-designed proforma. Study quality assessment was undertaken using the BMJ AXIS tool. A total of 20,003 titles were screened to yielding 35 eligible studies including 2,862 CYP withchronic kidney disease (CKD), of whom 1,624 (57%) had CKD stage 5. The studies included a median of 30 (range 7-241) patients. Symptoms were subcategorised into eight groups: sleep, mental health, gastrointestinal, dermatology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), neurology, multiple symptoms, and ophthalmology. The prevalences of the most commonly reported symptoms were: restless leg syndrome 16.7-45%, sleep disordered breathing 20-46%, hypersomnia 14.3-60%, depression 12.5-67%, anxiety 5.3-34%, overall gastrointestinal symptoms 43-82.6%, nausea and vomiting 15.8-68.4%, abdominal pain 10.5-67.4%, altered appetite or anorexia 19-90%, xerosis 53.5-100%, pruritis 18.6-69%, headache 24-76.2% and ophthalmological symptoms 26%. Within each subgroup, the symptomdefinitions used were heterogeneous, the methods of assessmentwere varied and some symptoms, such as pain and constipation, were poorly represented. There is a marked lack of evidence relating to the symptom burden for CYP with CKD. This study highlights the high symptom prevalence, particularly in relation to sleep, mental health, headache, dermatological and gastrointestinal symptoms. There is a need for consensus recommendations on the evaluation and management of symptoms for CYP with CKD approaching end-of-life. CRD42022346120.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health science students at the University of Parakou, Benin

ObjectivesResearch on psychological distress in African students is scarce. This study aimed at exploring the epidemiology (prevalence and correlates) of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health sciences students at the University of Parakou (Benin). MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey from June to July 2022 at the University of Parakou, the second-largest university in the Republic of Benin. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9). Information on several independent factors was collected and their associations with depressive symptoms were investigated using logistic regression models. ResultsData from 560 students were analyzed (mean age: 21.3± 2.3 years, 60 % were male, and 50.4 % were registered in the first year of study). The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 39.1 % [95 % CI: 35.2 %-43.1 %]. Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were observed in 15.3 % and 1.8 % of participants, respectively. In the multivariable model, being aged 21–23 (adjusted Odds Ratio=1.8, p-value: 0.007), a female (aOR=1.5, p-value: 0.050), a medical student (aOR=2.9, p-value: <0.001), a public health student (aOR=3.6, p-value: <0.001), belonging to households with higher incomes (aOR= 2.4, p<0.001), and experiencing stress (aOR=1.5, p-value: 0.048) independently increased the probability of having depressive symptoms. However, having support from close relatives (aOR= 0.5, p-value: 0.026) was associated with a lower probability of depressive symptoms. ConclusionsOur findings revealed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health science students. Given the correlates identified, actions to promote coping skills in stress and encourage more parental support may be real avenues likely to help reduce the frequency and consequences of depressive symptoms.

Estimating the morbidity burden of imported chronic schistosomiasis among West African migrants in the Northern Metropolitan Area from Barcelona (Spain): a prospective community-based research

BackgroundPast exposure to schistosomiasis is frequent among migrants from endemic countries, and chronic untreated infection may lead to long-term morbidities. MethodsWe carried out a prospective population-based cross-sectional study among migrants from endemic Sub-Saharan countries living in Barcelona, Spain. Participants had not been previously diagnosed or treated for schistosomiasis. Clinical signs and symptoms were scrutinised through a systematic revision of electronic medical records and an on-site standardized questionnaire, and blood and urine samples were screened for Schistosoma. FindingsWe recruited 522 eligible participants, 74.3% males, mean age 42.7 years (SD=11.5, range 18-76), Overall, 46.4% were from Senegal and 23.6% from Gambia. They had lived in the European Union for a median of 16 years (IQR 10-21). The prevalence of a Schistosoma-positive serology was 35.8%. S. haematobium eggs were observed in urine samples in 6 (1.2%) participants. The most prevalent symptoms among Schistosoma-positive participants were chronic abdominal pain (68.8%, OR=1.79; 95%CI 1.2-2.6), eosinophilia (44.9%, OR=2.69; 95%CI 1.8-4.0) and specific symptoms associated with urinary schistosomiasis, like self-reported episodes of haematuria (37.2%; OR=2.47; 95%CI 1.6-3.8), dysuria (47.9%, OR=1.84; 95%CI=1.3-2.7) and current renal insufficiency (13.4%; OR=2.35; 95%CI=1.3-4.3). We found a significant prevalence of gender-specific genital signs and symptoms among females (mainly menstrual disorders) and males (erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain). Individuals typically presented with a multitude of interconnected symptoms, most commonly chronic abdominal pain, which is often disregarded. ConclusionsDespite the lack of urine parasite identification, the high incidence of clinical signs and symptoms strongly correlated with a positive schistosomiasis serology suggests the existence of a heavy clinical burden among long-term West African migrants living for years/decades in the study region. More research is urgently required to determine whether these symptoms are the result of long-term sequelae or a persistent active Schistosoma infection.

