Social Demographic Characteristics Research Articles

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among urban school adolescents in Vietnam: The role of youth, family, and school relationships

BackgroundAdolescents frequently encounter a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, predominantly depressive and anxiety disorders, along with various behavioral disturbances. ObjectiveThis investigation aims to delineate the prevalence of depressive disorders among adolescents in urban Vietnam and to elucidate the interrelationships between familial and school-related dynamics and adolescent depression. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022, involving 507 students aged 15 to 17 from high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - Second Edition (RADS-2) was used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. Social-demographic characteristics, adolescent-family and adolescent-school relationships, and academic environment characteristics of high school students were interviewed. Multivariate Tobit regression models were employed to discern contributory factors across four domains of RADS-2. ResultsAmong the 507 adolescents, the mean scores on the RADS scale were 15.1 ± 4.2 for the dysphoric mood domain, 16.4 ± 4.0 for the anhedonia-negative domain, 13.1 ± 4.4 for the negative self-evaluation domain, and 12.4 ± 3.7 for the somatic complaints domain. The analysis indicated that adolescents with suboptimal parental relationships, absence of confidants, frequent parental conflicts, exposure to parental arguments, substantial exam-related stress, or overwhelming academic demands were more likely to exhibit elevated depressive symptoms. Conversely, adolescents who were satisfied with their friendships at school and received care, support from teachers or friends, and involved in school's extracurricular activities lower exhibited levels of depression. ConclusionsFindings reveal the significant impact of family and peer relationships, as well as academic stress, on the development of depressive symptoms. These significant results inform the design and development of future interventions aimed at mitigating depression risks among high school students, emphasizing the crucial roles of both educational institutions and family dynamics.

Networks of persistence: A new framework for protracted displacement from a Georgian lens

AbstractMillions of internally displaced people are living in their own countries in a temporary status called ‘protracted displacement’, a term not without its debates. We use a social network analysis database to assess how social interactions and demographic characteristics, including the relative location of resettlement, may contribute to IDP integration during the first 2 years of displacement. Our analysis of information from 57 internally displaced individuals in the aftermath of the 2008 Russo‐Georgian War, finds that networks of persistence, rather than survival or integration, characterize patterns of protracted displacement within 2 years of displacement. This suggests a need for rethinking the mainstream definitions to ensure vital resources are provided to displaced populations to promote timely integration.

The influencing factors of nurses' job engagement in tertiary, A grade hospitals in East China: A cross-sectional study.

To explore the effects of demographic characteristics, mental workload, and Adversity quotient (AQ) on the job engagement of nurses in East China. A quantitative and cross-sectional study. The survey collected questionnaire data on mental workload, adversity quotient, and job engagement from 473 nurses selected working in 12 Grade-A tertiary hospitals based on informed consent in East China between July 2020 and March 2021. The total score of mental workload was 78.24 ± 11.65, the adversity quotient score was 128.26 ± 15.84, job engagement score was 42.32 ± 7.79. Job engagement has a remarkable positive correlation with adversity quotient (r = 0.613, p<0.001), and a negative correlation with mental workload (r = -0.499, p<0.001). Mental workload has an apparent negative correlation with adversity quotient (r = -0.291, p<0.001). Labor-management relationship with current organization, department, study to get a degree or diploma in spare time, attitude towards a career in Nursing, attitude towards the current career position, satisfaction with marriage, social support, load feelings, self-assessment, control, and endurance could predict 70.9% of job engagement of nurses. The mental workload of nurses was higher, the AQ was at a medium level, and the job engagement of nurses was also slightly higher. Labor-management relationship with current organization, department, study to get a degree or diploma in spare time, attitude towards a career in Nursing, attitude towards the current career position, satisfaction with marriage, social support, load feelings, self-assessment, control, and endurance had predictive effects on nurses' job engagement. It is necessary to take a variety of measures according to the social-demographic characteristics, improve the adversity quotient, and evaluate the mental workload correctly, to improve the job engagement of nurses. The epidemic situation and other emergencies make the work pressure of nurses in Grade-A tertiary hospitals increase suddenly. It should pay attention to the influence of different demographic factors, and pay attention to the correct guidance of work demand-mental workload, as well as the cultivation, and improvement of job resource-AQ, which can improve the job engagement of nurses to some extent. No patient or public contribution.

What determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Chinese nursing students? A cross-sectional study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to threaten human health, and health professionals, including nursing students, usually work in healthcare frontiers with a high risk of infection. Vaccination is currently one of the most effective preventive measures. This study aimed to explore the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in nursing students. In November 2022, a sample of undergraduate nursing students was recruited from several medical schools in Anhui Province, China, and an online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the questionnaire star platform (Wenjuanxin). A Chi-square test was used to explore vaccine hesitancy among nursing students with different social demographic characteristics and vaccine attitudes. Binary logistic regression analysis was then used to determine the influence factors of vaccine hesitancy among nursing students. A total of 1,090 valid samples were collected in this study. Of these, 27.06% (295) of nursing students reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The results showed "the need to go out of town recently" (OR = 0.670), "very confident that the outbreak could be controlled sustainably" (OR = 0.393), "feeling at risk of infection" (OR = 0.658), "not being worried/being generally worried about the vaccine's safety" (OR = 0.226 and OR = 0.686, respectively), and "not being worried about the vaccine's effectiveness" (OR = 0.411). These five factors are protective factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in nursing students. The factors "considering the country completely safe from an outbreak" (OR = 3.436), "considering themselves safe because others are vaccinated" (OR = 2.239), and "Agreeing that other protective measures can be relaxed after vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine" (OR = 2.007) are risk factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among nursing students (P < 0.05). Overall, relatively few nursing students had COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Schools and relevant institutions still need to actively guide them to improve their confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine, strengthen the prevention and control measures of the epidemic, and improve their awareness of the crisis to improve the vaccination rate to reduce the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in nursing students.

Maternal peripheral blood telomere length and preterm birth in African American women: a pilot study.

This study aimed to explore the association between preterm birth and telomere length of maternal peripheral blood in African American women. 78 African American women were recruited for this study between 2018 and 2023 from 2 prenatal clinics in central and east Texas. Participants provided blood samples and completed clinic questionnaires, with clinical data collected from their post-delivery medical records. Telomere length was measured using monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the association between telomere length and gestational length. Kruskal-Wallis's test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare preterm birth, early-term birth and full-term birth by telomere length, social-demographic characteristics, stress and discrimination. The rates of preterm birth was higher in pregnant women with shorter telomeres. After adjusting for confounders, for every 10-units increase in the relative telomere-to-single-copy gene (T/S) ratio, gestational days increased by 1.090 days (90% CI 0.182, 1.997), and for every 10-units decrease in the T/S ratio, the odds of preterm birth was 2.664 (90% CI 1.064, 6.673) times greater than the odds of full-term birth. No statistically significant associations were observed between stress, discrimination, and either preterm birth or telomere length. Maternal peripheral blood telomere shortening is associated with preterm birth, providing support to further explore the clinical utility of maternal telomere testing for prediction and early intervention of preterm birth and the study of biological mechanisms of spontaneous preterm birth.

Examining the relationship between demographic variables and perceived health literacy challenges in Tasmania, Australia.

Whilst there is a relationship between health literacy and health outcomes, the importance of social and personal demographic characteristics remains understudied., Identifying the factors responsible for creating health literacy challenges would help ensure that responses are tailored to individual or community needs. This survey included questions from five domains from the Health Literacy Questionnaire. Descriptive analyses and hierarchical regression were used to explore the relationship between the demographic characteristics and health literacy. Qualitative questions were subjected to thematic analysis, to identify the current barriers and proposed solutions. A total of 255 participants completed the survey. Demographic characteristics that significantly predicted lower Health Literacy Questionnaire scores were having one or more chronic health conditions and living in an area of more socioeconomic disadvantage. Participants found 'navigating the health care system' the most difficult of the five elements measured. A total of 276 individual barriers to health literacy were identified and 162 solutions proposed. This study provides an overview of our sample's health literacy and how their social demographic characteristics may predict their health literacy challenges. Findings from this study can be used to develop targeted interventions to respond to specific health literacy challenges identified within this population. SO WHAT?: Distinct from other research, whereby solutions are proposed by researchers, the participants in this study were encouraged to share their health literacy challenges and outline potential solutions to address these in their local context.

