Category: Statistics

J Physiol Anthropol. 2024 Oct 19;43(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s40101-024-00374-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maternal preconception overweight status has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of overweight offspring. However, there are no published population-based studies on the association between maternal preconception weight and offspring body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The present population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between maternal weight at conception and offspring body fat measured by DXA.

METHODS: The source population consisted of 5th-grade students (1244 students aged 11 years) registered at 8 municipal elementary schools in Kitakata, Fukuroi, Hamamatsu, and Himeji in Japan. The present analyses included 964 participants who provided complete information. Maternal body mass index (BMI) at conception was calculated using records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (MCHH). Offspring body fat at age 11 years was measured with the same QDR-4500A DXA instrument in a mobile test room that was brought to each school. With regard to the prediction of excess fat in offspring, the area under the curve (AUC) calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of maternal BMI at conception.

RESULTS: Adjusted odds ratios for excess body fat in offspring of the overweight mother group (odds ratios, 4.93 to 15.32) were significantly higher than those in the non-overweight mother group. For the prediction of excess offspring fat, AUCs and 95% confidence intervals for maternal BMI at conception were greater than 0.5.

CONCLUSION: Maternal overweight status at conception might be a risk factor for excess body fat in offspring. Maternal BMI values calculated using MCHH data have the potential to distinguish between the presence and absence of excess fat in the next generation.

PMID:39427220 | DOI:10.1186/s40101-024-00374-3

BMC Psychol. 2024 Oct 19;12(1):578. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02087-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The current study examined the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Adolescent Distress-Eustress Scale (ADES) in Saudi Arabia. It assessed the factorial structure through a confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability through Cronbach alpha and McDonald’s omega scores, gender invariance, and convergent validity through its correlation to resilience.

METHODS: A total of 505 high school students from 21 randomly selected schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (mean age of 16.66 ± 1.10 years, 52.7% females) participated in the study. The questionnaires were translated using the forward and backward technique.

RESULTS: Findings revealed good internal consistency of the Arabic ADES (McDonald’s ω being 0.82 for distress and 0.79 for eustress). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the two-factor structure of the scale and demonstrated measurement invariance across gender at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Girls had higher Distress scores, while boys reported higher eustress scores, which was consistent with previous studies. Finally, the ADES distress and eustress scales were significantly correlated to resilience supporting convergent validity.

CONCLUSION: The present study supports the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the ADES as a self-report method to assess Eustress and Distress in adolescents. Pending further validations to support the present findings, this measure can be utilized by schools, mental health providers, and researchers to support Arabic speaking adolescents globally.

PMID:39427217 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-02087-9

Reprod Health. 2024 Oct 19;21(1):149. doi: 10.1186/s12978-024-01884-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the attitude of unmarried girls towards virginity, and its determinants, comparing three age cohorts (born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) in the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 700 girls residing in Tabriz in 2021 employing a population-based cluster sampling based on health clinics and households. We collected data using a pilot-tested instrument, which comprised socio-demographic questions, and statements to assess attitudes towards virginity and its importance, the meaning of virginity, ways of losing virginity, and perception of the hymen. The data was analyzed using SPSS, version 21. Analysis of variance and independent t-test was used for bivariate analysis and linear regression was used to identify the determinants of the attitude. A p value under 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Only about one-third (35.2%) of unmarried girls considered preserving virginity as an important issue for girls before marriage in current days. About 27% were uncertain and about 38% believed it was unimportant. The importance of virginity (score range 7-35) was significantly greater for girls born in the 70s than for girls born in the 80s and 90s (p < 0.05). In the multivariate linear regression model, the determinants of the importance of virginity were older age, greater religious affiliation, living with both parents and lower consumption of the internet and social networks for sexual information.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates significant shifts in sexual attitudes among young females which may have important implications for marriage age and the culturally and age-appropriate sexual health interventions of young people.

