Tag: statistics

BMC Psychol. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04020-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of smombie (attention distraction and alienation from the environment due to smartphone use) and phubbing (ignoring others by being preoccupied with one’s phone during face-to-face interactions) levels on adolescents’ psychological well-being.

METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 626 adolescents living in Turkey between June-September 2025. Data was collected via an online survey administered through Google Forms. The data collection tools used were the Smombie Scale for Adolescents, the General Phubbing Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. R programming language 4.1.3, G*Power 3.1, and SPSS-22 programs were used in the analysis of the study.

RESULTS: According to hierarchical regression analysis results, smombie level explained 15.7% of the variance in psychological well-being (R² = 0.157; F(1,624) = 117.64, p < 0.001) and was found to be negatively associated with psychological well-being (β = – 0.398; 95% CI [- 0.475, – 0.329]). With the addition of phubbing level, the total variance explained by the model increased to 22.3% (R² = 0.223; F(2,623) = 90.70, p < 0.001). In this model, both smombie (β = – 0.171; 95% CI [- 0.266, – 0.079]) and phubbing (β = – 0.344; 95% CI [- 0.224, – 0.130]) levels showed statistically significant and negative relationships with psychological well-being; with phubbing being a stronger predictor.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that smombie and phubbing behaviors in adolescents are negatively associated with psychological well-being. The cross-sectional design of this study limits causal inferences. Therefore, future research should employ a longitudinal design to determine the direction of these relationships and their effects over time.

PMID:41588448 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04020-8

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Jan 27. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03829-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors play an important role in metabolic disease susceptibility. Apolipoproteins E (APOE) and A1 (APOA1) are key regulators of lipid metabolism and have been individually associated with dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the individual and combined associations of APOE (rs429358, rs7412) and APOA1 (rs5069) gene polymorphisms with obesity and T2DM.

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted including 350 participants categorized into four groups: controls (n = 100), euglycemic obese individuals (n = 100), obese individuals with T2DM (n = 100), and non-obese individuals with T2DM (n = 50). Biochemical parameters, including lipid profiles and glycemic indices, were assessed. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan^® SNP genotyping assays.

RESULTS: Metabolic disturbances and dyslipidemia were observed across all patient groups, with the most pronounced abnormalities in obese individuals with T2DM. The APOE ε4 allele and ε4/ε4 genotype were significantly associated with obese T2DM compared with controls and euglycemic obese subjects. The APOA1 rs5069 A allele and AA genotype were associated with both obesity and T2DM. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive co-occurrence of APOE and APOA1 genotypes in euglycemic obese (ρ = 0.264, p = 0.008) and obese T2DM (ρ = 0.347, p < 0.001) groups, but not in non-obese T2DM individuals. However, in multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, the APOE × APOA1 interaction term did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.138).

CONCLUSION: APOE ε4 and APOA1 rs5069 A alleles were independently associated with obesity-related T2DM. Although these variants demonstrated correlated distribution patterns in obese individuals, the formal gene-gene interaction on T2DM risk was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment. These findings suggest that obesity may represent a metabolic context in which combined genetic associations are more evident, warranting further investigation in larger and well-powered cohorts.

PMID:41588446 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-03829-0

Arch Public Health. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s13690-026-01842-1. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41588445 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-026-01842-1

J Orthop Surg Res. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06633-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a novel partial unicondylar arthroplasty (PUCA) using a three-dimensional-printed (3DP) porous tantalum prosthesis for treating focal osteochondral defects (FOCD) of the femoral condyle, in comparison with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).

METHODS: This exploratory-retrospective matched-cohort consecutively enrolled study involved 17 patients: 8 in Group A (PUCA with 3DP porous tantalum prosthesis) from a larger trial and 9 in Group B (UKA), matched by age, gender, and BMI. Participants, aged 18-60, had femoral condylar FOCD with complete clinical and imaging data; exclusions included knee instability and incomplete data. Follow-ups were at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months, and annually. The primary outcome was the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, with secondary outcomes including visual analogue scale (VAS), time to full-weight-bearing walking (FWBK), knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Lysholm scores and range of motion (ROM). Prosthesis stability and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading were assessed via radiograph, and postoperative complications were compared. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, independent-samples t test, and Fisher’s Exact test.

