Tag: statistics

Afr J Reprod Health. 2026 Feb 16;30(3):183-192. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i3.15.

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the relationship between household income, malnutrition, and mortality in China based on longitudinal data collected at five-year intervals from 1995 to 2020. Accordingly, trends in adult female, adult male, and infant mortality were examined together with changes in household income and undernourishment prevalence. The results show a steady decline in mortality in every group, whereas malnutrition fell precipitously, especially after 2010. Household income was rather volatile but generally increased in later years, matching the decline in mortality. Graphical evidence suggests that there are inverse relationships between mortality and income, as well as between mortality and malnutrition. This is reflected in the correlation matrix, with all co-movements strong because of common downward trends over time. Overall, improved household welfare, enhanced nutritional status, and health system strengthening all seemed to contribute to the better health status of the population in China. Based on these results, the study recommends continued investment in nutrition programs, expanded social welfare measures to support household income, and further strengthening of maternal and child healthcare services to sustain progress in reducing mortality.

PMID:41700359 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i3.15

Afr J Reprod Health. 2026 Feb 16;30(3):170-182. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i3.14.

ABSTRACT

Fertility patterns in Nigeria are strongly influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors. This study examined the effects of income, educational attainment, occupational status, contraceptive use, and cultural beliefs on fertility behaviour among households in Enugu State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 422 adults selected through a multistage sampling technique from six purposively chosen communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SPSS version 25, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.Findings revealed significant associations between low income and higher fertility (χ² = 54.87, p < 0.001), higher education and lower fertility (χ² = 41.32, p < 0.001), formal-sector employment and reduced fertility (χ² = 36.19, p < 0.001), and contraceptive use and smaller family size (χ² = 29.45, p < 0.001). Traditional sociocultural norms including male-child preference, perception of children as economic assets, and religious opposition to contraception were also significantly associated with higher fertility (χ² = 38.76, p < 0.001).These findings underscore the complex interplay of structural and cultural factors in shaping reproductive behaviour. Addressing fertility disparities in Enugu State requires integrated interventions that enhance economic opportunities, expand female education, and provide culturally sensitive reproductive health services.

PMID:41700358 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i3.14

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2026 Feb 16. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2025-0202. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Suicide remains a significant public health concern among adolescents in Ghana, yet limited research exists on how young people conceptualize suicide within their cultural context. This study aimed to examine how Ghanian high school students conceptualize suicide in relation to religious, cultural, and legal frameworks that shape their understanding.

METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted as part of the 2024 Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey. Twenty junior high school students were purposively selected from rural, peri-urban, and urban schools across four major regions to ensure diverse representation. In-depth, semi-structured cognitive interviews were conducted in English. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s approach, with multiple coders contributing to thematic development and refinement.

RESULTS: Participants described suicide through four overlapping constructs: as a sin, taboo, mental health issue, and crime. Religious framings emphasized divine ownership of life, biblical teachings, and spiritual consequences. Cultural perspectives focused on shame, communal identity, and ancestral values. Others associated suicide with criminality and police involvement. Across interviews, students expressed coexisting views, drawing from diverse belief systems to explain suicide occurrence and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Ghanaian adolescents do not conceptualize suicide in singular terms. Their understandings are shaped by the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and institutional narratives. Suicide prevention must be grounded in these lived meanings and avoid one-size-fits-all approach. Preventive strategies should engage religious leaders, affirm community values, reduce mental health stigma, and provide safe spaces for adolescents to alleviate distress. Addressing the nuanced logics adolescents draw upon is essential to designing interventions that resonate with their realities.

PMID:41700340 | DOI:10.1515/ijamh-2025-0202

Clin Med Insights Pediatr. 2026 Feb 13:11795565251403178. doi: 10.1177/11795565251403178. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Children’s engagement in digital technology is increasing world wide due to the development of new portable and instantly accessible technology. It is important to review existing knowledge to understand how children use of digital technology affects their well-being and health. This study aimed to assess the health impact of technology use and associated factors among children aged 7 to 17 years in Dessie town, Ethiopia, in 2022.

METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Dessie town, in 2022. A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview parents with children aged 7 to 17 years. Data entry was done using Epi data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Logistic regression was used to identify association between the dependent and independent variables.

RESULT: The response rate was 97.8%. Approximately 17.9% and 37.6% of the participants found to exhibit inattentive behavior and poor sleep quality respectively. Child age, grade level, duration of technology use, parents’ duration of technology use, and their feeling about their child technology use showed statistically significant associations with poor sleep quality. Additionally, child age, grade level, mothers’ education level and parents duration of technology use were significantly associated with inattentive behavior in children.

CONCLUSION: Children technology use impacts child sleep quality and attention in Dessie town. Since parents alone cannot address all issues related to children’s technology use, it is recommended that the governments, schools and health care providers assist parents by providing clear instructions and information, and by encouraging companies to reduce the addictive qualities of their devices.

