Awareness Of Status Research Articles

Awareness of oral health status among parents and caretakers of adults with intellectual disabilities: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: Intellectual disability or mental retardation is general systemic disorder characterized by significant impairment in cognitive functions as well as deficits in adaptation-related behaviors. It affects the mind and body along with skills related to day-to-day life such as thought processes, speaking, and self-care. Individuals with any form of disability need extra assistance for attaining and preserving their health including oral health. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 100 parents and caretakers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Inclusion criteria for disabled subjects were (a) individuals older than 12 years of age, (b) individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, (c) disabled individuals who were under the care of full-term persons, and (d) subjects who provided complete cooperation during intraoral examinations. The inclusion criterion for caregivers and parents was that they provided assistance on a daily basis. A questionnaire was circulated among all the participants that contained questions on demographics, knowledge, and perception regarding oral health. Statistical analysis: Statistical tools paired “t” and Pearson’s correlation tests were used for performing statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0 software. Results: Statistically significant knowledge levels and perceptions were obtained from all the study participants regarding the importance of maintaining sound oral health in persons with disabilities, i.e., intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: It is important to educate and reinforce the importance of oral health among caretakers and parents of intellectually disabled adults. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care, Practice-based learning and improvement, and Systems-based practice.

Health status and ergonomics education: A comparison between student nurses and first-year nursing staff.

To (a) compare student nurses' health status and levels of ergonomics knowledge and awareness to those of first-year nursing staff and (b) investigate the association between nurses' ergonomic compliance and health status with their educational preparedness. This cohort study compared ergonomics awareness and knowledge, and health status of nurses when they were students and after their first-year working in medical facilities. In total, 133 4th-year student nurses completed a survey; 45 of them completed a second survey after working 1 year in a medical facility. Their health status was compared over time using repeated-measures ANOVA. Correlation tests were used to analyse associations between ergonomics knowledge and awareness, health status, demographic variables and educational preparedness. Respondents in both surveys displayed weak knowledge of ergonomic principles significantly associated with increased pain intensity and educational preparedness. Ergonomics training should be expanded during nursing studies and first-year training to prevent long-term health disorders.

General Public Awareness Toward Vitamin D Deficiency in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Vitamin D, essential for various bodily functions, exists as D2 and D3, synthesized from plant and animal sources. Deficiency, linked to reduced intake, sun exposure, or metabolic disorders, poses health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Management includes fortification, supplements, and individual assessment to avoid toxicity. Our study aimed to assess the public awareness of vitamin D deficiency in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, examining its relationship with sociodemographic factors. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, employing convenient non-probability sampling among a population of 375 individuals. Data collection was facilitated through a validated questionnaire, and subsequent coding, data entry, and analysis were executed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Our study included 375 adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, revealing varying vitamin D deficiency awareness levels. Most were women (n = 204, 54.4%) residing in urban areas (n = 293, 78.1%). At the same time, 77.6% (n = 291) had prior knowledge of vitamin D and fewer practiced habits conducive to its synthesis, with 47.7% (n = 179) including vitamin D-rich foods and 39.2% (n = 147) exposing themselves to sunlight. Family/friends (n = 99, 26.4%) were the primary information source. Participants scored (n = 183, 48.8%) good or high on vitamin D awareness. Education level (p = 0.028), urban residence (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.032), and income (p = 0.001) significantly influenced awareness, and gender, age, and marital status showed no significant associations with vitamin D awareness. Conclusion Our study shows that the majority have prior knowledge of vitamin D, yet significant gaps exist in awareness of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Education, urban residence, employment, and income were critical determinants of awareness, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions. There is a need to provide information about vitamin D and its other aspects through various media, such as television and social platforms.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Purchase Intention on Halal-labeled Cosmetics in Bogor by Generation Z

The development of economic trends and literacy in consumers entered uncertainty. The halal economy trend and industry have also progressed rapidly along with the increasing number of halal consumers worldwide. The influence of this halal trend is evident from Generation Z's preference for halal-labeled cosmetics, indicating their awareness of the halal status of cosmetic products. Therefore, it is important to observe factors behind Generation Z's purchase intention towards halal-labeled cosmetics in Bogor. This research used questionnaires to collect the data and applied a purposive sampling technique in sample collection. This study involved 103 respondents. This research was conducted in two places and used the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method with the help of Smart-PLS 3.0 software. The first step is to evaluate the measurement model (outside the model) and the structural model (inside the model). This research provides insights to the cosmetic industry regarding the importance of halal certification in attracting the purchasing interest of Generation Z. From this research indicates a person's interest in purchasing halal cosmetics was mostly influenced by societal norms, attitudes toward halal items, and their capacity for self-control These findings can guide cosmetic manufacturers and marketers to enhance their marketing strategies and communications, focusing on halal values.

