Category: Statistics

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2026 Jun 3;19:617553. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S617553. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The growing population of older adults who are vulnerable to family care issues is primarily due to a lack of family support or their families’ inability to provide adequate care, particularly in Thailand’s semi-urban regions. Thailand has introduced several policies to support its aging population. However, important gaps remain for older adults with family care vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate factors relating to the quality of life of older adults with family care vulnerability in semi-urban regions of Thailand.

METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional survey using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Data were gathered with 119 older adults with family care vulnerability in a semi-urban of Thailand. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics for distributions, Fisher’s Exact Test for qualitative factors, and Pearson’s correlation for quantitative variables, with significance set at 0.05.

RESULTS: Overall, 86.6% of participants indicated a reasonable quality of life, with the highest satisfaction in life (69.7%), access to news (67.2%), environmental quality (61.4%), satisfaction levels in personal safety (61.3%), and sleep (61.3%), while low satisfaction was exhibited in financial stability, enduring adverse feelings, and sexual health. Significant characteristics associated with quality of life include chronic illness (p = 0.042), accompanying individuals at the service center (p = 0.013), engagement in community activities (p = 0.005), availability of family members for consultation (p = 0.007), age (r = -0.226, p = 0.014), distance from home to the service center (r = -0.275, p < 0.001), and family income (r = 0.215, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that enhancing older adults’ well-being requires economic security, accessible healthcare, and strong social ties. Policies should reduce isolation and foster community participation to ensure equality and sustainable aging support.

PMID:42261569 | PMC:PMC13242822 | DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S617553

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72609. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72609. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health challenge across Ethiopia, including the Tigray region, where school-age children (SAC) are particularly vulnerable. The La’elay Maichew district, characterized by rural agrarian and irrigated settings and the 2020-2022 armed conflict, may experience heightened transmission of IPIs. This study aimed to assess the status of IPIs and associated risk factors among school students in La’elay Maichew district, Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024, involving 190 school students aged 7-21 years. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, and stool samples were processed using the Kato-Katz technique.

RESULTS: This study found an overall prevalence of IPIs of 3.2% (6/190) among school students [95% CI: 1.2-6.9], with Enterobius vermicularis (1.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.1%), and Taenia saginata (0.5%) identified as the primary species. Those children aged 15-21 years and grades 9-12 showed higher infection rates (7.6% and 9.3%, respectively), though multivariate analysis revealed no significant associations. Behavioral risk factors, including poor handwashing (76.3% before/after meals, 82.1% after toilet use), lack of toilet use (75.8%), and barefoot walking (80.5%), were prevalent but not statistically linked to infection status.

CONCLUSION: The low prevalence observed in this study may reflect the sustained impact of previous mass drug administration (MDA) programs in the study area. It could also result from post-conflict population displacement, changes in school attendance patterns, or methodological limitations, particularly the use of a single Kato-Katz thick smear, which has lower sensitivity for detecting light-intensity infections. Persistent poor hygiene practices highlight the need for integrated interventions that combine deworming with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education to sustain low infection rates and prevent resurgence in the study area.

PMID:42261559 | PMC:PMC13242696 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72609

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72639. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72639. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries, contributing substantially to infant mortality and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sociodemographic, maternal health, and healthcare utilization factors associated with low birth weight in Ghana.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 8,581 women 15-49 years from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). LBW was defined as birth weight < 2,500 grams. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of LBW. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS: The prevalence of LBW was 16.8%. The independent predictors of LBW included household poverty (aOR = 1.66), middle-income status (aOR = 1.49), lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 2.77), absence of skilled antenatal care (aOR = 1.71), and lack of iron supplementation (aOR = 1.31). Protective factors were maternal secondary education (aOR = 0.68), advanced maternal age (aOR = 0.74), and overweight BMI (aOR = 0.56). Significant interactions were identified between young maternal age and underweight status (aOR = 2.89). Also, there was an interaction between poverty and lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight in Ghana is influenced by socioeconomic inequalities, maternal nutritional status, and healthcare access, with synergistic effects between young maternal age and undernutrition. Targeted interventions addressing poverty, maternal nutrition, and ensuring access to skilled antenatal care, iron supplementation, and malaria prevention are essential for reducing LBW prevalence.