Secular Trends in Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents in Yunnan, Southwest China From Before COVID-19 to During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal, Observational Study.

Yunnan province borders Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, giving it one of the longest borders in China. We aimed to determine the trends in prevalence and impact of COVID-19 on depressive symptoms among adolescents (12-18 years) from 2018 to 2022 in Yunnan, southwest China. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on adolescents' mental health, with the aim of reducing the effect of psychological emergency syndrome and promoting healthy, happy adolescent growth. This longitudinal, observational study used Students' Health Survey data on adolescents' depressive symptoms from 2018 to 2022 (before and during COVID-19) in Yunnan. We used multistage, stratified sampling in 3 prefectures in 2018 and 16 prefectures from 2019 to 2022. In each prefecture, the study population was classified by gender and residence (urban or rural), and each group was of equal size. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed based on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores. We used ANOVA to assess the differences in mean CES-D scores stratified by gender, age, residence, grade, and ethnicity. Chi-square tests were used to compare depressive symptoms by different variables. For comparability, the age-standard and gender-standard population prevalences were calculated using the 2010 China Census as the standard population. The association between COVID-19 and the risk of a standardized prevalence of depressive symptoms was identified using unconditional logistic regression analysis. The standardized prevalence of depressive symptoms for all participants was 32.98%: 28.26% in 2018, 30.89% in 2019, 29.81% in 2020, 28.77% in 2021, 36.33% in 2022. The prevalences were 30.49% before COVID-19,29.29% in early COVID-19, and 36.33% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with before COVID-19, the risks of depressive symptoms were 0.793 (95% CI 0.772-0.814) times higher in early COVID-19 and 1.071 (95% CI 1.042-1.100) times higher than during COVID-19. The average annual increase in depressive symptoms was 1.61%. During the epidemic, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in girls (36.87%) was higher than that in boys (28.64%), and the acceleration rate of girls was faster than that of boys. The prevalences of depressive symptoms and acceleration rates by age group were as follows: 27.14% and 1.09% (12-13 years), 33.99% and 1.8% (14-15 years), 36.59% and 1.65% (16-18 years). Prevalences did not differ between Han (32.89%) and minority (33.10%) populations. However, the acceleration rate was faster for the former than for the latter. The rate for senior high school students was the highest (34.94%). However, the acceleration rate for vocational high school students was the fastest (2.88%), followed by that for junior high school students (2.32%). Rural residents (35.10%) had a higher prevalence and faster acceleration than urban residents (30.16%). From 2018 to 2022, there was a significant, continuous increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents in Yunnan, China, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents an emergency public health problem that should be given more attention. Effective, comprehensive psychological and lifestyle intervention measures should be used to reduce the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents.

The caregiving role influences Suboptimal Health Status and psychological symptoms in unpaid carers

Abstract Background Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) is the physical state between health and disease. This study aimed to fill in the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence of SHS and psychological symptoms among unpaid carers and to identify SHS-risk factors from the perspective of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 participants who were enrolled from Australia, including 203 unpaid carers as cases and 165 individuals from the general population as controls. SHS scores were measured using SHSQ-25 (Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25), whilst psychological symptoms were measured by DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21). Chi-square was used to measure SHS and psychological symptom prevalence. Spearman correlation analysis was utilised to identify the relationship between SHSQ-25 and DASS-21 scores. Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results The prevalence of SHS in carers was 43.0% (98/203), significantly higher than the prevalence 12.7% (21/165) in the general population (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, suboptimal health prevalence was higher in female carers (50.3%; 95/189) than females in the general population (12.4%; 18/145). Logistic regression showed that the caregiving role influenced SHS, with carers 6.4 times more likely to suffer from SHS than their non-caring counterparts (aOR = 6.400, 95% CI = 3.751–10.919). Conclusions Unpaid carers in Australia have a significantly higher prevalence of SHS than that in the general population and experience poorer health. The SHSQ-25 is a powerful tool that can be utilised to screen at-risk individuals to predict their risk of chronic disease development, an essential pillar for shifting the paradigm change from reactive medicine to that of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM).