Comparison of the measurement properties and consistency between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L in adolescents aged 15–17 in China

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the measurement properties and consistency between the Chinese versions of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L among Chinese adolescent populations aged 15–17 years.MethodsChinese adolescents aged 15–17 studying in high school were recruited through online survey. Social-demographic characteristics and self-reported EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L responses were collected in the survey. The consistency of responses between the two measures was assessed using redistribution property, and the consistency of utility values was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Convergent validity and known-group validity were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation, F-test and effect sizes, respectively. Sensitivity was compared using relative efficiency (RE).Results762 respondents (48.8% male; age 15–17 years;) were recruited. The EQ-5D-3L showed a more severe ceiling effect than EQ-5D-Y-3L (78.2% vs. 66.0%). Respondents reported higher proportions of having problems in four dimensions using the EQ-5D-Y-3L than using the EQ-5D-3L. The consistency of corresponding dimensions between the two measures was relatively good, while non-negligible proportions of inconsistency were observed in “pain/discomfort” (11.4%) and “anxiety/depression” (15.7%) dimensions. The ICC of the utility values between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L was 0.852 (p < 0.001). The Spearman’s rank correlation (range: 0.385–0.620) indicated an acceptable convergent validity between the correlative dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L. The EQ-5D-Y-3L had a higher efficiency than the EQ-5D-3L at detecting differences across EQ VAS subgroups (ES = 1.793 for EQ-5D-3L, ES = 1.920 for EQ-5D-Y-3L). Mixed results were observed in sensitivity.ConclusionsBoth the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y-3L are demonstrated to be valid and generally consistent for measuring HRQoL among adolescents aged 15–17 years in China. Respondents reported higher proportions of having problems using the EQ-5D-Y-3L than using the EQ-5D-3L. More research is warranted to compare the discriminant validity and test-retest reliability between the two measures.

The prevalence and correlates of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers in South China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFemale sex workers (FSW) are particularly vulnerable to unintended pregnancy. Research examining the experience of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex among Chinese FSW, however, is limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex among FSW in China.MethodsIn 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1257 FSW in five cities from Guangdong provinces in South China. Data were collected on social-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, experience of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex and its pregnancy outcome, as well as experience of abortion in lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy.ResultsAmong the 1257 FSW, 19.3% reported having at least one unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex. Of those, 96.7% chose to terminate the pregnancy through induced abortion, and 40.5% reported undergoing multiple induced abortions in their lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that FSW working in current location over one year (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.82, 95% CI 1.71–4.64) and having more than seven clients in the past week (aOR: 4.53, 95% CI 2.74–7.51) were more likely to have had unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex. Working in high tier (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.14–0.30) and consistent condom use with clients in the past month (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.10–0.23) were associated with a lower proportion of FSW having ever had unintended pregnancy.ConclusionsUnintended pregnancy are prevalent among FSW in South China. Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and enhancing post-abortion care could be necessary among Chinese FSW.

The importance of neighborhood offending networks for gun violence and firearm availability

Abstract The salience of neighborhoods in shaping crime patterns is one of sociology’s most robust areas of research. One way through which neighborhoods shape outcomes is through the creation and maintenance of social networks, patterns of interactions and relationships among neighborhood residents, organizations, groups, and institutions. This paper explores the relationship between network structures generated through acts of co-offending—when two or more individuals engage in an alleged crime together—and patterns of neighborhood gun violence and gun availability. Using arrest data from New York City, we create co-arrest networks between individuals arrested in the city between 2010 and 2015. We analyze these network patterns to, first, understand the overall structure of co-offending networks and, then, assess how they impact neighborhood levels of gun violence and gun availability. Results show that local and extra-local networks play a central role in predicting neighborhood levels of shootings: neighborhoods with a greater density of local ties have higher shootings rates, and neighborhoods that share social ties have similar rates of violence. In contrast, the network dynamics involved in gun recoveries are almost entirely local: co-offending patterns within neighborhoods are strongly associated with the level of gun recoveries, especially the clustering of co-offending networks indicative of groups. Contrary to previous research, spatial autocorrelation failed to predict either shootings or gun recoveries when demographic features were considered. Social-demographic characteristics seem to explain much of the observed spatial autocorrelation and the precise measurement of network properties might provide better measurements of the neighborhood dynamics involved in urban gun violence.

