Preventive Measures Research Articles

The effect of COVID-19 vaccination on symptomatic infection and related symptoms among preterm-born children aged 3–7 years in China

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections as well as their associated adverse outcomes. But there is a notable lack of research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children, particularly those young preterm-born children, who are more vulnerable to severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to determine the effect of vaccination with inactivated vaccines BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac on symptomatic COVID-19 infection and related symptoms in preterm-born children aged 3–7 years after relaxation of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures in December 2022 in China. We performed a retrospective cohort study involving 242 preterm-born children aged 3–7 years and the data were collected in March 2023. Logistic regression models and modified Poisson regression models combined with entropy balancing were used to explore the associations of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with symptomatic COVID-19, specific symptoms, and persistent symptoms one month after recovery from COVID-19. Of the 242 recruited preterm-born children, 156 (64.5%) were vaccinated with inactivated vaccines BBIBP‐CorV and CoronaVac. After entropy balancing, the covariates were balanced between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated groups, with standardized mean difference < 0.001. Vaccination with the said SARS-CoV-2 vaccines lowered the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 in preterm-born children (risk ratio [RR] = 0.783; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (0.711, 0.861). Likewise, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a decline in the risk of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.318; 95% CI 0.110, 0.913), fever (RR = 0.710; 95% CI 0.635, 0.794), high fever (RR = 0.542; 95% CI 0.297, 0.988), sore throat (OR = 0.304; 95% CI 0.139, 0.664), and persistent symptoms (RR = 0.425; 95% CI 0.182, 0.993). Immunization with inactivated vaccines BBIBP‐CorV and CoronaVac provides protection against symptomatic COVID-19 for preterm-born children 3–7 years.

Use of mobile communication technology to overcome vaccine skepticism

Despite significant advances in clinical medicine, infectious diseases and their prevention remain the leading problem of our time. Low literacy of the population reggarding immunization, combined with high activity of the anti-vaccination movement, creates unhealthy skepticism about immunoprophylaxis and the risks of epidemics. The work uses theoretical analysis of literature, methods of anonymous questionnaires of students of medical and non-medical specialties, methods of statistical and bioinformatics data processing, and modern internet technologies: the platform of the social network “Vkontakte” and the program for creating a chatbot “Senler”. The analysis of commitment to vaccination of medical and non-medical students showed that 65.8% to 96.2% of respondents have a positive attitude to preventive health measures. From 1.9% to 6% believe the disease is easier to treat than to prevent, and almost 30% of respondents do not think about prevention and diseases in general, considering themselves young. Almost 10% of non-medical students (1 group) consider vaccination useless, 8.4% dangerous for immunity, 18.3% know nothing about vaccinations and cannot compare the benefits of vaccination with the risk of infectious pathology. In order to form medical literacy of the population, including in strategic issues of preserving the health of the nation, the team of authors developed and implemented through the social network “Vkontakte” chatbot “Vaccine and point” containing up-to-date information about vaccines, methods multiplicity and age features of their use. People [n = 156] used the chatbot during the month of work, noting its high informational value, motivating to vaccination. Analysis of commitment to vaccination of students of medical and non-medical specialties showed an insufficient level of trust in domestic preventive medicine, which forms an unhealthy attitude to vaccine prevention. Insufficient vaccine coverage creates real threats to the spread of infectious diseases at the population level. Developed and implemented in real practice, the “Vaccine and point” chatbot is an effective tool for increasing the knowledge of compatriots about the real possibilities of protection against the main vaccine-controlled infections and an additional attempt to overcome anti-vaccination skepticism.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DOS CUIDADOS ODONTOLÓGICOS EM PACIENTES INTERNADOS EM UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA

Hospitalized patients, specifically in ICUs, are unable to perform daily oral hygiene on their own, and are therefore more susceptible to developing more diseases if their oral cavity is not adequate, which can further aggravate their systemic condition. The objective of the study is to highlight the relevance of dental care in patients hospitalized in ICUs, exploring the main forms of action of the dentist and proposing preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The methodology was based on a bibliographic review, using articles from the SciELO, PubMed and BVS databases, published between 2014 and 2024. Complete and relevant articles for the topic were considered, while incomplete, duplicated or out-of-time texts were excluded. The reviewed literature highlights the connection between oral health and the prevention of systemic complications, such as heart and lung diseases. This study indicates that the presence of a dentist in multidisciplinary teams in ICUs is essential to prevent oral complications that can worsen the systemic health of patients in addition to prolonging the length of hospital stay.

