Tag: statistics

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Sep 2;44(1):320. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00997-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Unorganized caregivers increasingly face significant challenges that impact their participation in the labor market, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores the effects of both care intensity and the subjective caregiving burden on the labor force participation and work hours of these unorganized caregivers.

METHOD: We used data from a sample of 1,806 unorganized caregivers in Ghana who provide care to older adults aged 60 and above. High-intensive caregivers were classified as those providing at least 20 h of caregiving per week, while the caregiving burden was measured using the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview score. The results were based on the average marginal effect from a logistic regression model.

RESULTS: The results showed that both high-intensity and high-burden caregiving have notable effects on labor force participation and the work hours of unorganized caregivers. High-intensive caregivers were associated with an approximately 14% increase in the probability of reducing work hours. Also, high-burden caregivers were found to be associated with a 7% increase in the probability of being self-employed. The combined effect of high-intensity and high-burden caregiving was found to amplify the labor market challenges, particularly in reducing work hours and limiting the ability to maintain stable employment.

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the significant impact of unorganized caregiving on labor market outcomes, particularly for those providing intensive and high-burden care. Policymakers should consider these effects when designing support systems for caregivers to mitigate the negative impact on employment and income stability.​.

PMID:40898351 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00997-x

BMC Nutr. 2025 Sep 2;11(1):170. doi: 10.1186/s40795-025-01153-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Up to now, scientific literature has not reported studies evaluating the efficacy of polyglucosamine L112 on body weight, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels in patients with metabolic syndrome, despite its known antioxidant properties and potential to reduce these parameters, making it a promising candidate for treating metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the activity of L112 in a subgroup of cases suffering from metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHODS: A subgroup of 26 subjects (8 males and 18 females; age 55 ± 11.3 years; BMI 31.1 ± 1.35 kg/m²) was selected from a previous larger RCT study and statistically analyzed. Among them, 12 subjects were administered a diet and placebo, while 14 were administered a diet and L112 at a dosage of 3 g/day.

RESULTS: In the placebo group, 3 out of 12 cases (25%) showed resolution of metabolic syndrome (MS), whereas in the L112 group, 7 out of 14 cases (50%) showed resolution. Differences were statistically significant (Fisher χ²p < 0.01). L112 was more effective than placebo on the reduction of BMI, BW, insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and fat mass (FM). No modification of fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A, E, D3, K1) and glucosamine levels was shown.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite a relatively short period of administration (3 months), L112 was found to reduce MS in 50% of the cases, acting as a safe medical device as a single daily treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT04375696, 20/12/2021 (https//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04375696), “Retrospectively registered”.

PMID:40898346 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-025-01153-8

Arthritis Res Ther. 2025 Sep 2;27(1):175. doi: 10.1186/s13075-025-03642-4.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) in patients with high suspicion of Sjögren’s Disease (SjD) and to determine its potential role in the diagnostic process.

METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional diagnostic trial based on a prospective cohort, including 171 patients with high suspicion of SjD. SGUS of the parotid glands (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG) was performed according to the OMERACT scoring system. The predictive value of SGUS for diagnostic outcomes and labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) results was analyzed. The correlation between SGUS grading and unstimulated salivary flow rates (USFR) was also assessed using statistical tests.

RESULTS: Of the 171 participants, 130 were diagnosed with SjD. The OMERACT total score demonstrated moderate efficacy in diagnosing SjD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78, a sensitivity of 0.52, and a specificity of 0.93. In comparison, LSGB showed the highest diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.90), followed by anti-Ro/SSA antibodies (AUC = 0.79). Combining the OMERACT total score with either anti-SSA antibodies or LSGB significantly improved diagnostic performance, achieving a specificity of 1.00. The diagnostic accuracy of parotid gland (PG) and submandibular gland (SMG) ultrasound grading was comparable. However, SMG grading exhibited higher sensitivity but lower specificity than PG grading. Additionally, SGUS grade 3 strongly predicted positive biopsy results (AUC = 0.77) and showed a significant correlation with USFR, with Spearman correlation coefficients of -0.45 for PG and -0.51 for SMG.

