Category: Statistics

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2024 Aug 14;75(2):195-201. doi: 10.32394/rpzh/191205. Epub 2024 Jul 25.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is a serious public health concern and health care professionals especially nurses are at higher risk of acquiring this infection. Basic knowledge, awareness and a positive attitude are required to prevent this disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study was conducted to assess awareness and attitude regarding hepatitis B among staff nurses and nursing students of a teaching hospital in north India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 205 subjects who gave consent to participate were included in this descriptive study. A self-structured pre-tested close ended questionnaire comprising of two parts was used to collect information from the study subjects. First part collected information on demographic details of the study subject and second part assessed subjects’ awareness and attitude on various aspects of hepatitis B infection including vaccination. Chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 25.8±5.6 years. Awareness regarding HBV infection was present among 92.6% (190) of subjects. Long-term effects of hepatitis B were known to 58.4% (119) of subjects and 79.1% (162) of subjects reported taking universal precautions. Half of the subjects (105), were getting regularly tested for hepatitis B antigen.The odds of getting regularly tested for hepatitis B antigen were 3.26 times greater in female subjects and 3.45 times greater in subjects who were GNMs.

CONCLUSION: Low awareness levels were reported regarding some important aspects of hepatitis B among study subjects though more than 90% were aware of it. There is an urgent need for education and training programs for nurses designed to increase their knowledge about HBV infection.

PMID:39140126 | DOI:10.32394/rpzh/191205

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2024 Aug 14;75(2):175-183. doi: 10.32394/rpzh/190449. Epub 2024 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents living in agricultural communities may be at risk for the adverse effects of pesticide exposure because they are involved in agriculture either as a career or to support their families.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of farm activities related to pesticide exposure on blood cholinesterase (ChE) levels among adolescents from farming families in the north of Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 336 adolescents aged 12-19 years from farming families in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. Data on pesticide exposure was collected using a questionnaire, and blood ChE activity was assessed using a ChE reactive paper test kit via fingerstick blood sampling.

RESULTS: Overall, 51.2% of participants had abnormal blood ChE levels. Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that pesticide-related activities on farms associated with abnormal ChE levels were mixing/spraying (OR=10.54; 95%CI=4.63-23.99), assisting or working in areas with pesticide application (OR=5.54; 95%CI=3.45-8.89), and harvesting (OR=3.70; 95%CI=2.35-5.82). In a multivariable model (Nagelkerke R2=0.374), mixing/spraying (OR=4.90; 95%CI=2.03-11.83) and assisting or working in areas with pesticide application (OR=2.61; 95%CI=1.49-4.57) were significantly associated with abnormal ChE levels, but harvesting (OR=1.48; 95%CI=0.84-2.61) was not significant after adjusting for sex, age in years, and entering or walking through a farm.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that Thai adolescents living in farming families are at risk of pesticide exposure, particularly those involved in agricultural activities such as pesticide applicators. An intervention and measure to raise awareness and reduce the risk of pesticide exposure in adolescents is required.

PMID:39140124 | DOI:10.32394/rpzh/190449

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2024 Aug 14;75(2):169-173. doi: 10.32394/rpzh/190573. Epub 2024 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There are many educational and health programs implemented on a smaller or larger scale in Poland. Many of them address the problem of overweight and obesity in different age groups. Each such activity is considered valuable and important, since the problem of excessive body fat is growing and, in addition, poses a health risk due to the development of other diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of nutrition education implemented over a 7-week period and to assess the nutritional status of 32 students aged 20-21 from Wroclaw.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group of students participated in a Human Nutrition course that included 30 hours of lectures and 30 hours of exercises. In the study group, the level of knowledge was assessed twice (before and after education) using a questionnaire with 13 closed questions, and body composition analysis was performed twice (before and after education) using an InBody270 analyser.

RESULTS: The study group showed a statistically significant increase in the number of correct answers on the nutrition knowledge questionnaire after the nutrition education (average 9.7 points vs. 11.4 points; p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were noted in the studied anthropometric parameters performed before and after nutrition education.

CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge gained during nutrition education allowed the surveyed students to give more correct answers in the questionnaire after the Human Nutrition course. The nutritional status of the surveyed students did not change statistically significantly, but two students achieved a weight reduction of 1.5-2 kg during the study period.

PMID:39140123 | DOI:10.32394/rpzh/190573

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2024 Aug 14;75(2):161-167. doi: 10.32394/rpzh/189876. Epub 2024 Jun 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aronia melanocarpa is nowadays valued for its high content of biologically active substances, the main group of which are polyphenols, which include anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids. From the available sources, we can conclude that extracts and juices from black chokeberry have a great potential in human nutrition and influence on their health.

OBJECTIVE: The research was to evaluate the effect of regular consumption of 100% organic chokeberry juice on selected anthropometric and lipid parameters of overweight or obese women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical study consisted of 19 women with overweight and obesity, age from 44 to 63. The probands consumed 50 ml of chokeberry juice daily for 8 weeks as part of their regular diet. Body composition and biochemical indicators were monitored before consumption, after 4 and 8 weeks of nutritional intervention. Body composition was determined using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) – InBody 720. Biochemical analyzes of blood serum were performed using standard methods in an accredited laboratory using automatic biochemical analyzer a BioMajesty JCA-BM6010/C.

RESULTS: The monitored group of probands is characterized by menopausale and postmenopausale women, overweight or obese women with hypercholesterolemia without pharmacological treatment. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed when evaluating the amount of body fat (BFM) of the probands before the start of consumption and after the consumption of chokeberry juice. We noted a statistically significant reduction especially in the assessment of visceral fat (VFA) (p<0.001). There were no fundamentally significant changes in the lipid profile of women in this intervention study. With short-term consumption of chokeberry juice (after 4 weeks), we recorded an average reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but without statistical significant. We also focused on the evaluation of the inflammatory marker CRP and noted a significant beneficial reduction of CRP (p˂0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: In the research, we evaluated the effect of 8 weeks consumption of 100% chokeberry juice on selected anthropometric parameters, focusing on changes in visceral fat and total fat in overweight and obese women. In conclusion, we can state that the regular consumption of chokeberry juice has a beneficial effect on fat tissue in women of reproductive age, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

PMID:39140122 | DOI:10.32394/rpzh/189876

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2024 Aug 14;75(2):143-150. doi: 10.32394/rpzh.2024.0300. Epub 2024 May 15.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acne is an inflammatory disease affecting adolescents during puberty, but also adults. Determinants of acne may include genetic predisposition as well as diet. The Western diet is rich in processed products with low nutrient density, resulting in a lack of supply of many essential minerals that are needed for the body to function properly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the dietary behaviour of people with acne vulgaris and respondents’ selfassessment of the severity of acne lesions after consumption of selected products.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out by means of an online, self-administered questionnaire, a link to which was inserted in group of people struggling with acne on a social network.

RESULTS: More than half of the respondents said that acne was present in their parents. Almost 91% of the women surveyed said that acne lesions were exacerbated before menstruation. Respondents were most often treated by a dermatologist. The most common foods consumed by the respondents were milk and milk products and wheat bread. The least frequently consumed products were: sultanas, cornflakes, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Statistical analysis showed a strong strength of association between consumption of white rice, fast food, omega-6-rich oils on the severity of acne lesions, while sultana consumption was very strong correlated. In addition, the study showed an almost certain correlation regarding the consumption of white flour pasta on acne lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis showed a relationship between the consumption of white rice, white flour pasta, fast food products, sultanas, oils rich in omega-6 fats and the exacerbation of acne lesions.

PMID:39140120 | DOI:10.32394/rpzh.2024.0300

Front Psychiatry. 2024 Jul 30;15:1359382. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1359382. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the Dabat district of Ethiopia has led to significant civilian casualties, instances of rape, sexual abuse, and property theft. These traumatic events contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among local residents. However, there is currently no available data on the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors in this region. This study seeks to fill this gap by assessing PTSD prevalence and identifying related factors among residents of the war-affected Dabat district in northwest Ethiopia.