Intestinal Parasites and Hematological Parameters in Children Living in Ambatoboeny District, Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country’s extreme weather conditions, poor sanitation, and weak economy facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases. Infections with intestinal parasites are particularly dangerous for children because they can cause malnutrition and anemia, which, in turn, have a negative effect on children’s cognitive functions and physical development. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to assess hematological parameters in a group of children living in northern Madagascar. The screening was conducted in May 2024 in the Clinique Medicale Beyzym in Manerinerina, the Ambatoboeny district. It involved a sample of 208 children aged 0–17 years. Single stool samples were collected from all study participants. The samples were fixed in SAF fixative and then transported from Africa to Europe for further diagnostics at the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, the Military Institute of Medicine–the National Research Institute in Poland. First, the samples were analyzed by light microscopy methods using three different diagnostic techniques (direct smear, decantation with distilled water, and the Fülleborn method). Next, they were tested by molecular biology methods (real-time PCR). Blood samples for the assessment of hematological parameters were collected at the healthcare center in Madagascar. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study sample was 61.5%. Helminths were found in 15.2% of the investigated children, and Giardia intestinalis (20.5%) was found to be the most prevalent parasite in the study population. Most infections were caused by potentially pathogenic stramenopila Blastocystis spp. (32.0%). Mean Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels in the study participants were below normal values. However, no correlation was found between the presence of a parasitic infection and low hematological parameters, which are a clinical sign of anemia. High rates of infections with intestinal parasites in children living in northern Madagascar support the necessity to introduce long-term preventive measures, which would limit the spread of parasitic diseases in the Malagasy population. Low hematological parameters in non-infected children may be indicative of persistent malnutrition or infection with other parasites, e.g., malaria or schistosomiasis.

Modelling the potential impact of a tax on fruit juice in South Africa: implications for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes and health financing

BackgroundSouth Africa is experiencing a persistent growth in non-communicable diseases. Diabetes is among the top ten causes of mortality, especially among women, which is partly driven by high levels of added sugar consumption and obesity. To reduce obesity rates and the incidence of diabetes, South Africa introduced a tax on sugar sweetened beverages (also known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL)) in 2018. The tax is applicable to sugar-sweetened beverages but excludes 100% fruit juice. The government is currently considering extending the tax to include fruit juices. This study models the potential health and economic impact of taxing fruit juices at 20% of the retail price of one liter.MethodsTo analyze the distributional impact of the tax, this study uses extended cost-effectiveness analysis methodology. Data on price elasticities, healthcare cost, income, fruit juice consumption were sourced from the literature and representative national surveys. The potential impact of the tax on diabetes incidence, prevalence, mortality, and financial benefits were estimated for each income group (lowest, quintile 1 to highest, quintile 5).FindingsWe estimate that a 20% tax on fruit juice would avert 156,640 incident cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus over 20 years, with most disease averted occurring among the first- and fifth-income groups. Averted deaths from diabetes would average 2,000 deaths per quintile (for quintiles 1 to 4) and about 2,800 in quintile 5. The improved health resulting from averted incidence and deaths will reduce overall healthcare expenditure by R7.5 billion over 20 years, of which R2.3 billion will occur in the fifth quintile. The South African government will also save about R300 million in subsidizing diabetes-related healthcare cost as a result of prevention; and would raise R8.6 billion in tax revenues per annum. Out-of-pocket expenditure savings will be R303 million and a financial risk protection (money-metric value of insurance) of R4.6 billion over the 20-year period.ConclusionWe conclude that an HPL that significantly raises the retail price of fruit juices would reduce consumption and diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. The tax will also provide significant financial benefits in the form of reduced healthcare costs for both government and households as well as providing financial risk protection to individuals. Health taxes are win-win policies that improve population health and generate revenue for governments to fund public health services delivery and thus improve overall health financing activities of the government. Therefore, population level disease prevention measures such as health taxes are important for achieving universal health coverage.

