Survey Year Research Articles

Long-term annual estimation of forest above ground biomass, canopy cover, and height from airborne and spaceborne sensors synergies in the Iberian Peninsula

The Mediterranean Basin has experienced substantial land use changes as traditional agriculture decreased and population migrated from rural to urban areas, which have resulted in a large forest cover increase. The combination of Landsat time series, providing spectral information, with lidar, offering three-dimensional insights, has emerged as a viable option for the large-scale cartography of forest structural attributes across large time spans. Here we develop and test a comprehensive framework to map forest above ground biomass, canopy cover and forest height in two regions spanning the most representative biomes in the peninsular Spain, Mediterranean (Madrid region) and temperate (Basque Country). As reference, we used lidar-based direct estimates of stand height and forest canopy cover. The reference biomass and volume were predicted from lidar metrics. Landsat time series predictors included annual temporal profiles of band reflectance and vegetation indices for the 1985–2023 period. Additional predictor variables including synthetic aperture radar, disturbance history, topography and forest type were also evaluated to optimize forest structural attributes retrieval. The estimates were independently validated at two temporal scales, i) the year of model calibration and ii) the year of the second lidar survey. The final models used as predictor variables only Landsat based metrics and topographic information, as the available SAR time-series were relatively short (1991–2011) and disturbance information did not decrease the estimation error. Model accuracies were higher in the Mediterranean forests when compared to the temperate forests (R2 = 0.6–0.8 vs. 0.4–0.5). Between the first (1985–1989) and the last (2020–2023) decades of the monitoring period the average forest cover increased from 21 ± 2% to 32 ± 1%, mean height increased from 6.6 ± 0.43 m to 7.9 ± 0.18 m and the mean biomass from 31.9 ± 3.6 t ha−1 to 50.4 ± 1 t ha−1 for the Mediterranean forests. In temperate forests, the average canopy cover increased from 55 ± 4% to 59 ± 3%, mean height increased from 15.8 ± 0.77 m to 17.3 ± 0.21m, while the growing stock volume increased from 137.8 ± 8.2 to 151.5 ± 3.8 m3 ha−1. Our results suggest that multispectral data can be successfully linked with lidar to provide continuous information on forest height, cover, and biomass trends.

Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Family Affluence Scale in Norwegian Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Surveys: Implications for Time Trend Analysis

This study assessed the applicability of the Family Affluence Scale II (FASII) for conducting time trend analysis within Norway's “Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Study” (HBSC), spanning from 2002 to 2018. A dataset comprising 27,470 valid questionnaires was employed to assess the psychometric properties of the FASII with respect to validity and reliability for use at single- and multiple times points. The analytical approach encompassed a range of statistical techniques, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multi-group CFA, polychoric correlation testing between FASII scores and perceived family wealth, a subjective measure of socioeconomic position (SEP), and an assessment of perceived family wealth and FASII scores across time. The results of the study revealed an overall good model fit in CFA and a positive correlation between FASII scores and perceived family wealth. However, the analysis uncovered measurement non-invariance across survey years, sex, and age groups. Measurement non-invariance hampers direct time-to-time comparisons of FASII scores, impeding the assessment of affluence development over time. Despite this limitation, FASII maintains its utility for ranking affluence and measuring health outcomes at single time points. As such, this study offers valuable insight into the suitability of FASII for time trend analysis within the Norwegian HBSC data and broader research on social inequality.

Sex differences in the association of long-term exposure to heat stress on kidney function in a large Taiwanese population study

