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Proceedings of the National Academy of... May 2024Infanticide and adoption have been attributed to sexual selection, where an individual later reproduces with the parent whose offspring it killed or adopted. While...
Infanticide and adoption have been attributed to sexual selection, where an individual later reproduces with the parent whose offspring it killed or adopted. While sexually selected infanticide is well known, evidence for sexually selected adoption is anecdotal. We report on both behaviors at 346 nests over 27 y in green-rumped parrotlets () in Venezuela. Parrotlets are monogamous with long-term pair bonds, exhibit a strongly male-biased adult sex ratio, and nest in cavities that are in short supply, creating intense competition for nest sites and mates. Infanticide attacks occurred at 256 nests in two distinct contexts: 1) Attacks were primarily committed by nonbreeding pairs (69%) attempting to evict parents from the cavity. Infanticide attacks per nest were positively correlated with population size and evicting pairs never adopted abandoned offspring. Competition for limited nest sites was a primary cause of eviction-driven infanticide, and 2) attacks occurred less frequently at nests where one mate died (31%), was perpetrated primarily by stepparents of both sexes, and was independent of population size. Thus, within a single species and mating system, infanticide occurred in multiple contexts due to multiple drivers. Nevertheless, 48% of stepparents of both sexes adopted offspring, and another 23% of stepfathers exhibited both infanticide and long-term care. Stepfathers were often young males who subsequently nested with widows, reaching earlier ages of first breeding than competitors and demonstrating sexually selected adoption. Adoption and infanticide conferred similar fitness benefits to stepfathers and appeared to be equivalent strategies driven by limited breeding opportunities, male-biased sex ratios, and long-term monogamy.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Venezuela; Parrots; Nesting Behavior; Sex Ratio; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Sexual Selection
PubMed: 38709919
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317305121 -
Heliyon May 2024Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer and...
INTRODUCTION
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer and the trends of cervical cancer screening among women who had cervical cancer screening in Suva, Fiji between 2014 and 2018.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
This study applied a 5-year retrospective electronic chart review of data from all women attending the Women's Wellness Clinic (WWC) in Suva, Fiji. The women who were selected for this study and screened for cervical cancer were Fijian citizens above 18 years of age and were registered in 2014-2018. A data collection form was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24; p <0.05 % was considered as the level of significance.
RESULTS
Among the 39,579 women who attended WWC for other family planning services, 12,074 women screened for cervical cancer with a prevalence of 30.5 %. The overall mean age for women screened for cervical cancer was 37.6 (SD ± 11.2). Two-thirds (76.4 %) of the women screened for cervical cancer were less than 46 years of age and 53.9 % were I-taukei. The number of women who came for Pap smear increased in 2015, however, a slight decline was observed in 2016 which was later improved to 35.1 % in 2018. Malignancy was more common in the age range of 42-49 respectively. In this study, women of 46 years and above had an OR of 0.51 (95 % CI: 0.36, 0.72), other ethnicity OR was 1.73 (95 % CI: 1.27, 2.35), and the Muslim religion OR recorded was 1.44 (95 % CI: 1.03, 2.01) which was comparatively considered a high-risk group. Women who are widowed 1.57 (95 % CI: 0.798, 3.11), single 1.29 (95 % CI: 0.87, 1.92) or divorced 1.08 (95 % CI: 0.59, 1.99), employed 1.01 (95 % CI: 0.83, 1.24) and are living in rural areas 1.19 (95 % CI: 0.82, 1.73) are also associated with higher odds of having abnormal results.
CONCLUSION
Cervical cancer is listed as the first and most common type of cancer in women which is noticeably increasing in Fiji. Even though cervical cancer screening has improved over the years, adequate surveillance systems and ongoing programs should be designed and implemented to increase awareness and monitor the trend of cervical cancer screening in order to reduce cervical cancer prevalence and mortality rates.
PubMed: 38707371
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30220 -
International Journal of Public Health 2024We explored characteristics of people with an accumulation of health problems related to old age requesting euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS) and...
Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in People With an Accumulation of Health Problems Related to Old Age: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study Among Physicians in the Netherlands.
