Vulnerable Age Group Research Articles

Risk and Protective Factors of Suicidal Ideation among Eastern and Western Countries: A Systematic Review

Background. Suicide is the second consumer of life among 15 to 29 years old adults. Extant literature is invested in psycho-social determinants of suicidal behavior, whereas little synthesized evidence about determinants of suicidal ideation in Eastern and Western countries is available. Hence, this study aimed to deliver a thorough, updated, and methodical review of the available literature on risk and protective factors of suicidal ideation in Eastern and Western countries, and a critical appraisal of selected studies. Method. A total of 41 out of 273 full-text articles were included as per PRISMA guidelines. Data was extracted from the database of PubMed Central, Embase, and ScienceDirect. The articles with risk and/or protective elements of suicidal ideation, published in English language were included. The sampling populations were young students lying in most vulnerable age group between 15 to 29 years old. For critical appraisal, SIGN and AXIS criteria were employed. The instruments administered to assess the level of suicidal ideation among studies varied from a single item to complete questionnaire. Results. Consistent risk and protecting determinants of suicidal ideation in both Eastern and Western countries like psychological disorders, personality traits, childhood and adult maltreatment, familial conflicts, anhedonia, strain, sleep disturbances, emotional reactivity, rumination, and negative coping were observed. Hardiness, resilience, social support, autonomy, and extraversion had a protective role. Physical risk elements like allergic diseases and defecation disorders were identified in Eastern countries. Conclusion. More similarities than differences were found in Eastern and Western countries. Policymakers should take into account the modifiable risk elements and employ protective elements to manage risk at the ideation level before its progression to complete suicide. Keywords. Suicidal ideation, risk factors, protective factors, Eastern and Western countries, systematic review

Why has the epidemiology of RSV changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically perturbed the epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) respiratory tract infections in children. The reasons for this are not clear. In this article, we review the current literature and critically discuss the different theories to explain why the epidemiology of RSV has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed mechanisms include decreased viral immunity in vulnerable age groups caused by the prolonged lack of RSV circulation early in the pandemic, potential Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced immune dysregulation, viral interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, and modifications in health-seeking behaviors as well as heath systems factors. Research in viral genomics and phylogeny, and more robust immunology research is needed to guide RSV prevention and health care resource planning.

Relevance of Soil Heavy Metal XRF Screening for Quality and Landscaping of Public Playgrounds.

Heavy metals have become widespread urban pollutants, exposing vulnerable age groups such as children to potential risk. Specialists need feasible approaches that can routinely assist them in customizing options for sustainable and safer urban playgrounds. The aim of this research was to explore the practical relevance of the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) method from the perspective of landscaping specialists, and the practical significance of screening for those heavy metals that currently present elevated levels across urban environments Europe-wide. Soil samples from six public children's playgrounds of different typologies from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were analyzed. The results indicated that this method was sensitive to identifying thresholds stipulated in legislation for the screened elements (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb). Coupled with the calculation of pollution indexes, this method can serve as a quick orientation in landscaping options for urban playgrounds. The pollution load index (PLI) for the screened metals showed that three sites displayed baseline pollution with incipient deterioration in soil quality (PLI = 1.01-1.51). The highest contribution to the PLI among the screened elements, depending on the site, was due to Zn, Pb, As, and Mn. The average levels of the detected heavy metals were within admissible limits according to national legislation. Implementable protocols addressed to different categories of specialists could help to transition towards safer playgrounds and more research on accurate cost-effective procedures to overcome the limitations of existing approaches is currently needed.

Trends and Outcome of Aggressive Fascial Space Infections.

Background: Odontogenic infections are common and self-limiting in most cases; however, they can lead to severe consequences, considerable morbidity and can even be fatal despite modern medical therapy. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with severe deep fascial space infections treated in the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag Governorate, Egypt, and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Fahd Specialist Hospital (tertiary referral center), Burayda City, Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia, from June 2017 to June 2022. Results: This study included 296 patients, 161 (54.4%) males, 135 (45.6%) females. The fifth decade of life was the most common vulnerable age group. Forty-three percent of patients had diabetes mellitus, 26.6% were hypertensive, and 13.3% were on long-term steroid therapy. In 83% of patients, the offending tooth was identified but in 17% of patients no dental cause was identified. The lower third molar tooth was most commonly involved. Sixty-nine (23.3%) patients had submandibular space infections. Fifty-three (17.9%) patients had canine space infections. Thirty (10.1%) patients had submasseteric space infection. Twenty-eight (9.5%) patients had submental space infections. Twenty-three (7.8%) patients had combined infection of the submasseteric, submandibular, and pterygomandibular spaces, whereas 19 (6.4%) patients presented with Ludwig's angina. Conclusions: Odontogenic infections are common. The submandibular space is the most commonly affected single space. These infections could lead to lethal complications in immunocompromised patients, especially patients with diabetes mellitus. These infections require urgent surgical intervention to decrease hospital stays and avoid potentially lethal complications.