Hepatitis B awareness among medical students and their vaccination status

Background & Objective: Hepatitis B infection is one of the most prevalent health issues globally. Health workers are more vulnerable to this infection because they come in contact with blood and other body fluids. The present study was aimed to assess Hepatitis B awareness and vaccination status among medical students. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by department of Community Medicine, Lahore Medical & Dental College. The duration of study was three months. A Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. It was divided in three sections. The first part was related to background information, second part consisted of knowledge about Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and third part consisted of questions regarding vaccination status. Results: Among the respondents 50% were males and 50% females. According to 85% of the students, blood transfusion is a risk factor for contracting HBV. Jaundice, a symptom of hepatitis B, was reported by 77% of the students. 76% agreed that HBV infection can lead to cirrhosis, while 57% mentioned liver cancer as a possible outcome. A majority of respondents (97%) agreed that hepatitis B is preventable, and 92% of students stated that vaccination can protect against the infection. Regarding vaccination status, 53% of students were vaccinated, with 79% of them being fully vaccinated. Conclusion: Medical students were well aware about hepatitis B infection. As health professionals are vulnerable to develop hepatitis B infection, every medical college should make policies regarding HBV screening as well as vaccination of medical students and medical faculty.

An Analysis of Determinants of Consumer Dissatisfaction towards Plastic Packaging Containing Ready-to-Eat and Serve Meal

Packaging is an essential aspect of product and its protection, serving as the first point of interaction for consumers. It encompasses a diverse range of materials and designs, tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and products. For this study, a total sample of 500 respondents was collected. Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling technique (SEM). Our analysis suggests that functional value is not found to have significant impact on consumer attitude towards plastic packaging while sensory appeal, food safety concern and social value has significant impact on consumer attitude towards plastic packaging. Results show that consumers are worried about safety of food. Primary purpose of packaging is to keep food protected from spoilage and contamination by elements such as air, light, moisture and pests. Research shows that consumers tend to associate food packaged in non-plastic materials with higher status as compared to food packed in plastic packaging, evoking a premium perception linked to elevated societal class. Consumer perceptions of food packed in plastic packaging are significantly shaped by the social value attributed to packaging materials, influenced by environmental awareness and social status. Sensory appeal plays a crucial role in influencing consumer attitudes towards packaging, especially when it comes to ready-to-eat or ready-to-serve food products. The packaging of a product can have a substantial impact on a consumer's perception of the food's quality, freshness, and overall desirability. The results of our study further show that consumer attitude towards food in plastic packaging has a significant impact on consumer dissatisfaction. The study underscores three key implications: first, marketers should prioritize health-friendly packaging materials for safety, second innovation in packaging should enhance both product protection and sensory appeal, and third, Government intervention is essential to address food safety concern and protect consumers and the food supply chain.

Assessment of Awareness and Psychological Status of Vitiligo Patients in Selected Dermatological Hospitals at Minia City

Assessment of Awareness and Psychological Status of Vitiligo Patients in Selected Dermatological Hospitals at Minia City

Understanding public health nurses' experience, knowledge, and perception of bioterrorism training in Japan

