Nevin Manimala

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 May 9;44(1):150. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00838-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women in abusive or controlling relationships often experience restrictions on their autonomy, mobility, and decision-making capacity. Furthermore, fear of a husband or partner, whether stemming from psychological abuse, coercive control, or physical violence, may influence a woman’s ability to engage in health-promoting activities like exercise. However, the relationship between fear in intimate relationships and excercise remains underexplored. We examined whether there was an association between relational fear and women’s engagement in exercise, as well as the direction of this association.

METHODS: We analyzed the data of 5,052 women (15-49 years) who participated in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. We derived the outcome variable from the question: “how many days per week do you exercise?” The responses were recoded as ‘0 = do not exercise’ and ‘1/7 days = exercises’. All estimates were weighted. Cross-tabulations and two sets of binary logistic regression models were computed in STATA version 18. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Most women exercised three or more days per week (59.6%) while 22.9% did not exercise at all. Women who were most of the time afraid of their partner had a 47% higher likelihood of engaging in exercise compared to those who were never afraid (COR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.16-1.88). After adjusting for confounders, this association weakened but remained significant (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.03-1.71). Similarly, women who were sometimes afraid of their partner showed significantly higher odds of engaging in exercise in both crude (COR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.11-1.53) and adjusted models (AOR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04-1.46). Increasing age, higher education levels, rural residency and media exposure were strongly associated with increased exercise engagement.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a positive association between fear in intimate relationships and women’s engagement in exercise, suggesting that exercise may serve as a coping mechanism for some women experiencing relational fear. While these results contribute to the limited literature on the intersection of intimate partner dynamics and preventive health behaviors, they remain preliminary. Further research is needed to explore the causal pathways, contextual influences, and potential long-term implications of relational fear on exercise engagement.

PMID:40346708 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00838-x

Mov Ecol. 2025 May 9;13(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s40462-025-00558-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Climate change is impacting the distribution and movement of mobile marine organisms globally. Statistical species distribution models are commonly used to explain past patterns and anticipate future shifts. However, purely correlative models can fail under novel environmental conditions, or omit key mechanistic processes driving species habitat use.

METHODS: Here, we used a unique combination of laboratory measurements, field observations, and environmental predictors to investigate spatial variability in energetic seascapes for juvenile North Pacific albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). This species undertakes some of the longest migrations of any finfish, but their susceptibility to climate-driven habitat changes is poorly understood. We first built a framework based on Generalized Additive Models to understand mechanisms of energy gain and loss in albacore, and how these are linked to ocean conditions. We then applied the framework to projections from an ensemble of earth system models to quantify changes in thermal and foraging habitats between historical (1971-2000) and future (2071-2100) time periods.

RESULTS: We show how albacore move seasonally between feeding grounds in the California Current System and the offshore North Pacific, foraging most successfully in spring and summer. The thermal corridors used for migration largely coincide with minimum metabolic costs of movement. Future warming may result in loss of favorable thermal habitat in the sub-tropics and a reduction in total habitat area, but allow increased access to productive and energetically favorable sub-arctic ecosystems. Importantly, while thermal considerations suggest a loss in habitat area, forage considerations suggest that these losses may be offset by more energetically favorable conditions in the habitat that remains. In addition, the energetic favorability of coastal foraging areas may increase in future, with decreasing suitability of offshore foraging grounds. Our results clearly show the importance of moving beyond temperature when considering climate change impacts on marine species and their movement ecology.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering energetic seascapes adds essential mechanistic underpinning to projections of habitat gain and loss, particularly for highly migratory animals. Overall, improved understanding of mechanisms driving migration behavior, physiological constraints, and behavioral plasticity is required to better anticipate how climate change will impact pelagic marine ecosystems.

PMID:40346693 | DOI:10.1186/s40462-025-00558-1

Arch Public Health. 2025 May 9;83(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01616-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years indoor air pollution (IAP) has emerged as a critical public health and environmental issue and to highlight the need for coordinated efforts to promote healthy aging and sustainable development, this study determined the association between frailty and IAP among male and female and among older adults (45-59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) population in India.

METHODS: This study analysed the nationally representative dataset of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI 2017-18, Wave-1). Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were conducted to show the association of frailty (outcome variable) with IAP (explanatory variable). Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for covariates as per three models. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. STATA version 17 was used for analysis.