We explored characteristics of people with an accumulation of health problems related to old age requesting euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS) and identified characteristics associated with granting EAS requests. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study among Dutch physicians on characteristics of these people requesting EAS ( = 123). Associations between characteristics and granting a request were assessed using logistic regression analyses. People requesting EAS were predominantly >80 years old (82.4%), female (70.0%), widow/widower (71.7%), (partially) care-dependent (76.7%), and had a life expectancy >12 months (68.6%). The most prevalent health problems were osteoarthritis (70.4%) and impaired vision and hearing (53.0% and 40.9%). The most cited reasons to request EAS were physical deterioration (68.6%) and dependence (61.2%). 44.7% of requests were granted. Granting a request was positively associated with care dependence, disability/immobility, impaired vision, osteoporosis, loss of control, suffering without prospect of improvement and a treatment relationship with the physician >12 months. Enhanced understanding of people with an accumulation of health problems related to old age requesting EAS can contribute to the ongoing debate on the permissibility of EAS in people without life-threatening conditions.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Netherlands; Suicide, Assisted; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Surveys and Questionnaires; Physicians; Middle Aged; Euthanasia
PubMed: 38698912
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606962 -
BMC Psychiatry Apr 2024The study explored the levels and associated factors of undiagnosed depression among community-dwelling older Indian adults. It also identified the socio-demographic...
BACKGROUND
The study explored the levels and associated factors of undiagnosed depression among community-dwelling older Indian adults. It also identified the socio-demographic predictors of undiagnosed depression among the study population at national and state levels.
METHODS
The study employed data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India wave-I, 2017-18. Based on the data on depression from interviewee's self-reporting and measurement on Composite International Diagnostic Interview- Short Form (CIDI-SF) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies- Depression scale (CES-D) scales, we estimated undiagnosed depression among older adults (age 60+). We estimated multivariable binary logistic regressions to examine the socio-demographic and health-related predictors of undiagnosed depression among older adults.
FINDINGS
8% (95% CI: 7.8-8.4) of the total older adults had undiagnosed depression on CIDI-SF scale and 5% (95% CI: 4.8-5.3) on the combined CIDI-SF and CES-D. Undiagnosed depression was higher among those who were widowed, worked in the past and currently not working, scheduled castes, higher educated and the richest. Lack of health insurance coverage, presence of any other physical or mental impairment, family history of Alzheimer's/Parkinson's disease/ psychotic disorder, lower self-rated health and poor life satisfaction were significant predictors of undiagnosed depression on both CIDI-SF and combined scales.
CONCLUSION
To improve the health of older adults in India, targeted policy efforts integrating mental health screening, awareness campaigns and decentralization of mental healthcare to primary level is needed. Further research could explore the causal factors behind different levels of undiagnosed depression.
Topics: Humans; India; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Depression; Aged, 80 and over; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Independent Living; Depressive Disorder; Socioeconomic Factors; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 38689281
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05684-5 -
Public Health Jun 2024This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of children aged 0-19 years who have a parent with a history of heart disease and investigate their sociodemographic...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of children aged 0-19 years who have a parent with a history of heart disease and investigate their sociodemographic characteristics.
STUDY DESIGN
A national register-based study.
METHODS
From the Danish Fertility Register and the Danish National Patient Register information on children of parents with ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure and heart valve disease in the period 1981-2018 were obtained. Statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, logistic and linear regression were used to illuminate associations between parental heart disease and sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
The study population consisted of 142,480 children aged 0-19 years with at least one parent diagnosed with heart disease, corresponding to every 9 child in Denmark in 2018. The number increased from 4.5% in 2002 to 11.1% in 2018. In the study population most had a father with heart disease (57.8%) and 4.6% had two parents with heart disease. Parents with heart disease had significantly higher odds of being out of work (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.64; 1.72), in a single-parent household (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07; 1.11), divorced or widowed (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.08; 1.12), having a lower educational level (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.33; 1.37), and a lower family income (-42,410 DKR, 95% CI -50,306; -34,514, P < 0.0001) compared to those without heart disease.
