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Indian Journal of Public Health Apr 2024High proportion of multibacillary (MB) among newly diagnosed leprosy cases poses a public health challenge.
BACKGROUND
High proportion of multibacillary (MB) among newly diagnosed leprosy cases poses a public health challenge.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to find out the factors associated with the high burden of MB leprosy in West Bengal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This case-control study was conducted from August 2020 to December 2022 in three high-endemic districts (annual new case detection rate ≥10/lakh) of West Bengal.
OBJECTIVES
MB cases registered under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme were considered as case and paucibacillary (PB) cases were considered as control. Weighted sample sizes for cases and controls in each of the three districts were selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered leprosy patients. Requisite data were collected through structured interview with a validated questionnaire in Bengali. R, version 4.1.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, 2021, Vienna, Austria) was used for data analysis. A binary logistic regression model was prepared with the type of leprosy as a dependent variable.
RESULTS
Three hundred and ninety-eight individuals, 204 MB and 194 PB, participated in this study with 1.97% nonresponse rate. Gender, marital status, and diagnostic delay (adjusted odds ratio = 2.75 [1.66,4.65]) were associated with developing MB. Not perceiving the symptoms seriously (90, 56% [PB], 97, 51% [MB]), lack of knowledge about the disease and its complications (47, 29% [PB], 53, 28% [MB]), delayed referral by the private practitioners (11, 7% [PB], 22, 12% [MB]) were the major reasons of delay.
CONCLUSION
This study identified a vulnerable group - married and migrated males. Changing from annual screening to quarterly screening along with capacity building and awareness generation of the targeted population is the need of the hour for eradicating the disease.
Topics: Humans; Case-Control Studies; India; Male; Female; Leprosy, Multibacillary; Adult; Prevalence; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Delayed Diagnosis; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Child; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38953799
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1004_23 -
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology &... Jul 2024Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous connective tissue disorders that share similar skeletal anomalies causing bone...
OBJECTIVES
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous connective tissue disorders that share similar skeletal anomalies causing bone fragility and deformation. This study aimed to investigate the molecular genetic etiology and to determine the relationship between genotype and phenotype in OI patients with whole exome sequencing (WES).
METHODS
Multiplex-Ligation dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis of and and WES were performed on cases between the ages of 0 and 18 whose genetic etiology could not be determined before using a targeted next-generation sequencing panel, including 13 genes (, , , , , , , , , , , , ) responsible for OI.
RESULTS
Twelve patients (female/male: 4/8) from 10 different families were included in the study. In 6 (50 %) families, consanguineous marriage was noted. The clinical typing based on Sillence classification; 3 (25 %) patients were considered to be type I, 7 (58.3 %) type III, and 2 (16.7 %) type IV. Deletion/duplication wasn't detected in the and genes in the MLPA analysis of the patients. Twelve patients were molecularly analyzed by WES, and in 6 (50 %) of them, a disease-causing variant in three different genes (, , and ) was identified. Two (33.3 %) detected variants in all genes have not been previously reported in the literature and were considered deleterious based on prediction tools. In 6 cases, no variants were detected in disease-causing genes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates rare OI types' clinical and molecular features; genetic etiology was determined in 6 (50 %) 12 patients with the WES analysis. In addition, two variants in OI genes have been identified, contributing to the literature.
PubMed: 38953412
DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0058 -
Nigerian Medical Journal : Journal of... 2023Hepatitis B Virus Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. It is highly endemic in Nigeria and it is estimated that about 9-12% of the total...
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B Virus Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. It is highly endemic in Nigeria and it is estimated that about 9-12% of the total population of Nigeria are chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. Epidemiological data on (HBV)infection among pregnant women in Nigeria are very scarce, especially in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential perinatal transmission among rural pregnant women in Abakaliki Nigeria.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women accessing antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. We consecutively recruited 300 pregnant women attending antenatal consultations. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and factors associated with HBV infection. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were determined using commercial test strips. A chi-square test was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
The mean age was 31.8 (SD6.2) years. All women were married and (23.4%) were farmers while (47.0%) had secondary education. Sixteen women (5.3%) were HBsAg-positive, of whom (6.3%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence of HIV infection was (0.3%). Overall, (6.3%) women were co-infected with HIV and HBV. Independent correlates of HBV infection included a history of Jaundice (p = 0.046) history of sexually transmitted infections (p=0.005) and concurrent infection by HIV (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Abakaliki was intermediate. The relatively high rate of women positive to both HBsAg and HBeAg suggests that perinatal transmission of HBV might be the prevailing mode of HBV transmission in this area.
PubMed: 38952881
DOI: 10.60787/NMJ-64-4-347 -
Contraception and Reproductive Medicine Jul 2024Numerous factors at the individual, interpersonal, and societal levels are related to contraceptive use (or non-use) among adolescents and youth. Little is known about...
"Everyone has their own problems and realities so the religious community cannot judge someone." Contraception motivations and perceived consequences among young contraceptive users who practice a religion in Burkina Faso.