Prevalence and impact of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in dental students and faculty.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect individuals undergoing increased stress, for example, dental professionals. No study to date has compared dental students and faculty in TMD manifestation. This cross-sectional study compared prevalence, risk factors, and impact on daily activities of self-reported TMD signs/symptoms between dental students and faculty at a predoctoral dental school, and between preclinical (first- to second-year) and clinical (third- to fourth-year) students. A REDCap survey was sent to dental students and faculty, assessing TMD signs/symptoms (TMD Symptom Questionnaire), pain intensity (Chronic Graded Pain Scale), jaw function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale), parafunctions (Oral Behavioral Checklist), previous TMD treatments, anxiety/depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and sleep quality (RU-SATED Scale). Outcomes were compared between groups using chi-square and t-tests, adjusting for covariates with analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Data derived from N=145 participants (N=108 students, N=37 faculty). Dental students reported significantly higher prevalence (90.1% vs. 75.7%, p=0.020) and greater number of TMD signs/symptoms (5.3±3.5 vs. 3.0±2.7, p<0.001) compared to faculty. Students reported significantly more parafunctional activities (p=0.000), jaw-strain episodes (prolonged mouth opening, p=0.007), higher stress level (p=0.008), and lower sleep quality (p=0.002) than faculty. Difference in number of TMD signs/symptoms was maintained after adjusting for stress, sleep quality, and parafunctional/jaw-strain activities. Clinical students utilized significantly more often evidence-based TMD treatment compared to preclinical students. High prevalence of self-reported TMD was observed among dental students and faculty, with students reporting higher prevalence and impairment despite working in the same environment. Findings underscore the importance of education on preventive measures early in dental training to address contributing factors and TMD management.

Cognitive disengagement syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An examination of relationships with alexithymia and emotion regulation difficulties

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and ADHD are considered distinct but interrelated constructs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of elevated CDS symptoms and increased ADHD risk in the general population, and their relationships with emotion regulation difficulty (ERD) and alexithymia. Out of 1166 participants, 142 with known psychiatric conditions were excluded, resulting in 1024 participants. Participants completed various scales including Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5), Barkley Adult Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-16), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Four groups were formed based on Barkley and ASRS-5 scores: Group 1) No elevated CDS symptoms and Low risk of ADHD, Group 2) No elevated CDS symptoms and Increased risk of ADHD, Group 3) Elevated CDS symptoms and Low risk of ADHD, Group 4) Elevated CDS symptoms and Increased risk of ADHD. Elevated CDS symptoms was found in 10% of participants, and increased ADHD risk in 9.2%. Among probable ADHD cases, 40% had elevated CDS symptoms, while 60% of elevated CDS symptoms cases had increased ADHD risk. Group 4 (elevated CDS symptoms and increased risk of ADHD) had the highest ERD and alexithymia scores, while Group 1(no elevated CDS symptoms and low risk of ADHD) had the lowest. Regression analyses showed that CDS scores predicted ERD (47%) and alexithymia (32%) better than ADHD scores (ERD: 36%, alexithymia: 23%). CDS and ADHD appear as significant concepts that could be involved in the etiology of ERD and alexithymia.