The Relationship of Application Diverse Food Consumtion to Nutritional Status Student at MTs Al Hidayah Jenu Tuban

Adolescents are a vulnerable age group who are faced with nutritional problems, both undernutrition and over nutrition. One of the several prevention efforts that can be implemented to deal with this nutritional problem is by consuming a variety of foods. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the application of diverse food consumption and the nutritional status of students at MTs Al Hidayah Jenu Tuban. This type of observational analytic research uses a cross sectional approach, the number of samples is 50 respondents, the sampling technique uses proportional random sampling, the research time is October 2021 - January 2022 and statistical tests use the chi square test. Application of diverse food consumption that falls into the appropriate category (66%) and good nutritional status (66%). The statistical test results showed that there was a relationship between the application of various food consumption and nutritional status (p=0.000). There is a relationship between the application of the consumption of a variety of foods to nutritional status, so it is expected to be able to apply the consumption of a variety of foods in daily life in accordance with recommended portions.

HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP DENGAN PERILAKU TERHADAP INFEKSI MENULAR SEKSUAL PADA REMAJA DI COMORO DILI TIMOR-LESTE

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are global public health problems. Adolescents are a vulnerable age group of STIs. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes and behaviors towards STIs in adolescents in Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste. This study was descriptive with a cross-sectional approach conducted in Canossa highschool and Externato de São Jose highschool from April-June 2022. The independent variables were knowledge and attitude, the dependent variable was adolescent behavior. The sample of this study was adolescents in 15-18 years old in Canossa highschool and Externato de São Jose and willing to become the respondent, 85 adolescents were selected as respondent. The results showed that 71.8% of respondents have good knowledge, 67.1% of respondents have good attitudes and 75.3% of respondents have good behavior in relation to STIs. The results of the analysis of the relationship between knowledge and attitudes to risk behavior for STIs 83.6% of respondents were categorized as good knowledge and have good behavior in relation to STIs and 84.2% of respondents were having good attitudes and have good behavior in relation to STIs. The results of the chi-square statistical test on knowledge and attitude variables obtained a p-value of 0.01, therefore, there is a significant relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of respondents regarding risk behavior for STIs. Comprehensive education regarding sexual health is needed for adolescents in Comoro Dili Timor-Leste.
 Keywords: Adolescents, STIs, HIV, Infectious diseases.

Tire components, age and temperature accelerate neurodegeneration in C. elegans models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Increasingly, traffic-related air pollution is linked with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The molecular pathways underlying the epidemiologic observations are unknown. In this study, models of neurodegenerative disorders in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans were used to investigate effects of the tire wear component nano silica. Life span-resolved exposition of reporter strain GRU102 that expresses the Alzheimer's peptide amyloid beta1-42 with silica nanoparticles significantly reduced locomotory fitness in middle-aged nematodes. A specific vulnerability of 10-day-old nematodes was identified in GRU102 cultivated at ambient temperatures of 15 and 20 °C. Reduction of locomotory fitness was corroborated in the Parkinson's disease model BZ555. Nano silica from different sources, including genuine tire components, accelerated the neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in BZ555 nematodes. Dendritic beading was observed in single PDE neurons along the lateral side of the posterior body. In both, the Alzheimer's disease model GRU102 and the Parkinson's disease model BZ555 increased age and the non-chemical exposome factor temperature aggravated nano silica-induced neurodegeneration. Middle-aged cohorts were defined as the most vulnerable age-group. The results suggest C. elegans disease models as a platform to elucidate the relationships between neurodegeneration, age and the environmental factor ambient temperature after exposition with defined components of non-exhaust emissions or sampled urban aerosols.

Ontogeny of CYP3A and UGT activity in preterm piglets: a translational model for drug metabolism in preterm newborns.

