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PLOS Global Public Health 2024HIV-related causes accounted for approximately 770,000 deaths globally in 2018. Globally, there were 1.7 million new infections, and approximately 37.9 million people...
HIV-related causes accounted for approximately 770,000 deaths globally in 2018. Globally, there were 1.7 million new infections, and approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2018. According to the WHO 2018 study, the African Region was the most affected, with 25.7 million people living with HIV in 2018. In Africa, married and cohabiting couples have a high prevalence of HIV discordance, ranging from 3% to 20% in the general population. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the level of HIV serodiscordance among married couples in Ethiopia and the contributing factors. Studies were systematically searched, utilizing international databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The level of quality of the included articles, which employed cross-sectional and cohort study designs, was evaluated using the New Castle Ottawa scale. The systematic review employed a random-effects approach, and statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17 software. The presence of statistical heterogeneity within the included studies was assessed using the I-squared statistic. The random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled level of HIV serodiscordance. The results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. A total of ten (10) observational studies were included in this review. The pooled level of HIV serodiscordance among married heterosexual couples in Ethiopia was found to be 11.4% (95% CI = 7% -15.7%). The results from the meta-analysis indicated a significant positive association between HIV serodiscordance and the variables studied. Specifically, consistently using condoms (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.08-2.56), having a CD4 count of >200 cells/mm3 (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12-1.77), and having a premarital sexual relationship (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.28-2.57) were strongly linked to couples' serodiscordance. To protect a seronegative partner in a serodiscordant relationship from acquiring HIV infection, it is crucial to implement preventive measures. These measures include providing comprehensive health education on the correct and consistent use of condoms, ensuring regular monitoring and care at an antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic, and offering voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services to both sexual partners.
PubMed: 38900765
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003090 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Epilepsy is a global health and economic burden with major problems that have an impact on physical, psychological, and social activities. Quality of life (QoL) is often... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Epilepsy is a global health and economic burden with major problems that have an impact on physical, psychological, and social activities. Quality of life (QoL) is often disturbed and can be influenced by many factors, like anti-seizure medication side effects, the sociocultural environment, and various disease-related factors. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the most recent information available regarding the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life and associated factors among adult people with epilepsy in Ethiopia.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) is an appropriate set of guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with CRD42024527914. To find publications for the systematic review and meta-analysis, we used both manual and electronic searches. The publications were searched by PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and other grey publications were searched by Google Scholar. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for cross-sectional study quality assessment was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel, and then it was exported into STATA 11.0 for analysis. A funnel plot and an objective examination of Egger's regression test were used to check for publication bias.
RESULTS
We have included 7 studies conducted in Ethiopia with 2123 study participants, of whom 1163 (54.78%) were male individuals, and 1196 (56.34%) of the participants were living without marriage (either single, divorced, or widowed). The pooled prevalence of poor quality of life among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia is 45.07 (95% CI: 39.73-50.42%). Further, in subgroup analysis regarding the assessment tool of poor quality of life of people with epilepsy, QOLIE-31 accounted for 50.05% (95%CI: 46.65-53.45) and WHO QOL BREF accounted for 39.72% (95%CI: 27.67-51.78). Among the associated factors, being unable to read and write, anxiey and depression were significantly linked to the quality of life of people with epilepsy.
CONCLUSION
This review found that there was a high pooled prevalence of poor quality of life related to people with epilepsy in Ethiopia. This study may provide further information to concerned bodies that do early screening and manage the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy. Also, screening and intervention for anxiety and depression problems should be considered in regular epilepsy care management.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Quality of Life; Epilepsy; Adult; Prevalence
PubMed: 38844872
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19018-3 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies May 2024Work-related musculoskeletal disorders significantly impact the job performance and quality of life of nursing personnel in China, necessitating an understanding of...
BACKGROUND
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders significantly impact the job performance and quality of life of nursing personnel in China, necessitating an understanding of their prevalence and risk factors to enhance occupational health and improve medical safety.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nurses in China.
DESIGN
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A computerized search was conducted on databases, including the China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Weipu Database, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, covering studies from inception to February 28, 2024, addressing the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing professionals in China. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14 software.
