Tag: nevin manimala

Arch Public Health. 2025 Sep 1;83(1):222. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01707-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immunization remains a cornerstone of global public health; however, Somalia faces critical challenges in achieving equitable vaccination coverage, particularly among internally displaced individuals (IDPs). The National immunization rates for diseases such as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3), measles, and polio remain below 50%, exacerbated by decades of conflict, fragile healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic disparities. IDPs in Somalia encounter unique barriers, including overcrowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare and mobility, which disrupt care continuity. This study examined the immunization coverage disparities between IDPs and urban residents in Somalia, focusing on the sociodemographic and attitudinal determinants of vaccine uptake. By analyzing factors such as education, income, marital status, and vaccine perceptions, this study aimed to inform targeted strategies to improve vaccination access in conflict-affected settings.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 across two IDP camps (ANFAC and Sahal) in Somalia’s Banadir Region. Using stratified systematic sampling, 384 participants were enrolled, and data were collected via structured questionnaires administered in Somali. Vaccination status was verified through immunization cards or self-reports, and the predictor variables included age, education, occupation, income, marital status, and attitudes toward vaccine safety and efficacy. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of vaccine uptake with adjustments for confounders.

RESULT: This study revealed significant immunization disparities primarily associated with educational attainment. Participants with secondary education achieved vaccination rates of 72.6% versus 41.2% among those without formal education. Multivariate analysis identified secondary education (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.74-8.40, p = 0.001) and tertiary education (AOR = 7.95, 95% CI: 3.33-19.01, p < 0.001) as the strongest predictors of full vaccination, followed by marital status (divorced/widowed: AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.81, p = 0.015). Household income and positive vaccine attitudes showed no significant association in the adjusted model.

CONCLUSION: Educational disparities emerge as the most critical barrier to immunization among Somali IDPs. The findings highlight the need for integrated interventions prioritizing community-led education programs and mobile vaccination clinics with cold chain capacity. These strategies, combined with health system strengthening for mobile populations, could reduce zero-dose children by 50% and advance Immunization Agenda 2030 targets. The study underscores that improving access to education may have greater impact on vaccine uptake than economic interventions alone.

PMID:40890758 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01707-z

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):675. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05991-0.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40890753 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-05991-0

BMC Med Educ. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):1238. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-07817-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medical and dental students face significant psychological challenges due to rigorous academic demands and clinical responsibilities, which often lead to depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS). The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these issues internationally, and Saudi Arabia (SA) is not an exclusion. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of DAS among Saudi Arabian medical and dental students and determine significant socio-demographic and academic factors affecting their psychological well-being especially post worldwide pandemics.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among Saudi Arabian medical and dental students in July and August 2021. An online survey that included demographic information and the depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) scale was used to gather data. It was disseminated nationwide via university emails and academic platforms. A total of 715 students participated in the survey, of whom 550 were dental students and 165 were medical students. Statistical analysis, including ordinal regression, was carried out using SPSS to assess the relationships between mental health outcomes and characteristics including study field, academic phase, and geography. Data were documented and statistically analyzed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all parameters and tests. Cronbach’s alpha scores for all DASS-21 subscales were more than 0.87, confirming the instrument’s reliability.

RESULTS: The prevalence rates of stress, anxiety, and depression were 88.5%, 67.3%, and 51.3%, respectively. Medical students reported higher levels of extreme stress (38.2%) and anxiety (42.4%) than dental students (30.4% and 24.7%, respectively). Medical students reported considerably higher stress in their clinical phase compared with their counterparts in preclinical phase. Preclinical dental students showed higher anxiety and depression than clinical students. Socio-demographic characteristics such as living conditions and region showed significant differences (p < 0.05), while gender and marital status exhibited no significant differences.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence of psychological distress among medical and dental students in Saudi Arabia, particularly clinical medical and preclinical dental students. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address academic stress and enhance mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to support students’ mental health and resilience.

PMID:40890752 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-025-07817-0

BMC Med Educ. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):1236. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-07728-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elective courses give medical students opportunities to explore interests beyond core curricula and influence career decisions. The current study aimed to assess undergraduate medical students’ satisfaction with these elective courses and gather their suggestions for improvement in curriculum design.

METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using a validated online and self-administered questionnaire among undergraduate medical students at Al-Azhar University (Egypt) and Jazan University (Saudi Arabia). Satisfaction was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included t-tests and chi-square tests (SPSS v25), with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Among 1,027 students (83.1% Egyptians), the overall satisfaction score was 31.9 ± 5.8. A total of 61.1% reported a positive experience. Satisfaction was significantly higher among Saudi students (mean = 35 ± 6.2) compared to Egyptian counterparts (mean = 31.3 ± 5.5; p = 0.001) with a medium to large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.63). Only (42.4%, 56.5%) felt they achieved course objectives, their expectations were met respectively and 33.2% indicated instructors required further training.

CONCLUSION: Students were moderately satisfied with elective courses, with notable differences across institutions. Curriculum reforms should consider student feedback, expand course options, and improve instructor preparedness.

