Nevin Manimala

BMC Psychol. 2025 Jul 10;13(1):769. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03122-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Globally, cancer is a complex disease that, if not detected and treated early, can lead to death. The diagnosis of cancer typically causes a profound crisis in the lives of those affected, leading to psychological challenges. People living with cancer tend to exhibit suicidal behaviours due to the difficult nature of the disease.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing Suicidal behaviours among adults living with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

METHOD: A convenience sampling method was employed to collect data from cancer patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency tables, percentages, and regression analysis with Stata 17, were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: The study found that 57.2% of participants reported suicidal ideation, 14.1% had attempted suicide, and 11.3% had planned suicide. Age, sex, educational level, income, occupational status, and marital status were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour (p-value < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression results shows that patients who experienced recent significant life changes were 15 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation (AOR: 15.0, 95% CI: 9.1-22.9, p < 0.001), twice as likely to have a suicidal plan (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1, p = 0.001), and over five times more likely to attempt suicide (AOR: 5.41, 95% CI: 2.22-6.07, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not experience significant life changes. In Addition, patients who believed they were a burden to others were over three times more likely to experience suicidal ideation (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.15-4.59, p < 0.001), five times more likely to have a suicidal plan (AOR: 5.0, 95% CI: 3.07-8.13, p < 0.001), and three times more likely to attempt suicide (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.1-5.3, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not feel this way.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among cancer patients, with many reporting suicidal ideation, attempts, and plans. Socio-demographic factors, including age, sex, educational level, income, occupational status, and marital status, were linked to higher suicide risk. To achieve SDG 3, particularly Target 3.4 (promoting mental health and well-being) and Target 3.8 (ensuring universal health coverage), the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should integrate mental health support into routine cancer care.

PMID:40640971 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-03122-z

Trop Med Health. 2025 Jul 11;53(1):92. doi: 10.1186/s41182-025-00752-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shaped by its colonial origins, tropical medicine sustains inequitable power dynamics in global health, sidelining low-middle-income countries (LMICs) in critical decision-making processes over research agendas and priorities. Editorial boards of tropical medicine journals, dominated by scholars from high-income countries (HICs), risk reinforcing power imbalances and excluding context-driven expertise from endemic regions. This study examines the diversity of editorial boards across gender, geographic, socioeconomic, and geopolitical dimensions to assess systemic inequities.

METHOD: A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) catalog was conducted via a targeted strategy between October and December 2024. After screening 153 journals for title relevance and applying exclusion criteria based on publication status, availability of editorial information, and global scope, 24 journals were selected. Data on 2,226 editorial board members were extracted from journal and institutional websites. Data on gender, country of affiliation (classified by World Bank income/regions), and geopolitical groups (G7, G20, BRICS) were extracted from public sources. Gender determination used a sequential approach (journal descriptions, Genderize.io, and consensus). Descriptive statistics were used to perform the analysis.

RESULTS: The editorial board comprised 2,226 members, 66% male, 31.2% female, and 2.8% undetermined, from 120 nations. The regional contributions included Europe and Central Asia (21.9%), North America (20.9%), East Asia and the Pacific (16.6%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (16.2%), whereas Sub-Saharan Africa (11.2%), South Asia (9.7%), and the Middle East and North Africa (3.4%) were underrepresented. Over half (52.8%) were affiliated with high-income countries. Geopolitically, 40.3% were from the G7, 67.1% were from the G20, and 24.2% were from the BRICS. Some journals showed skewing, with 85.2% North American representation and 90.3% East Asia-Pacific dominance.

CONCLUSION: Tropical medicine editorial boards are steeped in systemic inequities that echo colonial legacies, with the overrepresentation of HICs and men limiting LMIC perspectives and local expertise. This imbalance undermines research relevance and ethical integrity by prioritizing Global North agendas over the needs of populations most affected by tropical diseases. To address these disparities, substantial reforms are essential. Strategies such as instituting DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), creating targeted mentorship programs for LMIC researchers, and enforcing transparent, bias-resistant recruitment practices are important. Such measures will create a more inclusive editorial landscape that aligns research priorities with global health needs, promoting equitable and contextually relevant solutions.

PMID:40640968 | DOI:10.1186/s41182-025-00752-2

Infect Dis Poverty. 2025 Jul 10;14(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01313-9.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40640966 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01313-9

Genome Biol. 2025 Jul 10;26(1):200. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03671-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Substantial efforts have been dedicated to exploring the link between genetic regulation and the proteome, informing studies of complex trait mechanisms. Most of these efforts have been limited to populations of European ancestry.

