scholarly journals Cross-sectional study of nutritional intake among patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment along the Myanmar–Thailand border

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e052981
Author(s):  
Karim Damji ◽  
Ahmar H Hashmi ◽  
Lin Lin Kyi ◽  
Michele Vincenti-Delmas ◽  
Win Pa Pa Htun ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study summarises nutritional intake among patients with tuberculosis (TB) along the Myanmar–Thailand border according to the local diet.SettingTB clinic along the Myanmar–Thailand border.ParticipantsCross-sectional surveys of 24-hour food recall were conducted with participants receiving anti-TB treatment. Participants were purposively selected to reflect proportion of age, sex and HIV co-infection based on historical patient records. Out of a total of 28 participants, 20 (71.4%) were men and 5 (17.9%) were co-infected with HIV.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome compared actual recorded intake to recommended intake. Secondary outcomes compared weight gain and body mass index (BMI) from diagnosis to time of survey.ResultsThere were no significant differences in macronutrient or micronutrient intake by sex or for patients supplementing their rations. Mean treatment length at time of survey was 20.7 weeks (95% CI: 16.5 to 24.8). A significantly higher proportion of women (8/8, 100%) met caloric requirements compared with men (9/20, 45.0%, p=0.010), but few participants met other macronutrient or micronutrient requirements, with no significant differences by sex or for patients supplementing their rations. From diagnosis to the time of the survey, participants averaged significant weight gain of 6.48 kg (95% CI: 3.87 to 9.10) and increased BMI of 2.47 kg/m2 (95% CI: 1.45 to 3.49; p=0.0001 for both). However, 50% (14/28) still had mild or more severe forms of malnutrition.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional survey of nutritional intake in patients undergoing TB treatment in a sanatorium setting demonstrates the difficulty in sufficiently meeting nutritional demands, even when providing nutritional support.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e050427
Author(s):  
Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽  
A R M Mehrab Ali ◽  
Uday Narayan Yadav ◽  
Saruna Ghimire ◽  
Md. Belal Hossain ◽  
...  

ObjectivesDue to low health literacy and adverse situation in the camps, there are possibilities of misconceptions related to COVID-19 among the older Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals or FDMNs) adults in Bangladesh. The present research aimed to assess the level of misconceptions and the factors associated with it among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional.SettingA selected Rohingya camp situated in Cox’s Bazar, a southeastern district of Bangladesh.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 416 conveniently selected FDMNs who were aged 60 years and above.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was misconceptions related to the spread, prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Information on 14 different locally relevant misconceptions was gathered, each was scored as one, and obtained a cumulative score, ranging from 0 to 14, with a higher score indicating a higher level of misconceptions. A multiple linear regression model explored the factors associated with misconceptions.ResultsThe participants had an average of five misconceptions. The most prevalent misconceptions were: everyone should wear personal protective equipment when outside (84.6%) and its prevention by nutritious food (62.5%) and drinking water (59.3%). Other notable misconceptions included the spread of COVID-19 through mosquito bites (42%) and its transmissions only to the non/less religious person (31.4%). In regression analyses, memory or concentration problems, communication frequency with social networks, pre-existing conditions and receiving information from health workers were significantly associated with higher COVID-19 misconceptions. These misconceptions were less likely among those overwhelmed by COVID-19, having COVID-19 diagnosed friends or family members and receiving information from friends and family.ConclusionsOverall, we found that misconceptions were prevalent among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh. The associations have important implications for programmes to prevent and manage COVID-19 in these settings. Health workers need to be adequately trained to provide clear communication and counter misconceptions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osaid Alser ◽  
Heba Alghoul ◽  
Zahra Alkhateeb ◽  
Ayah Hamdan ◽  
Loai Albarqouni ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managing COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcome was regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.Results: Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n=128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n=132, 95.7%), and face shields (n=127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p=0.03) and gloves (p <0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion: HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajat Das Gupta ◽  
Ibrahim Hossain Sajal ◽  
Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Ipsita Sutradhar ◽  
Mohammad Rifat Haider ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to discern the association between the frequency of television viewing and overweight and obesity among reproductive age women of Myanmar.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.SettingThis study used Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015–2016) data.ParticipantsTotal of 12 021 women both aged 15–49 years and also not pregnant or did not deliver a child within the 2 months prior to the survey were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was overweight (23.0 kg/m2to <27.5 kg/m2) and obesity (≥27.5 kg/m2), which was measured using the Asian body mass index cut-off. Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to find the association between the explanatory and outcome variables. The potential confounders controlled in the multivariable analyses were age, place of residence, region of residence, highest educational status, current employment status, wealth index, parity and number of household members.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 26.5% and obesity was 12.2% among the study participants. The odds of being overweight and obese were 20% higher (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32; p=0.023) among those who watched television at least once a week compared with those who did not watch television at all. Rural women who watched television at least once a week were 1.2 times more likely to be obese (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.34; p=0.040) compared with those who did not watch television at all.ConclusionsFrequent television watching was associated with obesity among rural women of reproductive age in Myanmar.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e029714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumitra Ghosh ◽  
Manish Kumar