PMID:42261558 | PMC:PMC13242698 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72639

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72544. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72544. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common congenital anomalies in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs), potentially leading to serious complications, including renal scarring and permanent kidney damage. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, laterality, and severity of VUR and its associations with demographic, clinical, and functional factors in children with recurrent UTIs.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined 109 children aged 2 months to 5 years with recurrent UTIs who were referred to a tertiary center of nephrology clinic. Data collected included age at diagnosis, renal scarring, constipation, voiding dysfunction, gender, VUR grade, and laterality.

RESULTS: Of the 109 children studied, 51.38% had VUR (unilateral or bilateral). The majority of patients were female (78.9%). Unilateral reflux (29.35%) was more frequent than bilateral reflux (22.01%). Among those with VUR, 58.9% had mild to moderate reflux (grades 1-3), while 41.07% had severe reflux (grades 4-5). Renal parenchymal scarring was present in 30.2% of cases, more commonly affecting the right kidney (18.3%) than the left (4.6%). Voiding dysfunction was highly prevalent (66.1%) and was significantly associated with VUR. Most patients (85.3%) received antibiotic prophylaxis, although its association with renal scarring was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This study identified a higher prevalence of VUR among children with recurrent UTIs than previously reported, with unilateral and mild-to-moderate reflux being predominant. The findings highlight the interplay between female gender, voiding dysfunction, and VUR in recurrent pediatric UTIs. Early detection and targeted management, including addressing bladder-bowel dysfunction and judicious use of antibiotic prophylaxis, are essential to prevent recurrent infections and reduce the risk of renal damage.

PMID:42261557 | PMC:PMC13242690 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72544

Front Genet. 2026 May 25;17:1783270. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2026.1783270. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study characterizes a Chinese X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) pedigree harboring a pathogenic variant of the RP2 gene and presents the findings from 8-years follow-up with the aim of exploring the genotypic and phenotypic spectra.

METHODS: We collected data from a Chinese pedigree comprising 23 individuals, including six affected males and five female carriers; all individuals underwent molecular analyses and comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations.

RESULTS: We identified a novel c.392G>A (p.C131Y) mutation of the RP2 gene. The baseline clinical evaluations of four affected males in the average age range of 1-8 years showed visual impairment; the mean visual acuity had a logMAR value of 0.5235 (range: 0.301-0.698) with an average spherical equivalent of -4.15D (range: -3.125D to -6.25D). The funduscopic observations were consistent with typical X-linked retinoschisis presentations, including pigmentary abnormalities, tessellated changes, and yellowish-white punctate exudations. We also detected disorganization of the outer retinal layer and decline of the electroretinography (ERG) amplitudes. Meanwhile, the five heterozygous carriers showed a wide range of phenotypic variability accompanied by mild or moderate visual changes. Intriguingly, asymmetric changes of the fundus were also detected in the retina of one of the carriers. During the 8-year follow-up period, the visual acuity remained unchanged or even improved slightly. Although early-onset myopia was more common in children, there was a slightly increasing trend in annual progression; moreover, while the retinal structure did not differ statistically significantly, the ERG changes indicated a steadily decreasing trend.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide insights into the pathogenicity of RP2-related XLRP, expand the spectrum of disease mutations, and enrich knowledge regarding the clinical phenotypes while highlighting the progressive nature and phenotypic variability.