The effect of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs symptoms among women in India

Background: Every month, healthy adolescent girls and pre-menopausal adult women are impacted by the crucial topic of menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene management is essential to women’s reproductive health. Menstrual product consumption, poor cleaning techniques, and material reuse are examples of suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene. So, the current study was planned to assess the impact of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs among women in India. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative community-based study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Bangalore, India. Study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. All female patients in reproductive age group attending RHTC and UHTC OPD were included. Interview method was used to collect data from consented participants on socio demographic details, products used for menstrual hygiene and symptoms suggestive of RTI in last 6 months were collected. Results: A community-based study was conducted in rural and urban field practice area of a medical college in Bangalore. A total of 258 participants attending UHTC and RHTC centres were included from each area. The proportion of participants with RTI symptoms were 62.2%. In current study 20.3% participants reported lower abdominal pain and 18.6% of participants had pain during micturition in past 6 months. Conclusions: Our study’s findings show a direct link between subpar MHM procedures and RTI symptoms. Our results confirm international recommendations for a dual focus on providing suitable absorbent materials and making sure that ambient conditions allow associated hygiene, such as washing, safety, and dignity for women.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression among the elderly in rural areas of central India: a mixed method study

Background: The global demographic shift towards an aging population has raised concerns about the mental health of the elderly, particularly in rural areas. This study sought to tackle this issue by quantitatively evaluating the prevalence of geriatric depression in rural areas of central India and qualitatively investigating the factors that contribute to late-life depression. Methods: This mixed-method study conducted in the rural areas of central India aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among the elderly and explore gender-specific factors contributing to late-life depression. Results: Quantitative data were collected from 308 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, revealing a high prevalence of depressive symptoms (75.6%). Factors significantly associated with depression included female gender, age over 70 years, lower educational attainment, financial dependency, and comorbidities. Qualitative analysis through focus group discussions highlighted gender-specific perceptions of depression risk factors, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions addressing socio-economic disparities and gender-specific challenges in rural elderly populations. A nuanced, gender-sensitive approach is crucial for promoting well-being and reducing the burden of depression among the elderly in rural central India.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among patients recovered from COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal

IntroductionCOVID-19 has immensely affected the mental health of all people with prominent effects among the COVID-19 survivors who underwent hospitalisation. The evidence of the long-term mental health implications among the...

The Evaluation of the Impact of Antibiotic De-escalation among Paediatric Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospital in Ajman, UAE: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Observational Study.

Antibiotic de-escalation therapy plays a vital role in reducing the risk of bacterial resistance across the globe. This study elucidates the significance, determinants, and outcomes pertaining to Antibiotic De-escalation (ADE). The ADE is acknowledged as a crucial component within Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs). The proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria arises as an anticipated outcome of the extensive utilization of antibiotics, heightening researchers' apprehensions regarding this global challenge. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the usage of antibiotics in terms of clinical outcomes (re-admission within 30 days and therapy outcomes upon discharge), adverse events, duration of de-escalation, and duration of hospitalizations among pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital due to various infectious diseases. A retrospective study was conducted during a four-month period, from January 2022 to April 2023, at a tertiary care facility in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Participants included in this study were based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 200 pediatric records were screened. The majority of participants, accounting for 66.0%, were female, and 54.0% were classified as Arabs in terms of race. The mean age was 7.5 years (± 2.8). The most prevalent symptoms reported were fever (98%), cough (75%), and sore throat (73%). Male participants were more inclined to present with bacterial infections (88.2%) compared to viral infections (3.8%), bacterial and viral co-illnesses (2.5%), or parasitic infections (1.3%) at the time of admission. Regarding clinical outcomes, 27% of patients were readmitted with the same infection type, while 52% did not experience readmission. The analysis also included information on the number of patients within each antibiotic therapy duration category, alongside the mean duration of antibiotic de-escalation in hours with standard deviation (± SD). The statistical significance of these associations was assessed using P-values, revealing a significant relationship (P < 0.0001) between the duration of antibiotic therapy and the time required for antibiotic de-escalation. The study's analysis revealed that individuals readmitted to the hospital, irrespective of whether they presented with the same or a different infection type, exhibited prolonged durations of antibiotic de-escalation. This observation underscores the potential influence of the patient's clinical trajectory and the necessity for adjunctive therapeutic interventions on the duration of antibiotic de-escalation.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization-Related Symptoms in Chilean Victims of Political Violence During the 1973 to 1990 Dictatorship.