The incidence and prevalence of dialysis in Taiwan are high compared to other regions. Consequently, mitigating chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the worsening of kidney function have emerged as critical healthcare priorities in Taiwan. Heat stress is known to be a significant risk factor for CKD and kidney function impairment. However, differences in the impact of heat stress between males and females remains unexplored. We conducted this retrospective cross-sectional analysis using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), incorporating records of the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) during midday (11 AM–2 PM) and working hours (8 AM–5 PM) periods based on the participants’ residential address. Average 1-, 3-, and 5-year WBGT values prior to the survey year were calculated and analyzed using a geospatial artificial intelligence-based ensemble mixed spatial model, covering the period from 2010 to 2020. A total of 114,483 participants from the TWB were included in this study, of whom 35.9% were male and 1053 had impaired kidney function (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Multivariable analysis revealed that in the male participants, during the midday period, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year average WBGT values per 1 ℃ increase were significantly positively associated with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.096, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.199, p = 0.044 for 1 year; OR, 1.093, 95% CI = 1.000–1.196, p = 0.005 for 3 years; OR, 1.094, 95% CI = 1.002–1.195, p = 0.045 for 5 years). However, significant associations were not found for the working hours period. In the female participants, during the midday period, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year average WBGT values per 1 ℃ increase were significantly negatively associated with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 0.872, 95% CI = 0.778–0.976, p = 0.018 for 1 year; OR, 0.874, 95% CI = 0.780–0.978, p = 0.019 for 3 years; OR, 0.875, 95% CI = 0.784–0.977, p = 0.018 for 5 years). In addition, during the working hours period, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year average WBGT values per 1 ℃ increase were also significantly negatively associated with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 0.856, 95% CI = 0.774–0.946, p = 0.002 for 1 year; OR, 0.856, 95% CI = 0.774–0.948, p = 0.003 for 3 years; OR, 0.853, 95% CI = 0.772–0.943, p = 0.002 for 5 years). In conclusion, our results revealed that increased WBGT was associated with impaired kidney function in males, whereas increased WBGT was associated with a protective effect against impaired kidney function in females. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying these sex-specific differences.

National, regional, and global trends in insufficient physical activity among adults from 2000 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 507 population-based surveys with 5·7 million participants

Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, poor physical and cognitive function, weight gain, and mental ill-health. Global prevalence of adult insufficient physical activity was last published for 2016, with limited trend data. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of insufficient physical activity for 197 countries and territories, from 2000 to 2022. We collated physical activity reported by adults (aged ≥18 years) in population-based surveys. Insufficient physical activity was defined as not doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination per week. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to compute estimates of insufficient physical activity by country or territory, year, age, and sex. We assessed whether countries or territories, regions, and the world would meet the global target of a 15% relative reduction of the prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 2030 if 2010-22 trends continue. We included 507 surveys across 163 countries and territories. The global age-standardised prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 31·3% (95% uncertainty interval 28·6-34·0) in 2022, an increase from 23·4% (21·1-26·0) in 2000 and 26·4% (24·8-27·9) in 2010. Prevalence was increasing in 103 (52%) of 197 countries and territories and six (67%) of nine regions, and was declining in the remainder. Prevalence was 5 percentage points higher among female (33·8% [29·9-37·7]) than male (28·7% [25·0-32·6]) individuals. Insufficient physical activity increased in people aged 60 years and older in all regions and both sexes, but age patterns differed for those younger than 60 years. If 2010-22 trends continue, the global target of a 15% relative reduction between 2010 and 2030 will not be met (posterior probability <0·01); however, two regions, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa, were on track with considerable uncertainty (posterior probabilities 0·70-0·74). Concerted multi-sectoral efforts to reduce insufficient physical activity levels are needed to meet the 2030 target. Physical activity promotion should not exacerbate sex, age, or geographical inequalities. Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, and World Health Organization. For the Spanish and Portuguese translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

A Path Model of Factors Associated with Hypertension and Disease: Analysis of Indonesian Basic Health Survey Year 2018

Non-communicable diseases are estimated to account for 73% of all deaths in Indonesia, and cardiovascular disease contributes 35%. Unhealthy dietary behavior leads to several NCDs, such as Diabetes Mellitus, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Indonesian Basic Health Survey Year 2018. The study selected 10,171 samples aged ≥15 years from West Borneo Province. The dependent variable was coronary disease. The independent variables were hypertension, age, gender, education, smoking, vegetables, fruit consumption, fat intake, alcohol consumption, instant noodles consumption, soft drink consumption, physical activity, and residence. A path analysis was conducted data analysis. The coronary disease was directly increased by hypertension (b=1.19; 95% CI=0.90 to 1.48; p 0.001), age ≥43 years (b=0.88; 95% CI=0.55 to 1.21; p 0.001), and high physical activity (b= -0.49; 95% CI= -0.81 to -0.17; p=0.003). It was directly decreased by alcohol consumption, but it was statistically non-significant (b=-0.71; 95% CI=-1.54 to 0.11; p=0.088). Coronary disease was indirectly affected by males, smoking, vegetable consumption, fruit consumption, fat intake, grilled food consumption, energy drink consumption, instant noodles consumption, soft drink consumption, residence, and education.