Objectives Bioterrorism is a disease in which the attacks can be covert and latent, take time to manifest, and, when discovered, can result in large outbreaks. When detected, they can become large-scale outbreaks. Therefore, preparedness is essential for early detection and response for damage mitigation. Although public health nurses (PHNs) of public health centers are responsible for detecting and dealing with bioterrorism, their preparation status is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the status of training experience, knowledge, and awareness of bioterrorism among PHNs working in public health centers' infectious disease control departments in Japan's metropolitan areas.Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The participants were PHNs in the infectious disease control departments of 88 public health centers in Tokyo and its three neighboring prefectures. This are densely populated metropolitan areas with many mass gathering events and a high probability of bioterrorism. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted by mail in 2019. Two PHNs per location were surveyed regarding their attributes, training experience, knowledge, and perceptions.Results We received 71 responses (40.3%). A total of 10 (14.1%) PHNs reported having experience with bioterrorism training in the workplace. Regarding the knowledge of the four infectious diseases with a high probability of bioterrorism, more than 95% of the respondents answered they had heard of them. However, few were aware of related treatments or terrorist responses. Although survey respondents were aware of the seriousness of bioterrorism and the effectiveness of preparedness, they did not have sufficient opportunity or time to have training. They tended to be less confident in their response and were willing to have training.Conclusion PHNs who responded to this survey do not have sufficient training experience, knowledge, opportunities, and time for bioterrorism training, and establishing a training system to improve bioterrorism preparedness is a challenge. It will be necessary for PHN students to learn about the existence of bioterrorism. Further, PHNs in public health centers need to be trained at least once using online services, including brushing up on information as needed. Based on the lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health centers will formulate a Health Crisis Management Plan. This will be effective in fiscal 2024, and we believe that it is essential that preparedness against bioterrorism be a part of this plan.

Hypertension knowledge, attitudes and perceptions among adults in the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance Site: a mixed methods analysis

BackgroundThis study assessed knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions towards hypertension following community dissemination on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk within the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in Northern Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted among middle aged men and women following education on CVD and their risk factors. Knowledge and attitudes of participants regarding hypertension were measured in 310 participants using a survey tool and the resultant data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Focus group discussions (FDG) were used to assess perceptions of 40 study participants on their lived experiences with hypertension. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded into themes using Nvivo 12 software before thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 310 surveyed participants, 54% were women and the mean age was 50 ± 6 years. The results showed that 84% of participants had heard about hypertension, 70% knew it was an increase in blood pressure and could be caused by excess salt intake, poor diet and physical inactivity. About 22.3% of participants were aware of the had hypertension. In terms of management, majority of the participants were aware that hypertension could be treated with antihypertensive medication and that untreated or uncontrolled hypertension could result in adverse health consequences. Few participants had ever had their blood pressure measured and did not access screening or healthcare care services and rather perceived the health system as inadequate to screen, and manage hypertension.ConclusionThough, knowledge on hypertension was high, awareness of hypertension status and access to screening and healthcare services was low. Community beliefs and perceptions strongly influence treatment, and control of hypertension. Effective sustained community dissemination efforts addressing misperceptions could improve hypertension treatment and control.

Women's Experiences Following Peripartum Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study.

Peripartum hysterectomy is a major operation and is inevitably performed where certain indications require removal of the uterus at the time of delivery or in the immediate postpartum period. It is a traumatic birth event that affects women's physical, physiological, psychological, social, and sexual health. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women undergone peripartum hysterectomy. Qualitative phenomenological design was adopted to explore the lived experiences of women undergone peripartum hysterectomy. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to enroll the participants and 19 women were interviewed before saturation of responses was reached. All interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed into verbatims. Colaizzi's thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. Based on participants' verbatims eight major themes emerged: Awareness status regarding peripartum hysterectomy; Body's response to peripartum hysterectomy; Perceived need of support; Facilitators in overcoming post-hysterectomy challenges; Relational turbulence; financial burden; Perceived psychological adaptation; Disturbed body image and low self-esteem. Derived themes in the present study highlighted the multidimensional effects of peripartum hysterectomy. Peripartum hysterectomy affected physical, psychological, sexual and financial health of the women. Increased dependence and changes in the self concept are the other problems faced by peripartum hysterectomy women. Need based individualized psychological therapeutic interventions will facilitate the successful adaptation to the traumatic situation by the reinforcement of positive coping mechanisms.

Real-life hypoglycaemia partially blunts the inflammatory response to experimental hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes.