RESULTS: The results revealed that males have shown a significant association with all the explanatory variables (fuel type, ‘pollution generating source’, ‘vulnerable ventilation’, ‘household indoor smoking’, and ‘IAP’) as compared to females, except for the impact of poor ventilation. However, the study reported a higher prevalence of frailty among females. Several factors are significantly associated with frailty in individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Particularly use of unclean or solid fuels was linked to an 11% significant risk of frailty (Adjusted OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19), while higher pollution-generating sources and exposure to IAP both contributed to an 11-12% higher risk of frailty (Adjusted OR: 1.11, 95% CI:1.03-1.19) and Adjusted OR:1.12,, 95% CI:1.05-1.19) respectively). Additionally, vulnerable ventilation remained a significant factor, with an 11% increased likelihood of frailty (Adjusted OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20) in this older age group.

CONCLUSION: Hence, a holistic approach is required for reducing IAP. This can be done by improving household infrastructure, raising awareness about the existing government scheme, promoting early screening for frailty, and enforcing stronger policies. Treating existing government programs like ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna (PMUY)’, ‘Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)’, National Clean Air Program (NCAP), The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the amended the ‘Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2020 etc. as base and by addressing the gaps in accessibility and affordability and focusing on vulnerable populations, India can create wholesome living environments. Fostering long-term behavioural changes and implementing targeted interventions will lead the way for improved health and well-being for everyone.

PMID:40346691 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01616-1

BMC Rheumatol. 2025 May 9;9(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s41927-025-00506-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease primarily affecting older adults, mainly impacting the hip and knee joints. The increasing prevalence of OA contributes to rising healthcare demands and costs. Current OA treatment guidelines emphasize the importance of self-management education and guidance, particularly in promoting physical activity and weight management. In addition, improving sleep is crucial for managing OA. Developing effective self-management interventions necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors that facilitate these behaviors. Especially for changing health behaviors, it is important to focus on psychosocial factors. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to identify the psychosocial factors associated with physical activity, weight management, and sleep in adults with hip and/or knee OA.

METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PyschINFO, Web of Science) were searched for observational studies reporting statistics on the association between psychosocial determinants and physical activity, weight management, or sleep in people with OA. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Studies of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. After screening 5,812 articles, 31 studies were included for analysis.

RESULTS: The results showed that intention, self-efficacy, and willpower beliefs were positively associated with physical activity. Kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and pain-related fear were negatively associated with physical activity. Depressive symptoms, negative affect, pain catastrophizing, and low willpower beliefs were associated with poor weight management. Anxiety, depression, pain anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were related to poor sleep behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: This review enhances the understanding of the psychosocial factors underlying physical activity, weight management and sleep in OA. These insights are valuable for developing tailored behavior change interventions aimed at improving physical activity, weight management and sleep in patients with hip and/or knee OA. Future research is warranted to gain more in-depth insights, particularly through longitudinal studies and further research into the psychosocial determinants of sleep, as current literature in this area is limited.

PMID:40346686 | DOI:10.1186/s41927-025-00506-x

Arch Public Health. 2025 May 9;83(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01611-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hereditary diseases, particularly genetic blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and Thalassemia, pose significant public health challenges. Premarital carrier screening (PMCS) is a critical preventive measure, yet its uptake remains low in many regions, including the Ahafo Region of Ghana. This study assessed young adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding PMCS for SCD, G6PD deficency, and Thalassemia and determined factors associated with these KAP outcomes in the Ahafo Region.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 460 young adults aged 18-35 years attending various health facilities in the Ahafo Region. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire, translated into the local dialect for clarity. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information, knowledge of PMCS, attitudes towards PMCS, and PMCS practices. Data were analysed using Stata version 14, with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for associations, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of KAP.

RESULTS: The study population was predominantly female (85.7%), with a mean age of 24.7 years. Only 15.4% (n = 71) of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of PMCS. Key factors influencing knowledge included female gender, age 26-35 years, tertiary education, and receiving information from healthcare services. Positive attitudes towards PMCS were observed in 66.7% of respondents, significantly associated with tertiary education, self-employment, unemployment, and cohabiting marital status. However, only 14.1% exhibited positive PMCS practices, with significant predictors being tertiary education and being married. These findings indicate a substantial gap between awareness and actual practice of PMCS.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational interventions and policy measures to enhance PMCS uptake among young adults in the Ahafo Region. Improving healthcare communication, integrating PMCS education into tertiary curricula, addressing sociocultural barriers, and enacting supportive policies are essential steps. Engaging various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, educational institutions, community leaders, policymakers, and NGOs, is crucial for effectively translating positive attitudes into proactive practices and reducing the prevalence of genetic blood disorders in the Ahafo Region and Ghana as a whole.