RESULTS
The analysis included 23 articles, involving a total of 21,042 cases, and revealed a prevalence rate of 79 % (95 % CI: 73 %-84 %) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing staff in China. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was highest among those with length of service >15 years, at 87 %; the 31-40 age group had a higher prevalence than other age groups, at 85 %; female nurses exhibited a prevalence rate of 80 %, surpassing male nurses at 77 %, while surgical nurses had a higher prevalence rate (83 %) than those in other departments. The most affected body parts were the neck (58 %), waist (57 %), shoulders (49 %), and back (35 %). Identified risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nurses in China included age >35 years (OR = 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.16-2.45), length of service ≥10 years (OR = 3.30, 95 % CI: 1.84-5.92), marital status (married) (OR = 2.19, 95 % CI: 1.91-2.50), heavy workload (OR = 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.25-4.83), weekly work hours >40 h (OR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.34-1.67), daily work hours >8 h (OR = 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.32-2.21), strong sense of work fatigue (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.22-1.76), and high night shift frequency (OR = 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.62-2.02). Regular physical exercise was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.68, 95 % CI: 0.56-0.82).
CONCLUSION
The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing staff in China was 79 %. Age >35 years, length of service ≥10 years, marital status (married), heavy workload, weekly work hours >40 h, daily work hours >8 h, strong sense of work fatigue, and night shift frequency were identified as risk factors. Nursing administrators and staff can take proactive measures against the aforementioned factors to reduce the risk of illness and ensure the safety of medical care.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: CRD42023479433.
PubMed: 38843644
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104826 -
BMC Public Health May 2024Screening for sickle cell traits before marriage or producing children is one of the outstanding preventive measures for sickle cell disease (SCD).The disease is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Screening for sickle cell traits before marriage or producing children is one of the outstanding preventive measures for sickle cell disease (SCD).The disease is a collection of inherited blood disorders that impact millions globally, with a predominant 75% occurrence in the sub-Saharan region. With increasing burden of SCD on the continent amidst a cost effective prevention method, no study has systematically reviewed or presented meta-analytic uptake or practice of premarital sickle cell trait screening.
METHODS
This review systematically explored the uptake or practice of premarital genotype screening in Africa. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases for African studies on premarital screening for sickle cell traits.
RESULTS
Our results indicate that the pooled uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening in Africa is 47.82% (95% CI: [46.53-49.11]; I: 98.95% [98.74-99.13]). Our review observed, a significant relationship between the awareness of sickle cell disease and the uptake of genotype screening; F(1, 13) = 12.04, p = 0.004). The model explained approximately 48.08% of the variation in genotype screening (R² = 0.4808) and predicted a 0.729 increase in the likelihood of genotype screening uptake for every unit rise in sickle cell disease awareness (β = 0.729, p = 0.004). Additionally, Pearson correlation (r = 0.6934) indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between the two variables.
CONCLUSION
With over 75% of the global burden of sickle cell disease domiciled in Africa, the continent cannot overlook the cost of hemoglobinopathies. The uptake of sickle cell traits screening is suboptimal across the continent. To achieve the mandate of sustainable development goal number (3); to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030, there is need to intensify campaigns on premarital genetic screening through education and other health promotion tools.
Topics: Humans; Sickle Cell Trait; Africa; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Premarital Examinations; Mass Screening; Genetic Testing
PubMed: 38822327
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19001-y -
Discover Mental Health May 2024Frequent presenters (FPs) are a group of individuals who visit the hospital emergency department (ED) frequently for urgent care. Many among the group present with the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Frequent presenters (FPs) are a group of individuals who visit the hospital emergency department (ED) frequently for urgent care. Many among the group present with the main diagnosis of mental health conditions. This group of individual tend to use ED resources disproportionally and significantly affects overall healthcare outcomes. No previous reviews have examined the profiles of FPs with mental health conditions.
AIMS
This study aims to identify the key socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who frequently present to ED with a mental health primary diagnosis by performing a comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature.
METHOD
PRISMA guideline was used. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) were searched in May 2023. A manual search on the reference list of included articles was conducted at the same time. Covidence was used to perform extraction and screening, which were completed independently by two authors. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined.
RESULTS
The abstracts of 3341 non-duplicate articles were screened, with 40 full texts assessed for eligibility. 20 studies were included from 2004 to 2022 conducted in 6 countries with a total patient number of 25,688 (52% male, 48% female, mean age 40.7 years old). 27% were unemployed, 20% married, 41% homeless, and 17% had tertiary or above education. 44% had a history of substance abuse or alcohol dependence. The top 3 diagnoses are found to be anxiety disorders (44%), depressive disorders (39%) schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (33%).
CONCLUSION
On average, FPs are middle-aged and equally prevalent in both genders. Current data lacks representation for gender-diverse groups. They are significantly associated with high rates of unemployment, homelessness, lower than average education level, and being single. Anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders are the most common clinical diagnoses associated with the group.