ObjectivesThis is the first attempt to provide estimates on the prevalence of hypertension at the national, state and district level, a prerequisite for designing effective interventions. Besides, the study aims to identify the risk factors of hypertension.DesignWe analysed cross-sectional survey data from the fourth round (2015–2016) of National Family Health Survey (NFHS). NFHS was conducted between January 2015 and December 2016, gathering information on a range of indicators including blood pressure. The age adjusted prevalence of hypertension was calculated for state comparison, while multilevel logistic regression analysis was done to assess the correlates of hypertension.Setting and participantsIndia (2015–2016; n=811 917) aged 15–49.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome is hypertension, which has been defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg.ResultsThe age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in India was 11.3% (95% CI 11.16% to 11.43%) among persons aged between 15 and 49 and was four percentage points higher among males 13.8% (95% CI 13.46% to 14.19%) than among females 10.9% (95% CI 10.79% to 11.06%). Persons in the urban location (12.5%, 95% CI 12.25% to 12.80%) had a marginally higher prevalence than persons in rural location (10.6%, 95% CI 10.50% to 10.78%). The proportion of population suffering from hypertension varied greatly between states, with a prevalence of 8.2% (95% CI 7.58% to 8.85%) in Kerala to 20.3% (95% CI 18.81% to 21.77%) in Sikkim. Advancing age, obesity/overweight, male sex, socioeconomic status and consumption of alcohol were found to be the major predictors of hypertension.ConclusionsHypertension prevalence is now becoming more concentrated among the poor. Policy measures should be taken to improve the hazardous working conditions and growing social pressures of survival responsible for ‘life-style’ changes such as consumption of high calorie food and alcohol.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e039792
Author(s):  
Anna Gottschlich ◽  
Sophia Mus ◽  
Jose Carlos Monzon ◽  
James F Thrasher ◽  
Joaquin Barnoya

ObjectivesHeated tobacco products (HTPs) are increasingly marketed worldwide, yet limited research on HTPs has been conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) or among adolescents. Guatemala is one of the few LMICs where HTPs are available. This study examined prevalence and correlates of HTP awareness, susceptibility and use among adolescents in Guatemala.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional survey on HTP awareness, susceptibility and use was conducted among 2870 students between the ages of 13 and 17 in private schools in Guatemala City, Guatemala.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was susceptibility to future use of HTP among school-aged current and never smokers in Guatemala. We also explored awareness and use of HTPs. Multivariate binomial regression models were used to explore associations between these outcomes and both sociodemographic factors and established smoking correlates.ResultsOf all students (n=2870), about half were aware of HTPs (52.4%) and susceptible to future or continued use (52.4%). Whereas 8.4% of students had tried HTPs in the lifetime (but not in the last month), only 2.9% used HTPs in the past month. Independent correlates of HTP susceptibility and ever-use included: use of other tobacco products (current smoking: adjusted OR (AOR)=10.53 and 6.63, respectively; current e-cigarette use: AOR=21.87 and 10.40, respectively), moderate alcohol consumption (AOR=1.49 and 1.19, respectively), marijuana use in the past 30 days (AOR=3.49 and 2.29, respectively) and having friends who use HTPs (AOR=1.83 and 7.28, respectively).ConclusionsAmong this sample of adolescents in Guatemala City, where tobacco control is weak, the prevalence of HTP use was low but susceptibility to future use was high. Tobacco prevention and intervention strategies for cigarettes and e-cigarettes should now also include HTPs, which tend to be used by similar adolescent populations (ie, those who use other substances or are exposed to tobacco through family and friends).