RESULTS: All patients averaged 49.6 years old at surgery with a mean follow-up of 49.6 months. No demographic or complication differences were found between groups, and no revisions were needed. Preoperative scores were similar (P > 0.05). Postoperatively, Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvements in KL grades (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5, P = 0.006), VAS (1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5, P = 0.002), HSS (92.3 ± 1.8 vs. 87.4 ± 1.6, P = 0.000), KOOS (90.9 ± 1.6 vs. 88.3 ± 1.9, P = 0.009), Lysholm (91.4 ± 2.4 vs. 88.5 ± 1.9, P = 0.019), and ROM (133.1° ± 6.5° vs. 115.6° ± 4.0°, P = 0.000), except for FWBK (4.9 ± 0.8 vs. 5.3 ± 0.5 weeks, P = 0.189). However, only the difference in ROM met the minimum clinically important difference. All postoperative scores, except for ROM and KL, showed statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values in both groups radiographs at final follow-up showed stable prostheses in both groups with no signs of loosening. The statistical power for postoperative HSS was 1.0 (G*Power, effect size = 2.89).

CONCLUSION: This initial study is the first to apply personalized PUCA with 3DP porous tantalum prostheses for FOCD, demonstrating promising early outcomes compared with UKA, such as delayed progression of osteoarthritis, effective pain relief, and improved knee function and quality of life. PUCA notably preserves more native tissue and adapts to individual defects, making it clinically feasible by offering a potentially better option for future FOCD management.

PMID:41588442 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-06633-y

Infect Dis Poverty. 2026 Jan 27;15(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s40249-026-01412-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dengue remains a major public health challenge, particularly in endemic areas like Puerto Rico, where its economic burden is substantial. This study aimed to update the economic burden of dengue in Puerto Rico using recent data from patients, hospitals, and insurance companies, providing a clearer picture of the current situation. We estimated the total number of dengue cases with fever who sought care by adjusting for underreporting through a robust statistical framework linking island-wide passive surveillance data to sentinel acute febrile illness surveillance.

METHODS: We obtained cost data from hospitals and conducted interviews with a random sample of people diagnosed with dengue (n = 101) from December 2021-November 2022, collecting detailed information on direct medical costs, non-medical costs, and indirect costs. We analyzed median, epidemic and long-term dengue incidence patterns from 2010-2023. We conducted a cost-of-illness analysis using Bayesian multiplier methods to adjust for underreporting, followed by a bottom-up costing approach during a typical median incidence year and an epidemic year to illustrate the current economic burden of dengue in Puerto Rico.

RESULTS: In the median incidence year (2014), from 597 reported dengue cases we estimated 4500 [95% credible interval (95% CrI): 3700-5400] outpatient and 3900 (95% CrI: 3200-4700) hospitalized cases. During an epidemic year (2010), these figures rose substantially from the reported 10,359 dengue cases to an estimated 77,300 (95% CrI: 64,600-93,200) outpatient and 67,300 (95% CrI: 56,100-81,700) hospitalized cases. The median cost per hospitalized dengue case was 5200 USD for children and USD 6800 for adults, while outpatient costs were 2300 USD for children and 2700 USD for adults. Direct medical costs and indirect costs constituted the largest share of total costs. The total economic burden was 1.1 billion USD (95% CrI: 785 million-1.6 billion) during the epidemic year, compared to 62.7 million USD (95% CrI: 45.9-95.4 million) in the median incidence year.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the considerable financial strain of dengue, particularly during epidemics, and underscore the urgent need for enhanced resource allocation, effective prevention strategies, and policy interventions to mitigate the economic impact of future outbreaks.