CONCLUSION
Children affected by parental heart disease comprise a substantial part of the Danish population. These have significantly different sociodemographic characteristics than children in families without parental heart disease, which might affect social heritage and parental capacity.
Topics: Humans; Denmark; Infant; Male; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Female; Child; Infant, Newborn; Registries; Heart Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; Parents; Young Adult; Sociodemographic Factors
PubMed: 38688166
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.03.021 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Apr 2024This study aimed to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and demographic as well as health-related variables in elderly individuals diagnosed with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and demographic as well as health-related variables in elderly individuals diagnosed with cancer.
METHODS
A cohort of 50 elderly cancer patients participated in the study. Data collection involved the completion of surveys and assessments encompassing demographic characteristics, medical profiles, levels of depression, cognitive functioning, activities of daily living, and perceived social support.
RESULTS
Findings revealed that among the elderly participants, 45% experienced mild depression, 20% exhibited moderate depression, and 5% showed severe depression. Depression levels were found to be linked to marital status (P = 0.03), with widowed individuals reporting the highest depression rates (80%) and single individuals reporting the lowest (4%). Living arrangements were significantly associated with depression (P = 0.012), with participants cohabiting with their partner and children showing lower depression rates (6%) compared to those living solely with their children (40%). Additionally, depression showed a significant correlation with income (P = 0.01), as individuals reporting insufficient income for living expenses displayed higher levels of depression (58%). Furthermore, depression was notably linked to chronic health conditions like diabetes and respiratory ailments (P = .023), with individuals grappling with respiratory issues reporting the highest depression scores.
CONCLUSION
Recognizing and addressing factors such as marital status, living situation, income level, and the presence of chronic illnesses hold the potential for healthcare professionals to tailor interventions effectively to meet the specific requirements of this vulnerable demographic. This tailored approach has the capability to contribute significantly to enhancing the overall well-being and mental health outcomes of elderly cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Neoplasms; Depression; Activities of Daily Living; Social Support; Follow-Up Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Prognosis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Marital Status; Middle Aged; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 38679987
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.4.1271 -
PloS One 2024Spatial analysis at different levels can help understand spatial variation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, disease drivers, and targeted interventions....
BACKGROUND
Spatial analysis at different levels can help understand spatial variation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, disease drivers, and targeted interventions. Combining spatial analysis and the evaluation of the determinants of the HIV burden in Southern African countries is essential for a better understanding of the disease dynamics in high-burden settings.
METHODS
The study countries were selected based on the availability of demographic and health surveys (DHS) and corresponding geographic coordinates. We used multivariable regression to evaluate the determinants of HIV burden and assessed the presence and nature of HIV spatial autocorrelation in six Southern African countries.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of HIV for each country varied between 11.3% in Zambia and 22.4% in South Africa. The HIV prevalence rate was higher among female respondents in all six countries. There were reductions in prevalence estimates in most countries yearly from 2011 to 2020. The hotspot cluster findings show that the major cities in each country are the key sites of high HIV burden. Compared with female respondents, the odds of being HIV positive were lesser among the male respondents. The probability of HIV infection was higher among those who had sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the last 12 months, divorced and widowed individuals, and women aged 25 years and older.
CONCLUSIONS
Our research findings show that analysis of survey data could provide reasonable estimates of the wide-ranging spatial structure of the HIV epidemic in Southern African countries. Key determinants such as individuals who are divorced, middle-aged women, and people who recently treated STIs, should be the focus of HIV prevention and control interventions. The spatial distribution of high-burden areas for HIV in the selected countries was more pronounced in the major cities. Interventions should also be focused on locations identified as hotspot clusters.