To determine whether recent repeated exposure to real-life hypoglycaemia affects the pro-inflammatory response during a hypoglycemia episode. This was a post hoc analysis of a hyperinsulinaemic normoglycaemic-hypoglycaemic clamp study, involving 40 participants with type 1 diabetes. Glucose levels 1 week before the clamp were monitored using a Freestyle Libre 1. Blood was drawn during normoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, and 24 hours after resolution of hypoglycaemia for measurements of inflammatory responses and counterregulatory hormone levels. We determined the relationship between the frequency and duration of spontaneous hypoglycaemia, and time below range (TBR) and the inflammatory response to experimental hypoglycaemia. On average, participants experienced 0.79 (0.43, 1.14) hypoglycaemia episodes per day, with a duration of 78 (47, 110) minutes and TBR of 5.5% (2.8%, 8.5%). TBR and hypoglycaemia frequency were inversely associated with the increase in circulating granulocyte and lymphocyte counts during experimental hypoglycaemia (P < .05 for all). A protein network consisting of DNER, IF-R, uPA, Flt3L, FGF-5 and TWEAK was negatively associated with hypoglycaemia frequency (P < .05), but not with the adrenaline response. Neither other counterregulatory hormones, nor hypoglycaemia awareness status, was associated with any of the inflammatory parameters markers. Repeated exposure to spontaneous hypoglycaemia is associated with blunted effects of subsequent experimental hypoglycaemia on circulating immune cells and the number of inflammatory proteins.

Dissecting the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in blood donors with pauci- or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease course at initial infection

Background Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections is crucial for public health policy, vaccine development, and long-term disease management. However, data on reinfections in the general population remains scarce. Objectives This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics among Austrian blood donors, representing healthy adults, over two years following primary infection and to evaluate the reinfection risk. Methods 117,895 blood donations were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 total anti-N levels from June 2020 to December 2023. We examined anti-N and anti-S antibody dynamics and in vitro functionality in 230 study participants at five defined times during 24 months, assessing associations with demographics, vaccination status, and reinfection awareness. Results The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection-derived anti-N antibodies increased over time, reaching 90% by February 2023 and remaining at that level since then. According to serological screenings, we found an 88% reinfection rate, which is in contrast to participants’ reports indicating a reinfection rate of 59%. Our data further reveal that about 26% of reinfections went completely unnoticed. Antibody dynamics were independent of age, sex, and ABO blood group. Interestingly, individuals with multiple reinfections reported symptoms more frequently during their primary infection. Our results further show that vaccination modestly affected reinfection risk and disease course. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 reinfections were uncommon until the end of 2021 but became common with the advent of Omicron. This study highlights the underestimation of reinfection rates in healthy adults and underscores the need for continued surveillance, which is an important support for public health policies and intervention strategies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pressure Ulcers in Bedbound Diabetic vs. Non-diabetic Patients in a Lower-Middle-Income Country.

Introduction Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a significant concern for bedridden individuals, presenting both physical and socioeconomic challenges. Factors such as prolonged immobility, chronic medical conditions, and poor nutrition contribute to their development. Despite extensive research in some regions, studies comparing diabetic and non-diabetic populations remain limited, particularly in low-income settings. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and frequency of pressure ulcers among bedridden patients, addressing this gap in understanding and guiding targeted interventions. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted across four government hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 388 bedridden patients with pressure ulcers were included, and data were collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographics, comorbidities, duration of bedbound status, BMI, and caregivers' awareness of pressure ulcer care. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), with qualitative data presented as frequencies and percentagesand quantitative data as mean and standard deviation. Chi-square tests were utilized for significance, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results Of the 388 patients analyzed, 230 (59.3%) were diabetic, highlighting the prevalence of diabetes among pressure ulcer cases. The majority of diabetic patients with ulcers were over 41 years old, and 293 (75.5%) had comorbidities. Surgical intervention was the primary cause of ulcers in 213 (54.8%) cases, followed by stroke in 77 (19.8%) cases. Notably, 252 (65%) of caregivers exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding ulcer care. Stage II ulcers were prevalent in both diabetic and non-diabetic cohorts. Conclusions Pressure ulcers are poorly controlled complications observed in bedridden individuals, highlighting a critical need for comprehensive preventive measures and caregiver education to alleviate the burden of pressure ulcers, especially in diabetic patients. Factors such as prolonged immobility, surgical interventions, and insufficient caregiver knowledge contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. Understanding these complexities is essential for implementing effective care approaches and mitigating the impact of pressure ulcers.

