Single-parenting influence on child’s academic performances at MutareJunior School, Zimbabwe

The economic hardship that has plagued Zimbabwe has led to a shift from the traditionally intact family to a single-parenthood family. Many factors lead to single parenthood including divorce, separation of all kinds and deaths. Single parenthood negatively impacts on students’ academic development. The researcher explored influences of Single-Parenthood to Academic-Performances (AP) of Grade 6 and 7 students at Mutare Junior School in the Manical and Region of Zimbabwe. The researcher used ‘cross-sectional study design’ to collect data using criterion attainment tests, ‘the Wide Range Achievement Test Level 1 (WRAT-1)’ on 80 students under controlled situations having 40 Single-Parent-Homes (SPH)and 40Double-Parent-Homes (DPH)students. School-established examinations complemented data from theWRAT-1 outcome. Tables and ‘T-tests’ were used for analysis of data. Results revealed children from DPH performing statistically better on the criterion test than those from SPH (t = −4.928, significance value 0.05). The results also indicated males performing better than females both from SPH on the criterion test (t = −4.196, significance value 0.05). In future, research should focus on different single-parent homes to AP. Keywords: Academic performance, influence, pupils, school, single parenting.

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Association of bullying behaviour with smoking, alcohol use and drug use among school students in Erbil City, Iraq

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal ◽

10.26719/2021.27.5.483 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 483-490

Author(s):

Beena Shawki ◽

Tariq Al-Hadithi ◽

Nazar Shabila

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Public Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Future Research ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective School ◽

Wide Range

Background: Substance use and bullying are prevalent among adolescents and have a wide range of adverse outcomes. The association of bullying with substance use has not been examined in Kurdistan and Iraq, which have suffered from the effects of long-term conflict and economic hardship. Aims: To examine the association between each form of bullying among adolescents and substance use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of public schools in Erbil City, Iraq in 2017. The study involved 1070 adolescents selected from 35 schools using a multistage cluster sampling method. A self-reported close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Male and female students attending grades 7–12 and aged 13–18 years were included. Results: The overall prevalence of bullying behaviour was 60.0%; 30.8% were victims, 26.2% were bully-victims, and 3.0% were bullies. There was a significant association between different forms and categories of bullying and substance use. The strongest association was with the students involved in sexual bullying, followed by racial and cyber bullying. The strongest association between bullying and substance use was found in the bully-victim category, followed by victims and bullies. Conclusions: Substance use and bullying behaviour seem to be widespread problems among adolescents in Erbil schools. Substance use is significantly associated with different categories of bullying behaviour. There is a need for effective school-based preventive interventions to tackle these problems. Future research needs to examine the likely direction of the association between bullying and substance use.

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The Association of E-cigarette Flavors With Satisfaction, Enjoyment, and Trying to Quit or Stay Abstinent From Smoking Among Regular Adult Vapers From Canada and the United States: Findings From the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey

Nicotine & Tobacco Research ◽

10.1093/ntr/ntaa095 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 1831-1841 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shannon Gravely ◽

K Michael Cummings ◽

David Hammond ◽

Eric Lindblom ◽

Danielle M Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quit Attempt ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Us ◽

Former Smokers

Abstract Aims This study examined whether nontobacco flavors are more commonly used by vapers (e-cigarette users) compared with tobacco flavor, described which flavors are most popular, and tested whether flavors are associated with: vaping satisfaction relative to smoking, level of enjoyment with vaping, reasons for using e-cigarettes, and making an attempt to quit smoking by smokers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1603 adults from Canada and the United States who vaped at least weekly, and were either current smokers (concurrent users) or former smokers (exclusive vapers). Respondents were categorized into one of seven flavors they used most in the last month: tobacco, tobacco–menthol, unflavored, or one of the nontobacco flavors: menthol/mint, fruit, candy, or “other” (eg, coffee). Results Vapers use a wide range of flavors, with 63.1% using a nontobacco flavor. The most common flavor categories were fruit (29.4%) and tobacco (28.7%), followed by mint/menthol (14.4%) and candy (13.5%). Vapers using candy (41.0%, p < .0001) or fruit flavors (26.0%, p = .01) found vaping more satisfying (compared with smoking) than vapers using tobacco flavor (15.5%) and rated vaping as very/extremely enjoyable (fruit: 50.9%; candy: 60.9%) than those using tobacco flavor (39.4%). Among concurrent users, those using fruit (74.6%, p = .04) or candy flavors (81.1%, p = .003) were more likely than tobacco flavor users (63.5%) to vape in order to quit smoking. Flavor category was not associated with the likelihood of a quit attempt (p = .46). Among exclusive vapers, tobacco and nontobacco flavors were popular; however, those using tobacco (99.0%) were more likely than those using candy (72.8%, p = .002) or unflavored (42.5%, p = .005) to vape in order to stay quit. Conclusions A majority of regular vapers in Canada and the US use nontobacco flavors. Greater satisfaction and enjoyment with vaping are higher among fruit and candy flavor users. While it does not appear that certain flavors are associated with a greater propensity to attempt to quit smoking among concurrent users, nontobacco flavors are popular among former smokers who are exclusively vaping. Future research should determine the likely impact of flavor bans on those who are vaping to quit smoking or to stay quit. Implications Recent concerns about the attractiveness of e-cigarette flavors among youth have resulted in flavor restrictions in some jurisdictions of the United States and Canada. However, little is known about the possible consequences for current and former smokers if they no longer have access to their preferred flavors. This study shows that a variety of nontobacco flavors, especially fruit, are popular among adult vapers, particularly among those who have quit smoking and are now exclusively vaping. Limiting access to flavors may therefore reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes among adults who are trying to quit smoking or stay quit.