PubMed: 38802580
DOI: 10.1007/s44192-024-00070-9 -
Vaccine May 2024Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among females are lower than the World Health Organization target and vaccination rates specifically among adult females are... (Review)
Review
Exploration of individual socioeconomic and health-related characteristics associated with human papillomavirus vaccination initiation and vaccination series completion among adult females: A comprehensive systematic evidence review with meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among females are lower than the World Health Organization target and vaccination rates specifically among adult females are even much lower.
METHODS
We systematically evaluated individual socioeconomic and health-related characteristics associated with HPV vaccination initiation and vaccination series completion among adult females (PROSPERO: CRD42023445721). We performed a literature search on December 14, 2022, and supplemented the search on August 1, 2023. We pooled appropriate multivariable-adjusted results using an inverse variance random-effects model and expressed the results as odds ratios with associated 95 % confidence intervals. A point pooled significantly increased/decreased odds of 30-69 % was regarded to be strongly associated, and ≥ 70 % was very strongly associated.
RESULTS
We included 63 cross-sectional studies. There were strongly increased odds of vaccination initiation among White women compared with Black or Asian women, and those with higher education, health insurance, a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), receipt of influenza vaccination in the preceding year, not married/cohabiting, not smoking, using contraception, and having visited a healthcare provider in the preceding year. We observed very strongly increased odds of vaccination initiation among those younger and having been born in the country of study. Similarly, there were strongly increased odds of completing the vaccination series for the same variables as initiating vaccination, except for higher education, prior STI, smoking and contraception use. Additional variables associated with strongly increased odds of vaccination series completion not seen in initiation were higher annual household income, being lesbian/bisexual, and having a primary care physician. We observed very strongly increased odds of vaccination series completion similar to vaccination initiation but including for White compared with Black women, higher education, and prior cervical cancer screening.
CONCLUSIONS
These individual characteristics may be the key to identifying women at increased risk of not being vaccinated against HPV and could inform targeted messaging to drive HPV vaccination.
PubMed: 38796328
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.042 -
International Journal of Public Health 2024Representativeness in physical activity randomised controlled trials (RCT) in breast cancer patients is essential to analyses of feasibility and validity considering... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Representativeness in physical activity randomised controlled trials (RCT) in breast cancer patients is essential to analyses of feasibility and validity considering privileged- social groups. A step-by-step exclusion of less privileged groups through the trial process could reinforce health inequality. This study aimed at examining representativeness in breast cancer (BC) physical activity trials, investigate associations between socio-economic status (SES) and intervention adherence, and explore associations between representativeness and the relationship between SES and intervention adherence.
METHODS
Systematic, computerised searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Additional citation-based searches retrieved 37 articles. Distributions of education level, ethnicity, and marital status in study samples were compared to national populations data to estimate representativeness in less privileged groups.
RESULTS
A preponderance of studies favoured educated, married and white patients. Only six studies reported SES-adherence associations, hampering conclusions on this relationship and possible associations between representativeness and an SES-adherence relationship.
CONCLUSION
Less educated, unmarried and non-white individuals may be underrepresented in BC physical activity RCTs, while SES-adherence associations in such trials are inconclusive. Unintentional social misrepresentations may indicate that disguised inequity warrants revived attention.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Exercise; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Social Class; Socioeconomic Factors; Patient Compliance
PubMed: 38784387
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1607002 -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... May 2024To provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on factors related to relationship quality and relationship stability after stroke. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on factors related to relationship quality and relationship stability after stroke.
DATA SOURCES
Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Embase, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, APA PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched on November 15, 2022, for literature on factors associated with (1) relation quality and (2) relation stability after stroke.
STUDY SELECTION
English quantitative and qualitative studies investigating factors associated with relation quality and/or stability after stroke were included. Three reviewers independently assessed eligibility. Consensus meetings were held in case of divergent opinions. A total of 44 studies were included.
DATA EXTRACTION
Information regarding study objectives and characteristics, participant demographics, independent and dependent variables, and main findings was extracted. Study quality was rated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and/or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist for Qualitative Research. Both were administered by the lead reviewer and checked by the second reviewer. Identified factors are described and presented according to the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Thirty-seven factors related to relationship quality after stroke were identified, covering the domains of body functions and structures (eg, cognitive problems), activities (eg, decrease in physical intimacy), participation (eg, being socially active), environment (eg, medication side effects), and personal factors (eg, hypervigilance). Eight factors related to relationship stability were identified, covering the domains of participation (agreement on reciprocal roles) and personal factors (eg, quality of prestroke relation).