Effect of low-dose aspirin intervention on pre-eclampsia prevention in high-risk pregnant women and its impact on postpartum hemorrhage

BackgroundPre-eclampsia, characterized by hypertension and organ dysfunction during pregnancy, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Aspirin, known for its antiplatelet properties, has been extensively utilized to mitigate pregnancy-related complications. However, the efficacy of low-dose aspirin in managing pre-eclampsia among high-risk pregnant women and its potential impact on postpartum hemorrhage remain contentious topics.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 344 pregnant women diagnosed with high-risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Among them, 152 received intervention with low-dose aspirin, while the rest did not receive it. The incidence of pre-eclampsia, as well as related complications and outcomes associated with bleeding, were compared and evaluated between the two groups.ResultsThe study findings indicate a significant reduction in the incidence of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women receiving low-dose aspirin intervention, along with a significantly reduced risk of complications. Additionally, there was no significant statistical difference in postpartum hemorrhage between the two groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The safety profile of aspirin usage was found to be favorable.ConclusionLow-dose aspirin demonstrates promising efficacy as an intervention strategy for high-risk preeclamptic women. It does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and reduces the occurrence of complications associated with preeclampsia. Therefore, low-dose aspirin presents a potential preventive measure against adverse outcomes associated with high-risk pregnancies related to preeclampsia. Further research is necessary to validate and elucidate the optimal dosage and timing of administration for maximal benefits.

Travel to malaria-endemic areas: using digital geo-location to assess potential exposure risks and health behaviours.

Travellers frequently visit popular destinations like Brazil, India, Peru, Thailand, and Tanzania, each presenting varying malaria risks. The extent to which travellers enter high-risk malaria-endemic areas in destinations with heterogeneous malaria risk remains unclear. We used geo-location via smartphone application to (i) describe where travellers go within countries with heterogeneous malaria risk (Brazil, India, Peru, Thailand), and (ii) compare mosquito bite prevention behaviours between these destinations and Tanzania, considered entirely high-risk for malaria. This analysis is a sub-study of the TOURIST2 cohort, which prospectively recruited 1000 travellers (≥ 18years, travelling ≤ 4weeks) from Swiss travel clinics (Zurich and Basel) between 09/2017-04/2019. We included 734 travellers to Brazil, India, Peru, Thailand, and Tanzania who provided geo-location data. Daily health and geo-location data were collected using a smartphone application. Malaria risk was categorised using 2022 malaria maps from the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine. Of the 734 travellers, 525 travelled to Brazil, India, Peru, and Thailand, and 225 to Tanzania. In Brazil, India, Peru, and Thailand, only 2% (n = 13) visited high-risk malaria areas. In Peru, 4% (n = 4) visited a high-risk area; in Brazil, 3% (n = 6); in Thailand, 2% when crossing the border into Myanmar (n = 3); and in India, 0%. Travellers to high-risk areas were more often male (62%), slightly older (median age 42.0), and planned longer trips (median 23.0days) than other travellers. No participants were diagnosed with malaria. Travellers to Brazil, India, Peru and Thailand used mosquito bite prevention measures less frequently than travellers to Tanzania. Those in Tanzania had higher, but still suboptimal, use of insect spray (65% of travel-days). Travellers to Brazil, India, Peru, and Thailand rarely visited high-risk malaria areas, and their adherence to mosquito bite prevention measures was generally low. In Tanzania, adherence was higher but still suboptimal.