Current status of awareness and use the phenomenon of students' language code-mixing and the issue of preserving the purity of the Vietnamese language

In this article, we set out to survey the current state of awareness and use of the phenomenon of language code-mixing among young people, thereby assessing the causes and effects and providing directions in language use by contemporary Vietnamese youth. Currently, code-mixing is a very common phenomenon in young people’s communication, especially pupils and students in high schools and universities. Code-mixing is not only a purely linguistic phenomenon but also a phenomenon recognized in language-cultural contact. This phenomenon has created a lot of mixed public opinion. This phenomenon significantly contributes to maintaining the purity of the Vietnamese language in contemporary times. By using statistical methods based on questionnaires administered to over 1,000 students at Vietnamese universities, we have obtained results regarding the current status of awareness and use of code-mixing phenomenon in the language. The results obtained show that young people in Vietnam have relatively correct awareness about the use of language code mixing phenomenon, but there is still a need for measures to orient a part of young people to improve their language skills. I highly recommend the use of code-mixing phenomenon in particular and modern languages in general. The three measures proposed in the article, namely raising awareness among young people, promoting language education, and coordinating between relevant parties, will certainly contribute to the work of preserving the purity of the Vietnamese language.

Trend and principal components of HIV/AIDS among adults in SSA

This study aimed to identify the most important principal components (PCs) that contribute to the prevalence and change of HIV/AIDS in 44 SSA and data from different national and international datasets. The study estimated HIV prevalence, trend, and principal component analysis (PCA). Using the elbow method, the number of important PCs and contributions was identified. The quality of representation was checked, and more contributing variables for most important PCs were identified. Finally, the status by prevalence, the progress by trend, the more influenced component by PCA, and the more influenced variable with quality of representation by PCs were reported. The study found that HIV prevalence varied significantly, with 30 of the countries showed good progress/decline. Four PCs accounted for 51% of the total variance. Literacy, cohabitation, media exposure, and HIV status awareness are highly contributing factors. Based on these findings, a gap-based response will help reduce the burden of HIV.

Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi

BackgroundAssisted index case testing (ICT), in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV. While the available evidence from eastern and southern Africa suggests that assisted ICT can be an effective, efficient, cost-effective, acceptable, and low-risk strategy to implement in the region, it reveals that feasibility barriers to implementation exist. This study aims to inform the design of implementation strategies to mitigate these feasibility barriers by examining “assisting” health care workers’ experiences of how barriers manifest throughout the assisted ICT process, as well as their perceptions of potential opportunities to facilitate feasibility.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted ICT in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers’ experiences counseling index clients and tracing these clients’ contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted ICT. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team.ResultsParticipants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including sensitivities around discussing ICT with clients, privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, and logistical obstacles to tracing. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility (knowledge, interpersonal skills, non-stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors, and a sense of purpose), as well as identified process improvements with the potential to mitigate barriers.ConclusionsMaximizing assisted ICT’s potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV requires equipping health care workers with effective training and support to address and overcome the many feasibility barriers that they face in implementation. Findings demonstrate the need for, as well as inform the development of, implementation strategies to mitigate barriers and promote facilitators to feasibility of assisted ICT.Trial registrationNCT05343390. Date of registration: April 25, 2022.

Status of vector protection measures and awareness regarding vector borne diseases in families residing in a "Nirmal Gram Puraskar" village in India.

Mosquito-bome diseases are increasing problems in various parts of the world, causing high mortality and morbidity for humans. This study was done to assess the vector protection measures taken by rural below poverty line (BPL) families, and to assess the awareness about vector-borne diseases along with Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in rural BPL families. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area which won "Nirmal Gram Puraskar" Award i.e., "clean village" among 96 below BPL families for a period of three months. These families (every 5 th ) were selected by systematic random sampling until we reached a sample size. Basic socio-demographic details, status of vector protection measures, solid waste management, vector-borne diseases and total sanitation campaign details were collected from the study participants. Pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of the families which included sanitation status at home by house-to-house visit. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Among 96 families studied (454 adults and children), 84 (87.5%) were males and 12 (12.5%) were females. Among these, 291 (64.1%) were using one or the other mosquito protection measures, 52 (54.2%) were using bednets and 23 (23.9%) used coils. 12 families (12.5%) were not using any mosquito protection measures. In our study, 66 (68.8%) families had individual household latrine (IHHL) and 50 (52.1%) had open drainage. Even though 314 participants had an access to individual household latrine, 20 (6.36%) had practice of open air defecation compared to 127 (90.7%) who practiced open air defecation without an access to individual household latrine. When asked about the awareness regarding vector-borne diseases, 56 (58.3%) were aware about chikungunya, 47 (48.9%) about dengue, 46 (47.9%) about malaria, 14 (14.6%) and only 5 (5.2%) families were aware about Japanese encephalitis. In this study, 37 (38.5%) were aware about the total sanitation campaign and 40 (41.6%) about the government support for sanitation. While there is a general awareness of vector-borne diseases, the implementation of vector protection measures is not uniform across the village. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector protection measures and increase awareness among the community.

