Nutritional and micronutrient status of adolescent schoolgirls in eastern Sudan: A cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescents, especially girls, are susceptible to malnutrition and their diet must be adequate to support their very rapid growth and development. Currently, there is little published data on the nutritional state amongst adolescent girls in Sudan. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional and micronutrient status of adolescent schoolgirls in eastern Sudan during the period of January-February 2015. Weight and height were measured using standard methods. Haemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured using blood samples, and blood films for malaria and stool samples for Schistosoma mansoni were investigated. Nutritional status was assessed according to the WHO 2006 reference values. Copper and zinc concentrations were measured by atomic absorption. Results: Twenty-five (13.7%) out of 183 girls were stunted. Seventy (38.3%) were thin; 17.5, 9.3 and 11.5% had mild, moderate and severe thinness, respectively. Only 10 (5.5%) and six (3.3%) girls were overweight and obese, respectively. The prevalence of anaemia was 77.0%. While there was no significant difference in the haemoglobin, ferritin, copper levels and thinness; thin children had significantly lower zinc (P=0.007). Conclusions: There is a high rate of stunting, thinness and anaemia among adolescent schoolgirls in eastern Sudan. More care has to be taken in order to provide a better nutrition status in the area.

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A Cross-Sectional Study of the Alarming Prevalence of Smoking Among Lebanese Physicians and Its Negative Impact on Promoting Cessation

International Journal of Clinical Research ◽

10.38179/ijcr.v2i1.46 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 44-50

Author(s):

Ahmad Berjawi ◽

Mouhamad Nasser ◽

Wassim Nassreddine ◽

Amjad Kanj ◽

Abir Kojok ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Rate ◽

Smoking Habits ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Smoking Cessation Counseling ◽

Major Drawback ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of smoking among physicians. As physicians are on the front line caring for patients’ health, a detailed analysis of their smoking habits and its impact on counseling their patients to quit is warranted. So far, no study in Lebanon has addressed the real prevalence of physicians smoking and its impact on promoting cessation. This study aims to fill this purpose. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted using a web-based self-administered questionnaire was e-mailed to 4037 Lebanese physicians between November 2015 and February 2016. The questionnaire included 11 questions about basic sociodemographic information (age, gender, work province, specialty), smoking habits and attitude towards smoking cessation. SPSS was used for analysis. The main outcome was to calculate the percentage of physicians that smoke, its relationship to gender and age, and its impact on counseling their patients about smoking cessation. Results: 529 responders were analyzed (13.1% response rate). A high rate of physician ever-smokers was noted at 37% (n=195) whereas the prevalence of current smokers was 13% (n=70).. In addition, there was a difference in the gender of ever-smoking physicians where 47% of males were smokers compared to 20% of females only. Regarding the prevalence of smoking within different specialties, it was noted that 35% (n=74) of internal medicine physicians were ever-smokers compared to approximately 50% (n=51/102) of surgeons. There was a statistically significant difference between former-smokers and current-smokers in regards to how frequently they urge their patients to quit smoking. Conclusion: The high prevalence of smoking among Lebanese physicians is depicted and its negative impact on counseling patients to quit is a serious consequence. This is a major drawback in the fight against tobacco and further awareness may be needed among our future doctors to increase smoking cessation counseling and decrease the burden of smoking in Lebanon and worldwide.

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Unemployment and vulnerable financial situation among recent dental graduates of Kerala, India - Results from a cross-sectional study

Journal of Global Oral Health ◽

10.25259/jgoh-12-2018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 49-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Malu Mohan ◽

T K Sundari Ravindran

Keyword(s):

Employment Status ◽

Educational Institution ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Policy Implications ◽

High Rate ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Financial Situation ◽

Significant Difference

Objective: This study aims to examine the current employment characteristics and financial situation of recent dental graduates of Kerala, India, in the context of a drastic rise in the number of dental graduates in the state over the past two decades, following a policy change in dental education at the dawn of the 21st century. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 recent dental graduates selected using circular systematic random sampling from a sampling frame of all dental graduates who graduated in any dental college in Kerala between April 2014 and February 2018 and who have registered at the Kerala State Dental Council. Results: More than two-thirds of the participants were females. Graduates trained from private dental colleges formed the majority. A significant proportion was currently unemployed (27%). The private sector was the predominant employment avenue for the dental graduates (90.9%). A notable proportion of the study participants did not have a regular income (32.1%). The current employment status of the graduates showed a statistically significant difference in proportions according to gender, type of educational institution, and the employment status of the graduates’ male parents. There were significant differences in the current financial situation according to gender, caste, and training background. Conclusion: The study reveals the existence of a high rate of unemployment among the recent dental graduates of Kerala. Their financial situation is indicative of vulnerability and dependent status. These findings have major policy implications for dental training and regulation of dental profession in the country.