RESULTS: We conduct an Olink protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) analysis on 1245 proteins involving 1033 self-identified African American (AA) and 1764 non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants from the Women’s Health Initiative and Framingham Heart Study. For replication of candidate pQTLs, we use data from 534 self-identified AA adults from the Jackson Heart Study and protein genome-wide association analysis statistics from the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, including 54,219 participants, of whom 931 are of African ancestry. In total, we identify and validate 5103 pQTLs (4496 or 88% cis- and 602 or 12% trans-pQTLs) for 983 proteins. Among these, 195 are previously unreported, with most (166 or 85%) identified in our AA sample, many of which were essentially monomorphic in European reference populations. Several of these newly identified African ancestry-specific pQTLs have been reported in ClinVar; our results suggest impact on circulating protein levels, potentially bolstering evidence for clinical significance. We identify a “cis pQTL hotspot” within the leukocyte receptor gene cluster on human chromosome 19q13.4. We also provide examples where a particular cis-pQTL, identified through conditional analysis, offers biological insights into an overlapping GWAS signal for disease susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS: The identification of previously undescribed African ancestry-specific pQTLs contributes to understanding protein genetic regulation and highlights the significance of proteomic analysis in diverse populations.

PMID:40640959 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03671-x

J Eat Disord. 2025 Jul 10;13(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s40337-025-01326-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common issue that impacts many women, and a well-balanced diet can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Evidence suggests that dietary factors and eating disorders may influence PMS severity, yet the specific relationships remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association of specific dietary components and eating behaviors with PMS symptoms.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 252 women with PMS who were referred to healthcare centers in Qazvin province. Data concerning PMS, dietary factors, and eating disorders were collected using online questionnaires, including the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST), 3-day dietary recall, and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaires. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and chi-square tests. The adequacy of the sample was evaluated using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. To examine the relationship between eating disorders, dietary factors, and PMS symptoms, multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: According to the PSST, 28.7% of individuals reported mild severity, 21.9% reported moderate severity, and 49.4% reported severe severity. The study revealed that higher sodium (p = 0.003, OR = 1.000, 95% CI = [1.000, 1.001]), vitamin D (p = 0.044, OR = 1.298, 95% CI = [1.007, 1.674]), and vitamin C intake were positively linked to increased psychological PMS symptoms, (p = 0.036, OR = 1.006, 95% CI = [1.000, 1.012]) while magnesium showed a negative association with these symptoms. Also, sodium and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with increased physical symptoms (p < 0.05). Individuals with eating disorders showed higher rates of severe PMS symptoms, though differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential influence of specific nutrients on PMS severity. This insight could inform dietary recommendations for managing PMS symptoms, providing young women with potential non-pharmacological options to relieve discomfort.

PMID:40640956 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-025-01326-7

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Jul 10;17(1):191. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01248-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Instability core training (ICT) has been widely used in various sports as a training method to enhance athletes’ balance ability and athletic performance. The study aimed to examine the impact of ICT performed on unstable surfaces (BOSU balls, Swiss balls, and Wobble boards) versus traditional core training (TCT) performed on stable surfaces (floor and bench) on balance ability and paddling performance among young male Chinese kayakers.

METHOD: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruited 63 eligible kayakers aged 16-19 years from the Nanchang Yao Lake kayaking training base in Jiangxi province, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the ICT group and the TCT group. Both groups completed a 12-week core training program consisting of 1-h sessions, 3 times/week. Static balance ability was assessed using the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT), while dynamic balance ability was measured using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Paddling parameters were evaluated using the average stroke power and stroke rate for the men’s K-1 200 m land dynamometer/ergometer sprint tests. Statistical analyses were conducted via multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), with the significance level set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The analysis for within-group effects demonstrated statistically significant improvements in static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, average stroke power, and stroke rate variables between the pre-test and post-test in both the ICT and TCT groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the pre-test (p > 0.05) for between-group effects. In contrast, statistically significant differences were found between the ICT and TCT groups in the post-test for all balance ability and paddling parameter variables (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that while TCT significantly improves balance ability and paddling performance, ICT is more effective than TCT over a 12-week intervention among young male Chinese kayakers. Therefore, it can replace TCT, as it promotes better improvement in balance ability and paddling parameters for young male Chinese kayakers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The full name of the registry: Effect of instability resistance training on balance, core muscle strength, and athletic performance. The trial registration number is NCT06432595. The date of registration is 07/01/2024. The trial registration platform is ClinicalTrials.gov PRS ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ).

PMID:40640954 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01248-6

J Eat Disord. 2025 Jul 10;13(1):135. doi: 10.1186/s40337-025-01290-2.

ABSTRACT

For over a decade, the mental health field has been interested in precision treatment using psychopharmacological interventions. More recently, this interest has expanded to include psychotherapy, which is the primary treatment modality for eating disorders. Personalised medicine and precision treatment are also seen as priorities for the eating disorder field by those with lived experience and carers, clinicians and researchers. However, precision treatment necessitates the collection of large amounts of clinical data. Three frameworks exist or have been proposed for the purpose of gathering large-scale routine clinical outcomes in eating disorder services: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) eating disorder set, the Australia national minimum dataset, and the Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network. Despite the emergence of these frameworks, challenges exist with implementation. This paper outlines the rationale for the collection of routine outcome data in eating disorder treatment settings, the three existing frameworks proposed, and considerations for implementation and scaling. These include clinical and practice applications, technical aspects, statistics, and contextual factors. We invite attention to our recommendations and collaborative approaches to facilitate progress towards precision treatment in eating disorders.

