scholarly journals Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini and its Associated Risk Fac-tors in the Phon Sawan District of Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

Author(s):  
Chaiwat Srithai ◽  
Sriwipa Chuangchaiya ◽  
Siriluk Jaichuang ◽  
Zulkarnain Md Idris

Background: Opisthorchis viverrini is one of the endemic helminths in Thailand. Nonetheless, O. viverrini still exist and raise concerns regarding public health. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infections and underlying risk factors among rural communities in Northeast Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between Sep and Dec 2019 in Phon Sawan district in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. The participants were selected using a voluntary sampling method after the proportional allocation of the total sample size. Demographic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. One stool sample was collected from each participant and the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasite infections were determined using the modified Kato-Katz technique. Results: Overall, 250 participants aged 21 yr or older were enrolled. Overall, the prevalence of O. viverrini and Strongyloides stercoralis was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.8-29.8) and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.2-3.5), respectively. Of the positive O. viverrini cases, the parasite rate significantly differed between gender, age group and in those who had a history of eating raw fish and taking the anti-helminthic drug (all P<0.05). Nevertheless, multivariate regression analysis among O. viverrini cases revealed that only being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9 [95% CI: 1.1 – 3.6], P = 0.033) and aged ≥61 yr (aOR 6.7 [95% CI: 1.4 – 32.5], P=0.018) were positively associated with a higher risk of O. viverrini infection. Conclusion: Opisthorchiasis and strongyloidiasis are still endemic in this area and there is a need for projects to eliminate these parasites.

Author(s):  
Abdullah Musleh ◽  
Sarah Ali AlShehri ◽  
Anas Mohammed AlShehri ◽  
Sultan Khalid Kadasah ◽  
Mohammed Sharaf Alshahrani ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Epistaxis is the common occurrence of bleeding from the nose. It is usually noticed when blood drains out through the nostrils. There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, more likely to require medical attention). Sometimes in more severe cases, the blood can come up the nasolacrimal duct and out from the eye<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted in main five hospitals in Aseer region targeting residents dealing with emergency room (ER) cases during the period from 1st July to 31st July, 2018. Data were collected using a pre-structured written questionnaire by the researchers. The questionnaire composed of three parts. First part was for residents’ demographic data. Second part considered epistaxis cases rate and treatment. Third part covered 10 questions for knowledge regarding epistaxis<span lang="EN-IN">.  </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total sample of 165 residents was involved with ages ranged from 27 years to 32 years old and 65.5% of the sampled residents were males. Exact of 47.3% of the residents were ER residents and 24.2% were general practitioners (GPs)<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-IN">Conclusions:</span></strong><span lang="EN-IN"> Nearly one out of each four residents had good awareness level regarding epistaxis especially GPs and ER residents. Position of patients with epistaxis and sites of epistaxis were the only items well known by residents. </span></p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria Macmadu ◽  
Kelly K. Gurka ◽  
Herbert I. Linn ◽  
Gordon S. Smith

Abstract Background Opioid-related overdose deaths have accelerated in recent years. In response, overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs have been implemented across the United States, although many rural Appalachians continue to lack access. Despite the growing number of OEND programs, risk factors for inappropriate overdose response among persons who are training-naïve are currently unknown. Methods We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit and enroll 169 adults who use prescription opioids non-medically from three rural counties in West Virginia. Participants were interviewed to ascertain experience with witnessed overdose (lifetime and prior-year), characteristics of the most recent witnessed overdose, responses to the witnessed overdose, and OEND acceptability. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with inappropriate response to opioid-related overdose. Results Among the 73 (43% of the total sample) participants who witnessed an opioid-related overdose, the majority (n = 53, 73%) reported any inappropriate response. Participants were significantly more likely to report an inappropriate overdose response when the overdose victim was unresponsive (OR = 3.36; 95% CI = 1.07, 10.58). The most common appropriate responses were staying with the victim until recovery or help arrived (n = 66, 90%) and calling 911 (n = 63, 86%), while the most common inappropriate responses were hitting or slapping the victim (n = 37, 51%) and rubbing the victim with ice or placing them in a cold shower or bath (n = 14, 19%). While most (n = 60, 82%) had never heard of overdose prevention training, the vast majority (n = 69, 95%) were willing to participate in training, particularly those who had responded inappropriately (n = 52, 98%). Conclusions These findings underscore the urgent need for expanded access to OEND programs in at-risk rural communities that lacked coverage. Indeed, information generated by this study informed the development of a statewide naloxone distribution program in WV. These findings also indicate OEND programs are highly acceptable to training-naïve people who use opioids in rural Appalachia. Additional approaches to expand access to harm reduction services in the region, including mobile services and mail-based naloxone distribution should be aggressively pursued.