PMID:39427204 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-024-01884-0

BMC Psychol. 2024 Oct 19;12(1):579. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02080-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tokophobia is an intense and pathological fear of pregnancy and childbirth. Despite its significance, no research in Lebanon has investigated primary tokophobia within the general population. Nevertheless, it is crucial to assess the attitudes of both women and men, as potential future parents, towards pregnancy and childbirth, particularly during these challenging times for the Lebanese population. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tokophobia Severity Scale (TSS) and Fathers’ Fear of Childbirth Scale (FFCS) for assessing primary tokophobia among Lebanese nulliparous women and childless men, respectively.

METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation encompassed all Lebanese governorates; 651 women and 618 men were recruited via social media platforms, using a snowball sampling technique. The questionnaire included the Tokophobia Severity Scale, the Fathers’ Fear of Childbirth Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Lebanese Anxiety Scale.

RESULTS: Factorial analysis of the TSS in women revealed a three-factor model: concerns related to personal complications (Factor 1), fetal well-being (Factor 2), and outward behavioral responses to fear (Factor 3). The FFCS also yielded a three-factor measurement model: emotional responses during the partner’s childbirth (Factor 1), concerns regarding the hospital environment during childbirth (Factor 2), and anxieties surrounding the perinatal health of both the partner and child (Factor 3). Both scales were internally consistent with Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9, indicating their reliability. The TSS and FFCS demonstrated statistically significant correlations with measures of anxiety and depression, thus attesting to convergent validity.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence for the psychometric validity and reliability of the TSS and FFCS scales in Arabic-speaking populations. Given the previously overlooked nature of primary tokophobia in these populations, the availability of these validated instruments can significantly enhance the ability to detect and address this condition, ultimately facilitating the provision of necessary support services.

PMID:39427199 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-02080-2

BMC Nurs. 2024 Oct 19;23(1):769. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-02330-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: ICU nurses play a critical role in managing delirium in critically ill patients, yet their competency in this area remains under-explored.

AIM: To assess ICU nurses’ competency including their knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward delirium among critically ill patients.

METHODS: A correlational descriptive study was conducted with 67 nurses in the medical intensive care unit at Suez Canal University Hospitals. Data was collected using an online survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation.

RESULTS: Nurses showed a moderate knowledge level (M = 8.55), a low practice level (M = 6.62), and positive attitudes (M = 21.65) toward ICU delirium. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in practice scores based on educational level, F (2, 64) = 3.361, p = .041, and in knowledge scores based on ICU experience, F(3, 63) = 6.455, p < .001. Nurses with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees had higher practice scores than those with diplomas or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. There were no significant differences in knowledge and attitude scores based on educational level or age. Gender differences were minimal, with male nurses slightly outperforming female nurses. Correlation analysis showed positive relationships between age, education, ICU experience, and ICU nurses’ levels of knowledge and practice.

CONCLUSION: ICU nurses demonstrate a knowledge-practice gap in delirium management. Targeted educational interventions, mentorship programs, and a focus on practical skills are essential to enhance delirium care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive delirium education and training programs for ICU nurses. By improving nurses’ knowledge and practice, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance the early detection, prevention, and management of delirium, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced length of stay in the ICU.

PMID:39427193 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-024-02330-z

Malar J. 2024 Oct 19;23(1):317. doi: 10.1186/s12936-024-05137-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intense pyrethroid resistance threatens the effectiveness of the primary vector control intervention, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), in Nigeria, the country with the largest malaria burden globally. In this study, the epidemiological and entomological impact of a new type of ITN (piperonyl-butoxide [PBO] ITNs) distributed in Ebonyi State were evaluated. The epidemiological impact was also compared to the impact of standard pyrethroid-only ITNs in Cross River State.

METHODS: A controlled interrupted time series analysis was conducted on monthly malaria incidence data collected at the health facility level, using a multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial model. Data were analysed two years before and after the PBO ITN campaign in Ebonyi State (December 2017 to November 2021). A pre-post analysis, with no comparison group, was used to assess the impact of PBO ITNs on human biting rates and indoor resting density in Ebonyi during the high transmission season immediately before and after the PBO ITN campaign.