Despite considerable progress in understanding drug metabolism in the human pediatric population, data remains scarce in preterm neonates. Improving our knowledge of the ADME properties in this vulnerable age group is of utmost importance to avoid suboptimal dosing, which may lead to adverse drug reactions. The juvenile (mini)pig is a representative model for hepatic drug metabolism in human neonates and infants, especially phase I reactions. However, the effect of prematurity on the onset of hepatic phase I and phase II enzyme activity has yet to be investigated in this animal model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the ontogeny of CYP3A and UGT enzyme activity in the liver of preterm (gestational day 105-107) and term-born (gestational day 115-117) domestic piglets. In addition, the ontogeny pattern between the preterm and term group was compared to examine whether postconceptional or postnatal age affects the onset of enzyme activity. The following age groups were included: preterm postnatal day (PND) 0 (n = 10), PND 5 (n = 10), PND 11 (n = 8), PND 26 (n = 10) and term PND 0 (n = 10), PND 5 (n = 10), PND 11 (n = 8), PND 19 (n = 18) and PND 26 (n = 10). Liver microsomes were extracted, and the metabolism of CYP3A and UGT-specific substrates assessed enzyme activity. Preterm CYP3A activity was only detectable at PND 26, whereas term CYP3A activity showed a gradual postnatal increase from PND 11 onwards. UGT activity gradually increased between PND 0 and PND 26 in preterm and term-born piglets, albeit, being systematically lower in the preterm group. Thus, postconceptional age is suggested as the main driver affecting porcine CYP3A and UGT enzyme ontogeny. These data are a valuable step forward in the characterization of the preterm piglet as a translational model for hepatic drug metabolism in the preterm human neonate.

Covid-19 Influence on Mixed Urban Cluster Air Quality: A Case Study from INDIA

Introduction: Policy decisions on containment of commercial activity to control the spread of COVID-19 SARS may influence urban air quality. Methodology: A methodological approach has been proposed to explore the relationship that exists between the policy decisions on six criteria pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, Ozone, NO2, and CO). This study also explores the knowledge /association that exists between the climatic variables, criteria pollutants, inhalation exposure dose levels and its vulnerable population age group and gender. The methodology explores a mixed urban cluster, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, INDIA. Results: From the results, PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and CO has reduced to about 31%, 42%, 26% and 29% during phase-I, whereas NO2 (66%) and Ozone (14%) has increased. It is inferred that the reduced criteria pollutant load (during the phase I, II, and III) gets dispersed taking the advantage of geographical location. Conclusion: It is also observed that gender has an influence on the inhalation dose due to variability in inflow rate.

Severe malaria in children and adolescents in Southeast Gabon

IntroductionMalaria remains a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Child mortality due to severe malaria remains high in developing countries despite improvements in malaria management and a better understanding of its pathophysiology. To address the lack of epidemiological studies on severe malaria in Gabon, this study describes the epidemiological aspects of severe malaria in rural, semi-rural, and urban areas of southeast Gabon.MethodsDemographic, clinical, and laboratory data for children and adolescents aged 0–18 years were collected in 2019 from hospital records at three health facilities in southeastern Gabon. The patients included in the study were positive for P falciparum malaria diagnosed by microscopy with at least one of the malaria severity criteria.ResultsSevere malaria accounted for 18.8% (667/3552) of malaria cases. Children aged 0–5 years accounted for 71.8% (479/667) of all severe malaria cases. Adolescents over 15 years of age were the least affected by severe malaria with 4.2% (28/667). Across the study, severe anemia (49.0%, 327/667), convulsions (43.0%, 287/667), respiratory distress (5.1%, 34/667), and altered consciousness (4.8%, 32/667) were the most frequent clinical signs of severe malaria in children. Franceville was the locality most affected by severe malaria with 49.2% (328/667), followed by Koulamoutou with 42.0% (280/667) and Lastourville with 8.8% (59/667). Convulsions (50.6%, 166/328) and coma (6.1%, 20/328) were more frequent in children living in urban areas. In contrast, severe anemia (56.7%, 186/339) and jaundice (6.8%, 23/339) were more common in children living in semi-rural areas.ConclusionSevere malaria is more prevalent in urban areas in regions with a high malaria transmission intensity. However, in this study, the epidemiological characteristics of severe malaria were similar in the three settings (urban, rural, and semi-rural areas) despite different levels of urbanization. Nevertheless, the various signs of severity were more frequent in Franceville, an urban area. Children under 5 years of age remain the most vulnerable age group.