Long-term health outcomes by cancer diagnosed age among adolescent and young adult: multinational representative database

BackgroundThe cancer experienced in adolescent and young adult (AYA) could disturb developmental changes and long-term life. The current AYA guidelines and research for survivorship were developed and reported according to the general age range of 15–39 years; however, expected life events vary by diagnosed age. We aimed to examine the social, psychological, and physical well-being of AYA cancer survivors by age at diagnosis using a multinational representative dataset focusing on age at diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using the US and Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2007 to 2018. Participants diagnosed with any cancer aged 15–39 years and were aged > 18 years at the survey year were defined as AYA cancer survivors. AYA were classified into three groups based on their diagnosed age: adolescent survivors (diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 19, n = 45), young adult survivors (diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 29, n = 238), and late young adult survivors (diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 39, n = 539). We also selected an age-, sex-, race-, and survey year-matched general population with 1:5 ratio among participants without cancer (N = 4110).ResultsThe average age of the survey was 29.1, 43.7, and 48.7 years for AYA survivors diagnosed during adolescence, young adulthood, and late young adulthood, respectively. Adolescent survivors had more non-couple marital status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.34; 95% CI, 1.10–1.64) and unemployed (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05–1.61) compared to late young adult survivors. Comparing with the matched general, adolescent survivors were more in poor general health (aOR, 4.65; 95% CI, 2.09–10.38) and unemployed (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.12–4.24) and late young adult survivors were more non-couple (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05–1.86).ConclusionThis study provides evidence for future studies on long-term health, which may vary according to age at the time of diagnosis among AYA with cancer.

Examining U.S. disparities in smoking among rural versus urban women of reproductive age: 2002–2019

ObjectiveThis study is part of a programmatic investigation of rural disparities in cigarette smoking examining disparities in smoking prevalence and for the first-time quit ratios among adult women of reproductive age (18–44 years), a highly vulnerable population due to risk for multigenerational adverse effects. MethodsData came from 18 years (2002–2019) of the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) among women (n = 280,626) categorized by rural-urban residence, pregnancy status, using weighted logistic regression models testing time trends and controlling for well-established sociodemographic predictors of smoking (race/ethnicity, education, income). Concerns regarding changes in survey methods used before 2002 and after 2019 precluded inclusion of earlier and more recent survey years in the present study. ResultsOverall smoking prevalence across years was greater in rural than urban residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.11; 95%CI, 1.07–1.15; P < .001) including those not-pregnant (AOR = 1.10; 1.07–1.14; P < .001) and pregnant (AOR = 1.29; 1.09–1.52; P < .001). Overall quit ratios across years were lower in rural than urban residents (AOR = 0.93; 0.87–0.99; P < .001) including those not-pregnant (AOR = 0.93; 0.88–1.00, P = .035) and pregnant (AOR = 0.78; 0.62–0.99; P = .039). Interactions of rural versus urban residence with study years for prevalence and quit ratios overall and by pregnancy status are detailed in the main text. ConclusionsThese results support a longstanding and robust rural disparity in smoking prevalence among women of reproductive age including those currently pregnant and provides novel evidence that differences in smoking cessation contribute to this disparity further underscoring a need for greater access to evidence-based tobacco control and regulatory interventions in rural regions.

Association between wet-bulb globe temperature and kidney function in different geographic regions in a large Taiwanese population study.