Are post-operative preventative measures effective in breast cancer-related lymphedema? A systematic review

Are post-operative preventative measures effective in breast cancer-related lymphedema? A systematic review

Heart disease prediction using machine learning models

Abstract. Heart disease remains a global health threat, making rapid identification crucial. Using the Heart Disease Dataset from Kaggle, this research employs a Random Forest model to analyze 13 clinical variables from 1,025 samples. To improve accuracy and address class imbalance, the dataset was split into training and test sets, utilizing methods such as Z-scores, SMOTE, and feature selection. The Random Forest model, which combines multiple decision trees, achieved high performance with an accuracy of 98.54%, identifying key predictors such as chest pain type, maximum heart rate, and thalassemia. Compared to a single decision tree, the Random Forest model reduces overfitting, improves generalization, and increases predictive accuracy. Factors like cholesterol levels, resting blood pressure, and exercise-induced angina were also considered. By averaging results from multiple trees, the model offers reliable and stable predictions, highlighting its potential in clinical settings for early detection and personalized treatment strategies. This study aims to assist healthcare providers in better allocating resources, planning preventive measures, and tailoring treatment plans to individual patients.

Association of diuretics with falls and wrist fractures: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundThe association between diuretics and falls in older adult has been reported in previous studies, but discrepancy remains between the different types of diuretics. The association of diuretics with the risk of wrist fractures due to diuretics is also unclear. Therefore, in this study, we determined the association of diuretics with falls and wrist fractures by Mendelian randomization.MethodsWe used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the effects of the loop diuretics\potassium-sparing diuretics\thiazide diuretics (LDs\PSDs\TDs) on the risk of falls and wrist fracture using the three diuretic-associated genetically-predicted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic tools. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the main evaluation method, with odds ratio (OR) as the evaluation criterion. Additionally, weighted median (WME), MR-Egger, weighted mode (WM) and simple mode (SM) methods were used together for the MR analysis, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the main results.ResultA total of 35 SNPs were included in this study as instrumental variables to replace LDs, PSDs, and TDs, which were 24, 7, and 4. Genetic substitutions for diuretics associated with increased risk of falls were LDs (OR = 1.012043, 95%CI: 1.001607–1.022588, p = 0.022337), PSDs (OR = 1.023794, 95%CI: 1.005605–1.042312, p = 0.010138). Genetically proxied TDs showed no association with falls, but the use of TDs showed a negative correlation with the incidence of wrist fracture (OR = 0.833, 95%CI: 0.767–0.905, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The Cochran Q-test showed no heterogeneity and MR-PRESSO method excluded data pleiotropy.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the use of loop diuretics (LDs) or potassium-sparing diuretics (PSDs) increases the incidence of falls, but there is no causal relationship between thiazide diuretics (TDs) and falls, and TDs may actually reduce the risk of wrist fractures. Clinical use of diuretics necessitates vigilance and appropriate preventive measures to minimize fall-related events.

New concept for the prevention of acute respiratory infections

Medical personnel and family members of patients with acute respiratory diseases (ARD) are at increased risk of infection during epidemics or pandemics. In this regard, it is necessary to develop and implement accessible preventive measures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of IFNα-2b for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in persons located at the source of infection (medical personnel and members of their families). Patients (n = 31) with acute respiratory infections and 117 people from their environment (family members in constant contact with patients) were examined. The subjects underwent a clinical examination and laboratory tests a clinical blood test and a study of the content of the main populations and subpopulations of lymphocytes in the blood. Persons in contact with ARD patients were divided into three groups: persons who received the drug “Grippferon” for 7 days; persons who received the drug “Grippferon” in a prophylactic dose for 7 days; persons in contact with patients with ARD but who have not received the drug “Grippferon”. When assessing the state of the immune system, it was found that the most common type of immune reaction in patients and their people around was activation of innate immunity (48.39% and 66.67%, respectively). At the same time, immunodeficiency in the group of patients with ARD was detected much more often than in persons in contact with them. In addition, patients were more likely to have monocytosis (1.4 times), T lymphocytopenia (2.1 times) and an increase in the number of regulatory T lymphocytes (7.6 times). More than 50% of those examined in both groups showed an increase in the number of NK cells in the blood. An examination of persons in contact with patients with ARD after 7 days of using the “Grippferon” in different doses revealed that the lowest frequency of acute respiratory viral infections symptoms was found in the group receiving IFN at a therapeutic dose. In the group receiving IFN in a prophylactic dose, the frequency of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) symptoms was detected in almost 40% of those examined. More than 80% of people from the group who did not receive the “Grippferon” had symptoms of ARVI after a week of contact with patients with ARD. Thus, the use of IFN in therapeutic doses during the epidemic for persons in contact with patients is proposed as a new concept for the prevention of ARD.