Postoperative complications associated with congestive heart failure inaseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty.

The aim of this study is to explore potential complications and risk factors associated with revision TSA in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). This study examined all individuals who underwent revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) from 2015 to 2022, sourced from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database. The analysis encompassed patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the postoperative complications linked to patients with preoperative CHF. Compared to patients without CHF, patients with CHF were significantly associated with dependent functional status (P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < .001), and hypertension (P = .002). Compared to patients without CHF, patients with CHF were independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (OR 2.19, 95%CI 1.12-4.29; P = .022) and non-home discharge (OR 3.02, 95%CI 1.37-6.65; P = .006). Congestive heart failure was identified as an independent risk factor for experiencing any complication and non-home discharge in patients undergoing revision TSA. Awareness of the cardiovascular health status of a patient and its severity can influence the decision-making process when considering revision TSA. Retrospective Cohort Comparison Using Large Database; Prognosis Study.

Population impacts of conditional financial incentives and a male-targeted digital decision support application on the HIV treatment cascade in rural KwaZulu Natal: findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial.

In South Africa, the HIV care cascade remains suboptimal. We investigated the impact of small conditional financial incentives (CFIs) and male-targeted HIV-specific decision-support application (EPIC-HIV) on the HIV care cascade. In 2018, in uMkhanyakude district, 45 communities were randomly assigned to one of four arms: (i) CFI for home-based HIV testing and linkage to care within 6 weeks (R50 [US$3] food voucher each); (ii) EPIC-HIV which are based on self-determination theory; (iii) both CFI and EPIC-HIV; and (iv) standard of care. EPIC-HIV consisted of two components: EPIC-HIV 1, provided to men through a tablet before home-based HIV testing, and EPIC-HIV 2, offered 1 month later to men who tested positive but had not yet linked to care. Linking HITS trial data to national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme data and HIV surveillance programme data, we estimated HIV status awareness after the HITS trial implementation, ART status 3 month after the trial and viral load suppression 1 year later. Analysis included all known individuals living with HIV in the study area including those who did not participated in the HITS trial. Among the 33,778 residents in the study area, 2763 men and 7266 women were identified as living with HIV by the end of the intervention period and included in the analysis. After the intervention, awareness of HIV-positive status was higher in the CFI arms compared to non-CFI arms (men: 793/908 [87.3%] vs. 1574/1855 [84.9%], RR=1.03 [95% CI: 0.99-1.07]; women: 2259/2421 [93.3%] vs. 4439/4845 [91.6%], RR=1.02 [95% CI: 1.00-1.04]). Three months after the intervention, no differences were found for linkage to ART between arms. One year after the intervention, only 1829 viral test results were retrieved. Viral suppression was higher but not significant in the EPIC-HIV intervention arms among men (65/99 [65.7%] vs. 182/308 [59.1%], RR=1.11 [95% CI: 0.88-1.40]). Small CFIs can contribute to achieve the first step of the HIV care cascade. However, neither CFIs nor EPIC-HIV was sufficient to increase the number of people on ART. Additional evidence is needed to confirm the impact of EPIC-HIV on viral suppression.

Prevalence of hypertension, screening, awareness, and associated risk factors in teaching institution of Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-section study.

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting over one billion people. It is responsible for roughly half of all heart disease and stroke-related deaths globally. Because hypertension does not cause any symptoms on its own, it is commonly referred to as "the silent killer." This study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors and (2) the level of awareness of hypertension status among study participants. A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted for 3 months during January-March 2023 at the teaching institution in Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh. It was conducted among 392 study participants who were ≥18 years old. Data were collected through a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurement was determined using standard guidelines. The overall prevalence of hypertension screening was 69.4% (male: 33.8% and female: 66.2%), respectively. The majority of hypertensives were found in female participants. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, stress and strain, and an unhealthy diet were also associated with hypertension. Among 392 study participants, only 67 (24.6%) were aware of their hypertension status. We conclude that hypertension has been described as an "Iceberg disease" as those who suffer are usually unaware and hence usually seek healthcare services at a very late stage. Preventive measures should be needed to improve hypertension screening, awareness, treatment, and control.