BACKGROUND
Numerous factors at the individual, interpersonal, and societal levels are related to contraceptive use (or non-use) among adolescents and youth. Little is known about the role of religion as an individual and community-level influencer of contraceptive use among young women.
METHODS
Using in-depth interviews with 24 young contraceptive users ages 18-24 who practice their Catholic, Protestant or Muslim religion in two cities in Burkina Faso, this study examines motivations and perceived consequences of contraceptive use. By including users of modern contraception who were both single and married, a range of perspectives are provided.
RESULTS
Generally, the young women interviewed who practice their religion and use contraception perceived that their religion was not supportive of contraceptive use. A few exceptions were provided, including perceived acceptance of use of some methods for married women for spacing purposes; this was specifically identified as acceptable among Muslim respondents. Sexual activity and contraceptive use were not acceptable by any of the religions for unmarried young women. That said, young women, both married and unmarried, reported their motivations for use that often related to their and their children's health and the realities of life. Contraceptive use was considered a private matter which meant that the religious community would not find out about women's use.
CONCLUSIONS
Recognizing that some women are willing and able to use contraception even without the perceived support of their religious communities might help to push social norms to change and be more accepting of contraceptive use that meets young women's and families' circumstances.
PubMed: 38951885
DOI: 10.1186/s40834-024-00295-7 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Hysterectomy is a gynaecological surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed as a treatment for both malignant and benign gynaecological diseases. A hysterectomy...
BACKGROUND
Hysterectomy is a gynaecological surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed as a treatment for both malignant and benign gynaecological diseases. A hysterectomy is also performed to minimise risks in women with problems related to the uterus. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of reported hysterectomy and associated risk factors in Brazilian women aged 50 and older.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil) was conducted. A total of 5,293 women aged 50 and over who participated in the ELSI-Brazil study in 2015 and 2016 were included. The prevalence rate of hysterectomy was estimated and the main reasons for performing the surgery were identified. The bivariate analyses utilised the chi-square test, while multivariate analyses employed Poisson regression with a robust estimator.
RESULTS
The reported prevalence of hysterectomy was 17.8%. The most prevalent reason for the surgery was the presence of uterine myoma. Significant and independent associations were observed in women aged 63 and older, married, having undergone preventive exams, hormonal treatment, had up to three deliveries and having a private health plan.
CONCLUSION
The main objective of the study was achieved. The prevalence of hysterectomy in Brazilian women aged 50 and older was 17.8%. Significant associations were observed with participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics reinforcing the importance of considering the reproductive characteristics of women as indicators of health status.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hysterectomy; Brazil; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38951794
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19231-0 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024The negative impact of adverse perinatal mental health extends beyond the mother and child; therefore, it is essential to make an early intervention for the management... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Promoting mental wellbeing in pregnant women living in Pakistan with the Safe Motherhood-Accessible Resilience Training (SM-ART) intervention: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The negative impact of adverse perinatal mental health extends beyond the mother and child; therefore, it is essential to make an early intervention for the management of mental illness during pregnancy. Resilience-building interventions are demonstrated to reduce depression and anxiety among expectant mothers, yet research in this field is limited. This study aims to examine the effect of the 'Safe Motherhood-Accessible Resilience Training (SM-ART)' on resilience, marital adjustment, depression, and pregnancy-related anxiety in a sample of pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.
METHOD
In this single-blinded block randomized controlled study, 200 pregnant women were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group using computer-generated randomization and opaque sealed envelopes. The intervention group received the SM-ART intervention consisting of six, weekly sessions ranging from 60 to 90 min. Outcomes (Resilience, depression, pregnancy-related anxiety and marital harmony) were assessed through validated instruments at baseline and after six weeks of both intervention and control groups.
RESULTS
The results revealed a significant increase in mean resilience scores (Difference:6.91, Effect size: 0.48, p-value < 0.05) and a decrease in depressive symptoms (Difference: -2.12, Effect size: 0.21, p-value < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, no significant change was observed in anxiety and marital adjustment scores.
CONCLUSION
The SM-ART intervention has the potential to boost resilience scores and decrease depressive symptoms in pregnant women and offers a promising intervention to improve maternal psychological health.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT04694261, Date of first trial registration: 05/01/2021.
Topics: Humans; Female; Resilience, Psychological; Pakistan; Pregnancy; Adult; Anxiety; Depression; Single-Blind Method; Pregnant Women; Mental Health; Pregnancy Complications; Young Adult; Marriage; Mothers
PubMed: 38951777
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06629-2 -
Journal of Cancer Survivorship :... Jul 2024Prostate cancer survivors may benefit from a supportive social environment. We investigated associations of social integration and long-term physical and psychosocial...
PURPOSE
Prostate cancer survivors may benefit from a supportive social environment. We investigated associations of social integration and long-term physical and psychosocial quality of life among prostate cancer survivors who were participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.
METHODS
We included 1,428 individuals diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 2008 and 2016. Social integration was measured by the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and marital status. We fit generalized linear mixed effect models for associations of SNI and marital status with patient reported outcome measures on physical and psychosocial quality of life captured between 2008 and 2020, adjusting for age, race, employment status, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, and clinical factors.