CONCLUSIONS
Relationship quality and stability after stroke are related to a multitude of factors. Future research should confirm the relevance of factors found in a few studies of suboptimal quality; explore possible associations between relationship stability and factors falling in the domains of body functions and structure, activity, and environmental factors; and explicitly explore potential positive effects of stroke on relationships.
PubMed: 38777292
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.05.016 -
Archives of Public Health = Archives... May 2024Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a prevalent issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), causing injuries and trauma with severe consequences for survivors. This...
BACKGROUND
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a prevalent issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), causing injuries and trauma with severe consequences for survivors. This scoping review aimed to explore the range of research evidence on injuries and trauma resulting from SGBV among survivors in SSA and identify research gaps.
METHODS
The review employed the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework, conducting extensive literature searches across multiple electronic databases using keywords, Boolean operators, medical subject heading terms and manual searches of reference lists. It included studies focusing on injuries and trauma from SGBV, regardless of gender or age, published between 2012 and 2023, and involved an SSA countries. Two authors independently screened articles, performed data extraction and quality appraisal, with discrepancies resolved through discussions or a third author. Descriptive analysis and narrative synthesis were used to report the findings.
RESULTS
After screening 569 potentially eligible articles, 20 studies were included for data extraction and analysis. Of the 20 included studies, most were cross-sectional studies (n = 15; 75%) from South Africa (n = 11; 55%), and involved women (n = 15; 75%). The included studies reported significant burden of injuries and trauma resulting from SGBV, affecting various populations, including sexually abused children, married women, visually impaired women, refugees, and female students. Factors associated with injuries and trauma included the duration of abuse, severity of injuries sustained, marital status, family dynamics, and timing of incidents. SGBV had a significant impact on mental health, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and psychological trauma. Survivors faced challenges in accessing healthcare and support services, particularly in rural areas, with traditional healers sometimes providing the only mental health care available. Disparities were observed between urban and rural areas in the prevalence and patterns of SGBV, with rural women experiencing more repeated sexual assaults and non-genital injuries.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review highlights the need for targeted interventions to address SGBV and its consequences, improve access to healthcare and support services, and enhance mental health support for survivors. Further research is required to fill existing gaps and develop evidence-based strategies to mitigate the impact of SGBV on survivors in SSA.
PubMed: 38773645
DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01307-3 -
PloS One 2024A maternal mortality ratio is a sensitive indicator when comparing the overall maternal health between countries and its very high figure indicates the failure of...
BACKGROUND
A maternal mortality ratio is a sensitive indicator when comparing the overall maternal health between countries and its very high figure indicates the failure of maternal healthcare efforts. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam-CLMV countries are the low-income countries of the South-East Asia region where their maternal mortality ratios are disproportionately high. This systematic review aimed to summarize all possible factors influencing maternal mortality in CLMV countries.
METHODS
This systematic review applied "The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist (2020)", Three key phrases: "Maternal Mortality and Health Outcome", "Maternal Healthcare Interventions" and "CLMV Countries" were used for the literature search. 75 full-text papers were systematically selected from three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and Hinari). Two stages of data analysis were descriptive analysis of the general information of the included papers and qualitative analysis of key findings.
RESULTS
Poor family income, illiteracy, low education levels, living in poor households, and agricultural and unskilled manual job types of mothers contributed to insufficient antenatal care. Maternal factors like non-marital status and sex-associated work were highly associated with induced abortions while being rural women, ethnic minorities, poor maternal knowledge and attitudes, certain social and cultural beliefs and husbands' influences directly contributed to the limitations of maternal healthcare services. Maternal factors that made more contributions to poor maternal healthcare outcomes included lower quintiles of wealth index, maternal smoking and drinking behaviours, early and elderly age at marriage, over 35 years pregnancies, unfavourable birth history, gender-based violence experiences, multigravida and higher parity. Higher unmet needs and lower demands for maternal healthcare services occurred among women living far from healthcare facilities. Regarding the maternal healthcare workforce, the quality and number of healthcare providers, the development of healthcare infrastructures and human resource management policy appeared to be arguable. Concerning maternal healthcare service use, the provisions of mobile and outreach maternal healthcare services were inconvenient and limited.
CONCLUSION
Low utilization rates were due to several supply-side constraints. The results will advance knowledge about maternal healthcare and mortality and provide a valuable summary to policymakers for developing policies and strategies promoting high-quality maternal healthcare.
Topics: Humans; Female; Myanmar; Cambodia; Laos; Maternal Mortality; Pregnancy; Vietnam; Maternal Death; Prenatal Care; Maternal Health Services
PubMed: 38758946
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293197