Socioeconomic determinants and reasons for non-acceptance to vaccination recommendations during the 3rd - 5th waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary

BackgroundIn Hungary, although six types of vaccines were widely available, the percentage of people receiving the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination remained below the EU average. This paper investigates the reasons for Hungary’s lower vaccination coverage by exploring changing attitudes towards vaccination, socio-demographic determinants, and individual reasons for non-acceptance during the 3rd - 5th pandemic waves of COVID-19.MethodsThe study’s empirical analysis is based on representative surveys conducted in Hungary between February 19, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The study used a total of 17 surveys, each with a sample size of at least 1000 respondents. Binomial logistic regression models were used to investigate which socio-demographic characteristics are most likely to influence vaccine hesitancy in Hungary. The study analysed 2506 open-ended responses to identify reasons for vaccine non-acceptance. The responses were categorised into four main categories and 13 sub-categories.ResultsBetween the third and fifth wave of the pandemic, attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination have significantly changed. Although the proportion of vaccinated individuals has increased steadily, the percentage of individuals who reported not accepting the vaccine has remained almost unchanged. Socio-demographic characteristics were an important determinant of the observed vaccine hesitancy, although they remained relatively stable over time. Individuals in younger age groups and those with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to decline vaccination, while those living in the capital city were the least likely. A significant reason behind vaccine refusal can undoubtedly be identified as lack of trust (specifically distrust in science), facing an information barrier and the perception of low personal risk.ConclusionAlthough compulsory childhood vaccination coverage is particularly high in Hungary, voluntary adult vaccines, such as the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, are less well accepted. Vaccine acceptance is heavily affected by the social-demographic characteristics of people. Mistrust and hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccines, if not well managed, can easily affect people’s opinion and acceptance of other vaccines as well. Identifying and understanding the complexity of how vaccine hesitancy evolved during the pandemic can help to understand and halt the decline in both COVID-19 and general vaccine confidence by developing targeted public health programs to address these issues.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers on isoniazid preventive treatment in Tanzania; a health facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, the co-occurrence of TB and HIV poses a substantial challenge to healthcare systems. Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) has become an important intervention to mitigate the risk of TB infection among individuals living with HIV. Despite its proven efficacy, the extent of knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Tanzania is not well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding IPT among healthcare workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare workers working at TB/HIV clinics in 12 regions of Tanzania mainland. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents consisting of social demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice questions. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0.ResultsA total of 464 respondents were interviewed, with 282 (60.8%) being female. The mean age was 36.4 years (SD = 11.0). Among the interviewed, 255 (55.0%) were nurses. Regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice on IPT, 217 (46.8%), 220 (47.0%), and 422 (90.9%) respondents respectively demonstrated adequacy in these domains. Factors such as gender, university education, professional role in healthcare practice, cumulative work experience of one year or more, tenure at a TB/HIV clinic of one year or longer, and attendance at IPT-related training emerged as significant determinants. These factors influence respondents' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards IPT.ConclusionThe findings underscored a notable knowledge gap and a less favourable attitude towards IPT among HCWs, despite commendable practices. Addressing this disparity through targeted training interventions for healthcare workers holds promise for enhancing their understanding and attitude toward IPT, thereby fostering increased acceptance and utilization of this preventive therapy.

Factors associated with peptic ulcer perforations in Uganda: a multi-hospital cross-sectional study

IntroductionPerforated peptic ulcer is the worst complication of peptic ulcer disease whose burden is disproportionately higher in low-income settings. However, there is paucity of published data on the patterns of perforated peptic ulcer in the region. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with anatomical patterns of peptic ulcer perforation, as well as the clinical, socio-demographic, and anatomical patterns among patients in Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study that enrolled 81 consecutive patients with perforated peptic ulcers. Using a structured pretested questionnaire the social demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained. At surgery, the patterns of the perforations were determined. Logistic regression was done in SPSS version 22 to determine the factors associated with the anatomical patterns.ResultsPerforated peptic ulcer disease was more prevalent among males (79.5%), peasants (56.8%) and those from rural areas (65.4%). Majority of study participants were of blood group O (43.2%). Gastric perforations were more common (74.1%). Majority of the perforations were found anteriorly (81.5%). Being a casual laborer was independently associated with lower odds of having a gastric perforation compared to being a peasant farmer (P < 0.05).ConclusionPublic health campaigns aimed at prevention of peptic ulcer perforations should prioritize the males, peasants and those living in rural areas. When a patient in our setting is suspected to have a peptic ulcer perforation, the anterior part of the stomach should be considered as the most likely site involved more so in peasant farmers.

