Tag: statistics

Vet Res Forum. 2023;14(5):275-279. doi: 10.30466/vrf.2022.548794.3387. Epub 2023 May 15.

ABSTRACT

Right ventricular parameters change in many cardiovascular diseases; so, the presence of normal right ventricular parameters is necessary to diagnose these diseases. Ten clinically healthy adult domestic short-haired cats including six males and four females in the range of 2.70 to 4.80 kg were studied using echocardiography without sedation. The speed and pressure of blood flow through the tricuspid and pulmonary valves, speed of the movement of tricuspid valve and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were recorded using conventional pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and M-mode, respectively. No significant statistical differences were observed between the measured values and sex, heart rate and body weight. A positive correlation was observed between the maximum velocity of the right ventricular outflow tract and heart rate and also between TAPSE slope and body weight. With determining the normal values of PW-TDI of the right ventricle in apparently healthy domestic short-haired cats, it is expected that with providing normal reference values, the diagnosis of heart diseases especially asymptomatic heart disease be achieved as soon as possible to provide the best appropriate therapeutic management and monitoring decision about them.

PMID:37342286 | PMC:PMC10278901 | DOI:10.30466/vrf.2022.548794.3387

HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2023 Jun 14;15:325-337. doi: 10.2147/HIV.S414636. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Infant feeding practices can have an impact on the health of infants born to HIV-positive mothers. Breastfeeding has significant health advantages for newborns even while it increases the risk of HIV transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her child. One-third to half of child HIV infections in African settings may be linked to breastfeeding. This study was intended to investigate the level of unsafe infant feeding practice and associated factors among HIV positive mothers attending PMTCT at selected governmental hospitals in Afar regional state, Ethiopia, 2022.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done among 423 HIV positive mothers from February 15 to March 15, 2022 in Afar regional state at selected PMTCT providing governmental hospitals. The proportional allocation was done for samples to be taken from Asayta, Dupti and Mohammed Akle hospitals. A systematic sampling technique was performed to select the study participants. Epidata version 3.1 was used for data entry, and SPSS software version 23 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The majority, 296 (70.0%), of mothers with HIV-positive were aged between 25 and 34 years. The level of unsafe infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was 153 (36.2%). About 270 (63.8%) mothers exclusively breastfed their infants. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, PNC follow-up (AOR=1.814, 95% CI: (1.127, 2.919)), ART follow-up (AOR=1.987, 95% CI: (1.128, 3.501)), and HIV disclosure status (AOR=2.324, 95% CI: (1.470, 3.673)) were significantly associated with unsafe infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers.

CONCLUSION: The level of unsafe infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was high. PNC follow-up, ART follow-up, and HIV disclosure status were significantly associated with unsafe infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers. Comprehensive health educations need to be provided for HIV-positive mothers to reduce this problem.

PMID:37342283 | PMC:PMC10277203 | DOI:10.2147/HIV.S414636

HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2023 Jun 15;15:349-360. doi: 10.2147/HIV.S412586. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Overweight/obesity is an emerging public health problem in low income countries. Currently sub-Saharan African countries are facing a double burden of malnutrition. Evidence has shown that overweight/obesity is becoming a problem for people living with HIV. But little is known in our setting. Thus, this study is designed to assess the association between overweight/obesity and ART drug regimen among adult HIV patients in Gamo zone public health facilities southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between overweight/obesity and ART drug regimen among adult HIV patients in Gamo zone public health facilities southern Ethiopia.

METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2022, among systematically selected adult HIV patients. The data were collected by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, patient record review, and physical measurements. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value <0.05 with its 95% CI was considered as a statistically significant and interpreted accordingly.

RESULTS: The magnitude of overweight/obesity were 13.5% (95% CI:(10.4-17.2)). Being male (2.484(1.308, 4.716)), duration on ART (took for ≥5 years) ((2.249(1.218, 4.152)), and ART drug regime (3.789(1.965, 7.304)) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSION: Overweight/obesity is significantly associated to ART drug regimen type among adult HIV patients. Furthermore, sex and duration on ART drug were found significantly associated with overweight/obesity of adult HIV patients.

PMID:37342281 | PMC:PMC10278647 | DOI:10.2147/HIV.S412586

Front Public Health. 2023 Jun 5;11:974542. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.974542. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains rampant in many countries/regions. Improving the positive detection rate of COVID-19 infection is an important measure for the control and prevention of this pandemic. This meta-analysis aims to systematically summarize the current characteristics of the computed tomography (CT) auxiliary screening methods for COVID-19 infection in the real world.

METHODS: Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant articles published prior to 1 September 2022. Data on specificity, sensitivity, positive/negative likelihood ratio, area under curve (AUC), and diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) were calculated purposefully.

RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen studies were included with 51,500 participants in the meta-analysis. Among these studies, the pooled estimates for AUC of CT in confirmed cases, and CT in suspected cases to predict COVID-19 diagnosis were 0.76 and 0.85, respectively. The CT in confirmed cases dOR was 5.51 (95% CI: 3.78-8.02). The CT in suspected cases dOR was 13.12 (95% CI: 11.07-15.55).

CONCLUSION: Our findings support that CT detection may be the main auxiliary screening method for COVID-19 infection in the real world.

PMID:37342278 | PMC:PMC10278544 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2023.974542

Front Public Health. 2023 Jun 5;11:1128845. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128845. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient self-referral is when patients refer themselves to upper-level health facilities without having to see anyone else first or without being told to refer themselves by another health professional. Self-referral leads to a diminished quality of healthcare services. However, globally, many women who gave birth referred themselves to hospitals without having referral sheets, including in Ethiopia and the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess self-referral practice and associated factors among women who gave birth in South Gondar zone primary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among women who gave birth in South Gondar zone primary hospitals between 1 June 2022 and 15 July 2022. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather quantitative data from 561 participants who were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Interview guides were used to collect qualitative data from selected six key informants. Quantitative data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.0.4 and then exported to the statistical software SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Thematic analysis using open code version 4.02 software was applied for qualitative data analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was employed. In a bivariable analysis, a p < 0.25 was used to select candidate variables for multivariable analysis. P < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to determine significant variables on the outcome of interest.

RESULTS: The overall magnitude of self-referral was 45.6%, with 95% CI (41.5%, 49.9%). They had no antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.64-5.57) and 1-3 ANC follow-ups (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03-2.41), poor knowledge about the referral system (AOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 2.30-7.09), and use of public transportation (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.43-3.82), which were significantly associated with self-referral practice.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that nearly half of the deliveries were self-referred. ANC follow-up, women’s knowledge of the referral system, and mode of transportation were factors significantly associated with the self-referral practice. Therefore, developing awareness-creation strategies and increasing coverage of ANC 4 and above are necessary interventions to reduce the self-referral practice.

PMID:37342276 | PMC:PMC10277469 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128845

Front Public Health. 2023 Jun 5;11:1138982. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138982. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to assess the health gap among young socio-economic groups generated by the economic crisis in Greece and (ii) to investigate HRQoL (Health Related Quality of Life) inequalities using the Theil index.

METHODS: The EQ-5D-5L instrument was administered to a sample of 4,177 young individuals in Greece, mean age 22.3 (±SD 4.8) and 53.8% males, and 46.2% females. The Greek version of the EQ-5D-5L instrument was used in a web-based questionnaire to collect data. Subjects were asked to assess their subjective health status during the economic crisis of 2016 using the EQ-5D-5L instrument, and to recall their health before the crisis of 2009. The health gap was assessed on a Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), the EQ-5D-5L Index, and the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Regression analysis was employed to measure the effects of the economic crisis on age, sex, education, and income on the EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L. Theil index was used to assess HRQoL inequalities.

RESULTS: The economic crisis brought a significant deterioration in the HRQoL of young Greeks. The EQ-VAS was reduced during the crisis by -10.05% (p < 0.001) and the EQ-5D-5L index declined by -19.61% (p < 0.001). The prevalence of the health gap in each dimension of the EQ-5D-5L was also significant in terms of deterioration of Mobility [change by 66.8% (p < 0.001)], Self-care [change by 61.0% (p < 0.001)], Usual activities [change by 97.1% (p < 0.001)], Pain/discomfort [change by 65.0% (p < 0.001)], and Anxiety/depression [change by 70.5% (p < 0.001)]. Significant reductions in EQ-5D-5L indices were also associated with greater inequalities in the distribution of health among age, gender, income, and educational groups. The EQ-5D-5L health gap among the poor was much greater (0.198), in comparison to richer (0.128) classes. Similar gaps were also found in terms of educational inequalities. The EQ-5D-5L health gap among those with primary education was 0.211, whereas for those with tertiary education it was 0.16. The Theil index indicated an increase in income-related HRQoL inequalities by 222.3% for the EQ-5D-5L index and by 124.2% for the EQ-VAS. The effects of demographic and socioeconomic variables on the EQ-VAS were found statistically significant: sex (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), and income (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The EQ-5D-5L instrument appears to be a powerful tool in assessing the health gap and the HRQoL inequalities among young people in Greece. The findings indicate the importance of developing effective health policies to combat inequalities and mitigate the impact of austerity measures on the quality of life of the young.

PMID:37342272 | PMC:PMC10277562 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138982

Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2023 Jun 17;14:20406223231173896. doi: 10.1177/20406223231173896. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become an important cause of liver cancer. The current understanding of MAFLD-related liver cancer is not sufficient, however.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and metabolic characteristics of inpatients with MAFLD-related liver cancer.

DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional investigation.