Road Traffic Accidents among Patients Visiting Department of Emergency of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Road Traffic Accidents, are one of the major neglected global health burdens which are predicted to be the 7th leading cause of global deaths by 2030 as per the World Health Organization hence, seem to be one of the major global threats in near future. Most road traffic accidents affect the most vulnerable age groups in developing countries. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of road traffic accidents among patients visiting the Department of Emergency of a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the department of emergency of a tertiary care centre from 16 September 2022 to 15 October 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC-DMCRI: 307/079/080). All the road traffic accidents cases recorded in the Emergency Department from 14 April 2021 to 13 April 2022 were taken. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Among 29735 patients, the prevalence of road traffic accidents was 1340 (4.50%) (4.26-4.74, 95% Confidence Interval). Among these, 1037 (77.4%) were male and 303 (22.6%) were female. Road traffic accidents among two-wheelers were 1065 (79.48%) followed by pedestrian 703 (52.46%). Mangsir witness the higher number of cases, 137 (13.90%) followed by Kartik, 170 (12.69%). The prevalence of road traffic accidents was similar to other studies done in similar settings. In our study, young people of highly productive and active age groups were the most common victims. emergencies; prevalence; traffic accidents.

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ASSESSMENT OF OCULAR MANIFESTATION IN HEAD INJURY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTH-EAST INDIA

Introduction:The involvement of ocular damage as a result of a head injury in the development of partial or total blindness remains a major public health concern. Aim and objectives: To study the proportion and involvement of ocular manifestations in head injury patients. Materials and methods:AHospital based observational cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of North East India for a period of one year. A total of 170 cases of Head injury with associated ocular manifestations were included in the study. Detailed history and ophthalmic examination were done. Results: Out of 170 patients,88.82% were males and most vulnerable age group for head injury was 21-30 years (42.94%). Road trafc accident was the commonest mode of injury (71.76%). Most of the cases had multiple ocular manifestations. Soft tissue injury was seen among 162 patients in which lid edema was the most frequent manifestations in 40% cases. Most common posterior segment manifestation was macular edema(4.70%). Floor of the orbit was the most common wall involved in orbital fracture (12%). Conclusion: In our study, external ocular injury constitutes the major portion of ocular manifestations. It has become necessary to investigate head injury cases in order to determine the cause, pattern, and identication of clinical features, and thus to assist in the restoration of sight through timely interventions.

‘Malnutrition: A serious concern among hospitalized patients’ a cohort study of nutritional screening among admitted patients using GRAZ malnutrition tool- GMT

Objective: To identify the risks, causes, and degree of malnutrition among admitted patients using GRAZ Malnutrition Screening tool with gender and age groups comparison among private and public hospitals. Materials & Methods: A comparative cohort study was conducted upon 385 admitted patients of two Government and private hospitals from 1st Dec- 2019 to 31st March- 2020. A standardized validated tool was used with categories of weight loss within the last 3 months, BMI, changes in appetite, the severity of the disease, and age greater than 65 with a cut-off score of 3. The data was entered and analyzed through SPSS- Version 19 by computing, frequency, percentages, and Chi-Square test, with significant cut-off limit for P-Value was set at 0.05. Results: Among the 385 admitted patients 52.2 % (n= 201) were males and 48 % (n=184) females. The vulnerable age group was 39-58 Year with 40 % (n= 157) while 33.5 % (n= 129) were among 28-38 Year. Only 6 % (n= 21) were under-weight with BMI <18 / < 20. The risk of malnutrition among admitted females was 65.7 % (n= 121) as compared to 52.2 % males (n= 105) with GMS >3.