Eyestrains among smartphone users while watching videos in Taipei MRT carriages: a comparison between sitting and standing postures

In MRT carriages, more passengers are watching videos on their smartphones during daily commutes, yet the impact of these viewing conditions on visual strain remains unexplored. This study examined eyestrain in 24 male and 24 female participants while watching videos on smartphones in two postures (sitting and standing) and over two durations (15 min and 30 min) in Taipei MRT carriages. We measured critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) reduction, visual fatigue scale (VFS) scores, and viewing distance (VD) for each trial. Results revealed significant effects of sex, posture, and viewing duration on visual strain, with notable two-way interactions (sex × posture and posture × time) influencing most outcomes. Women showed greater CFF reduction while sitting compared to standing (3.47 Hz vs. 1.90 Hz, p < 0.001) and maintained shorter VDs while seated (25.5 cm vs. 34.3 cm, p < 0.001). However, they reported higher VFS scores when standing (8.94 vs. 4.60, p < 0.001), indicating increased discomfort while standing in the moving MRT carriage. Men exhibited higher CFF reduction (2.81 Hz) than women while standing (1.90 Hz) (p < 0.01), but this difference was not observed while sitting. Eyestrain indicators significantly worsened after 30 min of viewing compared to 15 min, with stronger effects on VFS scores and VDs. This finding supports the recommendation to take breaks after 20 min of smartphone use, even in MRT carriages. Although subjective eyestrain is not always recognized, watching videos on smartphones while seated can result in unexpectedly high levels of objective visual fatigue, indicated by CFF reduction. Our findings suggest that eyestrain patterns in MRT carriages differ from those reported in previous studies. Seated passengers, particularly females with shorter VD, may experience unrecognized eyestrain that could impact eye health, while standing passengers may face greater discomfort. These results highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to mitigate eyestrain in digital public transportation environments.

Evaluation of the components in pre-conflict and post-conflict phases of peace-building

This work presents the evaluation of the components in pre-conflict and post conflict phases of peace-building. The paper identified some research problems which includes the difficulty in peace building agents in determining the right kind of intervention measures that addresses the various phases of peace-building. The study main objective is to determine the component of the various phases of peace-building measures. The methodology applied is the qualitative research design which includes the use of secondary sources such as journals and text books in data generation and qualitative analysis. Among the findings reached is that, the components of the pre-conflict phase of peace-building include peace advocacy and conflict prevention measures. Components of conflict phase include peace-keeping, peace-enforcement, and ceasefire measures, and the post-conflict phase include Demobilization, Disarmament and Rehabilitation (DDR) of ex-combatants and reconstructive recovery projects. Among the recommendation made is that, there should be increased peace advocacy, conflict prevention in the pre-conflict phase, quick use of peace-keeping, peace-enforcement, ceasefire, buffer zone, in the conflict phase, and high level of reconstructive recovery projects in the post conflict phase of any peace-building measure. Keywords: Conflict, Intervention, Peace, Components, Peace-Building, Evaluation.

Gold Price Inflation and Its Implications for Financial Markets: Strategies for Mitigation

Abstract: Gold prices are among the most important indicators in the global financial market. The international gold price has continued to rise in recent years, repeatedly setting new records, accompanied by a boom in gold consumption and investment. The rapid rise in gold prices is due to a combination of factors. Supply and demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical events can lead to price fluctuations. Among them, economic conditions depend on monetary policy, inflation expectations, and market volatility, which may affect the trend of gold prices. The rise in gold prices has exacerbated market volatility and put higher demands on risk management for financial institutions. At the same time, the rise in gold prices has also affected the entire financial industry and changed traditional asset allocation strategies. This article examines the influence of increasing gold prices on the financial market and proposes potential preventive measures or solutions through a survey of literatures, theoretical analysis and logical reasoning. At the same time, this can help financial traders plan their funds reasonably, reduce the impact of inflation and currency devaluation, and better cope with changes in international trade and exchange rates, thus allowing the financial market to operate better.

