Public Health Problem Research Articles

Epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis in 16 districts of Burkina Faso after two decades of mass treatment

Background After two decades of mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis in Burkina Faso, an impact assessment was conducted in 16 health districts (HDs) between February 2023 to March 2024 to determine the epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis in school-aged children and facilitate the decision for sub-district level treatment decision. Methodology/Principal findings A cross-sectional cluster survey was conducted with randomly selected children aged 5–14 years. Haemastix reagent strips were used to detect microhaematuria in urine, and urine filtration was used to detect and quantify Schistosoma haematobium eggs in children with microhaematuria. The Kato-Katz was used to detect and quantify S. mansoni eggs in fecal samples. The prevalence of infection and the prevalence of heavy-intensity (HI) infections were calculated. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 2.4% (range: 0–11.1%) in 16 HDs, with the overall prevalence of HI infection of 0.9% (range: 0–4.2%). Four HDs (Tenkodogo, Batié, Sig-Nonghin, and Karangasso-Vigué) had a prevalence of HI infection from 1.3% to 4.2%. Forty-seven health areas still had an overall prevalence of 1.4–62.5%, with seven health areas in five HDs >10%, and 29 health areas had a prevalence of HI infection from 1.4% to 22.9%. Boys had a higher prevalence of HI infections than girls. The prevalence of microhaematuria at 5.8% was significantly higher than that of S. haematobium infection by urine filtration at 2.3%, and Haemastix results were significantly associated with the intensity of infection. Conclusions/Significance The results showed that progress has been made in eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem in the 16 HDs in Burkina Faso after two decades of mass treatment. However, hotspots of infections remain, with 29 health areas having a prevalence of HI infection above the 1% threshold. The results provide evidence for planning targeted sub-district-level treatment.

Epidemiological, Clinical, Biological and Therapeutic Profile of Bacterial Meningitis and Factors Associated with Lethality: A Retrospective Study in the Clinic Infectious and Tropical Diseases of Fann Hospital (2020-2023)

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis remains a major public health problem in Africa, with a persistently high incidence and case fatality. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological and therapeutic profile of bacterial meningitis, and to identify the factors associated with lethality. Patients and Methods: A descriptive and analytical retrospective study was conducted from the records of patients hospitalized for bacterial meningitis at the SMIT in Fann January 2020 and December 31, 2023. A multivariate regression analysis, with a significance threshold set at 5%, was performed using R software version 4.2.0. Results: During the study period, we collected 138 inpatient records of patients hospitalised for bacterial meningitis, representing a hospital frequency of 3.06%. The median age of patients was 35 years with IQR: [27-52]. HIV infection (17.39%), high blood pressure (8.76%) and diabetes (8.03%) were the most common comorbidities. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was clear in nearly half of the cases (49.28%), and cytology found a predominantly polynuclear neutrophil white blood cell count in 50% of cases. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days with IQI [7-17]. The most commonly used antibiotic was ceftriaxone, which was administered to 92.04% of patients. During hospitalization, 49 patients died, i.e., a case fatality rate of 35.51%. Factors associated with death were HIV infection (aOR= 3.09; 95% CI [1.05-9.57]), p-value=0,041, a Glasgow score < 13 (aOR: 3.62; 95% CI [1.57-8.57]), p-value=0,03 and CRP > 96 mg/L (aOR: 2.85; 95% CI [1.25-6.72]), p-value=0,013. Conclusion: Bacterial meningitis has a high lethality rate at the Clinic of infectious and tropical diseases of Fann Hospital. Improving immunization coverage, strengthening diagnostic capacity and early management could reduce this fatality.

Cost effectiveness of fortified bouillon in addressing Burkinabe children's vitamin A inadequacy: An economic optimization model.

Vitamin A dietary inadequacy remains a serious public health problem among young children 6-59 months of age in Burkina Faso. Planners face several interrelated challenges: Selecting concrete policy objectives regarding vitamin A inadequacy reductions, identifying cost-effective vitamin A intervention programs that can achieve those objectives, and being reasonably sure that proposed intervention programs are robust to uncertainty in program benefits and costs. A 10-year, subnational economic optimization model making use of secondary dietary intake data and program cost data was developed and implemented to address these issues and included the following vitamin A program options: existing or improved edible oils fortification, a pair of hypothetical vitamin A-fortified bouillon programs, and a set of subnational vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs. The model consistently identified the improved edible oils and bouillon fortification programs as the core national programs upon which the more expensive subnational VAS programs could be layered, depending on policy objectives and available funding. These results were robust to uncertainty in program nutritional benefits and costs. However, even if the most impactful set of modeled programs was implemented, vitamin A inadequacy among children would remain a serious public health problem; hence, additional efforts to address it would be needed.