Population-based screening leads to improved glaucoma diagnosis in Kazakhstan

To analyse the effect of the state screening program for glaucoma, funded by the Kazakhstan State programs for the health care system “Salamatty Kazakhstan” (2011–2015) and “Densaulyk” (2016–2019), on glaucoma diagnosis. This study involved 1,620,658 men and women 40–70 years of age. State screening for glaucoma includes measures of intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal thickness. Data for glaucoma incidence were retrieved from the state statistics dataset. Studies of vulnerable age groups and ophthalmologists’ availabilities were assessed, and correlations with glaucoma detection were determined. For the statistical analysis, MATLAB application package version R2017b (MathWorks, USA) was used. The number of registered glaucoma patients was 43,337 in 2010. In 2016, following the screening program, this figure increased to 68,195. A 49% increase in newly identified glaucoma cases from 70.8 (in 2010) to 124 (in 2016) per 100,000 population was determined. Thus, the sufficiency and effectiveness of the screening program were confirmed by the increase in the number of patients diagnosed with glaucoma, which also depended on age. A correlation between suspected glaucoma and age groups was exposed with the observation of a high number of cases in the older population. The state screening programs for glaucoma in the Republic of Kazakhstan constitute initial steps in the prevention of irreversible blindness and disability due to glaucoma. Such screening seems to allow timely and adequate diagnosis of the disease in people>40 years of age.

Correlation Between Adaptation Readiness and Psychological Well-being in the Elderly During the Transition Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The World Health Organization has announced that Indonesia has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic period. This change means that vulnerable age groups, including the elderly, still need to be aware of the impact of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between adaptation readiness and psychological well-being in the elderly during this transition. This study used a crosssectional approach. This research was conducted in the Sukorambi and Kalisat District, Jember Regency, with a total of 102 elderly respondents who were recruited using simple random sampling. The analysis test in this study used Spearman with alpha <0.05. The results showed that the adaptation readiness of the majority of the elderly was sufficient, as many as 41 elderly members (40.2%), and psychological well-being in the moderate category, as many as 40 elderly members (39.3%). Spearman test results were 0.000 <0.005, with a correlation coefficient of 0.503. Elderly adaptation readiness is associated with psychological well-being in the elderly with moderate strength. Good psychological well-being conditions will help the elderly to be able to adapt to various changing conditions, especially during the transition period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Keywords: adaptation, COVID-19, elderly, psychological well-being

Preventive Gambling Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Gambling disorder in youth is an emerging public health problem, with adolescents and young adults constituting a vulnerable age group for the development of gambling-related problems. Although research has been conducted on the risk factors for gambling disorder, very few rigorous studies can be found on the efficacy of preventive interventions in young people. The aim of this study was to provide best practice recommendations for the prevention of disordered gambling in adolescents and young adults. We reviewed and synthesized the results of existing RCTs and quasi-experimental studies covering nonpharmacological prevention programs for gambling disorder in young adults and adolescents. We applied the PRISMA 2020 statement and guidelines to identify 1483 studies, of which 32 were included in the systematic review. All studies targeted the educational setting, i.e., high school and university students. Most studies followed a universal prevention strategy, that particularly targeted adolescents, and an indicated prevention strategy for university students. The reviewed gambling prevention programs generally showed good results in terms of reducing the frequency and severity of gambling, and also regarding cognitive variables, such as misconceptions, fallacies, knowledge, and attitudes towards gambling. Finally, we highlight the need to develop more comprehensive prevention programs that incorporate rigorous methodological and assessment procedures before they are widely implemented and disseminated.

Epidemiological Parameters of Dengue Infections in Pakistan

Objective: The aim of this research work was to find out epidemiological features associated to age, nature of prevalence, serology and severity of the disease. Methodology: This study was conducted in Benazir Bhutto Hospital; Rawalpindi and the duration of this study was from June 2021 to November 2021. We collected total 149 specimens of sera of the suspected patients appearing with the symptoms of dengue. We analyzed the gathered samples with the help of serological detection of IgM (Immunoglobulin-M), IgG (Immunoglobulin-G), RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-Polymerase chain reaction) and culture of virus in CelllineC36/36. Results: Findings of this research work showed that out of total one hundred and forty-nine specimens, 32.20% (n: 48) were identified with dengue virus with the use of RT-PCR & cell culture and 72.50% (n: 108) samples were found positive by serology. Of one hundred and eight cases, 26.80% (n: 48) patients were IgM positive, 41.0% (n: 61) were both IgM & IgG positive and 4.70% (n: 07) patients were IgG positive only. There was very high prevalence of dengue in age-group of patients having 20-29 years of age and the incidence of the infection was much high in male patients as compared to females. There was highest epidemic intensity in month of June as compared to other months. Practical Implication: This current research makes it possible to classify the serological results of dengue by mixed primary-secondary, primary and secondary dengue infections. There is also relation of dengue infection with the season as there is high activity of this infection after season of monsoon Conclusion: The prevalence of dengue is very endemic in our country Pakistan and the most vulnerable age group was 20-29 years for this infection. There is strong need of the effective prevention as well as control measures for the reduction of this infection. Keywords: Infection, serology, dengue, RT-PCR, IgM, epidemiology, IgG, prevention, prevalence, incidence, endemic.

