What is the prevalence of and associations with forced labour experiences among male migrants from Dolakha, Nepal? Findings from a cross-sectional study of returnee migrants

ObjectivesGrowing numbers of people are migrating outside their country for work, and many experience precarious conditions, which have been linked to poor physical and mental health. While international dialogue on human trafficking, forced labour and slavery increases, prevalence data of such experiences remain limited.MethodsMen from Dolakha, Nepal, who had ever migrated outside of Nepal for work were interviewed on their experiences, from predeparture to return (n=194). Forced labour was assessed among those who returned within the past 10 years (n=140) using the International Labour Organization's forced labour dimensions: (1)unfree recruitment; (2)work and life under duress; and (3)impossibility to leave employer. Forced labour is positive if any one of the dimensions is positive.ResultsParticipants had worked in India (34%), Malaysia (34%) and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (29%), working in factories (29%), as labourers/porters (15%) or in skilled employment (12%). Among more recent returnees (n=140), 44% experiencedunfree recruitment, 71%work and life under duressand 14%impossibility to leave employer. Overall, 73% experienced forced labour during their most recent labour migration.Forced labour was more prevalent among those who had taken loans for their migration (PR 1.23) and slightly less prevalent among those who had migrated more than once (PR 0.87); however the proportion of those who experienced forced labour was still high (67%). Age, destination and duration of stay were associated with only certain dimensions of forced labour.ConclusionForced labour experiences were common during recruitment and at destination. Migrant workers need better advice on assessing agencies and brokers, and on accessing services at destinations. As labour migration from Nepal is not likely to reduce in the near future, interventions and policies at both source and destinations need to better address the challenges migrants face so they can achieve safer outcomes.

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Lifestyle Changes and Passive Smoking Risk in Rural Japan: Comparing Cross-Sectional Surveys

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v13n6p110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 110

Author(s):

Tomoko Sumiyoshi ◽

Nao Seki ◽

Thimira Amarasinghe ◽

Sachini Kumari Thennakoon ◽

Sayaka Kubota

Keyword(s):

Passive Smoking ◽

Sleep Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Internet Usage ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Physical Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Similar Survey

Recommended lifestyle and good mental/physical status in childhood are factors that facilitate lifelong health. This study investigated changes in the lifestyle of Japanese rural children over the past 15 years during which, tobacco-related education and lifestyle issues have significantly changed. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 in Town A, rural, Japan. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, which were distributed to 360 students of two elementary schools and junior high schools in Town A. Daily activities, passive smoking exposure, mental/physical status, and Internet usage were evaluated and compared to data obtained from a similar survey conducted in 2002 in the same area and schools. Sleep time in 2017 was reduced compared to that in 2002 in both sexes but was significantly reduced only in girls. Exposure to passive smoking in 2017 was reduced compared to that in 2002, consistent with the significant reductions in the presence of family smokers (2002: 70.2%; 2017: 46.9%) and smoking in indoor living areas by family members (2002: 45.7%; 2017: 5.6%). Furthermore, the rate of intended future smoking was significantly lower in 2017 than in 2002 for both boys and girls (p<.001). Of 18 symptoms that can negatively affect students’ physical and mental health status, 12 were significantly reduced in 2017 compared to those in 2002. The lifestyle of children in rural Japan has improved over the past 15 years and children maintain negative attitudes toward future smoking. However, more attention to technology-related lifestyle issues, including watching television and Internet usage, is warranted.

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Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000720 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Mohammed Madadin ◽

Ritesh G. Menezes ◽

Maha A. Alassaf ◽

Abdulaziz M. Almulhim ◽

Mahdi S. Abumadini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Eastern Province ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Depression Subscale ◽

History Of

Abstract. Background: Medical students are at high risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: We aimed to obtain information on suicidal ideation among medical students in Dammam located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was assessed based on responses to four questions in the depression subscale of the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). In addition, data were collected to examine the association of suicidal ideation with various factors. Results: We found that 1 in 3 medical students in the study had suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, while around 40% had lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was associated with feelings of parental neglect, history of physical abuse, and dissatisfaction with academic performance. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits its ability to determine causality regarding suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These rates are considerably high when compared with rates from studies in other countries around the world. This study provides a reference in the field of suicidology for this region of Saudi Arabia.