METHOD: A community-based correctional study was conducted in the Woken and China kebeles of Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia, spanning from July 13 to September 19, 2023. A total of 410 participants were selected using systematic random sampling, making a 100% response rate. The study utilized an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) to assess PTSD. The research investigated the association between PTSD and various demographic and psychosocial characteristics using both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05.

RESULTS: The majority of participants in the study were male (62%) with a mean age of 33 ( ± 1.67) years. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6-35.10). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with PTSD: symptoms of depression (AOR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.13-6.89), age between 45 and 67 years (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-5.78), experiencing stressful life events (AOR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.05-7.86), experiencing sexual abuse or rape (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-6.75), chewing khat (AOR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.08-4.56), being female (AOR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.13-3.67), and having an income of 34.6 USD (AOR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-4.67).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This study reported that the prevalence of PTSD was high. As a result, the study suggested that governments and other stakeholders should be involved in implementing efficient interventions and quick measures to mitigate the effects of war on mental health following the conflict. The government and nongovernmental organizations were also advised by these studies to continue providing humanitarian assistance, which should include access to food, clean water, clothing, shelter, and education. This study also suggested that people living in conflict zones should be legally protected from rape, sexual abuse, arson, detention without cause, and kidnapping.

PMID:39140107 | PMC:PMC11320060 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1359382

Obes Sci Pract. 2024 Aug 13;10(4):e784. doi: 10.1002/osp4.784. eCollection 2024 Aug.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may provide a viable option for obesity management. However, little is known about the use of AOMs in persons with SCI/D.

OBJECTIVE: Describe health care providers’ (HCPs) views about barriers to AOM use in persons living with SCI/D.

METHODS: Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth interviews Descriptive statistics were used to calculate demographic and employment characteristics. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six thematic analysis phases.

RESULTS: HCPs (n = 12) were from 11 different nationwide facilities. Most HCPs were male (75%), a large majority were white (67%), and most were 26-49 years of age. Participants were dietitians (75%), physicians (17%), and psychologists (8%). HCPs ranged from 1.5 to 15 years of providing SCI/D care. HCPs described four main thematic barriers to AOM use in persons with SCI/D: (1) AOM side effects that are especially concerning in persons with SCI/D; (2) AOMs contribute to poor eating habits; (3) availability, accessibility, and administration; and (4) lack of evidence, clinical agreement, and knowledge about AOM use in the SCI/D population.

CONCLUSIONS: There are several potential barriers to AOM use in the SCI/D population. Barriers include AOM side effects which may cause or exacerbate conditions that are already concerns in persons with SCI/D, such as bowel and skin problems, and muscle loss. SCI/D HCPs reported a lack of evidence about AOM use in persons with SCI/D, but interest in obtaining more knowledge.

PMID:39140098 | PMC:PMC11319924 | DOI:10.1002/osp4.784

Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia. 2024 Jul 23;27:100452. doi: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100452. eCollection 2024 Aug.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh is making progress toward achieving zero dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030, a global goal set in 2015.

METHODS: Drawing from multiple datasets, including patient immunisation record books and mass dog vaccination (MDV) databases, we conducted a comprehensive analysis between 2011 and 2023 to understand the effectiveness of rabies control programmes and predict human rabies cases in Bangladesh by 2030 using time-series forecasting models. We also compared rabies virus sequences from GenBank in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.

FINDINGS: The estimated dog population in Bangladesh was determined to be 1,668,140, with an average dog population density of 12.83 dogs/km² (95% CI 11.14-14.53) and a human-to-dog ratio of 86.70 (95% CI 76.60-96.80). The MDV campaign has led to the vaccination of an average of 21,295 dogs (95% CI 18,654-23,935) per district annually out of an estimated 26,065 dogs (95% CI 22,898-29,230). A declining trend in predicted and observed human rabies cases has been identified, suggesting that Bangladesh is poised to make substantial progress towards achieving the ‘Zero by 30’ goal, provided the current trajectory continues. The phylogenetic analysis shows that rabies viruses in Bangladesh belong to the Arctic-like-1 group, which differs from those in Bhutan despite sharing a common ancestor.