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Nutrition Status of Young Children in Periphery of Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City in Nepal

Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal ◽

10.3126/jcmsn.v13i3.16998 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 330-334

Author(s):

Sudarshan Paudel ◽

Pranil Man Singh Pradhan ◽

Netrika Prasad Maden Limbu ◽

Sushan Man Shrestha ◽

Pooja Pandeya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Rate ◽

World Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Community Diagnosis

Background & Objectives:Under nutrition in young children is a major public health concern in countries like Nepal. Despite high rate of chronic malnutrition in young children, very less focus has been given to reduce it, thus affecting the lives of these children during adolescence. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of young children aged between 6 to 12 years in Dukuchhap village in Lalitpur district of Nepal.Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in all the households of Dukuchhap village in Lalitpur district during Community Diagnosis Program. Out of 338 young children, 319 were assessed by anthropometric measurements and the data was compared to the standards developed by World Health Organization.Results:A total of 319 children were assessed. Mean height, weight and BMI were high in children from Chhetri ethnicity and low in Dalit children. BMI for age was less than 5th percentile in 23.2% of children. The proportions of underweight and stunted children were 10% and 8.3% respectively. The percentage of underweight (16.9%) and stunted (12.2%) girls was more than that of boys.Conclusion:Nutritional status of young children in Dukuchhap village was found to be low especially considering the high proportion of underweight girls.

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Comparison of predicted psychological distress among workers between artificial intelligence and psychiatrists: a cross-sectional study in Tsukuba Science City, Japan

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046265 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e046265

Author(s):

Shotaro Doki ◽

Shinichiro Sasahara ◽

Daisuke Hori ◽

Yuichi Oi ◽

Tsukasa Takahashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neural Network ◽

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

The Neural Network ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Total Data

ObjectivesPsychological distress is a worldwide problem and a serious problem that needs to be addressed in the field of occupational health. This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict psychological distress among workers using sociodemographic, lifestyle and sleep factors, not subjective information such as mood and emotion, and to examine the performance of the AI models through a comparison with psychiatrists.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe conducted a survey on psychological distress and living conditions among workers. An AI model for predicting psychological distress was created and then the results were compared in terms of accuracy with predictions made by psychiatrists.ParticipantsAn AI model of the neural network and six psychiatrists.Primary outcomeThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting psychological distress.MethodsIn total, data from 7251 workers were analysed to predict moderate and severe psychological distress. An AI model of the neural network was created and accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Six psychiatrists used the same data as the AI model to predict psychological distress and conduct a comparison with the AI model.ResultsThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting moderate psychological distress were 65.2% and 64.4%, respectively, showing no significant difference. The accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting severe psychological distress were 89.9% and 85.5%, respectively, indicating that the AI model had significantly higher accuracy.ConclusionsA machine learning model was successfully developed to screen workers with depressed mood. The explanatory variables used for the predictions did not directly ask about mood. Therefore, this newly developed model appears to be able to predict psychological distress among workers easily, regardless of their subjective views.

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Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, associated risk factors and its relationship with academic performance among graduating female university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e043814

Author(s):

Mesfin Tadese ◽

Andargachew Kassa ◽

Abebaw Abeje Muluneh ◽

Girma Altaye

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Academic Performance ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Grade Point ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Associated Risk Factors

ObjectivesThe study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea.Design and methodInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively.Setting and participantsEthiopia (2019: n=647 female university students).OutcomesThe primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome.ResultsThe prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)).ConclusionsDysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.