RESULTS: In Ebonyi, PBO ITNs were associated with a 46.7% decrease (95%CI: -51.5, -40.8%; p < 0.001) in malaria case incidence in the 2 years after the PBO ITN distribution compared to a modelled scenario of no ITNs distributed, with a significant decrease from 269.6 predicted cases per 1000 population to 143.6. In Cross River, there was a significant 28.6% increase (95%CI: -10.4, 49.1%; p < 0.001) in malaria case incidence following the standard ITN distribution, with an increase from 71.2 predicted cases per 1000 population to 91.6. In Ebonyi, the human biting rate was 72% lower (IRR: 0.28; 95%CI 0.21, 0.39; p < 0.001) and indoor resting density was 73% lower (IRR: 0.27; 95%CI 0.21, 0.35; p < 0.001) after the PBO ITNs were distributed.

CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological and entomological impact of the PBO ITNs underscore the impact of these ITNs in areas with confirmed pyrethroid resistance. These findings contribute to ongoing research on the impact of new types of ITNs in Nigeria, providing critical evidence for the Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Programme and other countries for future ITN procurement decisions as part of mass ITN campaign planning and malaria programming.

PMID:39427181 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-024-05137-0

Int J Equity Health. 2024 Oct 19;23(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s12939-024-02281-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-village indigenous people may face urban lifestyle influences, impacting their nutritional profile. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the temporal trends in the nutritional status (2008-2023) and food consumption (2015-2023) of non-village indigenous people in Brazil, using data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN).

METHODS: In this time series study, secondary data available on the SISVAN online platform were used. All records of non-village indigenous people from all regions of Brazil were evaluated. Nutritional status was assessed using height-for-age (H/A) and Body Mass Index-for-age (BMI/A) for children and adolescents, and BMI for adults and the elderly. Food consumption trends were analyzed using food consumption screeners, based on specific food groups consumed the day before the assessment. An annual percentage change (APC) was calculated using Prais-Winsten regression models.

RESULTS: There was a reduction in severe stunting among children aged 2 to 4 years old (APC = -0.80%; p = 0.025) and 5 to 9 years old (APC = -4.02%; p < 0.001). Adolescents showed an increase in thinness (APC = 0.91%; p = 0.016) and obesity (APC = 4.38%; p < 0.001). In adults and the elderly, there was a decrease in underweight (APC = -5.59%; p = 0.002 and APC = -3.12%; p < 0.001, respectively) and an increase in obesity grade 1 and overweight (APC = 3.81%; p < 0.001 and APC = 1.82%; p < 0.001, respectively). There was an increase in vegetable consumption among children, adolescents and the elderly, and a rise in the consumption of hamburgers and sausages across all age groups.

CONCLUSION: There was an improvement in the nutritional status of children and adolescents, with reduced stunting, but a rise in obesity among adolescents, adults and the elderly. Food consumption trends showed increased consumption of vegetables and ultra-processed foods.

PMID:39427180 | DOI:10.1186/s12939-024-02281-6

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024 Oct 19;24(1):373. doi: 10.1186/s12906-024-04680-2.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: On average, about 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to conventional cancer treatment. Since there is a high need for information, patients often search for information about CAM and share experiences with peers, especially in self-help groups. In this study, we tested and evaluated an educational concept developed for group leaders of cancer self-help groups on how to approach the topic of CAM in their peer groups.

METHODS: The educational concept has been developed and piloted with health care professionals and representatives from different self-help organizations in Germany. It aims to inform and discuss the possibilities and limitations of CAM in terms of scientific evidence, to reflect user behavior, and to provide a guide on how to find and evaluate reliable and evidence-based information sources. First, self-help group leaders took part in an on-site training where they were educated on various CAM topics with the goal of being able to conduct the educational concept in their respective self-help groups. Then, the educated group leaders performed this concept in their groups. The educational concept was evaluated by both the group leaders and participants with respect to acceptance, usefulness, and satisfaction using paper-pencil questionnaires. The study was conducted in Germany based on an observational study design with a six-month follow-up. For the analyses, descriptive and univariate statistics for dependent samples were used.