Inhibition of proton sensor GPR68 suppresses endothelial dysfunction and acute lung injury caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacterial particles.

Lung bacterial infections, including hospital-acquired pneumonia, remain a serious problem for public health. Endothelial cell (EC) exposure to heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (HKSA) represents a clinical scenario of high titers of killed bacterial particles present in the host after antibiotic therapy, which triggers inflammatory cascades, cytokine storms, and EC dysfunction leading to acute lung injury (ALI). GPR68 is a member of the proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor family. Acting as a pH sensor, GPR68 becomes activated upon pH reduction and contributes to pathologic cell responses by activating ER stress and unfolded protein response. This study investigated the role of GPR68 in HKSA-induced EC dysfunction and HKSA-induced ALI. HKSA robustly increased GPR68 mRNA levels in human pulmonary EC and directly stimulated GPR68 activity. A selective GPR68 small molecule inhibitor, OGM-8345, attenuated HKSA-induced EC permeability and protected cell junction integrity. OGM-8345 inhibited HKSA-induced activation of inflammatory genes TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and CXCL5 and decreased cytokine secretion by HKSA-challenged EC. Co-treatment with the GPR68 activator Ogerin or medium acidification to pH 6.5 augmented HKSA-induced EC dysfunction, which was rescued by OGM-8345. Intratracheal HKSA injection increased vascular leak and lung inflammation in mice which were monitored by lung Evans blue extravasation, increased cell and protein count in bronchoalveolar lavage, and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes. ALI and barrier dysfunction was attenuated by OGM-8345. We show for the first time the role of GPR68 in mediating HKSA-induced lung injury and the strong potential for OGM-8345 as a therapeutic treatment of bacterial pathogen-induced ALI associated with tissue acidification.

Assessment of computer vision syndrome and associated factors among employees of Ethio-telecom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundComputer vision syndrome refers to a range of eye and vision-related problems which may result from extended use of digital devices such as computers. It is a public health problem, affecting more than 70% of all computer users. In developing countries like Ethiopia, there is scarcity of studies on computer vision syndrome, particularly in the telecom industry making evidence-based interventions difficult. Hence, the study aims to identify the determinants and the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVS and identify its factors among Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Ethio telecom employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to June 2023. A total of 497 individuals participated in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer- administered questionnaire through Kobo Toolbox, observational checklist and an illuminance measuring instrument. The data were transferred to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association and control for potential confounders.ResultsThe prevalence of CVS among Ethio telecom workers was 68.8% (95% CI: 64.5–72.9). Significant associations were observed with viewing distance <50 cm (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.24–4.33), improper task illumination (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09–2.91), habit of taking breaks (AOR: 0.439, 95% CI: 0.281–0.686), and adjustment of brightness and contrast (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22–0.68).ConclusionMore than two-thirds of Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa suffer from CVS, with significant influences from viewing distance, task illumination, breaks, and monitor settings. These findings underscore the need for interventions to enhance working conditions and reduce CVS prevalence among computer users.

The Burden of Asymptomatic Malaria Infection in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Exploring Barriers to Elimination and Prevention

Abstract Background Malaria remains a major public health problem that continues to cause death in under-five children nearly every minute. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Relevant studies were retrieved from Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Gray Literature, Embase, and African Online Journal databases published between 2014 and 2024. Data quality was assessed by a tool developed by Hoy and colleagues and classified as low, moderate, or high risk of bias. We performed a random effects model and sub-group analysis by age group, region, and diagnostic methods. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024584354). Results A total of 24 cross-sectional studies with 19,169 participants from 10 Sub-Saharan Africa countries were included in the analyses under the age of 15 years. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 25% (95% CI: 20–30%) and showed no evidence of publication bias. Utilization of insecticide-treated nets was significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria. In addition, the overall prevalence of anemia in asymptomatic Plasmodium-infected children under the age of 15 was found to be 35% (95% CI: 24–46%). Subgroup analysis showed significant regional and diagnostic tool differences in asymptomatic Plasmodium infection. Conclusion The findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodium infection in children with significant regional variations. There was a significant association with anemia and the utilization of insecticide-treated nets.