CONCLUSION: Although the discriminatory efficacy of SGUS in patients highly suspected of SjD is suboptimal, SGUS may offer significant benefits for a specific subgroup of these patients. Grade 3 ultrasound findings are strongly associated with positive biopsy results and USFR, indicating a potential role in diagnosis and disease evaluation. SGUS may be considered for inclusion in future SjD classification criteria.

PMID:40898326 | DOI:10.1186/s13075-025-03642-4

Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2025 Sep 3;11(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s40748-025-00219-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women poses significant challenges to effective Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment outcomes and the promotion of maternal and infant health. This study identifies factors influencing ART non-adherence among HIV-positive pregnant women attending public health facilities in Dessie Town, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A facility-based case-control study was conducted with 278 participants across health institutions in Dessie Town, comprising 208 controls and 70 cases. Non-adherence to ART was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8. Data were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and by reviewing patients’ medical records using pretested instruments. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData version 4.6, then analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a P-value of 0.2 in Bivariable analysis were included in a multivariable regression model, and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: In total, 208 controls and 70 cases were included in the study. Significant factors determining non-adherence to ART among HIV-positive pregnant women included forgetfulness to take ART (AOR = 2.414, 95% CI = 1.067-5.464, P = 0.034), non-disclosure (AOR = 2.955, 95% CI = 1.431-6.103, P = 0.003), an unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 3.045, 95% CI = 1.439-6.445, P = 0.004), those who did not participate in mother-support groups (AOR = 3.278, 95% CI = 1.611-6.672, P = 0.001), World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages III & IV (AOR = 2.669, 95% CI = 1.279-5.569, P = 0.009), and those who did not take opportunistic infection prophylaxis (AOR = 3.873, 95% CI = 1.549-9.688, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Key determinants included forgetfulness, non-disclosure of HIV status, unplanned pregnancies, lack of participation in mother-support groups, advanced WHO clinical stages (III & IV), and non-use of opportunistic infection prophylaxis.

RECOMMENDATIONS: All relevant parties, including front-line healthcare professionals, should advise women to use family planning more frequently to reduce unintended pregnancies. They should also encourage health education regarding disclosing HIV status to her spouse and ensure that all pregnant women are provided with opportunistic infection prophylaxis.

PMID:40898315 | DOI:10.1186/s40748-025-00219-6

J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2025 Sep 3;16(1):123. doi: 10.1186/s40104-025-01258-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Boars undergo physiological and biochemical changes in semen composition as they grow from puberty to sexual maturity. However, comprehensive metabolomic profiles of boar semen remain uncharacterised. Understanding metabolic alterations in semen during this period is important for optimising reproductive performance in breeding programs. The aim of this study was to characterise the semen metabolome as boars mature, utilising an untargeted metabolomic approach. Semen samples were collected from 15 Duroc boars at three developmental ages: ~ 7 months, 8.5 months, and 10 months. Sperm and seminal plasma were separated and analysed by hydrophilic interaction and reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to capture a wide range of metabolites.

RESULTS: We identified a total of 4,491 features in boar semen, annotating 92 distinct metabolites. Amino acids, peptides and analogues constituted the most abundant components, followed by fatty acid esters. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed a clear separation between metabolomic profiles by age groups. PERMANOVA analysis of PCA scores confirmed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between younger (7 months) and more mature boars (8.5 months and 10 months). Pathway analysis identified porphyrin metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism as significantly enriched pathways in sperm, while glutathione and nitrogen metabolism were prominently enriched in seminal plasma. Using linear modelling, partial Spearman correlation and random forest analyses, we identified homoisovanillic acid as a key metabolite discriminating age groups in both sperm and seminal plasma. Additionally, L-glutamic acid, decanoyl-L-carnitine and N-(1,3-Thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide emerged as important sperm metabolites, while glyceric acid, myo-inositol, glycerophosphocholine, and several other compounds were identified as critical seminal plasma metabolites.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed characterisation of metabolic changes in Duroc boar semen during the transition from puberty to sexual maturity. Our findings enhance the understanding of reproductive development and could inform strategies to assess sexual maturity in breeding programs.