PMID:41700308 | PMC:PMC12906388 | DOI:10.1177/11795565251403178

Cureus. 2026 Jan 16;18(1):e101704. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101704. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Anterior shoulder instability, which includes dislocations and subluxations, is a significant concern in pediatric populations (≤19 years). Following an initial dislocation or subluxation, these patients often develop recurrent instability, which can result in long-term functional compromise. While timely and appropriate treatment is crucial, there remains a lack of consensus in the literature regarding the optimal management of pediatric shoulder instability. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of conservative and operative treatments for traumatic, isolated anterior shoulder instability in pediatric populations using recurrence of instability and return to play (RTP) at pre-injury levels as outcome measures. This study also provides a contemporary analysis that reflects evolving treatment strategies. This systematic review targeted studies published between 2013 and 2023 that evaluated pediatric patients (≤19 years), most between 13 and 19 years of age, who received conservative or operative treatment for a first-time or recurrent traumatic isolated anterior shoulder dislocation or subluxation. Statistical analysis was performed to compare rates of recurrence of instability and RTP within each group. Pooled effects (odds ratios) were estimated using fixed-effects models where heterogeneity was absent; otherwise, random-effects models were applied. A total of 1,459 patients (1,468 shoulders) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 593 (40.4%) underwent conservative treatment, while 885 (60.3%) received operative interventions. Recurrence rates of instability were higher in the conservative group (236/543, 43.5%) compared to the primary operative group (182/875, 20.8%) and secondary operative group (2/26, 7.7%). RTP rates included 145/193 (75.1%) of conservatively treated patients, 380/480 (79.2%) of primary operative patients, and 8/11 (72.7%) of secondary operative patients returning to pre-injury levels. Among the four studies that directly compared conservative and primary operative treatments, the nonoperative group was more likely to have recurrence compared to the primary operative group (OR = 6.90; 95% CI, 2.28-20.91; p < 0.001). One of these studies was excluded due to methodological differences. A subsequent meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher likelihood of recurrent instability in conservatively treated patients (odds ratio (OR) = 9.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.10-17.88; p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in RTP between groups (OR = 3.11; 95% CI: 0.31-30.97; p = 0.33). The findings support early surgical intervention in pediatric patients to reduce recurrence and improve functional outcomes. Conservative management, while recently shown to be successful for patients with less severe injuries such as subluxations, is still primarily associated with higher recurrence rates compared to operative treatment. Further studies are needed to refine treatment protocols by distinguishing effective strategies for subluxations versus dislocations. Future research should also explore the influence of factors such as sex, skeletal maturity, and activity level in determining optimal management strategies in pediatric patients.

PMID:41700290 | PMC:PMC12906957 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101704

Cureus. 2026 Jan 16;18(1):e101672. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101672. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Developmental neurobiology indicates that baseline calibration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis occurs predominantly during critical periods of plasticity (zero to five years). Early trauma may generate lifelong Allostatic Load, manifesting as a probable physiological substrate of psychosomatic disorders, treatment-resistant anxiety, and systemic dysfunctions, including chronic pain and metabolic sensitivities. Conventional therapies often operate via extinction mechanisms, which may suppress rather than modify the original fear trace. This article describes the RB7™ Protocol (Reconsolidation & Biology 7-Steps), a structured intervention designed to induce Memory Updating through interoceptive Mismatch Prediction Error. The methodology prioritizes biological validity over historical veracity (focusing on the functional engram regardless of factual accuracy). The protocol consists of seven sequential steps: (1) Hypothesis Mapping and Safety Calibration; (2) Vagal Modulation; (3) Engram Reactivation; (4) Heuristic Tracking using somatic bridging to bypass System 2; (5) Updating via Radical Reality; (6) Immediate Verification; and (7) Real-World Verification. This sequence aims to replicate the neurochemical conditions required for memory labilization. By utilizing somatic evidence of survival to overcome extinction-based barriers, the protocol presents a theoretically coherent mechanism for rewriting traumatic engrams. While current findings are based on preliminary multiple-case series, they suggest Affective Neutrality as a clinical marker of allostatic reversal. However, future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are required to establish statistical generalizability.

PMID:41700288 | PMC:PMC12906688 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101672

Cureus. 2026 Jan 15;18(1):e101625. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101625. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Youth participation in mixed martial arts (MMA) has increased in recent years; however, the psychological impact of participation on mental health remains relatively unexplored. To date, no studies have specifically examined depression and resilience in youth MMA athletes. The objective of this study was to evaluate rates of depression and resilience among youth MMA participants.

METHODS: Youth MMA athletes aged 8-17 were surveyed from January to April 2024 using the validated Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 2) to assess depression and resilience, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact tests, and ANOVA.

RESULTS: A total of 276 athletes were recruited via email and in person at a Youth National event. Of these, 108 participants completed the surveys fully (39% response rate). The mean SMFQ depression score was 1.26, with 4 athletes (3.7%) screening positive for depression using the SMFQ cutoff of 8. The mean CD-RISC 2 resilience score was 6.97. No significant differences in depression or resilience scores were observed based on age, gender, race, training hours, weight-cutting practices, parental coaching, injury history, or years of competition experience (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study provides baseline data on depression and resilience among youth MMA athletes. Compared with peers of similar age reported in the literature, youth MMA participants in this study had lower depression scores and higher resilience scores. Further large-scale longitudinal studies are warranted to guide mental health resources for youth MMA athletes as the sport continues to grow.