Determining Biochemical Parameters in Patients under Tuberculosis Treatment

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused, in most cases, by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (KOCH's bacillus). It remains a major public health problem despite various therapeutic strategies implemented, such as first-line and second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs (in the case of MDR-TB) which can have dire effects on certain organs (liver, kidney, thyroid, etc.). This study was conducted to evaluate parameters such as transaminases, creatinine, uric acid, and ionogram in tuberculosis patients who are under treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted from August 2021 to December 2023. It involves 172 patients with tuberculosis treated according to WHO recommendations at the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP). Renal transaminases and biomarkers were assayed using enzymatic and colorimetric methods with the A15® multiparametric analyzer (Biosystems). The analysis of the results and the correlation tests were performed with Excel 2013 software. Results: The majority of patients involved in this study were male (sex ratio = 3.3). During treatment, an increase in mean aspartate amino transferase (AST) was observed (p=0.0036). For alanine amino transferase (ALT), this is a slight increase from the mean that was observed (p= 0.137). Unlike creatinine and uric acid, we found non-significant associations with p=0.897 and p=0.890, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that the risk of hepatotoxicity and dysthyroidism should be monitored in patients on anti-tuberculosis treatment. However, it would be relevant to consider the nature of the drugs used.

Frontocentral Delta and Theta Oscillatory Responses are Sensitive to Sleep Deprivation During a Working Memory Task.

Sleep deprivation has become a severe public health problem in modern societies. Negative consequences of prolonged wakefulness on cognitive abilities have been demonstrated and working memory is one of the main cognitive functions that can be affected by sleep deprivation. This study aims to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on working memory through EEG event-related oscillations. Thirty healthy young adult university students and graduates were included in this study (15 rested control - 15 sleep-deprived). A 2-back task was used to evaluate working memory, and both groups performed the task during EEG recording. The sleep-deprived (SD) group was required to stay awake for 24 h, and then the EEG session was conducted. The rested control (RC) subjects participated in the morning after a regular night's sleep. Event-related power and phase-locking analyses were applied, and delta (1-3.5 Hz), theta (4-6.5 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) frequencies were investigated in the time-frequency domain. In the 2-back task, significantly prolonged reaction times were observed in the SD group. However, the decrease in accuracy rate was not significant. The EEG analyses revealed that the SD group had decreased frontocentral event-related delta and theta power responses after the presentation of stimuli. Moreover, task accuracy was positively correlated with the left frontocentral delta power in the SD group, and theta power in the RCs. Thus, we propose that the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on working memory can be observed through low-frequency oscillatory responses in the brain.

Providers’ Practices and Associated Factors in Educating Pregnant Women on the Prevention of Maternal Anemia During Antenatal Care Visits in Ujiji Municipality, Kigoma Region, Tanzania

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is among the preventable severe public health problems, responsible for around 14.5% of maternal mortality in Tanzania. Antenatal visits are among the pillars that aid in reducing the burden of anemia in pregnancy. However, there are discrepancies in adherence and performance across different domains of Antenatal care (ANC) by healthcare workers. Therefore, this study examined providers’ practices and associated factors in educating pregnant women on preventing maternal anemia during antenatal care visits in Kigoma and Ujiji Municipal Council in the Kigoma region. Methods: This was a cross-sectional design involving a total of 430 client exit interviews across 18 facilities. The association between the provision of maternal anemia education and other factors such as health facility level, age group, sex, economic activities, and ANC visitation was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant throughout the study. Results: The study revealed that most participants (70.4%) reported receiving anemia information during ANC visits. The most common topics were insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) (76%) and types of food to prevent anemia (74%), while 20.8% and 24.8% reported receiving information about worm infestation and deworming, respectively. Only 34.4% (95%CI: 26.5–43.3%) of pregnant women were informed of at least five topics. Conclusions: The study reveals limited education provision on anemia among pregnant women. There is a discrepancy in topic coverage among facilities and individuals.

Screening for sickle cell anemia in two populations of eastern Gabon using alkaline electrophoresis and hemoglobin level combined with leukocyte count.

Sickle cell anemia remains a major public health problem in Gabon, with high mortality. However, its prevalence is mainly documented in the capital city of Libreville, with few data for other areas. We performed diagnostic testing by electrophoresison 1534 individuals from two sites in eastern Gabon: Franceville and Koula-Moutou. We also screened 791 individuals from Koula-Moutou using a method that combines hemoglobin levels with leukocyte counts. The allelic frequency of the hemoglobin S and C genes were 18.5% and 0.07%, respectively, in areas of eastern Gabon. Also 3.7% of individuals had sickle cell disease, 29.8% had sickle cell trait and 0.1% was heterozygous for hemoglobin AC. The diagnostic orientation method used in our study showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 97.4%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. This method using hemogram data has proved to be valuable in areas with high resource constraints, and could be used in other areas to aid diagnostic orientation. It would be interesting to similarly evaluate the frequency of sickle cell anaemia in the northern and southern regions of Gabon.