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Single-parenthood and health conditions among children receiving public assistance in Japan: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35089/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Daisuke Nishioka ◽

Junko Saito ◽

Keiko Ueno ◽

Naoki Kondo

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Public Assistance ◽

Social Assistance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Single Parent ◽

Children's Health ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Single Parenthood

Abstract Background: Single-parenthood is recognised as a risk factor for chronic childhood health conditions due to lower family income, resulting in food insecurity and an increased psychological burden. Governmental social assistance may address the risk by ensuring minimum-income protection and financial healthcare access. However, no study has investigated the association between single-parenthood and health statuses among children in families receiving social assistance benefits. This study aimed to examine the association between single-parent households and children’s health among public assistance recipients in Japan by—for the first time ever—using linkage data of two municipal public assistance databases and medical assistance claim data.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study. Public assistance for households below poverty line ensures their income security and medical care. We extracted individual factors of children aged 15 years or younger in January 2016 and observed until December 2016. We identified one-year prevalence of childhood diseases by using International Classification of Disease, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes.Results: Among the 573 participants, 383 (66.8%) lived in single-parent households. A multivariable Poisson regression showed that single-parenthood is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.26), allergic rhinitis (PR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07-1.86), dermatitis and eczema (PR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.21-2.70), and dental diseases (PR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.33-2.42), as compared to other households. No association was found between single-parenthood and acute children’s diseases such as respiratory infections, injuries, and intestinal infections.Conclusions: Living in single-parent households is a risk factor for children’s chronic diseases, despite them receiving public assistance benefits. These results may be explained by the increased psychosocial stress, suggesting that the present public assistance system in Japan should provide additional social support. Ameliorating health conditions of children among single-parent households on public assistance can be achieved by closer monitoring of the community. Further investigations are necessary using more detailed information such as environmental factors, the severity of children’s health conditions, the contents of any received treatments, and broader socioeconomic factors.

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STUDY ON THRIVE SCORE IN THE PROGNOSIS OF ISCHEMIC STROKE

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2017.6.3 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 22-24

Author(s):

Thi Thao Nhi Tran ◽

Dinh Toan Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Rate ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Key Words Ischemic Stroke ◽

Outcome Mortality ◽

Better Than

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the second cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability. Using the clinical scale to predict the outcome of the patient play an important role in clinical practice. The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has shown broad utility, allowing prediction of clinical outcome and death. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducting on 102 patients with acute ischemic stroke using THRIVE score. The outcome of patient was assessed by mRankin in the day of 30 after stroke. Statistic analysis using SPSS 15.0. Results: There was 60.4% patient in the group with THRIVE score 0 – 2 points having a good outcome (mRS 0 - 2), patient group with THRIVE score 6 - 9 having a high rate of bad outcome and mortality. Having a positive correlation between THRIVE score on admission and mRankin score at the day 30 after stroke with r = 0.712. THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome with ROC-AUC was 0.814 (95% CI 0.735 - 0.893, p<0.001), Se 69%, Sp 84% and the cut-off was 2. THRIVE score strongly predicts mortality with ROC-AUC was 0.856 (95% CI 0.756 - 0.956, p<0.01), Se 86%, Sp 77% and the cut-off was 3. Analysis of prognostic factors by multivariate regression models showed that THRIVE score was only independent prognostic factor for the outcome of post stroke patients. Conclusions: The THRIVE score is a simple-to-use tool to predict clinical outcome, mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Despite its simplicity, the THRIVE score performs better than several other outcome prediction tools. Key words: Ischemic stroke, THRIVE, prognosis, outcome, mortality