Author(s):  
Ghaida Aziz, Ghaida jabri, Ghaida Al-Ahmadi, Mona Ehab, Marw

Breast feeding (BF) is known to have many advantages but our Arab region has a pattern similar to western countries; where exclusive breastfeeding less than 35%. Knowledge given to women during her antenatal visits plays an important influential role in her attitude and practice of BF later on.  Objective: To explore knowledge and attitude of female medical students at Taibah University about breastfeeding.  Methods: A Cross sectional study was carried out from October to November 2012. It included female medical students. Stratified sampling allocation technique was used; with a total sample of 149 students. A specialty designed self-administrated questionnaire in Arabic form was used. It included socio-demographic data, obstetric history, data about the knowledge and attitude of female medical students towards breastfeeding value and guidelines. Mean percent knowledge score for value of BF, mean percent score for BF guidelines and mean percent score for attitude were calculated. Appropriate statistical tests for qualitative and quantitative data were used accordingly. Results: Majority (91.9%) (of the studied sample) was never married and 37.6% got their knowledge about BF via books. Regarding ever married women, 58.3% only were gravid (mean =2.2±1.94). Only 25.0% were family planning users; 66.7% of them used hormonal contraceptives. Only 20% breast fed their infants with a mean duration for exclusive BF of 3.8 ± 2.87 months and mean age of weaning of 2.3 ±0.63 months. The mean knowledge percent score for guidelines of BF was 64.7±8.45. The mean attitude percent score for concepts related to BF was 76.9±7.91. Conclusion: Media and internet have minor roles in getting knowledge about BF. The mean knowledge score about advantages of BF, guidelines of BF and attitude towards BF of all female medical students; especially academic years were unsatisfactory.


2017 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 1226-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Luisa Aznar Ruiz de Alegría ◽  
Arlette Nindia ◽  
Milagros Moreno ◽  
Fernando Salvador ◽  
Arancha Amor ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros A Galanis ◽  
Irene Vraka ◽  
Olga Siskou ◽  
Olympia Konstantakopoulou ◽  
Aglaia Katsiroumpa ◽  
...  

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten public health, the vaccination of children against the disease appears to be a key factor to control the pandemic. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of parents who have vaccinated their children against the COVID-19 and the factors influencing this decision. Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study in Greece during the first week of September 2021. The study questionnaire was distributed through social media and a convenience sample was obtained. Only parents with children aged 12-17 years old could participate in the study. We collected socio-demographic data of parents and we measured their attitudes towards vaccination and COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Study population included 656 parents. Mean age of parents was 45.5 years, while most of them were mothers with a high level of education. Regarding vaccination, 27.1% of parents had their children vaccinated against the COVID-19, while almost all children had a complete vaccination history (98.9%). The most important reasons for decline of COVID-19 vaccination were doubts about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines (45.3%) and fear of side effects (36.6%). Regarding the information about the COVID-19 vaccines, parents showed more trust in family doctors than in scientists and the government. Multivariate regression analysis identified that increased parents age, increased trust in COVID-19 vaccines, and positive attitude of parents towards vaccination had a positive effect on children vaccination. Conclusions: Understanding the factors influencing parents' decision to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 is crucial to increase the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate. Implementation of public health policies is necessary to spread knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and to regain vaccine confidence.