Evaluation of the Impact of Implementing Electronic Prescription in an Oncology Referral Hospital in Recife, Brazil

Abstract Introduction The occurrence of errors in the prescription of antineoplastic oncological drugs constitutes a serious public health problem, directly affecting patient safety. In Brazil, the Protocol for the Safety in Prescription, Use, and Administration of Medications, established in 2013, aims to improve care related to medication use in healthcare facilities. This study aims to evaluate the prescription profiles of patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy treatment admitted to the Pernambuco Cancer Hospital before and after the implementation of electronic prescription. Materials and Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing manual and electronic prescriptions collected from the clinical oncology ward of the Pernambuco Cancer Hospital during the periods from March to May 2016 and from June to August 2016, respectively. The data collected were extracted into a specific instrument, previously adapted for the study, containing information related to patients, prescribers, and medications. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Among the 694 prescriptions analyzed, prescription errors were found in at least one item, with the omission of the patients' sex and bed number being the most common findings. Conclusion All of the prescriptions analyzed, both pre- and postcomputer standardization, contained errors in their completion. With the standardized prescriptions, a significant impact was observed in reducing these rates, especially regarding omission of items and information.

Network analysis of meaning in life, perceived social support, and depressive symptoms among vocational undergraduate students

BackgroundDepression poses a considerable personal and public health problem, particularly in the post-epidemic era. The present study aimed to investigate the association between meaning in life (MIL) and perceived social support (PSS) with depressive symptoms among vocational undergraduate students, employing a network analysis approach to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying pathways and to prevent the progression of depressive symptoms into disorders.MethodsA total of 1367 Chinese vocational undergraduates (Mage = 20.1, SD = 1.6; 44.7% female) were recruited and were asked to complete a series of questionnaires, including the meaning in life questionnaire, perceived social support scale, and patient health questionnaire. The regularized partial correlation network was estimated. The partial correlations between nodes were calculated as edges. Moreover, network comparison tests were conducted to compare three subnetworks based on different levels of depression (minimal, subthreshold, and moderate/severe).ResultsThe top strength nodes within each network were identified as sleep and motor in minimal group, anhedonia and concentration in subthreshold group, and anhedonia and sleep in moderate/severe group. Additionally, the bridge strength nodes were determined as MIL-3, MIL-4, sleep, guilt, and school in minimal group; MIL-4, anhedonia, suicide, and friend in subthreshold group; MIL-9, MIL-7, anhedonia, sleep, and family in moderate/severe group. Furthermore, network comparison tests showed significant differences in centrality (all p < 0.05), while network invariance remained constant across groups. Notably, the accuracy and stability coefficients for all network structures were greater than 0.5, indicating stable and reliable results.ConclusionThese findings elucidate specific pathways and potential central nodes for interactions of MIL or PSS with depressive symptoms at different levels of depression, providing valuable insights for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Unveiling the Functional Component in Post-Concussive Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Modelling Approach

<p dir="ltr"><span>Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common public health problem that significantly affects millions of people, especially people in high-risk occupations. Post-concussive cognitive impairment (PCCI) is a prevalent and debilitating outcome of mTBI that has a major impact on cognitive function as well as quality of life, thus affecting long-term health outcomes. Of all traumatic brain injuries, mTBI accounts for 58-88%, according to epidemiological studies. However, mTBI sufferers report a multitude of cognitive and emotional symptoms that constitute post-concussive syndrome (PCS). The most reported symptoms include fatigue, headaches, sensitivity to noise, anxiety, and depression. Although there is progress in understanding biochemical and structural changes after mTBI, memory, attention, and processing speed in PCCI remain poorly understood. This study aims to develop a regression model based on the modified version of Brown's disease cognition model. This model describes both cognitive and behavioural responses as indicators of functional aspects in PCS. In this study, data from 45 patients were analysed to reveal the functional nature of cognitive impairment in PCS, to open the way for more precise interventions. In addition to investigating the physiological aspects of PCS, we aim to recognise the inherent social dimension of the experiences of individuals affected by PCS. Additionally, the often subtle and non-observable nature of symptoms can bring challenges in interpersonal relationships, emphasising the need to enhance awareness among family, colleagues, and employers of the cognitive and behavioural aspects of PCS.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