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontius Bayo ◽  
Imose Itua ◽  
Suzie Paul Francis ◽  
Kofi Boateng ◽  
Elijo Omoro Tahir ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo determine the met need for emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services in three Payams of Torit County, South Sudan in 2015 and to determine the frequency of each major obstetric complication.DesignThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study.SettingFour primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) and one state hospital in three payams (administrative areas that form a county) in Torit County, South Sudan.ParticipantsAll admissions in the obstetrics and gynaecology wards (a total of 2466 patient admission files) in 2015 in all the facilities designated to conduct deliveries in the study area were reviewed to identify obstetric complications.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was met need for EmOC, which was defined as the proportion of all women with direct major obstetric complications in 2015 treated in health facilities providing EmOC services. The frequency of each complication and the interventions for treatment were the secondary outcomes.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty four major obstetric complications were admitted in 2015 out of 390 expected from 2602 pregnancies, representing 65.13% met need. The met need was highest (88%) for Nyong Payam, an urban area, compared with the other two rural payams, and 98.8% of the complications were treated from the hospital, while no complications were treated from three PHCCs. The most common obstetric complications were abortions (45.7%), prolonged obstructed labour (23.2%) and haemorrhage (16.5%). Evacuation of the uterus for retained products (42.5%), caesarean sections (32.7%) and administration of oxytocin for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (13.3%) were the most common interventions.ConclusionThe met need for EmOC in Torit County is low, with 35% of women with major obstetric complications not accessing care, and there is disparity with Nyong Payam having a higher met need. We suggest more support supervision to the PHCCs to increase access for the rural population.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e025108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Renkema ◽  
Kees Ahaus ◽  
Manda Broekhuis ◽  
Maria Tims