RESULTS: A total of n = 50 interested group leaders conducted the educational program in their groups. The most common implementation barriers were organizational or structural problems, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed with managing the program in their groups. A total of n = 423 participants were educated with this program by their respective group leaders. The majority felt satisfied with the educational program and improved their knowledge about CAM. At the six months follow-up (T2), significantly more participants had consulted their physicians to inform themselves about CAM and felt more confident in finding reliable information about CAM.

CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study, we have managed to successfully implement an educational concept with respect to the topic of CAM in cancer self-help groups. Based on the results, the concept approach will be modified to include both a CAM- professional and group leader to train the self-help groups. In the future, the effects of the program should be tested by a randomized trial.

PMID:39427169 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-024-04680-2

J Transl Med. 2024 Oct 19;22(1):949. doi: 10.1186/s12967-024-05733-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Considering differences in body composition and inflammatory status between sexes, as well as recent recommendations advocating for personalized dietary approaches, this study aimed to explore how sex influences weight loss, changes in body composition, and inflammatory status in subjects with grade I and II obesity undergoing a 45-day of the Very Low-Energy Ketogenic Therapy (VLEKT).

METHODS: Participants (21 premenopausal females and 21 males), included in the study adhered to the 45-day of the VLEKT and underwent assessments of anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index-BMI -, and waist circumference), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and inflammatory status measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS: At baseline, premenopausal females and males did not differ in BMI (p = 0.100) and hs-CRP levels (p = 0.948). Males demonstrated overall larger benefits than premenopausal females from the VLEKT in terms of weight loss (Δ% = – 11.63 ± 1.76 vs – 8.95 ± 1.65 kg, p < 0.001), fat mass (Δ% = – 30.84 ± 12.00 vs -21.36 ± 4.65 kg, p = 0.002), and hs-CRP levels (Δ% = – 41.42 ± 21.35 vs – 22.38 ± 17.30 mg/L, p = 0.003). Of interest, in males phase angle values are statistically improved compared to female (Δ% = 17.11 ± 9.00 vs 7.05 ± 3.30°, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of considering sex-specific responses in personalized obesity treatment strategies, particularly dietary interventions like VLEKTs.

PMID:39427162 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-024-05733-3

Malar J. 2024 Oct 19;23(1):316. doi: 10.1186/s12936-024-05138-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Submicroscopic Plasmodium infections can be a source of persistent malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to assess their frequency, distribution, morbidity and associated factors in a pre-elimination malaria setting in sub-Saharan Africa, Guinea-Bissau, where the Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant Plasmodium species.

METHODS: Dried fingerprick whole blood samples from 601 participants in the 2017 national, household-based, cross-sectional survey to estimate malaria prevalence were subjected to DNA extraction. The DNA was used in nested end-point PCR assays targeting genus- and species-specific regions of the Plasmodium 18S rRNA genes. Statistical analysis of socio-demographic, clinical and molecular data was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 29. Factors associated with submicroscopic P. falciparum infections and their magnitude were sought using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression models, respectively. Statistically significant level was considered at P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS: Nested PCR assays detected submicroscopic P. falciparum infections in 20.3% (95% CI = 16.8-23.8) of individuals microscopically negative for Plasmodium species in the general population and in 21.4% (95% CI = 9.9-36.5) of microscopically negative pregnant women. Submicroscopic Plasmodium malariae infections were also detected as co-infections in 3.0% individuals who were microscopically positive only for P. falciparum. Infections with other Plasmodium species were not detected. Submicroscopic P. falciparum infections were not associated with age, sex, or the presence of fever. A logistic regression model adjusted for ethnicity and health region showed that individuals from the Balanta and Bijagos ethnic groups, most of whom live in the low malaria-transmission areas of Quinara and Bissau, and the Bijagos archipelago, respectively, were less likely to have submicroscopic P. falciparum infections than individuals from the large Fula ethnic group, most of whom live in the high malaria-transmission area of Gabu. Submicroscopic P. falciparum infections were not associated with anaemia in children under 5 years of age.

CONCLUSION: The results obtained highlight the contribution of asymptomatic and submicroscopic P. falciparum infections to malaria transmission in high malaria-transmission areas and the need for molecular-based tools to detect submicroscopic Plasmodium species.

PMID:39427159 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-024-05138-z