The worldwide prevalence and incidence rates of end-stage renal disease have been increasing, and the trend is pronounced in Taiwan. This is especially evident in southern Taiwan, where the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is consistently higher than in other regions. The association between kidney function and WBGT has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and WBGT and variations in this association across different geographic regions in Taiwan. We used the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) to obtain data on community-dwelling individuals, linked these data with WBGT data obtained from the Central Weather Bureau and then processed the data using a machine learning model. WBGT data were recorded during the working period of the day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These data were then compiled as 1-year, 3-year and 5-year averages, recorded prior to the survey year of the TWB of each participant. We identified 114483 participants who had WBGT data during 2012-2020. Multivariable analysis showed that, in northern Taiwan, increases in 1- and 3-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β=-0.092, P=.043 and β=-0.193, P<.001, respectively) were significantly associated with low eGFR. In southern Taiwan, increases in 1-, 3- and 5-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β=-0.518, P<.001; β=-0.690, P<.001; and β=-0.386, P=.001, respectively) were gnificantly associated with low eGFR. These findings highlight the importance of heat protection for people working outdoors or in high-temperature environments as a measure to prevent negative impacts on kidney function. Moreover, we observed that in southern Taiwan, every 1°C increase in WBGT had a greater impact on the decrease in eGFR compared with other regions in Taiwan.

Youth participation in substance use prevention: A national profile, 2011–2019

PurposePrevention efforts are critical to avoid the negative consequences of substance use in adolescents. This study aimed to examine national trends and sociodemographic differences in adolescents' participation in school-based substance use prevention (SUP) education, community-based SUP programs, as well as family conversations about substance use. MethodsPublicly available data for adolescents aged 12–17 from the annual cross-sectional surveys of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2011–2019 were analyzed. ResultsAcross the survey years, up to 74.9%, 12.2%, and 58.1% of adolescents reported having participated in school-based SUP education, community-based SUP programs, and family conversations about the danger of substance use in the past-year, respectively. From 2011 to 2019, statistically significant decreases were observed in adolescents' participation in school-based SUP education (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.98, p < 0.001) and community-based SUP programs (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant changes were observed in adolescents' participation in family conversations about the dangers of substance use. Overall, lower levels of participation in school-based and community-based SUP programs were found in adolescents aged 16–17. Adolescents living in rural areas showed lower levels of participation in school-based SUP programs and family conversations about SUP. Racial/ethnic minority adolescents overall were less likely to participate in conversations with parents about SUP than Whites. ConclusionsFurther development and implementation of developmentally appropriate, gender-specific, culturally sensitive, and contextually informed SUP programs at school, community, and family levels are needed.

Only 9% of mothers have eight and more ANC visit in 14 sub-saharan African countries; evidence from the most recent DHS 2018–2023: a multilevel analysis

BackgroundThe world health organization’s global health observatory defines maternal mortality as annual number of female deaths, regardless of the period or location of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or caused by pregnancy or its management (aside from accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy and childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy and an estimated 287 000 women worldwide passed away from maternal causes between 2016 and 2020, that works out to be about 800 deaths per day or about one every two minutes.MethodThe most recent 2018–2023 DHS data set of 14 SSA countries was used a total of 89,489 weighted mothers who gave at list one live birth 3 years preceding the survey were included, a multilevel analysis was conducted. In the bi-variable analysis variables with p-value ≤ 0.20 were included in the multivariable analysis, and in the multivariable analysis, variables with p-value less than ≤ 0.05 were considered to be significant factors associated with having eight and more ANC visits.ResultThe magnitude of having eight and more ANC visits in 14 sub-Saharan African countries was 8.9% (95% CI: 8.76–9.13) ranging from 3.66% (95% CI: 3.54–3.79) in Gabon to 18.92% (95% CI: 18.67–19.17) in Nigeria. The multilevel analysis shows that maternal age (40–44, AOR;2.09, 95%CI: 1.75–2.53), maternal occupational status (AOR;1.14, 95%CI; 1.07–1.22), maternal educational level (secondary and above, AOR;1.26, 95%CI; 1.16–1.38), wealth status(AOR;1.65, 95%CI; 1.50–1.82), media exposure (AOR;1.20, 95%CI; 1.11–1.31), pregnancy intention (AOR;1.12, 95%CI; 1.05–1.20), ever had terminated pregnancy (AOR;1.16 95%CI; 1.07–1.25), timely initiation of first ANC visit (AOR;4.79, 95%CI; 4.49–5.10), empowerment on respondents health care (AOR;1.43, 95%CI; 1.30–1.56), urban place of residence (AOR;1.33, 95%CI; 1.22–1.44) were factors highly influencing the utilization of AN. On the other hand higher birth order (AOR;0.54, 95%CI; 0.53–0.66), not using contraceptive (AOR;0.80, 95%CI; 0.75–0.86) and survey year (AOR;0.47, 95%CI; 0.34–0.65) were factors negatively associated with having eight and more ANC visits.ConclusionIn the 14 SSA included in this study, there is low adherence to WHO guidelines of eight and more ANC visits. Being educated, having jobs, getting access to media being from rural residence and rich wealth group contribute to having eight and more ANC visits, so we highly recommend policy implementers to advocate this practices.