RESULTS
Among those with baseline SNI (N = 1,362), 46.4% were socially integrated, 20.3% were moderately integrated, 27.4% were moderately isolated, and 5.9% were socially isolated. Among those reporting baseline marital status (N = 1,428), 89.5% were married. Socially integrated survivors (vs. socially isolated) reported fewer depressive signs and better psychosocial wellbeing. Physical quality of life did not differ by social integration. Married survivors (vs. not married) reported fewer urinary symptoms, but there were no differences in bowel, sexual, or vitality/hormonal symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Among prostate cancer survivors, being socially integrated was associated with fewer depressive signs and better psychosocial wellbeing, and married prostate cancer survivors had fewer urinary symptoms.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
This study highlighted aspects of long-term physical and psychosocial quality of life that are more favorable among prostate cancer survivors with a supportive social environment.
PubMed: 38951371
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-024-01632-0 -
BMJ Open Jul 2024Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by . It has a wide host range and is capable of vertical transmission in pregnant women, which may lead to...
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by . It has a wide host range and is capable of vertical transmission in pregnant women, which may lead to undesirable pregnancy outcomes such as congenital malformations, miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. This study investigated the seroprevalence of infection among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Namwala District Hospital in Southern Zambia.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study where blood was collected, and the serum was tested for IgG and IgM. A questionnaire was administered to participants on demographic characteristics and risk factors. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 401 women were enrolled in the study from 3 March to 5 August 2021. The seroprevalence of IgG was 4.2% (n=17), while the seroprevalence of IgM was 0.7% (n=3). The median age was 27 (IQR: 24-30) years, and a larger proportion had primary-level education (n=223, 55.6%). The majority (81.6%) of the women were married. None of the risk factors investigated in this study were significant for infection.
CONCLUSION
There was a low seroprevalence of infection among pregnant women in the Namwala district of Southern Province, Zambia, and regular screening may not be warranted in this population. Continued research on toxoplasmosis is recommended to understand its epidemiology across Zambia.
Topics: Humans; Female; Zambia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Adult; Pregnancy; Toxoplasmosis; Risk Factors; Toxoplasma; Young Adult; Immunoglobulin M; Antibodies, Protozoan; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Immunoglobulin G; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 38950992
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084582 -
PLOS Global Public Health 2024The burden of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a public health problem that should be addressed considering its effect on society and close association...
The burden of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a public health problem that should be addressed considering its effect on society and close association with HIV. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and prevalence of common STIs and associated risk factors among adult patients seeking STI care in health facilities in Ho Municipality. This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 178 adult clients seeking treatment for suspected STIs, from November 2020 to April 2021. Data on participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge and health-seeking behaviour for STI therapy was obtained. Urine and blood samples were also taken from each participant for microbiological screening to identify the infecting pathogen and the specific STI. Multiple logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used to test the significance of associations. Of the 178 participants, 71.91% (n = 128) were women and 61.24% (n = 109) were unmarried. About 13% (n = 23) had poor knowledge of STIs. Prevalence of the STIs was 24.72% (n = 44) of which gonorrhoea was the highest 11.24% (n = 20), followed by chlamydia 10.11% (n = 18) and syphilis 7.30% (n = 13). Of all the participants, 3.37% (n = 6) had co-infections with at least 2 pathogens. Infection with all three pathogens was observed in a single participant. Participants who were married were associated with 61% reduced odds of sexually transmitted infection compared to participants who were unmarried (AOR = 0.39; Cl = 0.17-0.89). Participants who smoked had 6.5 times increased odds of the infection compared to nonsmoking participants (AOR = 6.51; Cl = 1.07-39.56). Although knowledge of STIs was high, it did not appear to contribute to lowering of the prevalence. This suggests there may be other factors other than awareness or knowledge driving STIs. There is an urgent need for further studies to ascertain the drivers of STIs beyond knowledge and awareness in the public.
PubMed: 38950047
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003422 -
The Journal of the Association of...The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the acceptance of HIV diagnosis of women in stable relationships. Based on eight semistructured interviews with...
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the acceptance of HIV diagnosis of women in stable relationships. Based on eight semistructured interviews with cisgender Portuguese women, thematic analysis identified four interrelated themes that illustrated the emotional and psychosocial dynamics involved in this journey. Following an HIV diagnosis, participants grappled with complex emotions, societal perceptions, and the internalization of stigma. Marital relationships underwent profound changes, with trust breakdown and emotional distancing. Coping mechanisms ranged from seeking support to living in secrecy, which impacted psychological well-being. Acceptance of HIV diagnosis is influenced by self-stigmatization, societal perceptions of HIV, and gender dynamics. The findings contribute to the development of tailored interventions, emphasizing the interconnected nature of physical and psychological well-being in the diagnosis acceptance process.
Topics: Humans; Female; Qualitative Research; HIV Infections; Portugal; Social Stigma; Adult; Adaptation, Psychological; Middle Aged; Interviews as Topic; Social Support; Marriage; Emotions; Interpersonal Relations
PubMed: 38949901
DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000472