PMID:40890744 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-025-07728-0

BMC Pulm Med. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):417. doi: 10.1186/s12890-025-03908-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a vital role the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to: (1) examine the cross-sectional association between dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM), a novel biomarker reflecting gut microbiota composition and function, and COPD prevalence; and (2) assess the prognostic significance of DI-GM score for all-cause mortality in COPD patients.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. DI-GM score was calculated from 24-hour dietary recall. Primary outcomes were COPD prevalence and all-cause mortality risk in COPD patients. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between DI-GM and COPD prevalence, while Cox proportional hazards models evaluated all-cause mortality risk in COPD patients.

RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD was 6.87% among the 22,859 participants included. Compared to participants with DI-GM score of 0-3, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for DI-GM score of 4, 5, and ≥ 6 were 0.88 (0.70-1.11), 0.78 (0.64-0.97), and 0.75 (0.62-0.90), respectively. During a median follow-up time of 84 months, a total of 570 (28.15%) participants died among the 1,580 COPD participants. Compared to DI-GM score of 0-3, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for DI-GM score of 4, 5, and ≥ 6 were 0.78 (0.60-1.01), 0.63 (0.47-0.83), and 0.69 (0.56-0.85), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Higher DI-GM scores are significantly associated with both reduced COPD prevalence and improved survival in COPD patients. Our results suggest dietary modifications targeting gut microbiota may represent a novel strategy for COPD prevention and management.

PMID:40890742 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-025-03908-2

Radiat Oncol. 2025 Sep 1;20(1):137. doi: 10.1186/s13014-025-02716-6.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the correlation between standardized uptake value (SUV) of [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) within the gross tumor volume (GTV) of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In addition, we assessed the comparability of cell density (ρ) estimates obtained from FDG PET and MRI data.

METHODS: Twenty-one HNSCC patients from a prospective FMISO imaging trial underwent pre-treatment PET/CT and MRI. We assessed correlations between FDG SUV (mean, max) and ADC (mean, min) within the GTV using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The tumor cell density within the GTV was calculated from FDG SUV and from ADC maps. For the estimation of ADC-based cell density, we used a published tumor cell volume fraction (v_TC). Agreement between FDG- and ADC-derived cell density estimates was assessed. The best-fitting v_TC* was computed to achieve equal mean ρ_ADC and ρ_FDG for each patient and was compared to the literature.

RESULTS: The SUV and ADC metrics showed up to moderate negative correlations, but none of them were statistically significant at p < 0.05. The correlation of SUV_mean vs. ADC_mean with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = -0.426 and p = 0.054 and SUV_max vs. ADC_min with r = -0.414 and p = 0.062 suggested a weak negative trend. The average and standard deviation of mean ρ_FDG and ρ_ADC across our cohort were (1.8 ± 0.6) × 10⁸ cells/ml and (3.3 ± 0.2) × 10⁸ cells/ml. The difference between the mean ρ_FDG and ρ_ADC was statistically significant (p < 0.001). To achieve equal mean ρ_ADC and ρ_FDG for each patient, the mean optimal v_TC* with standard deviation was 0.29 ± 0.09. Although significantly lower than the published mean v_TC​ (0.54), v_TC* lies within the published range of v_TC for HNSCCs (0.28 to 0.75).

CONCLUSION: ADC and SUV metrics exhibited moderate but marginally insignificant correlation in this dataset. Although not directly interchangeable, the two methods provide comparable, clinically relevant cell density estimates, offering flexibility to use the most accessible modality for individualized treatment planning.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at German Clinical Trials Register on 20/08/2015 (DRKS00003830).

PMID:40890739 | DOI:10.1186/s13014-025-02716-6

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):3005. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23560-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a widespread, global public healthcare concern among healthcare employees. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between workplace violence and job stress among healthcare employees.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population of the study, which had a descriptive and correlational design, consisted of all healthcare employees working in a hospital in the southeast of Turkey, and the study was completed with 515 healthcare employees. The data were collected between 20.05.2024 and 15.09.2024 using a face-to-face interview technique with a data form consisting of 4 sections. The data collection form consists of 4 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, Psychological Violence Behaviors at Workplace Scale, A Work Stress Scale-20, Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. The data were then analyzed by using the SPSS software. Descriptive statistics and parametric methods, Pearson Correlation Analysis, and Linear Regression were used in the evaluation of the data, and hierarchical regression analyses regarding the mediation effect were made by using the PROCESS Model 4. A p-value < 0.05 was accepted as significant in the analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 55.9% of the participants were female and 44.1% were male. When the occupational distribution was evaluated, the largest group was nurses with 55.3%, followed by midwives with 12.6% and physicians with 7.4%. The total mean score on the Scale of Psychological Violence Behaviors in the Workplace was 37.27 ± 39.51, the total mean score on the Short Psychological psychological resilience Scale was 20.41 ± 4.32, and the total mean score on the Job Stress Scale was 46.51 ± 20.72. A negative and significant relationship was detected between the psychological psychological resilience scale total score and the total score of Psychological Violence Behaviors in the Workplace. A positive and highly significant relationship was detected between the total score of the Job Stress Scale and the total score of Psychological Violence Behaviors in the Workplace. A negative and significant relationship was detected between psychological resilience and job stress. The effect of psychological violence in the workplace on psychological resilience was significant.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that workplace violence increases job stress by weakening psychological resilience. Psychological resilience plays a partial role in moderating this effect. Reducing the negative impacts of Job Stress and psychological violence on individuals and protecting and developing the psychological resilience of healthcare staff is a critical priority for the well-being of employees and for institutions to achieve their sustainable targets.