INTERPRETATION: Bangladesh’s One Health approach demonstrated that an increase in MDV and anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) resulted in a decline in the relative risk of human rabies cases, indicating that eliminating dog-mediated human rabies could be achievable.

FUNDING: The study was supported by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Division of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

PMID:39140082 | PMC:PMC11321326 | DOI:10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100452

Perspect Clin Res. 2024 Jul-Sep;15(3):134-140. doi: 10.4103/picr.picr_213_23. Epub 2024 Feb 3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Over the years, Indian regulations have undergone numerous amendments, including stringent reporting deadlines, relatedness requirements, and compensation obligations for serious adverse event (SAE). A historic change, new drugs and trial rules-2019, was proposed on March 19, 2019. The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether various stakeholders were reporting in accordance with the evolving SAE criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved after the Ethics Committee’s approval between August 2014 and December 2021. Data gathered before March 19, 2019, were categorized as “BEFORE” data, while the remaining data were categorized as “AFTER.” Utilizing causality, on-site SAE reporting, and the ethics committee review procedure, we evaluated the compliance. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the “BEFORE” and “AFTER” groups.

RESULTS: A total of 77 SAEs were reported in 26 clinical trials, where most clinical trials were phase III. Endocrine projects made up 9/26 (34.61%). In the cardiology studies, the greatest SAE distribution was 21 SAEs/89 participants (23.59%) with approximately 48% of these being vascular. The “AFTER” group noticed a decrease in the total number and length of SAE subcommittee meetings. In the “AFTER” group, there was a significantly higher median number of agenda items/meetings (8 [4.5-10.75]) (P < 0.0001). The median interval between the onset of SAE and the first reporting date, however, was just 1 day (interquartile range: 1-5 days). In nondeath SAEs, there was no significant difference in the compensation paid. In the “AFTER” group, there were no discrepancies in reporting SAE.

CONCLUSION: There is acceptable adherence to SAE reporting criteria.

PMID:39140018 | PMC:PMC11318791 | DOI:10.4103/picr.picr_213_23

Perspect Clin Res. 2024 Jul-Sep;15(3):141-146. doi: 10.4103/picr.picr_108_23. Epub 2024 Jul 4.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to monitor prescription patterns, clinical outcomes, and adverse drug reactions (ADR) among patients of various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, for a period of 12 months (October 2020-September 2021). A total of 77 patients were enrolled after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prescriptions were collected, and necessary details were noted on the case report form. After completion of the study, the data were analyzed for prescription patterns, clinical outcomes, and quality of life with the help of a validated questionnaire-King’s Brief ILD (KBILD) questionnaire. At the same time, ADRs, if any, were assessed using Hartwig’s Severity Assessment Scale and Naranjo Causality Assessment Scale.

RESULTS: The most common ILD was acute/chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Average number of drugs per encounter was 4.45. Crepitations were the most common clinical signs. Clubbing and rhonchi were reported maximum in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It was found that psychological, breathlessness and activities, chest symptoms, and total KBILD reduced significantly after 3 months as compared to baseline with a statistically significant difference as P < 0.01. ADRs were found in 23.38% (18) of the subjects. Maximum ADR reported was gastritis (9.09%), followed by hepatitis (3.90%).

CONCLUSION: The high proportion of patients clinically diagnosed with HP in our study highlights the importance of a detailed environmental exposure history in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ILD to avoid inaccurate diagnoses. ADR-related hospital admissions are a significant problem in the health-care system.

PMID:39140017 | PMC:PMC11318784 | DOI:10.4103/picr.picr_108_23