PMID:41588438 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-026-01412-1

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-26067-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the determinants of health literacy in Newham, London, using a statistical modelling approach. Health literacy is defined using literacy, numeracy, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy from the ONS Skills for Life (SfL) survey 2011. The research combines survey, the Newham Residents Survey (NRS), and the UK 2021 Census data. Multilevel regression with post-stratification (MRP) and average treatment effects (ATE) are used to quantify the strength of association of various factors on health literacy at the local level.The study identifies several significant determinants of health literacy, including age, ethnicity, qualification level, English as a first language, job status, gross income, and home ownership. Specifically, individuals aged 45 years and over are estimated to have lower ICT health literacy. White ethnicity is associated with higher numeracy scores. Additionally, health literacy worsens as area deprivation increases. Qualification level is estimated to be the strongest associated factor across all health literacy outcomes. The ultimate aim of this study is to inform targeted health literacy interventions at the local level by quantifying the relative importance of key determinants with uncertainty, thereby aiding in the prioritisation of resources.

PMID:41588414 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-26067-9

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06519-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a significant metabolic disturbance contributing to neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors, management practices, and early outcomes of hypoglycemia among neonates admitted to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Tanzania.

METHODS: A prospective Cohort study was conducted at MNH from November 2024 to April 2025, enrolling 130 neonates aged 0-28 days. Hypoglycemia was defined as a random blood glucose level < 2.6 mmol/L. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and glucometer readings. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact to identify factors associated with hypoglycemia.

RESULTS: Of the 130 neonates, 28.5% (n = 37) were hypoglycemic. In the adjusted analysis, prematurity (aOR ~ 3.88, 95% CI:1.39-11.66, p = 0.012), maternal diabetes (aOR ~ 4.97, 95%CI 1.78-15.01, p = 0.003), and absent feeding at presentation (aOR ~ 2.6, 95% CI: 1.05-6.74, p = 0.045) were independently associated with hypoglycemia. Among hypoglycemic neonates, 59.5% (n = 22/37) received oral feeding and 18.9% (n = 7/37) received no active treatment. Hypoglycemic neonates had significantly poorer early outcomes compared to normoglycemic neonates (aOR for adverse outcome (death/continued hypoglycemia) ~ 5.1, 95% CI: 1.9-13.8).

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal hypoglycemia was highly prevalent, particularly among preterm and those born to diabetic mothers. Standardized protocols that include routine screening, early and frequent feeding, and structured follow up are urgently needed to reduce morbidity and mortality.

PMID:41588396 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06519-w

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26247-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing public health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where undernutrition and obesity are in conjuction. In Botswana, the urban transition and environmental factors are likely influencing obesity risk. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of central obesity across selected rural and peri-urban communities in Botswana and elucidate on likely demographics influencing the identified spatial variations.

METHODS: Data were drawn from 2,039 individuals (aged 16-65 + years) who participated in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP), a community-based (n = 22) cluster-randomized trial (NCT01965470). Central obesity was defined using waist-to-hip ratio > 0.90 in men, > 0.85 in women. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were estimated to predict central obesity prevalence. A Global Moran’s I was used to evaluate if there was clustering of central obesity prevalence across communities. To further explore local patterns, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) was applied to identify specific communities where central obesity prevalence was not random. This analysis distinguished spatial clusters (high-high [HH] and low-low [LL]) as well as spatial outliers. Finally, bivariate local Moran’s I was performed to determine the spatial heterogeneity of central obesity and specific predictors (female and median age).

RESULTS: Central obesity prevalence was estimated at 27.6% using GLMM (AoR 0.276 95% CI 0.131-0.582), (n = 887) and of these, 44.8% (n = 645) participants, resided in rural areas. Spatial analysis revealed significant clustering across rural and peri-urban communities (Moran’s I = 0.158, p = 0.04;I = 0.171 p = 0.05). The bivariate Local Moran’s I results showed significantly high clusters of central obesity and female (sex) (0.071 p < .001) and central obesity and median age (I = 0.225 p < .001) in both rural and peri-urban communities.