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Kinematic Analysis of Lower Limb Joint Asymmetry during Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Symmetry ◽

10.3390/sym13040598 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 598

Author(s):

Massimiliano Pau ◽

Bruno Leban ◽

Michela Deidda ◽

Federica Putzolu ◽

Micaela Porta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Camera Motion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Temporal Parameters ◽

Wide Range ◽

Edss Score ◽

Spatio Temporal

The majority of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), report lower limb motor dysfunctions, which may relevantly affect postural control, gait and a wide range of activities of daily living. While it is quite common to observe a different impact of the disease on the two limbs (i.e., one of them is more affected), less clear are the effects of such asymmetry on gait performance. The present retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the magnitude of interlimb asymmetry in pwMS, particularly as regards the joint kinematics, using parameters derived from angle-angle diagrams. To this end, we analyzed gait patterns of 101 pwMS (55 women, 46 men, mean age 46.3, average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.5, range 1–6.5) and 81 unaffected individuals age- and sex-matched who underwent 3D computerized gait analysis carried out using an eight-camera motion capture system. Spatio-temporal parameters and kinematics in the sagittal plane at hip, knee and ankle joints were considered for the analysis. The angular trends of left and right sides were processed to build synchronized angle–angle diagrams (cyclograms) for each joint, and symmetry was assessed by computing several geometrical features such as area, orientation and Trend Symmetry. Based on cyclogram orientation and Trend Symmetry, the results show that pwMS exhibit significantly greater asymmetry in all three joints with respect to unaffected individuals. In particular, orientation values were as follows: 5.1 of pwMS vs. 1.6 of unaffected individuals at hip joint, 7.0 vs. 1.5 at knee and 6.4 vs. 3.0 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases), while for Trend Symmetry we obtained at hip 1.7 of pwMS vs. 0.3 of unaffected individuals, 4.2 vs. 0.5 at knee and 8.5 vs. 1.5 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases). Moreover, the same parameters were sensitive enough to discriminate individuals of different disability levels. With few exceptions, all the calculated symmetry parameters were found significantly correlated with the main spatio-temporal parameters of gait and the EDSS score. In particular, large correlations were detected between Trend Symmetry and gait speed (with rho values in the range of –0.58 to –0.63 depending on the considered joint, p < 0.001) and between Trend Symmetry and EDSS score (rho = 0.62 to 0.69, p < 0.001). Such results suggest not only that MS is associated with significantly marked interlimb asymmetry during gait but also that such asymmetry worsens as the disease progresses and that it has a relevant impact on gait performances.

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Minimum acceptable diet among children aged 6–23 months in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo: a community-based cross-sectional study

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02713-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Richard Mbusa Kambale ◽

Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka ◽

Joe Bwija Kasengi ◽

Sarah Niyitegeka ◽

Boss Rutakaza Cinkenye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Democratic Republic ◽

Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Republic Of Congo ◽

Wide Range ◽

South Kivu

Abstract Background Suboptimal child nutrition remains the main factor underlying child undernutrition in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months old. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study including 742 mothers with children aged 6–23 months old was conducted in 2 Health Zones of South Kivu, Eastern DRC. WHO indicators of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) regarding complementary feeding practices were used. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association between sociodemographic indicators and adequate minimum acceptable diet for both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 33% of infants had minimum acceptable diet. After controlling for a wide range of covariates, residence urban area (AOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.43, 3.85), attendance postnatal care (AOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.12, 2.97), education status of mother (AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.20, 2.77) and household socioeconomic status (AOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14, 2.59) were factors positively associated with minimum acceptable diet. Conclusion Actions targeting these factors are expected to improve infant feeding practices in South Kivu.

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Women’s perceptions of factors influencing their food shopping choices and how supermarkets can support them to make healthier choices

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11112-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Preeti Dhuria ◽

Wendy Lawrence ◽

Sarah Crozier ◽

Cyrus Cooper ◽

Janis Baird ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Personal Responsibility ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Food Choices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Food Shopping ◽