Factors that influence the adoption of a school-based eHealth alcohol prevention program among Spanish personnel: a mixed methods study

BackgroundEvidence-based research has shown that using eHealth interventions effectively reduces risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, a public health problem worldwide. However, despite its benefits, there has been a poor intention to adopt such innovations, and limited resources exist to understand factors influencing the uptake decision to use school-based eHealth alcohol prevention programs. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of a computer-tailored eHealth alcohol prevention program among school personnel in Spain.MethodsA cross-sectional study employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was carried out. First, interviews were conducted with ten Spanish school counselors to assess factors influencing the adoption of the school-based eHealth program by exploring participants' awareness and salient beliefs concerning attitudes, social influences, and self-efficacy. Second, an online quantitative questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative research findings. Third, the new questionnaire was administered to Spanish school personnel (N = 100), including the school management team, school counselors, and teachers. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Integrated Change Model frameworks were used as theoretical bases for understanding the adoption process.ResultsSchool personnel with a strong intention to adopt the program (intenders) perceived significantly more advantages and positive innovation attributes, than those participants with a weaker intention to adopt (non-intenders). Intenders perceived a higher personal relevance and responsibility towards using the program, more self-efficacy (e.g., ability to understand, manage time and incorporate the program) and positive social influences from their colleagues, as well as greater willingness in preparing action plans, such as monitor students’ alcohol consumption and discussing the program with coworkers, than the non-intenders group. Advantages and social support were found to explain a significant portion of the variance in the adoption intention.ConclusionsThis study suggests that health intervention researchers should develop strategies to enhance educators' pro-innovation attitudes, personal relevance and responsibility, and perceived ease of use towards adopting an eHealth program. Furthermore, our results highlight that fostering school personnel's acceptance of the intervention and planning goal-oriented actions are crucial elements in optimizing adoption promotion of eHealth programs in school settings.

The Stealth and Potentially Fatal Nature of Kingella kingae Outbreaks in Daycare Facilities

Abstract Although Kingella kingae infections are usually sporadic, outbreaks of K. kingae disease have been reported. Outbreaks of invasive K. kingae infections in daycare centres were searched through the Pubmed database. Twenty-seven outbreaks have been detected in North America, Western Europe, and Israel. The median age of the 72 affected attendees was 14 months, and the attack rate was 18%. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 66 (92%) attendees, and endocarditis in three (4%), of which two died. A high prevalence of the invasive strains was found among asymptomatic classmates. Genomic analysis of the available strains identified the highly invasive sequence-type complexes 23/25, 14, or 6 in 12 of 13 (92%) outbreaks. Kingella kingae strains causing daycare outbreaks exhibit enhanced colonization, transmissibility, and virulence. Increased awareness of this emerging public health problem and the use of molecular diagnostic methods are recommended for the early identification of outbreaks and prevent fatal outcomes.

Elucidating the knowledge, attitude, and stigma associated with tuberculosis: a community based descriptive study in Wau and Jur River, South Sudan.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in South Sudan. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and perceived stigma may complicate the prevention efforts. This study describes knowledge, attitude, and stigma associated with TB among communities in Wau and Jur River, South Sudan. From March to May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 community members randomly selected from residential blocks. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Out of 352 respondents, 51% (n = 180) were males and 49% (n = 172) were females. Majority 227 (64.5%) had poor knowledge about TB, meanwhile hearing about TB, age and level of education were associated factors. Fear of having TB was the major negative attitude (57.1%; n = 218), and most of the respondents (n = 327; 92.9%) had a perceived stigma towards TB, voicing that they disliked drinking or eating with people with TB and/or felt uncomfortable and kept their distance from people with TB. Communities have little knowledge, negative attitude and perceived stigma towards people with TB. Hence, tailored health messages using local languages, training of community volunteers to reach villages without accessibility and communication network are essential to improve TB prevention and control in South Sudan.

Cultural adaptation, translation and validation of the conflict in adolescence dating relationship inventory (CADRI) in the Greek language.