Trends over time in the deficit of (instrumental) activities of daily living in the Austrian population aged 65years and older : Results from the Austrian Health Interview Survey series.

Difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults are associated with diminished quality of life and increased demand for long-term care. The present study examined the prevalence of disability among individuals aged 65years and older in Austria, using data from the Austrian Health Interview Surveys (ATHIS). The ATHIS 2014 and 2019 surveys were used (N = 5853) for the analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to measure the association between disability in at least one ADL or IADL limitation and independent variables adjusted for sociodemographic, health-related behavior and survey year. The prevalence of ADL or IADL limitations increased in both sexes during the 5‑year follow-up period. For ADL limitations, the prevalence rose from 12.8% to 17.9% in men (p < 0.001) and from 19.2% to 25.7% in women (p < 0.001). The IADL limitations increased from 18.9% to 35.1% in men (p < 0.001) and from 38.2% to 50.8% in women (p < 0.001). Women reported significantly higher odds for ADL (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-1.26) and IADL limitations (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.53-1.98). In both sexes, participants aged 80years and older reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.37, 95% CI:3.77-5.07) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.43, 95% CI: 3.86-5.09) compared to the younger group. Participants with at least one chronic disease reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 3.41-4.70) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 3.85-4.96). Primary education, single status, being born in non-EU/EFTA countries, and residing in Vienna were associated with higher odds of ADL and IADL limitations. Gender, age, education, country of birth, residence, partnership status, number of chronic diseases, noncompliance with physical activity, and nutrition recommendations had astrong association with increased vulnerability to disability. Public health policy must address these factors for disability prevention strategies.

The dark energy survey: detection of weak lensing magnification of supernovae and constraints on dark matter haloes

ABSTRACT The residuals of the distance moduli of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) relative to a Hubble diagram fit contain information about the inhomogeneity of the Universe, due to weak lensing magnification by foreground matter. By correlating the residuals of the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 SN Ia sample (DES-SN5YR) with extragalactic foregrounds from the DES Y3 Gold catalogue, we detect the presence of lensing at $6.0 \sigma$ significance. This is the first detection with a significance level above $5\sigma$. Constraints on the effective mass-to-light ratios and radial profiles of dark matter haloes surrounding individual galaxies are also obtained. We show that the scatter of SNe Ia around the Hubble diagram is reduced by modifying the standardization of the distance moduli to include an easily calculable de-lensing (i.e. environmental) term. We use the de-lensed distance moduli to recompute cosmological parameters derived from SN Ia, finding in Flat wcold dark matter a difference of $\Delta \Omega _{\rm M} = +0.036$ and $\Delta w = -0.056$ compared to the unmodified distance moduli, a change of $\sim 0.3\sigma$. We argue that our modelling of SN Ia lensing will lower systematics on future surveys with higher statistical power. We use the observed dispersion of lensing in DES-SN5YR to constrain $\sigma _8$, but caution that the fit is sensitive to uncertainties at small scales. Nevertheless, our detection of SN Ia lensing opens a new pathway to study matter inhomogeneity that complements galaxy–galaxy lensing surveys and has unrelated systematics.

Pain in people seeking and receiving opioid agonist treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and correlates.