People who suffer political violence (PV) are at risk of developing mental illness, chronic noncommunicable diseases, chronic pain, and decreased life expectancy. However, these indicators have been studied primarily in war veterans and refugees. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and central sensitization-related symptoms (CSRS) in Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship. A cross-sectional observational multicenter study was conducted. Three hundred twenty-five people from six centers of a Ministry of Health of Chile program participated. The presence of CMP was determined by a history of pain ≥3 months, and CSRS was determined using the central sensitization inventory. About 69.23% of the sample had CMP (76.85% of females and 56.56% of males). About 60% of people with CMP showed a high level of CSRS severity (66.67% females and 44.93% males). Females presented significantly higher proportions of CMP (p < .001), and there was an association between CSRS severity and being female (p = .004). Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship presented a high prevalence of CMP and high-level CSRS severity. Both conditions affected females more than males. Future studies are needed to further delve into these variables' behavior and their influence on the quality of life in this population.

Musculoskeletal symptoms among workers of the pulp and paper industry: the contribution of age, gender, body mass index and physical activity level

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate 12-month and 7-day prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers of the pulp and paper industry, and assess the contribution of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA). Methods. The sample comprised 904 workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. χ 2 tests assessed the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and age/gender/BMI/PA, and multivariate logistic regression models predicted the 12-month occurrence of symptoms in the five most prevalent regions. Results. The five most affected body regions were the lower back, shoulders, neck, knees and wrists/hands. Older workers presented more symptoms in all body regions, except dorsal; female gender was associated with neck symptoms (p = 0.001); overweight was associated with a higher prevalence of lower back (p = 0.01), knee (p = 0.017) and ankle/foot (p = 0.037) symptoms; and a moderate PA level was associated with thigh/hip symptoms (p = 0.006). Age was a significant predictor in all five most affected regions; gender was a significant predictor for shoulders, neck and wrists/hands; and BMI was a significant predictor for lower back symptoms. Conclusion. The 12-month and 7-day prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers of the pulp and paper industry is higher in the lower back, shoulders, neck, knees and wrists/hands.

Close relationship with the glandular capsule：a highly sensitive diagnostic indicator of major salivary gland metastatic malignancies in ultrasound.

To investigate the ultrasound (US) characteristics of metastatic malignancies (MM) in the major salivary glands and to assess the diagnostic value of the close relationship with the glandular capsule in identifying MM. From January 2016 and April 2022, 122 patients with major salivary gland malignancies, including 20 patients with MM and 102 patients with primary malignancies (PM) confirmed by histopathological examination, were enrolled in this study. Their clinicopathologic and US data were recorded and analyzed. The diagnostic performance of the close relationship with the glandular capsule for differentiating MM from PM was analyzed. The mean age of MM were older than that of PM (59.50 ± 14.57 vs. 49.96 ± 15.73, p = 0.013). Compared with PM patients, MM were associated with a higher prevalence of local pain symptoms (p = 0.007) and abnormal facial nerve function (p < 0.001). MM were also more frequently characterized by unclear borders, rough margins, irregular shapes, heterogeneous internal echos, absence of cystic areas, presence of calcifications, close relationship with the glandular capsule, and US-reported positive cervical lymph nodes (all p < 0.05). The close relationship with the glandular capsule showed to be a good indicator in distinguishing between MM and PM, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.863, a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 72.5%, and an accuracy of 92.2%. Positive and negative predictive were calculated at 41.7% and 100%, respectively. The US finding of a close relationship with the glandular capsule is a highly sensitive diagnostic indicator for MM. Following this finding, US-guided needle biopsy should be recommended to further confirm the diagnosis.

Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among adult population in primary care centers in Bahrain – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The global increasing prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorders and symptoms among various age groups and nationalities is considered a great clinical challenge. However, limited data are available on this topic in the Middle East and Gulf Council Countries. This study aimed to raise awareness of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among adults in Bahrain by determining its prevalence and risk factors among patients attending primary healthcare centers Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain. A self-administered online questionnaire using Google form, a free online survey-creating website, was distributed through WhatsApp messages. A snowball sampling technique was used. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: the socio-demographic data of participants, the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 614 participants were included with a mean age of 30.04 ± 13.04 years. Most participants were females (82.5%) and single (n = 347, 56.5%). The estimated prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among the participants was 15%; most of them reported mild symptoms (85%). Significantly higher obsession and compulsion symptoms were found among non-Bahraini (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.002), single (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.033), and student participants (P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.002) compared to their counterparts, respectively. In addition, undergraduates reported higher obsessions compared to other participants (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Approximately, one in every eight people in Bahrain were found to suffer from obsessive-compulsive symptoms, especially single, students, and non-Bahraini participants. These findings highlight the need for raising awareness of obsessive-compulsive disorder and its symptoms as well as the importance of early detection and management of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Assessment of prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients having lower urinary tract symptoms with benign prostatic hyperplasia and effect of various treatment modalities on sexual function.