PMID:40890731 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23560-z

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):2988. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23998-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the association between physical activity (PA) levels and major health issues (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) and mental health factors (depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, and cognitive impairment) among South Korean baby boomers (BBs) to help improve national health policies. Given the global trend of aging populations and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, understanding the role of PA in promoting healthy aging has become a critical public health issue not only in South Korea but also worldwide.

METHODS: Using 2022 Community Health Survey data, we analysed PA levels (low, moderate, and high) and their associations with health outcomes in BBs aged 59-67 years. PA was assessed using the metabolic equivalent of task of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Health outcomes were evaluated based on obesity, hypertension, diabetes, mental health issues, and stress levels. Complex sample logistic regression was used to evaluate the interrelation between PA and health outcomes, adjusting for household income, marital status, and educational level.

RESULTS: In men, moderate and high-intensity PA was associated with lower obesity and diabetes rates compared with low-intensity PA, with only moderate PA levels showing consistent links to reduced obesity. In women, both moderate and high PA levels were associated with reduced obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rates. For mental health, PA at both levels was associated with lower odds of all outcomes in both sexes, with moderate PA showing stronger associations than high PA for stress, suicidal thoughts, and cognitive impairment in women.

CONCLUSIONS: PA is meaningfully associated with health issues and mental well-being among South Korean BBs. These findings underscore the relevance of tailored PA recommendations and community-based strategies that reflect population characteristics. Further research is warranted to explore the effects of different types of physical activities and their impact on health risk factors.

PMID:40890726 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23998-1

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):3003. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24194-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ineffective dissemination of cancer research and information among the public contributes to cancer inequities. Dissemination rarely involves efforts to engage non-research audiences and end-users in developing effective messaging. Efforts to promote equity in clinical trial participation may benefit from marketing strategies traditionally applied in the business sector. Black Americans suffer the highest death rates from most cancers than any other race/ethnicity, yet only 5% of patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials are Black. Our team used a marketing strategy framework to create a culturally responsive public service announcement (PSA) video to increase awareness of clinical trials among Black audiences.

METHODS: We partnered with a marketing recruitment firm and a marketing agency to conduct six focus groups (n = 54) with social support networks of Black cancer survivors and Black community members. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit a national sample of eligible participants that varied in age, education, geographic region, and gender. Focus groups were conducted over three phases that informed script development, script and storyline testing, and sought feedback on the PSA video post-production. We used the Marketing and Clinical Trials Reference Model to guide marketing strategies, data collection, video content development and production. We used rapid qualitative data analysis techniques to identify themes for each phase to guide PSA development.

RESULTS: Partnered with a film production company, we produced a 2-min PSA video that uses professional actors and storytelling and marketing techniques to describe clinical trials, provide relevant statistics, address barriers to participation expressed by participants, and provide credible resources to seek further information. We also produced 30 s and 60 s versions of the PSA to accommodate different marketing media outlets. Participants felt the videos were engaging and relatable and that the messaging was clear. The videos ignited meaningful discussions about clinical trial participation and motivated participants to share the information learned.

CONCLUSIONS: Using marketing communication strategies is a low-tech, pragmatic approach to effectively produce health information that is meaningful, can be tailored for specific audiences, and disseminated to broader audiences.

PMID:40890722 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24194-x

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2025 Sep 1;25(1):321. doi: 10.1186/s12911-025-03119-z.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, and its prevalence is expected to rise with aging populations. Early prediction of AMD progression is critical for effective management. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in in detecting and predicting progression of AMD.

METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted from inception to February 7th, 2025. We included five studies that assessed the performance of AI algorithms in predicting AMD progression using multimodal imaging. Data on accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.7. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Of the five studies, AI models demonstrated superior accuracy (mean difference: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.07; p < 0.00001) and sensitivity (mean difference: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.08; p < 0.00001) compared to retinal specialists. Specificity also showed a minimal but significant advantage for AI (mean difference: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.01; p < 0.00001). Importantly, heterogeneity was minimal to absent across all analyses (I² = 0-0.42%), supporting the reliability and consistency of pooled findings.

CONCLUSION: AI algorithms outperform retinal specialists in predicting AMD progression, particularly in accuracy and sensitivity. These findings support the potential of AI in AMD prediction; however, given the limited number of included studies, the results should be interpreted as exploratory and in need of validation through future large-scale, prospective studies.

PMID:40890721 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-025-03119-z