Author(s):  
Oghenekaro G. Egbi ◽  
Dimie Ogoina ◽  
Abisoye Oyeyemi

Background: Hypertension is considered among the most common non-communicable diseases globally with significant morbidity and mortality. Closely related to it is pre-hypertension, a category between hypertension and normotension which is believed to be a forerunner to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension has been on the increase in recent times, even in rural communities which were previously less affected. The study was carried during the world health day as a screening exercise to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in a rural community.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ogboloma village, a small rural community in Bayelsa State, Ngeria Consecutive sampling of all eligible participants who presented for the screening exercise was done. Socio-demographic data, clinical history, anthropometry and blood pressure were taken. Data was stored and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: One hundred and thirty-one participants completed the study. There were 49(37.4%) males. The prevalence of hypertension was 50.4% while pre-hypertension was found in another 41.2%. Factors associated with hypertension on univariate analysis were age (p <0.001) body mass index (p=0.038) waist hip ratio (p=0.008) hyperglycemia (p=0.030) and smoking (p=0.009) However, only age (p=0.004) and smoking (p=0.037) remained significant on multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Hypertension and Pre-hypertension were highly prevalent in this rural community. Age and smoking were significant predictors of hypertension. Hypertension screening and control programmes should therefore target rural communities and smokers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
M. Zen Rahfiludin ◽  
Yudhy Dharmawan

Background: The nutritional status of pregnant women are affected by daily nutritional intake. Daily nutritional intake during pregnancy depends on total macronutrient intake and micronutrient intake. The aim of the study is to describe daily nutritional intake from pregnant women in Temanggung,Central Java, Indonesia.Method: This study was conducted from September – December 2016 in Temanggung. This was a cross sectional study and the respondents were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Total sample of this study were 60 pregnant women. Intakes of macronutrients (Energy, and Protein), and micronutrients were calculated based on Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) Semi Quantitative and using Nutrisoft software, Demographic data were obtained by interviewing.Results Of the total 60 pregnant women, 40 (66,7%) were unemployed. The majority of educational level of the respondents  (48,3%) were Junior High School.  The mean gestational age were 6,70 ± 1,109 months. The mean intake of energy in 60 pregnant women was 2153,9833 ± 369 kcalConclusion: The majority of pregnant women in this study have adequate intake of both macro and micronutrient besides iron and folic acid.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 73-79
Author(s):  
Babak Moeini ◽  
Hamid Abasi ◽  
Maryam Afshari ◽  
Morteza Haji Hosseini ◽  
Ali Ghaleiha

Background and aims: Students are exposed to multiple various mental disorders. One of the most important difficulties the students encounter are homesickness and depression the occurrence of which cause less happiness in the students. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship among 3 factors of homesickness, depression, and happiness in dormitory students of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 387 dormitory students of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences from January to April 2016. The participants of the study were selected through stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation. Data were collected through self-reporting and four questionnaires including demographic data questionnaire, homesickness Benfleet questionnaire, University Students Depression Inventory (USDI), and Oxford happiness questionnaire. A quantitative analysis of the inquiry was performed using SPSS software, version 23. Results: The results showed that depression had an indirect relationship (-0.6) with happiness. That is, by increasing the depression scores happiness will decrease. In addition, depression had a significantly direct relationship (0.3) with homesickness. It implies that an increase in homesickness score leads to an increase in depression score. Moreover, homesickness had a significantly indirect relationship (-0.2) with happiness. Namely, an increase in homesickness, results in a decrease in happiness. Conclusion: In view of the results obtained and given the importance of mental health of the students in dormitories, it seems that the reasons related to homesickness and depression should be recognized and included in intervention and prevention programs. Besides, appropriate interventions must be designed and implemented in this regard.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jazia A. Alblowi

Objective. To investigate the knowledge and practice of tobacco cessation and counseling (TCC) among dental practitioners and their attitude and perceived barriers. Methods. A cross-sectional study targeted licensed dental practitioners in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants answered a pretested and validated self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographic data; smoking status; knowledge of tobacco hazards, attitude, and practice; and perceived barriers of tobacco cessation counseling. Result. Among the total sample of 529, response rate was 72.2% (mean age ( 34.20 ± 9.38   years ), males (42.4%), and current smokers (23.8%)). Only 13.2% received formal training on TCC. Around (57.1%) reported smoking of dental team as an obstacle for TCC. Half of the participants (49.9%) reported patient’s resistance as barrier to TCC. Others (45%–48%) reported insufficient time, knowledge, or training for TCC. Professional responsibility and willingness to provide cessation services constituted the highest median. Conclusion. The majority showed willingness to participate in TCC. Lack of training, smoking status of providers, females, inadequate materials, and patients’ resistance were the most common barriers. Education and training on TCC are recommended and should be allowed as a routine practice in dentistry.


2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 242-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genc Burazeri ◽  
Jolanda Hyska ◽  
Iris Mone ◽  
Enver Roshi

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.


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