PMID:40898314 | DOI:10.1186/s40104-025-01258-x

BMC Nurs. 2025 Sep 2;24(1):1155. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03789-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and pain, are prevalent among ambulatory patients. Nurse-Led Education and Telehealth interventions have emerged as promising approaches to improving mental health outcomes. However, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: This study compares the impact of Nurse-Led Education and Telehealth interventions on mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and pain) for ambulatory patients in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A quasi-expremintal study with pre and post tests were conducted with 400 participants, who were recruited through purposive sampling and assigned to receive either Nurse-Led Education or Telehealth interventions over eight weeks. Depression, anxiety, and pain were measured using the PHQ-9, STAI, and VAS tools, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, logistic regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with anxiety examined as a potential mediator.

RESULTS: Both the Nurse-Led Education and Telehealth Intervention groups showed significant improvements in mental health outcomes, including reductions in depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (STAI), and pain (VAS). The Nurse-Led Education group improved from 20.3 to 12.4 in PHQ-9, while the Telehealth group decreased from 21.8 to 15.2, both with p < 0.001. Pain scores also decreased significantly in both groups, with the Nurse-Led group improving from 18.9 to 9.3 and the Telehealth group from 31.3 to 18.5 (p < 0.001). Anxiety levels decreased in both groups (p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that Telehealth had a stronger association with improvements across all outcomes, with anxiety playing a significant mediating role in the Telehealth group. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) further demonstrated that Telehealth had a more pronounced effect on pain management and mental health outcomes, highlighting its potential for more robust results compared to Nurse-Led Education, though both interventions proved beneficial.

CONCLUSION: Telehealth interventions showed superior efficacy in managing depression and pain, potentially due to individualized care. Nurse-Led Education excelled in fostering peer support, which equally benefited anxiety management. These findings highlight the importance of tailored approaches in mental health care.

CLINICAL TRIAL: No clinical trial.

PMID:40898304 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03789-0

Int J Equity Health. 2025 Sep 2;24(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12939-025-02559-3.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Late requests for safe abortion during the second trimester are strongly associated with severe maternal complications, including infertility, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality, especially in developing countries. These delays also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond direct maternal deaths. Despite these serious concerns, data on the prevalence and contributing factors of late abortion requests in Ethiopia remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pooled prevalence of late requests for safe abortion and identify the determinants among Ethiopian women of reproductive age.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across major international databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Hinari, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online, using the CoCoPop strategy. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated with the I² statistic, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: Ten studies involving a total of 5,559 women were included. The pooled prevalence of late requests for safe abortion was 35.20% (95% CI: 26.21, 44.19). Significant determinants identified were delayed pregnancy diagnosis (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.52, 4.13), irregular menstrual cycles (AOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.86, 3.00), rural residence (AOR: 2.89; 95% CI: 2.34, 3.58), unmarried status (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 2.13, 3.86), and age under 19 years (AOR: 4.01; 95% CI: 2.41, 6.67).

CONCLUSION: Late requests for safe abortion are common in Ethiopia and are influenced by factors such as rural residence, young age, delayed recognition of pregnancy, and irregular menstrual cycles. Enhancing access to reproductive health services especially for rural and adolescent populations is essential to reduce maternal complications and promote timely care.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024603467.

PMID:40898297 | DOI:10.1186/s12939-025-02559-3

Perioper Med (Lond). 2025 Sep 2;14(1):93. doi: 10.1186/s13741-025-00577-x.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of endovascular embolization in treating ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs).