Sexual dysfunction affects a couple's relationship and quality of life of the patient and the partner irrespective of age. In Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent. This study aims to evaluate prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients having LUTS with BPH and effect of various treatment on it. The study is hospital based prospective cross-sectional study. Total 106 patients were included in this study. Fifty-six patients underwent medical treatment and 50 patients underwent transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) according to lower urinary tract symptom score along with grades of prostate. We measured prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction (EJD).We compared the pre and post treatment ED, EJD scores in both medical and TURP group. In our study, 11 (10.4%) patients had very mild ED, 12 (11.3%) had mild ED, 54 (50.9%) had moderate ED and 23 (21.7%) had severe ED. In our study, 11 (10.4%) patients had very mild EJD, 7 (6.6%) had mild EJD, 28 (26.4%) had moderate EJD and 2 (1.9%) had severe EJD. In medical group, ED pre-treatment versus ED post treatment was statistically significant (p = 0.0046), treatment of LUTS improves ED. EJD pre-treatment versus EJD post treatment was not statistically significant (p = 0.8368), treatment of LUTS associated with deterioration of EJD. In TURP group association of ED pre-treatment versus ED post treatment was statistically significant (p = 0.0319). Post TURP patients shows improvement in ED Association of EJD pre-treatment versus EJD post-treatment was statistically significant (p = 0.03000). Post TURP EJD deteriorate. We concluded that the severity of sexual dysfunction correlates with severity of LUTS. Ejaculatory function deteriorates after treatment of TURP compared to medical.

Life changes and symptoms of depression and anxiety among Chinese children and adolescents before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a combination of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and clustering studies.

The measures to prevent COVID-19 pandemic had caused significant life changes, which may have caused stress on the mental health of children and adolescents. We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of life changes on children's mental health in a large Chinese cohort. Survey-based life changes during COVID-19 lockdown were measured among 7,829 Chinese students at Grade 1-9, including social contacts, lifestyles and family financial status. Clustering analysis was applied to identify potential patterns of these changes. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between these changes, their patterns and the presence of depression/anxiety symptoms using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. We found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms decreased during pandemic (34.6-32.6%). However, during and shortly after lockdown, students who reported negative impacts on their study, social and outside activities, and diet had increased risks of depressive/anxiety symptoms. Decreased electronic time and sugar-sweetened consumption, as well as family income decline and unemployment, were also associated with higher risks of these symptoms. Additionally, students with changed sleep time had increased depressive symptoms. These associations attenuated or disappeared one year later. Similar patterns were observed in clustering analysis, while only the group with severe impact on family financial status showed a sustained increase in depression symptoms. In summary, restrictive measures that changed children and adolescents' daily life during COVID-19 lockdown showed negative effects on their mental health, with some commonalities and distinctions patterns in the manifestation of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Prevalence and risk factors of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period: An experience from urban West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that affects new mothers within the first year after childbirth. PPD can negatively impact both the mother’s quality of life and the child’s development. Untreated PPD can lead to adverse outcomes, such as infant growth retardation, poor child survival, impaired development, and undernutrition. The burden of PPD is a significant public health concern, with a global prevalence increase of 18.4% from 2005 to 2015. Early detection and intervention of PPD can mitigate the severity and chronicity of symptoms. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD among mothers in an urban area of Kolkata and identify any influencing factors. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, surveying 189 mothers within the postpartum period of 6 weeks to 1 year. Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale was used to identify possible PPD. Results: About 29% of the women had probable PPD, 19% had possible depression, and 15% had no depression. Factors associated with depression included low birth weight and primiparity, while financial independence served as a protective factor. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that low-birth-weight babies, marital conflict, lack of support at home, and primiparity had higher odds of depression, whereas financial independence was a protective factor. Age was not statistically significant. Conclusion: A high prevalence of PPD and significant associations with factors emphasized the importance of screening all mothers for PPD, providing medical care and counselling, and ensuring acceptance and support from partners, family, and society.