PMID:40346681 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01611-6

Infect Dis Poverty. 2025 May 9;14(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01304-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the live poultry market (LPM) is a serious public health concern. This study was to investigate the prevalence of different subtypes of avian influenza viruses in environment of LPM, and to analyze the differences and seasonality of the nucleic acid positive rate (NAPR) of A type, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes in feces, sewage, drinking water, breeding cages, and chopping boards.

METHODS: Feces, breeding cages swabs, drinking water, sewage and chopping boards swabs were collected from live poultry market during 2019-2023 from southern and northern China. Real-time PCR was used to screen for virus subtypes. Viruses were isolated, and deep sequencing was performed to obtain whole-genome sequences. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of categorical variable, GraphPad Prism software were used to construct graphs.

RESULTS: A total of 64,599 environmental samples were collected from live poultry markets in the southern China and northern China between 2019 and 2023. The average NAPR of the A type was significantly higher in the samples collected from the southern China than in those collected from the northern China (P < 0.05). The NAPR of H5, H7, and H9 subtypes carried by the five types of environmental samples in the southern China were significantly different (P < 0.05), and a higher NAPR was detected in chopping boards (10.84%), breeding cages (0.28%), and drinking water (40.97%) respectively. The average NAPR of the H9 and H5 subtypes displayed seasonality, reaching a peak in January and February in the southern China, while the peak of the H9 subtype was from October to February in the northern China. A total of 19 subtypes were identified. The H5 subtype significantly decreased, the H7 subtype was almost undetectable, and other subtypes, such as the H3 subtype, increased.

CONCLUSIONS: The highly pathogenic H5 subtype has significantly decreased in the live poultry market in China since 2022. However, the proportion of some subtypes, such as the H3 subtype, with low pathogenicity to poultry, has increased, while the H9 subtype remains at a high level. It must be noted that these low pathogenic avian influenza viruses often have no obvious symptoms, can circulate asymptomatically in infected poultry, and are highly pathogenic to humans. Our findings provide insights into the control and prevention of avian influenza viruses and the risk of pandemics associated with avian influenza viruses in the live poultry market.

PMID:40346680 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01304-w

BMC Res Notes. 2025 May 9;18(1):208. doi: 10.1186/s13104-025-07270-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Under 5 children diarrhea has been one of the major public health concerns in countries with limited resources such as Ethiopia. Understanding the association between under-5 diarrhea and meteorological factors will contribute to safeguarding children from adverse health effects through early warning mechanisms. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between under-5 diarrhea and meteorological factors to reduce health risks.

METHODS: A time-series ecological study was used to explore the association between meteorological factors and under-5 diarrhea incidence. Spearman’s correlation was computed to test the correlation and a negative binomial regression model was fitted to determine the associations of meteorological factors with under-5 diarrhea incidence. The multicollinearity was checked using the variance inflation factor (VIF) before the multivariable regression analysis and the value was 5. aIRRs with 95% CIs and a significance level of 0.05 were used for all the statistical tests. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2 software.

RESULTS: The highest under-5 diarrhea incidence morbidities was 180.9 per 1000 per year for under-five children. This study revealed a positive and negative correlation between the count of under-5 diarrhea and average monthly temperature and rainfall at 0 and 2 lag months with RRs of 1.0209 (95% CI: 1.0034-1.0387), RR 1.0202(95% CI:1.0022-1.0385), RR 0.999(95% CI:0.9985-0.9996), and RR 0.9992(95% CI:0.9987-0.9997) respectively.

CONCLUSION: There was an association between under 5 diarrhea incidence and meteorological factors in the Central Gondar Zone. The mean monthly temperature and rainfall were positively and negatively related to the incidence of diarrhea in children under 5 years old. The results showed that the observed association between meteorological factors and under-5 diarrhea incidence could be used as evidence for the use of early warning systems for the prevention of childhood diarrhea.

PMID:40346673 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-025-07270-8

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2025 May 9;24(1):200. doi: 10.1186/s12933-025-02758-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR). However, the prognostic value of different alternative IR surrogates in patients with MASLD remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between various IR indices and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MASLD patients.