METHODS: RIA patients (n = 89) were grouped according to different surgical methods. The control group (n = 42) received aneurysm clipping surgery, whereas the observation group (n = 47) received endovascular embolization. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess neurological function pre-treatment and at 7 days post-treatment. Oxidative stress status, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was compared between the two groups pre-treatment and at 7 days post-treatment. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and hospitalization time were compared between the two groups. Vascular endothelial function, including von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and nitric oxide (NO), was evaluated pre-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Postoperative complications and surgical outcomes were observed.

RESULTS: After treatment, compared to the control group, the observation group had lower NIHSS scores, higher SOD levels, and lower MDA levels, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001); the observation group also had less intraoperative bleeding, shorter operation times, and shorter hospital stays, along with lower vWF and ET-1 levels, higher NO levels, and statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was lower in the observation group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.048). The therapeutic effect was better in the observation group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.041).

CONCLUSION: Compared with microscopic aneurysm clipping, endovascular embolization offers better efficacy for patients with RIA and causes less vascular endothelial damage.

PMID:40898296 | DOI:10.1186/s13741-025-00577-x

J Transl Med. 2025 Sep 2;23(1):980. doi: 10.1186/s12967-025-07051-8.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Since 1970, monkey-pox, the last outbreak of smallpox, coronavirus was outbreak in the world for more than 50 years. To find if the outbreak dates could be predicted by their one-dimension protein sequence, the mathematical model was needed to establish between them.

METHODS: (A) collecting the outbreak dates of monkey-pox, smallpox, and coronavirus, determine the outbreak time interval between the pathogen strain and the reference strain SARS-CoV-2 D614, z. (B) detecting the one-dimension antigenic amino acid sequence of the pathogen strain to determine the super-antigens. (C) calculating the super-antigen precision, determining the increase amount in antigen precision between the pathogen strain and the reference strain, x; y represents the number of tryptophan (W) in the super-antigen. (D) Determine the correlation among the outbreak time interval z, the increase amount in antigen precision, x, and the number of W the super-antigen contains, y.

RESULTS: The regression equation is z = 13.762x² – 109.376x- 63.290y + 221.197, with a correlation coefficient of R = 1.0000000. After statistical testing, the probability of class I errors occurring is P = 0.008.

CONCLUSIONS: The method can predict the outbreak dates by one-dimension protein sequence, such as monkey-pox, smallpox, and coronavirus.

PMID:40898294 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-025-07051-8

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Sep 2;44(1):319. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00928-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigates acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in conflict-affected districts of western Ethiopia. It addresses the lack of localized data by examining the prevalence and key contributing factors, including maternal health, child feeding practices, and healthcare access. Findings aim to inform targeted, multisectoral interventions to improve child nutrition in similar crisis-affected settings.

METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to July 1, 2024, involving 513 children aged 6-59 months. A proportionate sample was selected from each Woreda using systematic sampling, with one child randomly chosen from households with multiple eligible children. Trained enumerators collected data using a pre-tested questionnaire, and nutritional status was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed, followed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with acute malnutrition, with statistical significance declared at P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 498 participants were included within the study with a response rate of 97%. The largest proportions (44.4%) were aged 24-59 months. Acute malnutrition prevalence was 20.7% [17.1% to 24.3%] with 6.2% having severe malnutrition and 14.5% moderate. Key risk factors for acute malnutrition included food insecurity with (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03-3.17), pre-lacteal feeding (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.09-3.68), maternal malnutrition (AOR: 4.11, 95% CI: 2.40-7.05), less than four antenatal visits of current child pregancy (AOR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.64-9.45), and bottle-feeding (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.51-5.14).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The severe burden of acute malnutrition demands immediate, comprehensive action. An integrated approach is essential, emphasizing improved access to nutritious food, strengthened maternal and child health services, and increased caregiver awareness. Key strategies include merging maternal and child health initiatives, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring regular antenatal care, and promoting appropriate infant feeding. Together, these efforts can play a crucial role in lowering acute malnutrition rates and enhancing child health in the community.

PMID:40898265 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00928-w