Motivation inspiring confidence: effect of scenario-based learning on self-confidence among prelicensure nursing students

Clinical training is the heart and soul of nursing education. Practicing nursing skills in a structured nonthreatening interactive environment affords a motivating learning experience. Scenario-Based learning (SBL) is an innovative pedagogical approach where authentic scenarios are used to support active learning strategies such as problem-based, case-based learning, role-play, and simulation. The current study aims to determine the effect of scenario-based practical training (SBPT) on nursing students’ self-confidence regarding nursing care of preterm neonates. A quasi-experimental, two-group, pre- post-test study was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at University Specialized Hospital in Smouha, Alexandria. A sample of 60 senior nursing students received a didactic lecture and engaged in an interactive SBPT session regarding the care of preterm neonates and the common problems that affect them on a medium-fidelity manikin. The scenario included cues, skills, triggers, and a preordained series of actions with timing for the task to be completed. Reflection on students’ performance was done through debriefing sessions using the plus-delta model. The study results revealed that all of the nursing students in the study group exhibited high levels of confidence after SBPT compared to only 10% of those in the control group (P < 0.001). It can be concluded that the application of a motivational and interactive teaching approach as SBPT was effective in enhancing nursing students’ self-confidence in assessing, and caring for preterm neonates with familiar and complicated medical diagnoses as well as solving the common problems affecting these vulnerable age-groups.

Prevalence of ENT Diseases in Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka - Six Months Retrospective Study

Background: Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) &amp; Head Neck diseases are very common in our country. Of course, patterns of ENT diseases vary depending on geographical distribution.&#x0D; Materials &amp; methods: This retrospective study was carried out in ENT OPD in a tertiary hospital, Medical College for Women &amp; Hospital (MCWH), Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July, 2015 to December, 2015. Total 3314 patients were selected for the study, males being 1582 &amp; females, 1732. Cases were evaluated by local otolaryngologists by taking thorough history and clinical examination with proper and relevant investigations. Personal data included were age (1 month – 80 years) and sex. Information obtained was expressed in numbers and percentages with statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: Top 10 diseases were selected which includes Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) 18.14%, Chronic tonsillitis 15.67%, Acute otitis media (AOM) 9.90%, Otitis externa (OE) 8.18%, Deviated nasal septum (DNS) 7.79%, Otitis media with effusion (OME) 7.27%, Allergic rhinitis (AR) 6.40%, Wax 4.98%, Pharyngitis 4.29%, Sinusitis 2.90%. The study reveals that the most vulnerable age group was 0-18 years. 47.74% and 52.26% were male and female respectively, the ratio being 0.9:1 that is almost equal. No significant differences were found in ENT diseases between males and females. Regarding infections of specific organs, CSOM was the most common and highest in order in our context followed by Ch. Tonsillitis, AOM, OE, DNS, OME, AR, Wax, Pharyngitis and Sinusitis.&#x0D; Conclusion:This study was made with an attempt to contribute to some extent to the epidemiologic profile of the common ENT &amp; Head Neck diseases. It would probably enable the concerned personnel to enrich their knowledge and skill so that they can deal with the diseases properly.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 28(2): 186-192

Internet Gaming Disorders and Early Onset Psychosis in Young People: A Case Study and Clinical Observations

Over the last ten years, the video game industry has grown exponentially, involving about 2.5 billion young adults in the world. The estimated global prevalence of gaming addiction has been reported to be 3.5% ranging from 0.21% to 57.5% in the general population. Moreover, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic period, school closures and stay-at-home measures have also further increased the opportunities for prolonged and intensified playing of video games. Little is known about the relationship between IGD and psychosis, and the literature is still scarce. Some characteristics of patients with psychosis, particularly those with a first-episode psychosis (FEP), may suggest that these individuals would be particularly liable to develop IGD. We report two cases of young patients with to Internet gaming disorder, experiencing early onset psychosis treated with antipsychotic therapy. Although it is difficult to show the specific mechanisms underlying the psychopathological alterations in IGD, it is clear that excessive exposure to video games could be a risk factor for precipitating psychosis especially in a vulnerable age group such as adolescence. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a higher risk of psychotic onset associated specifically with gaming disorders in very young people.