ObjectivesThis study investigated whether the attitudes of physicians towards justified and unjustified litigation, and their perception of patient pressure in demanding care, influence their use of defensive medical behaviours.DesignCross-sectional survey using exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine litigation attitude and perceived patient pressure factors. Regression analyses were used to regress these factors on to the ordering of extra tests or procedures (defensive assurance behaviour) or the avoidance of high-risk patients or procedures (defensive avoidance behaviour).SettingData were collected from eight Dutch hospitals.ParticipantsRespondents were 160 physicians and 54 residents (response rate 25%) of the hospital departments of (1) anaesthesiology, (2) colon, stomach and liver diseases, (3) gynaecology, (4) internal medicine, (5) neurology and (6) surgery.Primary outcome measuresRespondents’ application of defensive assurance and avoidance behaviours.Results‘Disapproval of justified litigation’ and ‘Concerns about unjustified litigation’ were positively related to both assurance (β=0.21, p<0.01, and β=0.28, p<0.001, respectively) and avoidance (β=0.16, p<0.05, and β=0.18, p<0.05, respectively) behaviours. ‘Self-blame for justified litigation’ was not significantly related to both defensive behaviours. Perceived patient pressures to refer (β=0.18, p<0.05) and to prescribe medicine (β=0.23, p<0.01) had direct positive relationships with assurance behaviour, whereas perceived patient pressure to prescribe medicine was also positively related to avoidance behaviour (β=0.14, p<0.05). No difference was found between physicians and residents in their defensive medical behaviour.ConclusionsPhysicians adopted more defensive medical behaviours if they had stronger thoughts and emotions towards (un)justified litigation. Further, physicians should be aware that perceived patient pressure for care can lead to them adopting defensive behaviours that negatively affects the quality and safety of patient care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winters Muttamba ◽  
Samuel Kyobe ◽  
Alimah Komuhangi ◽  
James Lakony ◽  
Esther Buregyeya ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective A cross-sectional survey involving 134 pulmonary TB patients started on TB treatment at the TB Treatment Unit of the regional referral hospital was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of individual and health facility delays and associated factors. Prolonged health facility delay was taken as delay of more than 1 week and prolonged patient delay as delay of more than 3 weeks. A logistic regression model was done using STATA version 12 to determine the delays. Results There was a median total delay of 13 weeks and 110 (82.1%) of the respondents had delay of more than 4 weeks. Patient delay was the most frequent and greatest contributor of total delay and exceeded 3 weeks in 95 (71.6%) respondents. At multivariate analysis, factors that influenced delay included poor patient knowledge on TB (adjOR 6.904, 95% CI 1.648–28.921; p = 0.04) and being unemployed (adjOR 3.947, 95% CI 1.382–11.274; p = 0.010) while being female was found protective of delay; adjOR 0.231, 95% CI 0.08–0.67; p = 0.007). Patient delay was the most significant, frequent and greatest contributor to total delay, and factors associated with delay included being unemployed, low knowledge on TB while being female was found protective of delay.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e019954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abida Malik ◽  
Hafsah Qureshi ◽  
Humayra Abdul-Razakq ◽  
Zahra Yaqoob ◽  
Fatima Zahra Javaid ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to explore the impact of workplace dress code policies and guidance that may influence inclusivity and opportunities in the workplace.DesignQuantitative, self-completion cross-sectional survey.SettingBritish Islamic Medical Association conference.ParticipantsEighty-four female medical healthcare professionals with a range of ethnicities and wide geographical coverage.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study reports on the experiences of female Muslim healthcare professions wearing the headscarf in theatre and their views of the bare below the elbows (BBE) policy. Percentage of positive answers and their respective 95% CIs are calculated.ResultsThe majority of participants agreed that wearing the headscarf was important for themselves and their religious beliefs (94.1%), yet over half (51.5%) experienced problems trying to wear a headscarf in theatre; some women felt embarrassed (23.4%), anxious (37.1%) and bullied (36.5%). A variety of different methods in head covering in operating theatres were identified. The majority of respondents (56.3%) felt their religious requirement to cover their arms was not respected by their trust, with nearly three-quarters (74.1%) of respondents not happy with their trust’s BBE uniform policy alternative. Dissatisfaction with the current practice of headscarves in theatre and BBE policy was highlighted, with some respondents preferring to specialise as GPs rather than in hospital medicine because of dress code matters. The hijab prototype proposed by the research team also received a positive response (98.7%).ConclusionsOur study suggests that female Muslims working in the National Health Service (NHS) reported experiencing challenges when wearing the headscarf in theatre and with BBE policy. The NHS needs to make its position clear to avoid variations in individual trust interpretation of dress code policies. This illustrates a wider issue of how policies can be at odds with personal beliefs which may contribute to a reduction in workforce diversity.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e054753
Author(s):  
Younghee Jung ◽  
Mihye Kwon ◽  
Hyo Geun Choi

ObjectivesThe prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among patients with COVID-19 and the association between RA and the outcome of COVID-19 remain unclear. We aimed to compare the prevalence of RA between participants with and without COVID-19; we then analysed the association between the presence of RA and the severity of COVID-19.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData from a nationwide COVID-19 cohort database by the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation were used.Participants and interventionsA total of 8070 patients with COVID-19 (1 January 2020 through 4 June 2020) were matched with 32 280 control participants with regard to age, sex and income. Patients with COVID-19 were confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 PCR and controls were collected from the database. RA was confirmed using the diagnostic code (International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision) and medication claim codes. Conditional/unconditional logistic regression was applied to analyse the association between RA and COVID-19.Primary outcome and secondary outcomeLaboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was severe COVID-19 defined as a history of intensive care unit admission, invasive ventilation or death.ResultsThe prevalence of RA in the COVID-19 (0.4%, 35/8070) and control (0.4%, 121/32,280) groups did not differ (p=0.446). After adjusting for underlying diseases, no association between RA and COVID-19 was observed (adjusted OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.67) and COVID-19 severity was not associated with RA (adjusted OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.14 to 7.29). The overall mortality rate was 2.9% (237/8070) and RA was not significantly associated with mortality (adjusted OR=1.64, 95% CI: 0.33 to 8.15).ConclusionWe did not find an association between the presence of RA and COVID-19. In addition, RA was not associated with the severity of COVID-19.


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