PMID:42261552 | PMC:PMC13242896 | DOI:10.3389/fgene.2026.1783270

Cureus. 2026 May 8;18(5):e108512. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108512. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Background The integration of digital medical resources has become increasingly important in supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making. In the context of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation, understanding how family physicians utilize these resources during routine clinical practice remains limited. Objective To assess the prevalence, usage patterns, motivations, and perceived barriers related to the use of digital clinical information and decision-support resources during clinic hours among board-certified family medicine physicians working in Riyadh Health Clusters 1, 2, and 3. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2025 among board-certified family medicine physicians in Riyadh Health Clusters 1, 2, and 3. Data were collected via a self-administered electronic survey distributed during structured site visits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were performed to examine associations between digital resource utilization and participant demographics. Results A total of 96 participants were included. The majority were aged 25-34 years (n = 61, 63.5%), and most were senior registrars (n = 52, 54.2%). Daily digital resource use was reported by 43 participants (44.8%), with UpToDate being the most utilized resource (n = 36, 37.5%), followed by AMBOSS (n = 19, 19.8%). Access to updated clinical information (n = 55, 57.3%) and improved decision-making (n = 37, 38.5%) were the primary motivations for usage. Younger age, fewer years of clinical experience, and job position were significantly associated with a higher frequency of digital resource utilization (p < 0.05). While most participants perceived positive impacts on clinical efficiency and patient outcomes, barriers such as workflow disruptions, time constraints, and financial limitations were identified. Conclusion Digital medical resources are widely integrated into clinical practice among family medicine physicians in the Riyadh Health Clusters. Utilization patterns vary by physician demographics, with younger and less experienced physicians demonstrating greater reliance. Institutional support, accessibility, and continuous professional development are essential for optimizing digital resource integration into family medicine practice.

PMID:42261549 | PMC:PMC13242935 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108512

Cureus. 2026 May 8;18(5):e108479. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108479. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Low-carbohydrate diets have gained increasing attention as a strategy for improving glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains variable. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-carbohydrate diets on HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM through a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. A systematic search was conducted to identify RCTs comparing low-carbohydrate diets with control diets in adults with T2DM, including studies with mixed populations where applicable. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Sensitivity analysis and funnel plot assessment were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Seven RCTs comprising 562 participants were included. Low-carbohydrate diets were associated with a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c compared with control diets (mean difference: -0.24%; 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.16; p<0.00001). Heterogeneity was low (I²=6%). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated consistent results with no single study significantly influencing the overall estimate. Funnel plot assessment showed no clear evidence of publication bias, although interpretation was limited by the small number of studies. Low-carbohydrate diets are associated with a modest but statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in glycemic control in patients with T2DM. These findings support their role as a dietary strategy in diabetes management.

PMID:42261542 | PMC:PMC13242649 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108479

Cureus. 2026 May 8;18(5):e108514. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108514. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Background Maternal diabetes is a well-recognized contributor to neonatal morbidity. Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregestational diabetes are predisposed to metabolic, respiratory, and hematological disturbances. Understanding the distribution of these outcomes is important for optimizing neonatal care. Objectives To describe neonatal outcomes, including metabolic, respiratory, hematological, and anthropometric parameters, along with perinatal factors and maternal demographic and clinical characteristics among infants of diabetic mothers in a tertiary care setting in South India. Methods A prospective descriptive study was conducted over one year in a tertiary care hospital in South India. A total of 161 eligible mother-infant pairs, in which the mothers had diabetes, were included during the study period from September 2024 to August 2025. Maternal demographic, clinical, and treatment-related characteristics were recorded. Neonatal outcomes, including metabolic, respiratory, hematological, and anthropometric parameters, were assessed using standard definitions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 161 infants, the majority were delivered at term (143, 88.8%). Hypoglycemia was the most frequently observed metabolic abnormality, affecting 22 (13.6%) neonates, followed by hypomagnesemia in five (3.0%) and hypocalcemia in four (2.4%). Hyperbilirubinemia was noted in 35 (21.7%) neonates. Respiratory distress was observed in 25 (15.5%) infants, with transient tachypnoea accounting for the majority. Most infants were appropriate for gestational age (124, 77.0%), while 20 (12.4%) were large and 17 (10.5%) were small for gestational age. Conclusion Infants of diabetic mothers demonstrated hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and respiratory distress, which were the most common outcomes. These findings reinforce the importance of systematic surveillance and timely intervention to reduce neonatal morbidity in this high-risk population.