METHODS: A total of 8,753 adults aged ≥ 20 years with MASLD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2018) were included, and their mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index (NDI). Insulin resistance surrogates [including the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), TyG-waist circumference index, TyG-waist-to-height ratio index, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR] were stratified into quartiles. Cox proportional hazards models, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS), mediation analyses, and subgroup analyses were used to explore the associations between these indices and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular mortality in MASLD patients.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 98 months, 1,234 deaths were observed, including 409 cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. In the fully adjusted model, higher quartiles of TyG-related indices were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in MASLD patients. Furthermore, the TyG-BMI index was associated with both all-cause mortality and CVD mortality [all-cause mortality: HR (95% CI) 2.84 (1.73-4.67), P < 0.001; CVD mortality: HR (95% CI) 5.32 (2.26-12.49), P < 0.001]. The RCS analyses indicated a U-shaped relationship between TyG-BMI and mortality, with a threshold value of 270.49. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that TyG-related indices had stronger associations with mortality in elderly MASLD patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the prognostic value of IR indices, particularly TyG-BMI index, in predicting all-cause mortality and CVD mortality in MASLD patients.

PMID:40346671 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-025-02758-w

Reprod Health. 2025 May 9;22(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02023-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Music therapy has been widely used in medical practices, demonstrating positive effects on diverse medical procedures. In the context of labor pain management, evidence suggests that music can positively influence pain perception and overall well-being during labor, serving as a distraction and stress reducer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively evaluate the impact of music therapy on labor pain in primigravida women during vaginal delivery.

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a thorough literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2023. Nine randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, involving primigravida women undergoing vaginal delivery with music therapy intervention. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool.

RESULTS: A meta-analysis of the fixed effects was performed using mean differences (MD). Pooled analysis of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores revealed statistically significant reductions in pain intensity during latent (MD: – 0.73; 95% CI – 1.01; – 0.45); during the active phase (MD: – 0.56; 95% CI – 1.06; – 0.07) and the second stage (MD: – 0.69; 95% CI – 0.85; – 0.54). The findings indicated no statistically significant variances related to the integration of music therapy in addressing anxiety, both in the latent phase (MD: – 0.88; 95% CI – 1.86; -2.02) and the active phase of labor (MD: -0.30; 95% CI – 1.74; 1.13).

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the collective evidence presented in this systematic review underscores the potential of music, especially for women giving for the first time. in mitigating labor pain and anxiety across different stages, offering a holistic approach to enhance the overall childbirth experience for women.

PMID:40346658 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-025-02023-z

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 May 10;25(1):674. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12843-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elderly individuals with chronic conditions or acute illnesses are major drivers of hospitalization, with frail patients frequently utilizing emergency department (ED) services. To ease this burden, many countries offer home-based medical services. In Region Halland, Sweden, a mobile team intervention in municipal home care (MHC) was introduced to support frail elderly patients. This study aimed to assess whether the intervention reduced ED visits and hospitalizations among MHC recipients.

METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients aged ≥ 65 years enrolled in MHC in Halmstad, Sweden, from October 2014 – April 2016. Healthcare utilization during the seven months prior to the initiation of the intervention (October 2014 – April 2015) constituted the pre-intervention group and were compared with healthcare consumption during a seasonally matched seven-month period after the launch of the intervention (October 2015-April 2016). The primary outcome was the number of adverse events, defined as unplanned ED visits or hospital admission. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the association between exposure and adverse events, presented as Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: A total of 2163 patients were included in the pre-intervention group, and 2197 patients in the intervention group. Both groups had a mean age of 84 years, with no significant differences regarding sex. In the pre-intervention group, 64% had severe comorbidities, compared to 66% in the intervention group. Primary care home visits by physicians increased from an average of 0.9 in the pre-intervention group to 1.1 in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Risk for adverse events was elevated among patients with severe comorbidities (IRR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.91-5.15, p = < 0.001). There was a slight decrease in the incidence rate for the intervention group; however, this reduction was not statistically significant (IRR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82-1.01, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION: The mobile team intervention in MHC did not significantly reduce ED visits or hospitalizations among elderly MHC recipients, suggesting that physician-led interventions alone may be insufficient to lower acute care utilization in this population. This highlights the complexity of care needs among frail older adults and suggests that a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach may be required to achieve meaningful reductions in emergency care use.

PMID:40346643 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-12843-1