METHODS: An investigation was conducted to collect the cases of hepatic malignant tumor hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from 1 January 2010 to December 31 2019. The basic information, medical history, laboratory examination results, and imaging examination results of 273 patients diagnosed with MAFLD-related liver cancer were recorded. The general information and metabolic characteristics of patients with MAFLD-related liver cancer were analyzed.

RESULTS: In total, 5958 patients were diagnosed with hepatic malignant tumor. Among them, liver cancer due to other causes accounted for 6.19% (369/5958), MAFLD-related liver cancer was diagnosed in 273 cases of them. From 2010 to 2019, MAFLD-related liver cancer showed an increasing trend. Among 273 patients with MAFLD-related liver cancer, 60.07% were male, 66.30% were ⩾60 years old, and 43.22% had cirrhosis. The 273 patients were comprised by 38 patients with evidence of fatty liver and 235 patients without evidence of fatty liver. There was no significant difference in the proportions of sex, age, overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the presence of ⩾2 metabolic-related factors between the two groups. In the group without evidence of fatty liver, 47.23% patients had cirrhosis, which was significantly higher than 18.42% in the group with evidence of fatty liver (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: MAFLD-related liver cancer should be considered in liver cancer patients with metabolic risk factors. Half of MAFLD-related liver cancer occurred in the absence of cirrhosis.

PMID:37342267 | PMC:PMC10278433 | DOI:10.1177/20406223231173896

J Clin Nurs. 2023 Jun 21. doi: 10.1111/jocn.16801. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess the association of postoperative delirium developed in the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) with older patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during the first five postoperative days.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have focused on the association between postoperative delirium and long-term function decline, however the association between postoperative delirium and the ability to perform ADL, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, needs further investigation.

DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.

METHODS: A total of 271 older patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery at a tertiary care hospital in Victoria, Australia, participated in the study. Data were collected between July 2021 and December 2021. Delirium was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (KATZ ADL) scale was used to measure ADL. ADL was assessed preoperatively and daily during the first five postoperative days. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study.

RESULTS: Results showed that 44 (16.2%) patients developed new episode of delirium. Postoperative delirium was independently associated with decline in ADL (RR = 2.83, 95% CI = 2.71-2.97; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative delirium was associated with a decline in ADL among older people during the first five postoperative days. Screening for delirium in the PACU is essential to identify delirium during the early stages of postoperative period and implement a timely comprehensive plan.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Delirium assessment of older patients in the PACU, and for at least the first five postoperative days, is strongly recommended. We also recommend engagement of patients in a focused physical and cognitive daily activity plan, particularly for older patients undergoing major surgery.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients and nurses helped in data collection at a tertiary care hospital.

PMID:37341067 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.16801

Acta Bioeng Biomech. 2022;24(4):21-30.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Foot pronation is not an isolated factor influencing lower limb functions. Exploring gait variability and impact loading associated with the foot posture are crucial for understanding foot pronation-related injury mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate how foot posture affects impact loading and running variability during running.

METHODS: Twenty-five male participants were recruited into this study. Pressure under the foot arch, acceleration and marker trajectory were recorded in the right limb for each runner after 1, 4, 7 and 10 km running, respectively. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the statistical difference of the data.

RESULTS: FPI-6 has significantly increased after the 10 km running (p〈0.01). For the tibial acceleration, peak resultant acceleration after 10 km running was significantly increased than after 4 km running (p=0.02). At the dorsum of the foot, the short-time largest Lyapunov exponent (LyE) after 10 km running decreased 0.28 bit/s compared with LyE after 7 km running ( p = 0.03). In the tibia, LyE after 4 km and 10 km running was decreased significantly ( p 〈 0.01 and p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The foot was significantly pronated at the middle and at the end of running. Foot pronation during distance running increased the distal tibia peak impact acceleration but did not increase running instability.

PMID:37341060

Acta Bioeng Biomech. 2022;24(4):159-167.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced physical activity and increased the time spent sitting. Combined with the lack of ergonomics at home workplaces, the risk of discomfort has increased, especially around the cervical spine and upper limbs. Evaluation of the mentioned problem is the subject of the study.

METHODS: The study used an original questionnaire based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The analysis used responses from people who reported discomfort in the form of tingling or numbness in the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow and wrist during the pandemic. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out to formulate conclusions. In addition, individual data were presented as percentages.

RESULTS: Considering the working time exceeding 8 hours a day, discomfort in the wrist joint area was most often reported among people working remotely (15.1%). Shoulder complex discomfort was the most common symptom (22%) reported by people working more than 8 hours a day, under the age of 31. In young people, the risk of discomfort in the shoulder, hand and cervical spine area increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Extended working time is conducive to the appearance of symptoms within the hands. In future studies, it will be necessary to analyze the ergonomic factors responsible for this phenomenon.

PMID:37341051