Prevalence of Malaria among Children in urban area at Byahi Health Center, Rubavu District, Rwanda

Background: Malaria is one of the most public health and life-threatening parasitic infections caused by the protozoan parasite. Since children are immunologically naive to the malaria parasite, they are the main vulnerable groups to be affected by malaria. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria among children in urban area at Byahi Health Center, Rubavu district. Methods: Cross-sectional study was used to achieve the objectives. To obtain the information regarding social demographic characteristics, written questionnaires in native language were distributed to caregivers. Blood smears were collected and sent to laboratory department for analysis. Data were analyzed using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Results: Among 50 children who participated in the study, the majority were males over females with 58% and 42% respectively. The prevalence of malaria among children in urban area was higher with 30%. Among the participants, children of age range 1-5 years shown a high prevalence of malaria than those of 5-8 months with 13 and 2 positive cases respectively and children of 1-5 years old was statistically significant with a p-value (p 0.027). Conclusion: After getting the results above, we have seen that children from urban area are affected by malaria with the overall prevalence of 30%. There is a need of improving and rechecking the existing malaria in children, prevention and control measures of the country. Byahi health center should create awareness about the importance early malaria checkup recommended reducing malaria infection. The parents are recommended to protect their children and district leaders should make researcher in others school. It must be reported to Ministry of Health that malaria infection mostly affects children. Keywords: Malaria parasite, children, blood smear, Plasmodium

State paid family leave policies and breastfeeding duration: cross-sectional analysis of 2021 national immunization survey-child

BackgroundPaid parental leave policies may promote breastfeeding, which can have short- and long-term health benefits for both members of the birthing person-infant dyad. In the United States, where 56% of the workforce qualifies for unpaid federal medical leave, certain states have recently enacted paid parental and family leave policies. We aimed to assess the extent to which living in states with versus without paid family leave was associated with feeding regimens that included breastfeeding.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis of the 2021 National Immunization Survey-Child, we assessed feeding outcomes: (1) exclusively breastfed (only fed breastmilk—never infant formula—both before and after six months of age), (2) late mixed breastfeeding (formula after six months), (3) early mixed breastfeeding (breastfed, formula before six months), and (4) never breastfed. We conducted Pearson χ2 to compare social-demographic characteristics and multivariable nominal regression to assess extent to paid family leave was associated with breastfeeding regimens, compared with never breastfeeding.ResultsOf the 35,995 respondents, 5,806 (25% of weighted respondents) were from states with paid family leave policies. Compared with never breastfeeding, all feeding that incorporated breastfeeding—exclusive breastfeeding, late mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced after six months), and early mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced before six months)—were more prevalent in states with paid family leave policies. The adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and differences in adjusted prevalence compared with never breastfeeding in states with versus without paid family leave policies were: aPR 1.41 (95% CI 1.15, 1.73), 5.36% difference for exclusive breastfeeding; aPR 1.25 (95% CI 1.01, 1.53), 3.19% difference for late mixed feeding, aPR 1.32 (95% CI 1.32, 1.97), 5.42% difference for early mixed feeding.ConclusionStates with paid family leave policies have higher rates of any breastfeeding and of exclusive breastfeeding than states without such policies. Because all feeding types that incorporate breastfeeding were higher in states with paid family leave policies, expansion of paid family leave may improve breastfeeding rates.

Hazard exposure heterophily in socio-spatial networks contributes to post-disaster recovery in low-income populations

Despite recognition of the influence of socio-spatial networks on disaster recovery, limited data-driven evidence exists regarding the nature of this relationship. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the duration of the human mobility recovery process and its relationship with hazard-exposure heterophily (as a measure for the resourcefulness of social ties) and various other socio-demographic characteristics. We applied the concept of hazard-exposure heterophily to the possibility of resource sharing, through social-spatial networks, between communities with different hazard exposures. We used human movement patterns to measure recovery duration. To understand the disparities during recovery, we examined the correlations between recovery duration and the social demographic characteristics of race and income caused by Hurricane Harvey which made landfall in Harris County, Texas, on August 25, 2017. We discerned high/low hazard-exposure heterophily through the use of a threshold-classification method, and we got four clusters according to the flood-inundation percentage and social connectedness values. Then we applied correlation analysis to analyze the relations between hazard-exposure heterophily/income and recovery weeks among different income groups. The results revealed that hazard-exposure heterophily considerably accelerates human mobility recovery in low-income areas, as the hazard-exposure heterophily allows for the increased exchange of knowledge and resources between members of diverse groups, ultimately accelerating the recovery process. The results of this study could benefit local agents to better allocate recovery resources.