PMID:42261531 | PMC:PMC13242953 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108514

Cureus. 2026 May 8;18(5):e108478. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108478. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Background The initial recommended treatment at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in India included isolation, symptomatic treatment, oxygen support, empirical antibiotics, and hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis. However, evolving guidelines and limited evidence on antiviral efficacy highlighted a gap in evidence-based treatment approaches. Recognizing this gap, a study was planned to assess the antiviral impact at our institute. We aimed to study the prescription pattern of antivirals in hospitalized COVID-19 patients over four months and analyse the influence of age, gender, antiviral use, comorbidities, and oxygen requirement on outcomes: clinical improvement and hospital stay duration. Methods This retrospective observational single-centre study included reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and received remdesivir, favipiravir, ivermectin, or oseltamivir. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Microsoft Excel 365 (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used with JASP 0.16.3 software. Results Among 400 patient prescriptions, 5,172 drugs were recorded: 542 repurposed antivirals and 4,630 concomitant drugs. Ivermectin (376, 69.37%) was the most frequently prescribed antiviral, followed by remdesivir (97, 17.9%), favipiravir (59, 10.89%), and oseltamivir (10, 1.85%). Nutritional supplements (1536, 33.1%) were the most common concomitant drug class, with vitamin C being the most prescribed. Logistic regression showed that male gender and oxygen therapy were positively associated with clinical improvement. Linear regression revealed that older age and higher disease severity correlated with longer hospital stays. Antiviral use showed no significant association with either disease improvement or duration of stay. Conclusion Ivermectin and remdesivir were the two most frequently used repurposed antivirals. While male gender and oxygen therapy were linked with clinical improvement, older age and severe disease predicted longer hospitalization. Antivirals themselves did not significantly affect outcomes, underlining the complexity of COVID-19 management.

PMID:42261530 | PMC:PMC13242645 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108478

Cureus. 2026 May 8;18(5):e108504. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108504. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Background Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric procedure requiring effective perioperative pain management to minimize complications and promote recovery. In resource-limited settings, standardized protocols are often challenged by infrastructural constraints and variable adherence to multimodal analgesia guidelines, risking suboptimal pain control and delayed discharge. Objective To evaluate a standardized acetaminophen-based pain management protocol and its impact on postoperative outcomes in children aged seven to 14 years undergoing tonsillectomy at the Lady Reading Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, between October 2024 and July 2025. Data from 99 consecutively enrolled patients were collected using a structured proforma, capturing demographics, perioperative medications, pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale 0-10 or Wong-Baker Faces scale), discharge status, oral intake tolerance, and pain at discharge. The analgesic protocol was primarily acetaminophen-based. Patients received intraoperative acetaminophen, with ibuprofen administered postoperatively as needed for breakthrough pain. A single dose of tramadol was given at induction as part of the standard anesthesia protocol. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital research committee. Results All 99 patients (100%) received uniform intra-/post-operative acetaminophen (15 mg/kg). Adjunct ibuprofen, as rescue analgesia (PRN), was administered to only six out 99 (6.1%) of patients, whose pain did not subside. Postoperative pain scores revealed that 73.7% (73/99) of the patients reported mild pain (score=3 on the 0-10 pain scale), while 20.2% (20/99) of the patients reported moderate pain (score=5 on the 0-10 pain scale), with the latter predominantly observed in younger children (seven to nine years). All patients 99/99 (100%) tolerated cold liquids orally. Although no patient (0/99) reported pain at discharge (assessed as a binary Yes/No field by nursing staff at time of discharge; not a formal repeated pain score), while 73.7% (73/99) were discharged home after 24 hours, with retention rates peaking among 26/99 (26.3%) patients aged 11-year-olds. Conclusion A standardized perioperative acetaminophen-based monotherapy was associated with generally low pain scores and favorable recovery outcomes, including high rates of oral intake tolerance and minimal pain at discharge in this cohort. However, a proportion of patients still experienced moderate pain, which may be related to the limited use of ibuprofen. Given the observational design and absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further controlled studies are needed to compare analgesic strategies and to determine the optimal role of adjuncts such as ibuprofen and age-specific dosing. Additionally, system-level factors influencing timely discharge warrant further investigation.

PMID:42261522 | PMC:PMC13242903 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108504