People with opioid use disorder (OUD) commonly experience pain including chronic pain. Despite the high prevalence, few studies have systematically examined the prevalence and correlates of pain among people seeking or receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for OUD. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of pain in this population globally, and estimate the association between chronic pain and other demographic and clinical characteristics. Electronic searches were conducted in three databases (Medline, Embase and PsycINFO) from the inception until October 2022. Eligible studies reported prevalence rates of current and/or chronic pain. Meta-analyses examining the main prevalence estimates were conducted by Stata SE 18.0, and comorbid clinical conditions were analysed by Review Manager 5.4. Fifty-six studies (n participants = 35 267) from sixty-seven publications were included. Prevalence estimates of current and chronic pain were reported in 27 (48.2%) and 40 studies (71.4%), respectively. Most studies were conducted in North America (71.4%, n = 40) and used cross-sectional designs (64.3%, n = 36). Meta-analyses revealed a pooled prevalence of 60.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.0-68.0) for current pain and 44.0% [95% CI: 40.0-49.0] for chronic pain. Chronic pain was positively associated with older age (mean deviation of mean age: 2.39 years, 95% CI: 1.40-3.37; I2 = 43%), unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42-0.76; I2 = 78%), more severe mental health symptoms (e.g. more severe depression (standardised mean difference [SMD] of mean scores: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20-0.70; I2 = 48%) and anxiety symptoms (SMD: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.17-0.88; I2 = 67%), and hepatitis C (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03-1.94; I2 = 0%). No association was observed between chronic pain and the onset and type of OAT, geographic location, study design, survey year, participant age or use of specific pain assessment tools. There appears to be a high prevalence of pain among people seeking or receiving opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder compared with the general population, with positive associations for older age, unemployment, hepatitis C and the severity of some mental health symptoms.

HIV status and substance use disorder treatment need and utilization among adults in the United States, 2015–2019: Implications for healthcare service provision and integration

IntroductionSubstance use disorders (SUD) are associated with HIV acquisition and care disruptions. Most research focuses on clinical samples; however, we used a nationally representative, community-based sample to estimate SUD treatment need and utilization by HIV status. MethodsWe included participants from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health aged 18 and older who met past-year DSM-IV SUD criteria (n = 22,166). Participants self-reported whether a healthcare professional ever told them they had HIV or AIDS [i.e., people with HIV (PWH), non-PWH, HIV status unknown]. Outcomes included past-year: 1) any SUD treatment use; 2) any specialty SUD treatment use; and 3) perceived SUD treatment need. Survey weighted multivariable logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of each outcome by HIV status, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, survey year, health insurance status, and household income. ResultsOverall, 0.5 % were PWH and 0.8 % had an HIV unknown status. Any past-year SUD treatment utilization was low across all groups (10.3 % non-PWH, 24.2 % PWH, and 17.3 % HIV status unknown respondents). Specialty SUD treatment utilization was reported by 7.2 % of non-PWH, 17.8 % PWH, and 10.9 % HIV status unknown respondents. Perceived treatment need was reported by 4.9 % of non-PWH, 12.4 % of PWH, and 3.7 % of HIV status unknown respondents. In adjusted models, PWH were more likely than non-PWH to report any past-year SUD treatment utilization (aOR = 2.06; 95 % CI = 1.08–3.94) or past-year specialty SUD treatment utilization (aOR = 2.07; 95 % CI = 1.07–4.01). Among those with a drug use disorder other than cannabis, respondents with HIV-unknown status were less likely than HIV-negative individuals to report past-year perceived treatment need (aOR = 0.39; 95 % CI = 0.20–0.77). ConclusionsDespite high SUD treatment need among PWH, more than three quarters of PWH with SUD reported no past-year treatment. Compared to non-PWH, PWH had higher treatment utilization and higher specialty treatment utilization, but SUD treatment was low across all groups. As SUD is associated with adverse HIV outcomes, our findings highlight the need for the integration of SUD treatment with HIV testing and care. Increasing access to SUD treatment could help reduce negative SUD-related outcomes along the HIV care continuum.

The Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in China: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 393,525 Adults.