Impact of Breakfast Skipping and Choices on The Nutrient Intake and BMI of University Hostel Students of Lahore

This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the food choices of university hostel students and explore the relationship between breakfast skipping, food choices, nutrient intake, and BMI. Data were collected from students residing in university hostels over a three-month period, with monthly assessments. The study included 306 students divided into breakfastskippers and breakfast-eaters (control group), each comprising 153 students. Further categorization was performed among the breakfast eaters. A valid assessment questionnaire was used, encompassing social demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, lifestyle assessment, dietary assessment through 24-hour dietary recall, and food composition table analysis. Among breakfast skippers, 15% were classified as obese and 13.7% as overweight, which was higher compared to other groups. Among the non-cereal-based breakfast eaters, 14.4% were obese, and 21% were overweight. The cereal-based breakfast eaters had the lowest rates of obesity and overweight, with 6.4% falling into each category. Significant differences were observed in calorie consumption and the intake of micronutrients across different breakfast categories. This study provided strong evidence linking breakfast skipping to a higher BMI (26.2 vs 24.1) and age-related patterns, with more breakfast skippers among younger individuals. Non-cereal-based breakfasts had a superior nutrient intake, while breakfast skippers had more screen time and insufficient sleep. Emotional states as triggers for binge eating were reported

Health-related quality of life and influencing factors of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in China

BackgroundParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disorder, leading to various complications and impairments in patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Limited research has been conducted to evaluate the HRQOL of Chinese patients with PNH. Understanding the HRQOL in this specific population is crucial for providing effective healthcare interventions and improving patient’ health outcomes. This study aimed to assess HRQOL of Chinese patients with PNH, and identify key determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 to recruit patients with PNH in China. The study population was recruited from PNH China, one of the largest public welfare PNH patient mutual aid organization in China. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including the EQ-5D-5L (5L), and social-demographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the characteristics of the participants and their HRQOL. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were adopted to explore key factors affecting HRQOL.ResultsA total of 329 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 35.3 (10.0) years, with 52.3% of them being male. The patients reported more problems in Anxiety/Depression (81.5%) and Pain/Discomfort (69.9%) dimensions compared to the other three 5L dimensions. The mean (SD) of 5L health utility score (HUS) and EQ-VAS score were 0.76 (0.21) and 62.61 (19.20), respectively. According to multiple linear regression, initial symptoms (i.e., Anemia [fatigue, tachycardia, shortness of breath, headache] and back pain) and complication of thrombosis were significant influencing factors affecting 5L HUS. Total personal income of the past year, initial symptom of hemoglobinuria and complication of thrombosis were significantly influencing factors of VAS score. Social-demographic and clinical characteristics, such as gender, income, and thrombosis, were also found to be significantly related to certain 5L health problems as well.ConclusionOur study manifested the HRQOL of PNH patients in China was markedly compromised, especially in two mental-health related dimensions, and revealed several socio-demographic and clinical factors of their HRQOL. These findings could be used as empirical evidence for enhancing the HRQOL of PNH patients in China.

Sleep initiation patterns and sleep quality among toddlers in the southeast of China: initial study results