Women’S Perceptions

Abstract Objectives To examine women’s perceptions of factors that influence their food shopping choices, particularly in relation to store layout, and their views on ways that supermarkets could support healthier choices. Design This qualitative cross-sectional study used semi-structured telephone interviews to ask participants the reasons for their choice of supermarket and factors in-store that prompted their food selections. The actions supermarkets, governments and customers could take to encourage healthier food choices were explored with women. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes. Setting Six supermarkets across England. Participants Twenty women customers aged 18–45 years. Results Participants had a median age of 39.5 years (IQR: 35.1, 42.3), a median weekly grocery spend of £70 (IQR: 50, 88), and 44% had left school aged 16 years. Women reported that achieving value for money, feeling hungry, tired, or stressed, and meeting family members’ food preferences influenced their food shopping choices. The physical environment was important, including product quality and variety, plus ease of accessing the store or products in-store. Many participants described how they made unintended food selections as a result of prominent placement of unhealthy products in supermarkets, even if they adopted more conscious approaches to food shopping (i.e. written or mental lists). Participants described healthy eating as a personal responsibility, but some stated that governments and supermarkets could be more supportive. Conclusions This study highlighted that in-store environments can undermine intentions to purchase and consume healthy foods. Creating healthier supermarket environments could reduce the burden of personal responsibility for healthy eating, by making healthier choices easier. Future research could explore the interplay of personal, societal and commercial responsibility for food choices and health status.

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Self-rated health among undocumented and newly regularized migrants in Geneva: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11239-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Julien Fakhoury ◽

Claudine Burton-Jeangros ◽

Idris Guessous ◽

Liala Consoli ◽

Aline Duvoisin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Networks ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Undocumented Migrants ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Residence Permit ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Self Rated Health

Abstract Background In Europe, knowledge about the social determinants of health among undocumented migrants is scarce. The canton of Geneva, Switzerland, implemented in 2017–2018 a pilot public policy aiming at regularizing undocumented migrants. We sought to test for associations between self-rated health, proven eligibility for residence status regularization and social and economic integration. Methods This paper reports data from the first wave of the Parchemins Study, a prospective study whose aim is to investigate the effect of residence status regularization on undocumented migrants’ living conditions and health. The convenience sample included undocumented migrants living in Geneva for at least 3 years. We categorized them into those who were in the process of receiving or had just been granted a residence permit (eligible or newly regularized) and those who had not applied or were ineligible for regularization (undocumented). We conducted multivariate regression analyses to determine factors associated with better self-rated health, i.e., with excellent/very good vs. good/fair/poor self-rated health. Among these factors, measures of integration, social support and economic resources were included. Results Of the 437 participants, 202 (46%) belonged to the eligible or newly regularized group. This group reported better health more frequently than the undocumented group (44.6% versus 28.9%, p-value < .001), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for social support and economic factors (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–1.87). Overall, better health was associated with larger social networks (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.04–2.64). This association remained significant even after adjusting for health-related variables. Conclusion At the onset of the regularization program, access to regularization was not associated with better self-rated health. Policies aiming at favouring undocumented migrants’ inclusion and engagement in social networks may promote better health. Future research should investigate long-term effects of residence status regularization on self-rated health.

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Media consumption and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: a UK cross-sectional study across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1007/s10389-021-01506-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ruth D Neill ◽

Carolyn Blair ◽

Paul Best ◽

Emily McGlinchey ◽

Cherie Armour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Media Exposure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Future Research ◽

Media Consumption ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Longitudinal Data Collection

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.

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Allergic rhinitis, asthma and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: a cross-sectional study on their reciprocal relations

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80793-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Mohammad Marwan Alhalabi ◽

Ayham Alyousbashi ◽

Ayham Ghareeb

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Reflux Disease ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Reflux Symptom Index ◽

Symptom Index ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an inflammation in the nasal mucosa due to allergen exposure throughout the year. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is another medical condition that can overlap with AR. LPR can be considered an extra oesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or a different entity. Its diagnosis imposes a real challenge as it has a wide range of unspecific symptoms. Although AR and LPR are not life-threatening, they can severely affect the quality of life for years and cause substantial distress. Moreover, having AR is associated with having asthma which is also in turn associated with GORD. This is a cross-sectional study which used surveys distributed online on Social Media and targeted people across Syria. All participants who responded to the key questions were included. Reflux symptom index (RSI) was used for LPR, and score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) was used for AR. Demographic questions and whether the participant had asthma were also included in the survey. We found that there was an association between the symptoms of LPR and AR p < 0.0001 (OR, 2.592; 95% CI 1.846–3.639), and their scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.334). Having asthma was associated with LPR symptoms p = 0.0002 (OR 3.096; 95% CI 1.665–5.759) and AR p < 0.0001 (OR 6.772; 95% CI 2.823–16.248). We concluded that there was a significant association between having LPR, AR, and asthma. We need more studies to distinguish between their common symptoms and aetiologies.

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