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Discrimination and Health: The Mediating Effect of Acculturative Stress

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105312 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5312

Author(s):

Alfonso Urzúa ◽

Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar ◽

Diego Henríquez ◽

David R. Williams

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Racial Discrimination ◽

Acculturative Stress ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ethnic Discrimination ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional

There is not much evidence on the effects of south–south migration and its consequences on physical and mental health. Our objective was to examine the mediating role of Acculturative Stress in the association between ethnic discrimination and racial discrimination with physical and mental health. This research is a non-experimental, analytical, cross-sectional study. A total of 976 adult Colombian migrants living in Chile were interviewed. We used the Everyday Discrimination Scale, the acculturative stress scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-12) for health status; we found that racial and ethnic discrimination had a negative effect on physical and mental health. In the simultaneous presence of both types of discrimination, racial discrimination was completely absorbed by ethnic discrimination, the latter becoming a total mediator of the effect of racial discrimination on mental and physical health. Our findings are consistent with the literature, which suggests that there are various types of discrimination which, individually or in their intersectionality, can have negative effects on health.

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Knowledge and perceptions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst New Zealand podiatrists: a web-based survey

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research ◽

10.1186/s13047-021-00481-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angela Brenton-Rule ◽

Daniel Harvey ◽

Kevin Moran ◽

Daniel O’Brien ◽

Jonathon Webber

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽

Life Support ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

The Past

Abstract Background Podiatrists in New Zealand have a duty of care to assist patients in an emergency, and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is a requirement for registration. However, it is unknown how competent and confident podiatrists are in administering CPR and how they would respond in an emergency. Having a health professional who has a competent knowledge of CPR and skills in basic life support, can improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey New Zealand podiatrists to determine their CPR knowledge and qualifications; beliefs about the application of CPR; and perceptions of their competency in CPR. Methods This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey. Participants were New Zealand registered podiatrists with a current annual practising certificate. The 31-item survey included questions to elicit demographic information, CPR practice and attitudes, and CPR knowledge. Responses were collected between March and August 2020. Results 171 podiatrists responded to the survey. 16 % of the podiatrists (n = 28) had performed CPR in an emergency, with a 50 % success rate. Participants were predominantly female (n = 127, 74 %) and working in private practice (n = 140,82 %). Nearly half of respondents were younger than 40 years (n = 75,44 %) and had less than 10 years of clinical experience (n = 73, 43 %). Nearly all (n = 169,97 %) participants had received formal CPR training in the past two years, with 60 % (n = 105) receiving training in the past 12 months. Most respondents (n = 167,98 %) self-estimated their CPR ability as being effective, very effective, or extremely effective. Participants’ knowledge of CPR was variable, with the percentage of correct answers for CPR protocol statements ranging between 20 and 90 %. Conclusions This study provides the first insight into New Zealand podiatrists’ CPR knowledge and perceptions. Podiatrists were found to have high levels of CPR confidence but demonstrated gaps in CPR knowledge. Currently, New Zealand registered podiatrists require biennial CPR re-certification. However, resuscitation authorities in New Zealand and overseas recommend an annual update of CPR skills. Based on this study’s findings, and in line with Australia and the United Kingdom, the authors recommend a change from biennial to annual CPR re-certification for podiatrists in New Zealand. Trial registration The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001144909).

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Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Prevalence of Major Depression and Its Predictors in Female University Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115845 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5845

Author(s):

Vanessa Blanco ◽

Mar Salmerón ◽

Patricia Otero ◽

Fernando L. Vázquez

Keyword(s):

Major Depression ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Academic Characteristics ◽

Santiago De Compostela ◽

University Women ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Life Engagement

Depression, anxiety and stress are increasingly concerning phenomena in our society, with serious consequences on physical and mental health. The repercussions may be particularly devastating in particular population subgroups, such as female university students. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and the prevalence of depression and associated factors, in Spanish university women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 871 students from the Santiago de Compostela University (mean age 20.7 years, SD = 2.8). Information was collected on sociodemographic and academic characteristics; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; diagnosis of major depression; optimism, resilience, social support, life engagement, and five personality domains, using validated instruments. Of the participants, 18.1%, 22.8% and 13.5% presented with severe/very severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. A total of 12.9% had major depression. Higher life engagement was associated with lower risk of depression (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.98), while higher levels of neuroticism (OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.12–1.28) and openness to experience (OR = 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02–1.14) were associated with greater risk. These findings reveal an alarming percentage of female university students who experience major depression and severe/very severe stress.

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Factors associated with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda: Results from a cross-sectional study

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/09564624211015028 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095646242110150

Author(s):

Doreen Nabukalu ◽

Matthew Ponticiello ◽

Thomas Bennett ◽

Sunday Clark ◽

Rachel King ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Male Clients ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Testing Uptake

Uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal in Uganda, particularly in rural communities. Reaching UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals requires strategies to increase HIV testing among hard-to-reach populations. This cross-sectional study sought to characterize engagement with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda. We enrolled 175 traditional healers and 392 adult clients of healers in Mbarara District. The primary outcome for this study was having received an HIV test in the prior 12 months. Most clients ( n = 236, 65.9%) had received an HIV test within 12 months, compared to less than half of healers ( n = 75, 46.3%) who had not. In multivariate regression models, male clients of healers were half as likely to have tested in the past year, compared with female (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26–0.70). Increasing age negatively predicted testing within the past year (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.97) for clients. Among healers, more sexual partners predicted knowing ones serostatus (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.48). Healers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.26) and clients (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.34 for clients) with greater numbers of lifetime HIV tests were more likely to have tested in the past year. Traditional healers and their clients lag behind UNAIDS benchmarks and would benefit from programs to increase HIV testing uptake.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Respiratory Research ◽