PMID:41700277 | PMC:PMC12906933 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101625

Cureus. 2026 Jan 14;18(1):e101510. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101510. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Background Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) has become increasingly integrated into precision oncology; however, its real-world clinical utility in community hospitals outside the national cancer genomic core hospital network in Japan remains less studied. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation, feasibility, and clinical impact of CGP in a community-based hospital. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with unresectable or recurrent solid tumors who had not received systemic chemotherapy at our hospital between April 2021 and December 2025. Clinical outcomes, including the detection rate of druggable genomic alterations, the proportion of patients who received genomically matched therapy, and overall survival (OS), were compared between patients who underwent CGP and those who did not. Results Among 253 patients, 60 (24%) underwent CGP testing. Druggable genomic alterations were identified in 45 patients (75%), and seven patients (12%) received genomically matched therapy. Of these, 5% were treated within clinical trials, and 7% received approved targeted agents. Among patients who received matched therapy, the best overall response was complete response (CR) in two, partial response (PR) in two, stable disease (SD) in one, and progressive disease (PD) in two. Tumor-type-stratified analyses showed variability in actionable/druggable profiles and matched-therapy delivery across tumor types. No significant difference in OS was observed between the CGP and non-CGP groups (median OS: 22.9 vs. 23.0 months, P = 0.78). Within major tumor types, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and biliary tract cancers, OS did not significantly differ according to CGP testing status. Among CGP patients, OS tended to be longer in those who received matched therapy, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Despite being conducted in a community hospital outside the cancer genomic core network, CGP testing was feasible and enabled a clinically meaningful proportion of patients to access genome-matched therapy at rates comparable to those reported from tertiary centers. Although CGP did not directly translate into improved OS, it provided valuable treatment opportunities and facilitated precision oncology in a regional care setting. Further expansion of accessible genome-guided therapies may enhance the clinical impact of CGP in community hospitals.

PMID:41700276 | PMC:PMC12906380 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101510

Cureus. 2026 Jan 16;18(1):e101690. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101690. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Tobacco smoking remains a major public health concern worldwide and is associated with multiple preventable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic respiratory conditions. Despite sustained global and regional tobacco control efforts, smoking prevalence remains high in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess smoking frequency, awareness of smoking-related health risks, and cessation practices among hospitalized active smokers admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted between October 2024 and April 2025 among 250 actively smoking inpatients admitted to the Department of Medicine at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah. Data were collected using a validated, Arabic-language translated electronic questionnaire that captured socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, awareness of health risks, and cessation practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05.

RESULTS: The mean duration of smoking was 12.84±6.42 years, and the mean age at smoking initiation was 18.62±3.75 years. Cigarette smoking was the most prevalent form of tobacco use, reported by 191 participants (76.4%), followed by shisha use in 34 (13.6%) and dual use in 25 (10.0%). Awareness of smoking-related health risks was highest for lung cancer (212; 84.8%), whereas awareness of adverse pregnancy outcomes was comparatively low (94; 37.6%). More than half of the participants (139; 55.6%) reported at least one previous quit attempt; however, sustained abstinence for more than six months was achieved by only 34 (13.6%). Stratified analysis demonstrated significant associations between smoking behaviors and gender (p=0.021), age (p=0.034), marital status (p=0.013), and education level (p=0.033).

CONCLUSION: Hospital admission represents a critical window of opportunity to implement structured smoking cessation interventions, address gaps in risk awareness, and reduce socio-demographic disparities in smoking behaviors among active inpatient smokers.

PMID:41700261 | PMC:PMC12906823 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101690

Cureus. 2026 Jan 15;18(1):e101582. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101582. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a common global health problem and has been widely studied in relation to immune function and infectious diseases. Vitamin D receptors are expressed on multiple immune cells, suggesting a potential association between vitamin D status and immune-related parameters. However, comparative observational data examining age-related differences in immune markers and infection patterns among vitamin D-deficient individuals remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to describe and compare associations between vitamin D deficiency, selected immune markers, and reported infection patterns in pediatric and adult patients.

METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Pediatric (1-18 years) and adult (≥19 years) patients with vitamin D deficiency were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, immune markers (total lymphocyte count, immunoglobulin levels, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and reported respiratory and gastrointestinal infections over the preceding six months were assessed. Unadjusted comparisons between pediatric and adult groups were performed using appropriate statistical tests, and associations between vitamin D levels and immune markers were evaluated using correlation analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 120 participants were included, comprising 60 pediatric and 60 adult patients. Pediatric participants had lower measured serum vitamin D levels, lower total lymphocyte counts, and lower IgG levels compared to adult participants. Higher reported frequencies of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections were observed among children. A moderate positive correlation was observed between serum vitamin D levels and total lymphocyte counts across both age groups.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with differences in selected immune markers and reported infection patterns between pediatric and adult patients. These findings represent descriptive associations observed at a single time point and do not establish causality or directionality. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are required to clarify temporal relationships and clinical significance.

PMID:41700250 | PMC:PMC12906915 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101582