Role of Chikitsa Sutrani to Formulation a Treatment Protocol

The "Role of Chikitsa Sutras in Formulating Treatment Protocols" bridges ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical practices. Ayurvedic Samhitas, foundational texts, offer therapeutic principles in Chikitsa Sutras. This abstract explores the integration of these guidelines into contemporary protocols, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy, optimize patient outcomes, and foster a holistic healthcare approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employs a multifaceted approach, drawing insights from Ayurvedic Samhitas and contemporary medical literature. The ancient texts, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, are meticulously reviewed to extract Chikitsa Sutras relevant to various ailments. Additionally, modern medical databases are searched for evidence-based treatment protocols corresponding to these conditions. By juxtaposing Ayurvedic principles with modern therapeutic strategies, this study elucidates synergies and disparities, facilitating the formulation of integrated treatment protocols. RESULTS: The combination of Ayurvedic Chikitsa Sutras with modern treatment paradigms yields profound insights and practical implications. Analysis reveals congruencies in fundamental principles such as holistic patient assessment, personalized treatment approaches, and emphasis on preventive healthcare. Ayurvedic guidelines offer nuanced perspectives on disease aetiology, classification, and management, supplementing modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Integration of Ayurvedic principles into treatment protocols enhances therapeutic efficacy, minimizes adverse effects, and promotes patient-centred care. Moreover, the holistic framework of Ayurveda fosters a comprehensive understanding of health and disease, encouraging lifestyle modifications and preventive measures to augment long-term wellness.

Review of Low Voltage Ride-Through Capabilities in Wind Energy Conversion System

The significance of low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) is paramount for ensuring grid stability and reliability during voltage dips. This systematic review delves into the advancements, challenges, and methodologies associated with LVRT capabilities in WECSs. By synthesizing recent research findings, this review highlights technological innovations, control strategies, and regulatory requirements that influence LVRT performance. Key insights include the efficacy of various LVRT techniques, the role of grid codes in shaping LVRT standards, and the integration of advanced control algorithms to improve system resilience. The study offers a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of LVRT in WECSs and pinpoints future research directions to optimize their performance in increasingly complex grid environments. During the LVRT process, the stator of a double-fed induction generator (DFIG) is directly linked to the power grid. When the external power grid experiences a failure, the stator flux produces a significant transient component, resulting in substantial overvoltage and overcurrent on the rotor side of the DFIG. Failure to implement preventative measures may result in damage to the converter, therefore compromising the safety and stability of how the power system functions.

“I Pink I Can” Breast Cancer Intervention Program: Its Effectiveness in Raising Knowledge among Junior High School Students of San Pablo City Integrated High School

As incidence rates rise from one in ten women to one in eight by 2023, breast cancer continues to be a serious worldwide health concern. Regardless of its rarity in men, this study included men in addition to women who frequently get breast cancer. Both sexes are affected by breast cancer, and its effects frequently get worse when discovered in advanced stages. This study highlights the importance of breast cancer education for people of all genders, in order to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. It aims to support the Sustainable Development Goal of "Good Health and Well-Being" by increasing Junior High Students' knowledge about breast cancer through an intervention program. Using a quasi- experimental design, 156 students' knowledge was assessed via a pre-test and post-test after exposure to leaflets, posters, and health teaching. A rigorously tested questionnaire focused on: breast cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors, risk populations, and breast cancer screening showed that while students had basic knowledge initially, misconceptions were common. Post-intervention results demonstrated a significant increase in correct responses, indicating that the program effectively improved knowledge and corrected misconceptions. This underscores the value of targeted health education in promoting breast health and encouraging preventive measures.