PMID:40640949 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-025-01290-2

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2025 Jul 10;19(1):74. doi: 10.1186/s13034-025-00926-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have established a link between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and risky internet use (RIU); however, the processes underlying this association remain unclear. This study examines whether a proportion of the association between ADHD and RIU was shared with social skills.

METHODS: The sample included 142 children aged 6-12 years (65% female, M = 8.5, SD = 1.7), comprising 71 children diagnosed with ADHD and 71 controls without ADHD. Standardized assessments were administered to measure RIU and social skills. Path analysis was employed to evaluate the association among ADHD, social skills, and RIU. Key demographic variables, including gender, birth timing, age of speech onset, household income, parental education, and number of siblings, were controlled for in the analyses.

RESULTS: An ADHD diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced social skills (β = – 1.68, p < 0.001), and reduced social skills was strongly linked to higher levels of RIU (β = – 0.57, p = 0.004). The direct association between ADHD and RIU was not statistically significant (β = – 0.52, p = 0.169). However, a significant indirect effect was observed, indicating that ADHD-RIU link was shared with reduced social skills (β = 0.96, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that a significant proportion of the association between ADHD and RIU was shared with social skills, emphasizing the importance of social skills as a potential factor for RIU risk in children with ADHD. Interventions that focus on enhancing social skills may support efforts to address RIU in this population.

PMID:40640942 | DOI:10.1186/s13034-025-00926-0

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Jul 10;44(1):244. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00993-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fruits and vegetables are crucial for children’s growth and provide essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy body. However, most Malaysian children consume inadequate fruits and vegetables. This study aims to determine the Effectiveness of urban gardening and nutrition education through a board game on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of fruit and vegetable consumption among primary school children in Malaysia.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 10-year-old children at a selected Primary School in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Seventy-two participants were recruited through the convenience sampling method. The intervention group received the intervention program within 2 months, which consisted of a talk about fruits and vegetables, educational gardening, cooking activities and playing an educational board game. While the control group only received a talk about fruits and vegetables from a dietitian. The height and weight of the participants were measured to obtain their Body Mass Index (BMI). The changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices of fruit and vegetable consumption were measured using a self-administered structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: This study successfully enhanced awareness and knowledge of fruit and vegetable consumption among girls (p = 0.010) but not among boys (p = 0.272) in the intervention group. In addition, knowledge related to fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly improved among overweight and obese participants (p = 0.033), but no significant improvement was observed among participants with normal BMI or underweight (p = 0.215) in the intervention group. The attitude (p = 0.980) and practice (p = 0.233) of fruit and vegetables showed no statistically significant improvement after the intervention.

CONCLUSION: Engaging in urban gardening activities and playing a nutrition-educational board game has the potential to be used as a strategy for enhancing knowledge about fruit and vegetable consumption among girls and children who are overweight and obese.

PMID:40640926 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00993-1

J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2025 Jul 10;11(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s40780-025-00467-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The immediate post-diagnosis period is a critical phase for cancer patients, marked by significant informational and emotional distress. Although pharmacists are well-positioned to provide support during this time, limited research has investigated patients’ specific concerns and consultation needs immediately after diagnosis, particularly in differentiating between hospital and community pharmacists. This study aimed to clarify cancer patients’ concrete concerns and consultation preferences immediately following diagnosis, with a focus on the respective roles of hospital and community pharmacists.

METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 1,031 adult cancer patients in Japan. Participants selected relevant concerns from a 21-item structured questionnaire across four domains: Cancer and Cancer Treatment (CCT), Cancer Pain and Palliative Care (CPPC), Medications Other Than Cancer Treatment (MOCT), and Daily Life During Cancer Treatment (DLCT). For each concern, participants indicated whether they preferred to consult hospital pharmacists, community pharmacists, or both. McNemar tests were used to compare paired proportions (P < 0.001).

RESULTS: A total of 89.2% of participants reported at least one concern at diagnosis. The most frequently reported concerns were treatment-related, including side effects (49.2%), treatment costs (48.0%), psychological distress (41.6%), and mechanisms of anticancer drugs (38.8%). Patients expressed significantly stronger preferences for consulting hospital pharmacists over community pharmacists on treatment-specific topics such as side effects (34.7% vs. 13.8%), drug mechanisms (39.3% vs. 18.5%), and medications to relieve physical discomfort (36.1% vs. 17.0%) [all P < 0.001]. In contrast, MOCT-related concerns, such as drug interactions and medication management, elicited similarly high consultation preferences for both pharmacist types (> 40%). DLCT and CPPC-related concerns were associated with relatively lower consultation demands overall.

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients experience diverse and substantial informational and emotional needs immediately after diagnosis. Hospital pharmacists are particularly valued for treatment-specific support, while both hospital and community pharmacists are seen as essential resources for broader medication-related concerns. Enhancing cooperation between hospital and community pharmacists, and strengthening pharmacist-led support tailored to patients’ needs at diagnosis may significantly improve patient-centered care and quality of life.

PMID:40640924 | DOI:10.1186/s40780-025-00467-w