10.1186/s12931-020-01569-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdullah Alnajem ◽

Abdullah Redha ◽

Dalal Alroumi ◽

Ahmed Alshammasi ◽

Mohamad Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Uncontrolled Asthma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Asthma ◽

The Past ◽

Asthma Symptoms ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Globally, a surge in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has been observed in recent years, with youth being the most susceptible group. Given their recent emergence, studies assessing the health consequences of using e-cigarettes and exposure to their secondhand aerosols (SHA) are limited. Hence, this study sought to assess associations between e-cigarette use and household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling high school students (n = 1565; aged 16–19 years) in Kuwait. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on tobacco products use (e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and asthma symptoms. Current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking were defined as any use in the past 30 days. Household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes in the past 7 days was reported as none (0 days), infrequent (1–2 days), and frequent (≥ 3 days). Asthma symptoms included current (past 12 months) wheeze, current asthma (history of clinical diagnosis and current wheeze and/or medication use), and current symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (≥ 4 attacks of wheeze, ≥ 1 night per week sleep disturbance from wheeze, and/or wheeze affecting speech). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results Among the analytical study sample (n = 1345), current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking was reported by 369 (27.4%) and 358 (26.6%) participants, respectively. Compared to never e-cigarette users and never cigarette smokers, current e-cigarette users with no history of cigarette smoking had increased prevalence of current wheeze (aPR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) and current asthma (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Moreover, the frequency of exposure to household SHA from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms. For example, compared to those with no exposure to household SHA, frequent exposure to household SHA was associated with current wheeze (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), current asthma (aPR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.16), and current uncontrolled asthma symptoms (aPR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.35–2.62). Conclusions E-cigarette use and their household SHA exposure were independently associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Hence, such observations indicate that e-cigarette use and passive exposure to their aerosols negatively impact respiratory health among adolescents.

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Awareness and concern towards anesthesia among patients undergoing surgical procedure: A cross-sectional study at pre-anesthetic clinic of a Teaching Hospital

Journal of Kathmandu Medical College ◽

10.3126/jkmc.v8i2.28168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 76-80

Author(s):

Sushila Lama Moktan ◽

Ujma Shrestha ◽

Mona Sharma ◽

Manan Karki

Keyword(s):

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Surgical Procedure ◽

Educational Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Surgical Patients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

The Past

Background: With the advent of anesthesia, surgery is no longer a race against the clock and surgeons. Many studies in the past have demonstrated limited knowledge among patients about various aspects of anesthesia.Objectives: To assess the awareness and concern of elective surgical patients towards anesthesia.Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted over two months’ period in adult patients of age eighteen years and above. Two hundred surgical patients accessing services at the pre-anesthesia check-up clinic were interviewed using 12 questions assessing demographic characteristics, educational status and their knowledge about anesthesia.Results: Out of 200 patients, only 32% knew that anesthesiologists provide anesthesia. It was found that 63% didn’t have any knowledge about the types of anesthesia. The most common fear among the participants about anesthesia was the fear of pain during surgery.Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge of patients regarding anesthesia.

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Work-related Injury among Welders Working in Metal Workshops of Dharan Municipality, Nepal

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council ◽

10.3126/jnhrc.v16i2.20302 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 156-159

Author(s):

Anup Ghimire ◽

Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽

Surya Raj Niraula ◽

Abha Shrestha ◽

Paras K Pokharel

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

The Past ◽

Occupational Characteristics ◽

Recorded Data ◽

The Relationship ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background: Injuries are a problem worldwide in all occupations. Welders are exposed to many hazards at work resulting in a variety of health problems including injuries at work. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among welders in Dharan city of eastern Nepal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 welders in Dharan city. Occurrence of injury in past 2 weeks and past 12 months were recorded. Data regarding sociodemographic along with occupational characteristics was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.Results: All the welders in this study were male with almost half of the welders under the age of 25 years and about a fifth (21.1%) of the welders having received some form of welding training. In the past 12 months, 21.1% of the welders suffered from work related injuries. More than 95% welders used at least one personal protective equipment in this study. More injuries were seen among welders with age ≥35 years, working experience ≥ 5 years, not received training and not using of PPE at work. However, these factors were not found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Work related injuries are high among welders of Dharan. Further research is required to explore the relationship between age, literacy, training and use of personal protective equipment with the occurrence of injuries among the welders.

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