Analyzing early childhood allergy prevention motivation of mothers of infants and its predictors using latent class analysis and structural equation modelling

BackgroundAllergic diseases are among the most common chronic diseases in childhood. Early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) behaviors of those caring for the infant during pregnancy and the first months of life may influence the risk of allergy development over the life course. Motivation and intention to use appropriate primary ECAP measures are thus of critical importance.AimsTo characterize parental ECAP motivation, (a) valid indicators will be developed and (b) typical parental characteristics will be identified. (c) According to socio-cognitive models, the predictive value of parental risk perception, control belief and self-efficacy for parental ECAP motivation shall be determined.MethodA sample of N = 343 (expectant) mothers of infants completed a questionnaire on self-reported ECAP motivation, risk perception, control belief, and self-efficacy. The cross-sectional data were analyzed using latent class analysis and structural equation modelling including nominal regression models.ResultsFour typical maternal response profiles (motivated to a customary degree, 70%; motivated to use primary preventive measures, 17.8%; reluctant towards new prevention measures, 6.4%; highly motivated to apply preventive measures in case of an existing allergy, 5.8%) could be identified for the items on ECAP motivation. After splitting the model variables “risk perception” (allergy vs. allergy-associated general health problems) and “self-efficacy” (trust vs. insecurity) a satisfactory model-fit was achieved (CFI = .939; RMSEA = .064). Particularly, increased “risk perception-allergy” (OR = 1.655) and “self-efficacy-insecurity” (OR = 2.013) as well as lower “risk perception-general health” (OR = 0.555) and “control belief” (OR = 0.217), respectively, are associated with higher ECAP motivation.ConclusionThe use of ECAP-measures by parents to protect their newborns from allergies is important, but there are deficiencies in their implementation. Based on a social cognitive model approach, predictive characteristics could be identified, which are associated with increased motivation to implement ECAP-measures. For public health our findings provide a promising basis for conception of behavioral and environmental ECAP prevention measures and their motivated implementation by parents.

Knowledge and Misinformation About Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention Among Healthy and Affected Women: A Study on 2375 Italian Participants

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and remains the leading cause of death among Italian women. Despite increased breast cancer awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, mortality rates remain high globally. In Italy, despite the availability of screening programs by the National Health System (NHS) for all Italian women aged 50–69 every two years, the participation rate remains relatively low. The low uptake of screening may be attributed to a lack of general cancer knowledge among women, including awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention measures. This study investigates the knowledge and misinformation in a population of Italian women regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. Methods: From March 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a survey targeting the female population in Italy, with a total of 2375 participants willingly participating in the study. To investigate factors linked to variations in attitudes toward breast cancer, the participants were categorized into two groups: the general population (Group A, n = 2235) and women who have had or currently have breast cancer (Group B, n = 140). Statistically significant differences were identified between these two groups. Results: The findings revealed considerable confusion regarding both the symptoms and causes associated with cancer, as well as prevention measures. This confusion was particularly prominent among women in the general population and those with lower levels of education. Conclusions: Given these insights, it remains crucial to promote accurate health information concerning risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies related to this devastating disease, emphasizing the ongoing importance of disseminating correct health information.

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer predominantly arising in individuals with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Accounting for approximately 75% of primary liver tumors, HCC's global epidemiology is significantly influenced by HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, alcohol and tobacco use, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and aflatoxin B1 exposure. Preventive measures, including HBV vaccination and direct-acting antivirals for HCV, have reduced incidence rates, particularly in younger populations. Early diagnosis through surveillance in high-risk groups is critical, employing imaging modalities like ultrasound, CT, and MRI, alongside biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Prognostic assessments utilize scores like Child-Pugh and ALBI. Treatment strategies for HCC are multifaceted, involving surgical resection, locoregional therapies (e.g., transarterial chemoembolization), and systemic therapies, including targeted and immunotherapies. Despite advancements, treatment efficacy remains a challenge, necessitating ongoing research into novel therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers to enhance personalized treatment and improve outcomes for HCC patients.