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Evaluation of e-health (Seha) application: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making ◽

10.1186/s12911-021-01437-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abeer Alharbi ◽

Joharah Alzuwaed ◽

Hind Qasem

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Services ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Advanced Technology ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Technical Problems ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ease Of Access

Abstract Background The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia is expanding the country’s telemedicine services by using advanced technology in health services. In doing so, an e-health application (app), Seha, was introduced in 2018 that allows individuals to have face-to-face visual medical consultations with their doctors on their smartphones. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of the app in improving healthcare delivery by ensuring patient satisfaction with the care given, increasing access to care, and improving efficiency in the healthcare system. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the perceptions of users of the Seha app and non-users who continued with traditional health services. The data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms between June 2020 and September 2020. Independent t tests and chi-square (χ2) tests were conducted to answer the research questions. Results There was a significant difference between users and non-users in terms of ease of access to health services (t = − 9.38, p < 0.05), with app users having a higher mean score (4.19 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.41 ± 1.00); satisfaction with health services (t = − 6.33, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.96 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.94); and efficiency (only one visit needed for treatment) (t = − 3.20, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.71 ± 0.93) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.93). There were significant associations between the use of the Seha app and age (χ2 = 8.79, p < 0.05), gender (χ2 = 22.19, p < 0.05), region (χ2 = 19.74, p < 0.05), and occupation (χ2 = 22.05, p < 0.05). There were significant relationships between the three items (on access, satisfaction, and efficiency) and experiencing technical issues (t = 4.47, t = 8.11, and t = 3.24, respectively, p < 0.05), with users who faced technical problems having significantly lower mean scores for all three items. Conclusion This study provided evidence that the Seha app improved the delivery of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Users of the app had a better health experience in terms of their perceived ease of access to healthcare services; their satisfaction with healthcare services; and the efficiency of the system, measured by the number of required doctor visits. Other factors that appeared to influence the use of the app included age, gender, usual source of care, and technical difficulties.

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P20 Parental understanding of concussion in youth rugby is significantly improved by viewing the RFU concussion education video

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/jnnp-2019-abn.97 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. e31.1-e31

Author(s):

T Samuel ◽

K Aquilina ◽

W Dawes

Keyword(s):

Parental Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Educational Video ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Parental Experience ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Composite Scores

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.

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Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2013-0319 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 447-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Whye Lian Cheah ◽

Hazmi Helmy ◽

Ching Thon Chang

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Rural Adolescents ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13–15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD=3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant difference in steps among males and females (p=0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p=0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy’s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p<0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p=0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p=0.034, CI –0.639, –0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females.

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Awareness of basic life support among undergraduate medical students in Syria, Iraq and Jordan: a cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-315179/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Nour Shashaa ◽

Mohamad Shadi Alkarrash ◽

Mohammad Nour Kitaz ◽

Roaa Rhayim ◽

Mohammed Ismail ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Basic Life Support ◽

Life Support ◽

Clinical Stage ◽

Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest considers one of the most leading cause for death in all over the world. It is important for all medical students to train basic life support. This study evaluated the awareness of basic life support among medical students. Methods An electronic questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in November 2020 among 2114 medical student in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. We evaluated BLS skills according to mean score. A chi-squared test was used to determine if there were differences between those who attended a basic life support course and those who did not. Results 1656 of the participants (78.3%) stated that they did not attend a basic life support course. There was a significant difference between the participants from different countries where the mean score in Syria, Jordan and Iraq was 18.3, 24.3 and 18.8 respectively (p < 0.05). The participants were divided into 3 level according to total score; low (0–12), moderate (13–24) and high (25–37). In total, 18.3%, 72.8% and 8.9% of participants had high, intermediate and low level respectively. Conclusions The overall knowledge of basic life support among medical students is not adequate and need significant improvements. This study showed that an attendance a basic life support course previously had an effect on knowledge level. Hence, there is an urgent need to apply basic life support courses into the pre-clinical stage at universities.

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Denver Developmental Screening Test in two-year old infants delivered by vacuum extraction

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi41.1.2001.27-32 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Meriah Sembiring ◽

Iskandar Iskandar ◽

Amir Syarifuddin ◽

Bistok Saing

Keyword(s):

Physical Examination ◽

Screening Test ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Developmental Screening ◽

Vacuum Extraction ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Developmental Retardation ◽

Significant Difference

The aim of this study was to determine the developmental retardation of infants of two years of age who were delivered by vacuum extraction. This cross-sectional study examined 44 infants delivered by vacuum extraction, comprising 25 males and 19 females who were born in Tembakau Deli and St. Elizabeth Hospitals, between August 1993 until February 1994. The examination included interview and physical examination in the patient's house. Chi-square statistics analysis was used with a significant level of 95% (1'=0.05). The results showed Ihat of the 44 infants delivered by vacuum extraction. 28 (32%) had had were found with mild asphyxia, while 2 infants (5%). whose mothers work as private clerk and entrepreneur, had development retardation. We concluded that there was no significant difference in development between infants delivered by vacuum extraction and those who were born spontaneously. Developmental retardation was found in infants whose mothers lack time to communicate.

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