This study aims to precisely determine the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in China, acknowledging its significance as a preclinical stage of dementia and a potential "intervention window." The acceleration of the aging process in China underscores the urgency of this research. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WFD, VIP, and CBM databases from their inception until March 1, 2023. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodology checklist guided our quality assessment. A random-effects model meta-analysis was employed to synthesize the pooled prevalence data of MCI in China. Our analysis encompassed 139 studies, incorporating data from 393,525 individuals aged 40 years and above. The studies were predominantly rated as moderate-to-high quality. The overall prevalence of MCI was determined to be 19.6% (95% CI: 17.7-21.6%). Subgroup analyses indicated variations in prevalence: 20.8% (95% CI: 18.9-22.7%) for P-MCI compared to 16.2% (95% CI: 11.7-20.7%) for DSM criteria. Geographically, prevalence in Southern China (21.0%, 95% CI: 18.1-23.9%) exceeded that in Northern China (17.6%, 95% CI: 15.9-19.4%). Notably, prevalence in hospitals (61.7%, 95% CI: 27.8-95.7%) was significantly higher than in nursing homes (16.1%, 95% CI: 14.3-17.9%) and communities (25.3%, 95% CI: 17.4-33.2%), especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. The study confirms a 19.6% prevalence rate of MCI in China, influenced by factors such as sample sources, beginning year of survey, and regional differences. It highlights the need for targeted screening and resource allocation to subpopulations at risk, aiming to prevent the progression to dementia.

Overweight and obesity trends and associated factors among reproductive women in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Background In low- and middle-income countries, the double burden of malnutrition is prevalent. Many countries in Africa are currently confronted with overweight and obesity, particularly among women, coupled with an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Objective This study examines trends in overweight and obesity among Ethiopian women of reproductive age from 2005 to 2016, and identifies associated factors. Methods We used three consecutive datasets from 2005 (n = 14070), 2011 (n = 16515), and 2016 (n = 15683) demographic health survey years. Multilevel logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors among individual- and cluster-level variables. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity among reproductive women in Ethiopia increased steadily from 6.09% in 2005 to 8.54% in 2011, and 10.16% in 2016. However, mixed patterns were observed among the regions of the country. We found that age, education, living in urban areas, and living in a rich community are associated with becoming overweight and obese. For instance, the odds of becoming overweight and obese among women aged 35–49 were higher than those among women aged 15–24 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.62, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:2.64–4.97). Women who completed secondary school have higher odds than those without formal education (OR = 1.64, 95% CI:1.19–2.26). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate trends in the nationwide prevalence of overweight and obesity and the associated factors among Ethiopian women. This study warrants further follow-up research to identify the pathways between overweight and obesity and their probable factors.

High ankle-brachial index participants experienced similar long-term mortality as peripheral artery disease in a national sample of community-dwelling adults

BackgroundOnly a few small studies have shown the association between high ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI >1.4) and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. Although there is abundant literature depicting the association between ABI and overall systemic atherosclerosis, it typically focuses on low ABI. Furthermore, historically, many studies focusing on peripheral artery disease have excluded high ABI participants. We aimed to study the mortality outcomes of persons with high ABI in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MethodsWe obtained ABI from participants aged ≥40 years for survey years 1999 to 2004. We defined low a ABI as ≤0.9, normal ABI as 0.9 to 1.4, and high ABI as >1.4 or if the ankle pressures were >245 mm Hg. Demographics, various comorbidities, and laboratory test results were obtained at the time of the survey interview. Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for CV and all-cause mortality via Cox proportional hazards regression. Mortality was linked to all NHANES participants for follow-up through December 31, 2019, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ResultsWe identified 7639 NHANES participants with available ABI. Of these, 6787 (89%) had a normal ABI, 646 (8%) had a low ABI, and 206 (3%) had elevated ABI. Of participants with high ABI, 50% were men, 15% were African Americans, 10% were current smokers, 56% had hypertension, 33% had diabetes, 15% had chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 18% had concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD). Diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7-3.2), CAD (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4), and CKD (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.3) at baseline were associated with having a high ABI, respectively. A high ABI was associated independently with elevated CV (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.1-3.1; P < .0001) and all-cause mortality (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.2-2.8; P < .0001) after adjusting for covariates, including diabetes, CKD, CAD, current smoking, cancer, and hypertension. ConclusionsA high ABI is associated with an elevated CV and all-cause mortality, similar to patients with PAD. High ABI participants should receive the same attention and aggressive medical therapies as patients with PAD.