Dating violence (DV) is a major public health problem with serious consequences for the young population. The Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI) is the most internationally used tool to measure DV. However, no tool has been translated, culturally adapted, or validated in the Greek context to assess the prevalence of DV in the Greek population. To culturally adapt, validate, and translate the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI) in the Greek language to ensure its reliability and cultural and linguistic validity in the Greek population. A cross-cultural adaptation process and cross-sectional study were carried out. There were two phases in the research. First, face validity was assessed after the first phase of translation, which included cross-cultural item adaptation, content validation and expert review of the instrument. In the second stage, the scale's psychometric qualities were assessed on a sample of nursing college students. A CADRI instrument was used to assess DV. The final sample comprised a total of 177 university students. The internal consistency and reliability were good (>0.7), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.889 for the violence perpetrated subscale and 0.925 for the violence suffered subscale, indicating strong correlations between the total item scores. After exploratory factor analysis was performed, the structure obtained was similar to the original structure. Furthermore, 88.7% of university students perpetrated DV in the last year on their partners, and 90.7% suffered DV, with verbal and emotional violence the most common types. This study provides robust evidence of the validity and reliability of the CADRI for measuring DV in the Greek university population. Additionally, the high prevalence makes it necessary to create DV prevention plans and further research, especially among nursing students. Validation of the CADRI in Greece will increase the knowledge of DV in this population, which lacks validated instruments. The results obtained with the CADRI can be applied to the prevention of DV in young people.

A Novel Genotype of Orientia tsutsugamushi in Human Cases of Scrub Typhus from Southeastern India

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne, re-emerging public health problem in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, South India. More than 40 serotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi have been documented worldwide. However, the information on the circulation of its molecular sub-types in India is scanty. A retrospective study was conducted among serologically confirmed cases of scrub typhus. DNA isolated from blood was screened by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the GroEL and the 56 kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) genes. Out of 59 samples, 14 partial fragments of GroEL and the twelve 56 kDa genes were PCR-amplified and DNA-sequenced. The neighbor-joining (NJ) analysis indicated three distinct phylogenetic clades, including a novel genotype designated as Ot-Thanjavur-Tamil Nadu (Ot-TJTN, 9 nos. 64.3%); Karp-like (4 nos. 28.6%); and Kuroki-Gilliam type (1 no. 7.1%). Also, phylogenetic analysis of twelve 56 kDa variable domains (VDΙ-ΙΙΙ) of TSA gene sequences revealed a distinctive new genotypic cluster of eight samples (66.6%), and the remaining four (33.4%) were Karp-like genotypes. The Simplot analysis for the similarity and event of recombination testing elucidated the existence of the new genotype of the Ot-TJTN cluster, which was undescribed so far, in the Kato and TA716 lineages. The significant findings recommend further studies to understand the ongoing transmission dynamics of different O. tsutsugamushi strains in vector mites, rodent hosts, and humans in this region.

Systematic Review: Coping Strategies Among Individuals with Drug Addiction

<span id="docs-internal-guid-d692a933-7fff-aca9-14e4-544b4dfbdb01"><span>Drug addiction is a major global public health problem characterised by the compulsive use of drugs despite their harmful effects on various health dimensions. This systematic review examines the coping strategies used by individuals struggling with drug addiction and evaluates their effectiveness on the road to recovery. A comprehensive literature search of academic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar identified 20 relevant studies published between 1990 and 2023. These studies were analysed to classify coping strategies into adaptive and maladaptive categories. The review highlights the importance of promoting adaptive coping strategies and addressing maladaptive behaviours in therapeutic interventions. Comprehensive treatment plans involving multiple adaptation strategies are recommended for long-term recovery. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective combinations of coping strategies and integrating them into drug addiction treatment programs.</span></span>

Posttraumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma and health behaviors in victims of intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a serious public health problem and a significant risk factor for women’s health. In Portugal, studies focusing on the investigation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood trauma, and health behaviors in victims of IPV are scarce. This research aimed to analyse the effects of childhood victimization and of IPV on PTSD symptoms and health behaviors in a sample of Portuguese women, including victims and non-victims of IPV (n=117). The participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (M=37.76; SD=14.85). Differences between women with and without IPV in childhood trauma, PTSD symptoms, and health behaviors were also examined. Results indicated that women who are victims of IPV experience higher levels of childhood abuse and PTSD symptoms and engage in fewer health behaviors compared to non-victimized women. Childhood physical and emotional abuse along with psychological aggression in adulthood are the strongest predictors of PTSD symptoms. Childhood sexual abuse and sexual coercion in adulthood contribute to a lower engagement in health behaviors. This study underscores the impact of IPV on mental health and highlights the need to design effective interventions that prevent future revictimization and promote healthy behaviors among victims.