BackgroundA large number of psychological consequences including sleep health emerged during the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Sleep patterns in toddlers are vulnerable to negative environmental exposures, however, very few studies on this topic have been published so far.ObjectivesIn this paper, we aimed to investigate the sleep patterns and associated factors in toddlers from China confined at home in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFrom April to November 2021, a convenience sample of 493 parents of young children aged (12–35 months) were surveyed from Fuzhou, Sanming, Quanzhou, Nanping, and Longyan cities in the Fujian Province, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via Electronic questionnaires to collect parent and child social-demographic characteristics. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) was used to collect data on sleep practices, sleep duration and patterns, as well as the number of nocturnal awaking .ResultsThe mean age of toddlers was 2.11 years old, and 52.54% (259/493) were males. Among the 493 toddlers’ sleep patterns, 331(67.1%) initiated sleep accompanied by parents, 67(13.6%) slept independently, 59 (12.0%) were breast fed/bottle fed to initiate sleep, 27 (5.5%) were held and 9 (1.8%) rocked. The clear longitudinal association between the duration of night-time sleep, the frequency of nighttime awakenings, and various sleep patterns remains clear (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that sleep initiation with bottle-feeding/breast-feeding and rocked significantly increased the frequency of nighttime awakenings and reduced the duration of nighttime sleep (p < 0.05), as held was dramatically only for increasing the number of nighttime awakenings (p < 0.05). Multi-variate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that toddlers with severe sleep difficulties had a higher probability of being rocked to initiate sleep (p < 0.05). Conversely, young children with minor sleep problems were more apt to be in bed alone to initiate sleep (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, most infants and toddlers initiated sleep accompanied by parents and tend to have electronic media exposure before bedtime. Increased waking at night may be associated with sleep initiation with breast-feeding/bottle-feeding. Therefore, pediatric practitioners in primary community hospitals should pay attention to the education and promotion of sleep hygiene and parenting knowledge of young children to avoid the formation of poor sleep hygiene habits.

The readiness of Kazakhstan to implementation of medicinal insurance: the sociological substantiation and education activities of public organizations

Until recently, in Kazakhstan, both health care services and medication support of population were financed from National budget and compulsory social health insurance foundation. But actual system meet needs of Kazakhstanis in medications not in full measure. The purpose of the study is to identify readiness of citizens to implementation of new medicinal insurance program with state co-financing. The study was carried out in 2022 in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. The readiness of Kazakhstanis to participate in medicinal insurance program with state co-financing was studied through sociological survey of 5 819 Kazakhstanis. The sociological survey revealed that respondents express average degree of readiness to implementation of new medicinal insurance program with state co-financing and to purchasing of insurance policy. The correlation between social demographic characteristics (objective indicators) and readiness indicator (subjective indicator) was revealed. The younger males with higher education, residing in urban areas, with average and high income and officially married are more inclined to purchase insurance policy. At that, according to results of sociological survey, one third of respondents have no relevant information about health insurance in general and medicinal insurance in particular. They found it difficult to express their personal position about this issues. It is supposed that Kazakhstanis in the result of educational measures will take part in medicinal insurance program with state co-financing. The education projects can be implemented through public organizations operating locally and communicating with population at the micro level. It is determined that it is especially important to apply educational measures to rural residents, middle-aged and elderly people, females and persons with low average income per family member.

The impact of family doctor contract services on the utilization of and satisfaction with primary health care among Chinese residents: A cross-sectional study.

Family doctor contract service (FDCS) is a vital part of China's primary health care system. This study aims to explore whether contracting with FDCS affects residents' utilization of and satisfaction with primary health care. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data in January 2022. The questionnaire mainly included the following three parts: the social-demographic characteristics, health-related information, and utilization of and satisfaction with primary health care. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for social-demographic differences between participants who contracted with a family doctor and those who did not. For the matched population, we used the Chi-square test to examine the differences in the utilization of and satisfaction with primary health care between contracted and non-contracted participants. Moreover, multiple logistic regression and linear regression were used to explore the influencing factors of the utilization of and satisfaction with primary health care. A total of 10,850 people were investigated and 10,419 participants were incorporated into the data analysis. After matching, there were no significant differences in most of the matching variables between the contracted and non-contracted groups (P > 0.05). The utilization rate was significantly higher among the contracted population than of the non-contracted (96.3% vs 92.6%, P < 0.001). The quality of services (e.g., good service attitude, high medical level, and a trusted family doctor) was more likely to be cited as the main reasons for the contracted people to utilize primary health care than for the non-contracted. The contracted people were also significantly more satisfied than the non-contracted in all terms of satisfaction. Moreover, people who contracted with a family doctor were more likely to use primary health care with OR = 1.979 (95% CI, 1.511-2.593). The contracted people were more likely to utilize and be satisfied with primary health care than the non-contracted. In addition, the contracted people tended to use primary health care because of the quality of services rather than because of the close distance or short waiting time. Therefore, it is important to further promote the high quality of FDCS to ensure residents' sense of gain and improve their satisfaction.