Trend and Factors Associated With Unintended Pregnancy Among Currently Married Women in Nepal

Unintended pregnancy, a critical concern in both human rights and public health, emphasizes women’s fundamental right to make decisions about their fertility, which is vital for their reproductive choices. The study aimed at examining the trends and factors related to unintended pregnancy, an area that has received less focus in previous research. This study analyzed 15 years of data (2001–2016) from four national surveys in Nepal, focusing on currently married women aged 15–49 who were currently pregnant or had the last birth experienced within five years before the survey. The sample included 4,694, 4,006, 4,104, and 3,966 females from the 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 surveys respectively. This study used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine unintended pregnancy. In 2001, 39.4% of women experienced an unintended pregnancy, but over 15 years, this rate decreased by almost half, reaching 19.9% in 2016. Age, number of household members, wealth index, age at first birth, children ever born, fertility preference, unmet need for family planning, and husband’s desire for children were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy in all the survey years. The results suggest a need for policies that ensure all pregnancies are intended, promoting reproductive rights and justice for women.

Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Among Rural and Urban Females, From 2019 to 2022

Little nationally representative research has examined Papanicolaou testing rates from before the pandemic in 2019 through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Papanicolaou testing rates among rural females are a concern as they have historically had lower screening rates than their urban counterparts. To examine the receipt of a Papanicolaou test in the past year among US females overall and females residing in rural and urban areas in 2019, 2020, and 2022. This repeated cross-sectional study used data from 3 years of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey that asks respondents about cancer screenings, sources of health information, and health and health care technologies. Study participants were females aged 21 to 65 years. Individuals who received a Papanicolaou test more than 1 to 3 years prior to a HINTS interview were excluded as they were likely not due for a Papanicolaou test. Survey year (2019, 2020, and 2022) and rural or urban residence were the main exposure variables. Self-reported receipt of a Papanicolaou test within the past year. Among the 188 243 531 (weighted; 3706 unweighted) females included in the analysis, 12.5% lived in rural areas and 87.5% in urban areas. Participants had a mean (SE) age of 43.7 (0.27) years and were of Hispanic (18.8%), non-Hispanic Asian (5.2%), non-Hispanic Black (12.2%), non-Hispanic White (59.6%), or non-Hispanic other (4.1%) race and ethnicity. In 2022, unadjusted past-year Papanicolaou testing rates were significantly lower among rural vs urban residents (48.6% [95% CI, 39.2%-58.1%] vs 64.0% [95% CI, 60.0%-68.0%]; P < .001). Adjusted odds of past-year Papanicolaou testing were lower in 2022 than 2019 (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95; P = .02). This repeated cross-sectional study found that past-year Papanicolaou testing rates were lower in 2022 than 2019, pointing to a need to increase access to screenings to prevent an uptick in cervical cancer incidence. Rural-vs-urban differences in 2022 indicate a need to specifically target rural females.

Trends in predicted age at maturity of Sablefish from 22 years of surveys

AbstractObjectiveOur aim was to predict the maturity (will spawn or immature) of Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria in Alaska for past years during a period when macroscopic data are not of utility and histological observations are not available.MethodsIn a previous study, female maturity was determined using histology and a model was developed that predicted maturity using maternal length, age, and relative condition. We used this published model to predict the maturity of individual Sablefish collected annually in the same area on the same dates. The maturity predictions were used to create predicted time series of maturity at age for surveys conducted over 22 years.ResultA k‐means cluster analysis of annual maturity parameters revealed that data should be split into two clusters. These groups were chronologically sequential (1998–2010 and 2011–2019), with two exceptions: 2015 and 2017 were assigned to the early time period. We created two chronological time blocks by incorporating the two outlier years into the late period post hoc, as we are not aware of mechanisms that may have caused these two outliers, and it is important for stock assessment to capture the signal and not the noise. Sablefish in the later period were predicted to mature later than fish in the earlier period; age at 50% maturity was 5.5 years in the early period and 6.8 years in the later period, and the slope was shallower in the later period.ConclusionThere are often gaps in reliable maturity data. This case study illustrates that limited histological data sets can be used to predict maturity in years without ovary samples and illustrates how these data can be grouped based on similarities and chronology for use in stock assessment. We recommend more histological studies in the future to test assumptions of the predictive model, and we recommend evaluations of other factors, such as environmental time series, that may be drivers of annual maturity.