CONCLUSIONS: Central obesity in Botswana demonstrates spatial clustering and is significantly influenced by socio-demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for geographically targeted interventions to address central obesity, especially in peri-urban communities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01965470. Registered on October 2013. More information: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov/study/NCT01965470?tab=history&a=4.

PMID:41588385 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-26247-1

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jan 26;26(1):311. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25657-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications for pediatric patients. Inappropriate use, particularly in the first years of life, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistances and impact the maturation of the gut microbiome. Describing prescription patterns using nationally collected data is essential for identifying or monitoring existing strategies for reducing excessive use. This study aims to identify antibiotic prescription trajectories during the first four years of life and to investigate their association with sociodemographic factors.

METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we used data collected through the Pedianet registry, a monitoring system involving approximately 200 family pediatricians (FPs) in Italy. We considered children born between 2004 and 2018 with complete follow-up during their first four years of life, excluding those with a birth weight of < 2500 g, gestational age < 37 weeks or genetic disorders. Prescription trajectories over the 16 trimesters of observation were estimated using Group-Based Trajectory Modelling (GBTM), by classifying the included children into homogeneous groups based on their probabilities of membership. The association between trajectories and sociodemographic factors was examined with multinomial logistic regression with random intercepts for FPs.

RESULTS: A total of 143,098 children born between 01/01/2004 and 31/12/2018 were included. Between 0 and 4 years of age, these children received a total of 684,010 antibiotic prescriptions. GBTM identified four different trajectories, defined as: [1] “very low use” of antibiotics (34.9% of children) [2], “low-to-moderate use” (22.8%) [3], “moderate-to-low use” (28.0%) and [4] “high use” (14.3%). Compared to the “very low use” trajectory, male subjects residing in the center and south of Italy and born between 2004 and 2008 had a higher probability of belonging to trajectory groups with “moderate-to-low use” and “high use”.

CONCLUSIONS: From 2004 to 2022 in Italy, we observed heterogeneous antibiotic prescription patterns among children aged 0-4 years. Future strategies aimed at reducing the number of prescriptions in this age group should target the subgroups at higher risk.

PMID:41588382 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25657-x

BMC Cancer. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s12885-026-15618-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Uterine sarcoma has an inferior prognosis and high recurrence rate among gynecological malignancies, even in early-stage cases with complete resection. However, the risk factors for recurrence remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with recurrence in early-stage uterine sarcoma.

METHODS: Among 97 patients with uterine sarcoma treated at our institution between January 2007 and June 2023, we retrospectively investigated 55 patients of the following five histological types: uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), low- or high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS or HG-ESS), adenosarcoma, and smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). Risk factors were compared between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups using univariate analysis, and recurrence rates, time to recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were examined.

RESULTS: The median age of 55 patients was 48 years, and the most common initial symptom was abdominal pain or abdominal mass awareness (29.4%), followed by abnormal bleeding in 25.5% of the patients. The median tumor size was 9.7 cm, and stage I cases were 64.8% of the total. Histological types were 28 ULMS, 13 LG-ESS, 8 STUMP, 5 HG-ESS, and one adenosarcoma. Among stage I cases, ULMS had a recurrence rate of 81.3% with a median time to recurrence of 12.4 months, while LG-ESS had a recurrence rate of 30% with a median time to recurrence of 41.1 months. A high mitotic count was significantly associated with recurrence in stage I ULMS (p = 0.044). Other surgical pathological findings, such as lymphovascular space invasion, MIB-1 positive rate, and necrosis, and surgical factors, such as myomectomy and ovarian preservation, showed no statistically significant differences but were higher in the recurrence cases. The 5-year PFS rates in stage I ULMS and LG-ESS groups were 31.3% and 75%, and the 5-year OS rates were 68.5% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: In stage I ULMS, a high mitotic count was associated with an increased risk of recurrence after complete surgical resection.

PMID:41588380 | DOI:10.1186/s12885-026-15618-x