Topics: Humans; Female; HIV Infections; Male; Adult; Prevalence; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; South Africa; Spatial Analysis; Zambia; Health Surveys; Africa, Southern
PubMed: 38669230
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301850 -
Innovation in Aging 2024We used longitudinal data to determine whether the type of marital loss is associated with the rate of cognitive change before and after divorce or widowhood. Previous...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
We used longitudinal data to determine whether the type of marital loss is associated with the rate of cognitive change before and after divorce or widowhood. Previous research found that relationship status was associated with older adults' cognitive performance: married persons performed better on memory assessments and had lower dementia risk than unmarried-cohabitating, never-married, divorced, and widowed persons. However, the end of a marriage may cause distress or reduce distress because a stressor disappears. Questions thus remain about the mechanisms by which marital change affects cognitive outcomes and, specifically, whether termination of marriage can improve cognitive performance for some.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using data from the 1998-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study ( = 23,393), we conducted two analyses. First, we used trajectory analysis to create clusters of participants with similar cognitive trajectories and tested the association between participants' cluster membership and marital loss type. Second, we used multilevel modeling to analyze the relationship between participants' cognitive scores while married and following divorce or widowhood and linked these to marital features.
RESULTS
Participants who divorced showed no difference in trajectory distribution; widowed participants were more likely to be in the lower-performing and more quickly declining groups. Participants had lower rates of decline following divorce (β = .136, < .001), while widowed participants had accelerated decline following spousal death (β = -0.183, < .001) and an immediate decline following spousal death (β = -0.113, = .028).
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
We found that the type of marital loss was important, and predicted improvements in cognition for some and decrements for others, with individuals who were divorced performing best while those who were widowed or separated but not divorced performing worse.
PubMed: 38660118
DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae033 -
Journal of Rural Medicine : JRM Apr 2024Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, affect all stages of life and impact individuals, families, and communities....
OBJECTIVES
Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, affect all stages of life and impact individuals, families, and communities. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of CMDs and their sociodemographic determinants in the adult population of a rural block in North India.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A cross-sectional, quantitative, community-based study was conducted among adult residents of a rural block in Haryana, North India, using a multistage random sampling technique. The Hindi version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), a well-validated tool, was used to screen participants for CMDs. Scores of 4 or above denoted the presence of CMDs. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between CMDs and sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
Of the 180 residents selected for the study, most were women (60.0%) and aged between 31 and 50 years (52.3%). The prevalence of CMDs symptoms in the study population was 20.0%. The presence of CMDs symptoms was significantly higher among those who were aged 60 years or older [OR=12.33, 95% CI 3.21-47.38], widowed, divorced or separated [OR=7.50, 95% CI 1.09-51.52], illiterate [OR= 6.25, 95% CI 2.84-13.77], had monthly family income below 10,000 INR [OR=3.33, 95% CI 1.54-7.20], had any chronic physical illness [OR=8.28, 95% CI 3.70-18.56] and had a family history of any psychiatric illness [OR=5.56, 95% CI 1.52-19.42].
CONCLUSION
The burden of CMDs was quite high among adults in rural North India. The presence of CMDs was closely associated with sociodemographic characteristics. Primary care and community-based settings need to screen for, diagnose, and manage CMDs to address this growing problem.
PubMed: 38655225
DOI: 10.2185/jrm.2023-013 -
Biology Letters Apr 2024Heatwaves are increasingly prevalent and can constrain investment into important life-history traits. In addition to heatwaves, animals regularly encounter threats from...
Heatwaves are increasingly prevalent and can constrain investment into important life-history traits. In addition to heatwaves, animals regularly encounter threats from other organisms in their environments, such as predators. The combination of these two environmental factors introduces a decision-making conflict-heat exposure requires more food intake to fuel investment into fitness-related traits, but foraging in the presence of predators increases the threat of mortality. Thus, we used female variable field crickets () to investigate the effects of heatwaves in conjunction with predation risk (exposed food and water sources, and exposure to scent from black widow spiders, ) on resource acquisition (food intake) and allocation (investment into ovarian and somatic tissues). A simulated heatwave increased food intake and the allocation of resources to reproductive investment. Crickets exposed to high predation risk reduced food intake, but they were able to maintain reproductive investment at an expense to investment into somatic tissue. Thus, heatwaves and predation risk deprioritized investment into self-maintenance, which may impair key physiological processes. This study is an important step towards understanding the ecology of fear in a warming world.
Topics: Animals; Gryllidae; Predatory Behavior; Female; Spiders; Hot Temperature; Reproduction; Eating
PubMed: 38653332
DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0009