scholarly journals Voluntary Testing Practice Among People with Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 in Somalia: Using Andersen’s Behavioral model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ali Magan ◽  
Duah Dwomoh
Keyword(s):  
Peer Influence ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Voluntary Testing ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: COVID-19, is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus is a global pandemic which threatens children and their rights in countries around the world. Epidemiologists have advocated for a robust testing and contact tracing as a potential solution to balance public health and economic priorities. Using Anderson Behavioral Model, our study aimed to analyze predisposing, Enabling and Need factors associated with VT4C-19 practice in Somalia. Methods: A cross sectional community-based survey were conducted at household level among adults above the age 18 years living in Mogadishu and Garowe cities. The study used multi-stage stratified-cluster sampling method. Out of the Four main towns in Somalia with a designated free National laboratory for COVID-19 testing by the government, the study randomly selected two cities (Mogadishu & Garowe) using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) Method. The study used univariate analysis and Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression model to control other possible confounders and to give the Andersen Behavioral Modal that were independently associated with voluntary testing for COVID-19 in Somalia. The statistical significance tests were accepted at p < 0.05.Results: Only 113 (6.6%) out of (1,708) study participants who experienced clinical symptoms of COVID-19 (between 16 March – 31 December 2020) voluntarily tested their COVID-19 status. The study found Predisposing factors including gender (P<0.001), marital status (p<0.05), mass media availability (p<0.05), telephone ownership (p<0.05), peer influence (P<0.001) and stigma of COVID-19 positive individuals in the community (P<0.001), and Enabling factors including: place of residence (p<0.001), expense decision maker at household level (p<0.05), insurance status (p<0.001) and access to outreach and health education program (p<0.05), as well as the Need factors including: perceived importance of COVID-19 voluntary test (p<0.001) and chronic diseases status among the study participants (p<0.05) were among the factors associated with the practice of voluntary tests of COVID-19 among the clinically symptomatic individuals in Somalia.Conclusion: The uptake of Voluntary testing for COVID-19 is very low in Somalia. To promote this, health officials and policy makers need to focus on a consistent and culturally sensitive community sensitization programs and bringing the COVID-19 test closer to the communities including rural communities.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and safety of infliximab dose escalation in patients with refractory Takayasu arteritis: A real-life experience from a monocentric cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Tomelleri ◽  
Corrado Campochiaro ◽  
Silvia Sartorelli ◽  
Francesco Baldassi ◽  
Federico Fallanca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Takayasu Arteritis ◽  
Dose Escalation ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Observational Cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate effectiveness and safety of infliximab dose escalation in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients. To identify factors associated with refractoriness to standard-dose infliximab. Methods Medical records of infliximab-treated TAK patients from a large single-centre observational cohort were reviewed. Infliximab therapy duration, concomitant therapies, and reasons for dose escalation and therapy suspension were evaluated. Occurrence of adverse events was recorded. A comparison between patients who maintained infliximab standard-dose and those who needed dose-escalation was performed. Factors associated with refractoriness to standard dose were analysed. Results Forty-one patients were included. Starting infliximab dose was 5 mg/kg 6-weekly and 28 patients (68%) needed dose escalation. Persistence/recurrence of clinical symptoms was the most frequent reason for escalation. Median therapy duration was 39 (IQR, 26–61) months in the standard-dose group and 68 (38–87) months in the intensified-dose group. In the intensified-dose-group, infliximab was suspended in eight patients (29%) after a median of 38 (31–71) months, due to loss of response (n = 7) or patient’s request (n = 1). Patients in the intensified-dose group had a higher number of relapses (3.4 vs 0.8 events/patient) and received a higher cumulative steroid dose (1.7 [1.6–2.3] vs 1.3 [1–1.6] g/month of prednisone). Three patients from the intensified-dose group had serious infections; one patient from the standard-dose group developed paradoxical psoriasis. At univariate analysis, age at diagnosis and age at infliximab start were associated with infliximab escalation. Conclusion In TAK, dose escalation is safe and allows to optimise infliximab durability in refractory patients. Younger patients seem to be more refractory to standard dosages.

Factors Associated with the Outcome of Older Patients Admitted in Geriatric Intensive Care Unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
D. Thangam ◽  
S. Deepa
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Ventilatory Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duration Of Stay ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Study Participants

Objective: To determine the factors associated with the outcome of older patients admitted in Geriatric Intensive Care Unit. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Geriatric Intensive Care Unit of the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai. one hundred and seventy two patients, aged 60 and above, admitted in the Geriatric ICU during the period of 6 months, from January 2017 to June 2017, were selected to participate in this study. Data regarding age, sex, number of comorbidities, major organ system involved, duration of stay and procedures underwent in the ICU were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of the 172 samples, 92 were males, and 80 were females. The mean age of the study population was 70.1 ± 8.3 years. We found no association between age and survival (p=0.581), gender and survival (p=0.298). 30.2% of the samples who expired had four comorbidities. We found a statistically significant association between the number of comorbidities and outcome (p<0.008). Around 44 patients (25.6%) had respiratory problems, and it was the commonest cause of admission to ICU in this study. We found no association between major system involved and outcome (p=0.089). Sixty of the study participants (34.9%) needed mechanical ventilatory support. We found a statistical significance between procedure underwent and outcome (p<0.001). 57.5% of the study participants stayed in the GICU up to 1 week. We found a statistical significance between the duration of stay and outcome (p=0.022). In this study, 71.5% of the study participants survived, 3.5% of them went against medical advice, and 25% of them expired. Conclusion: In this study, the outcome of older patients admitted in Geriatric Intensive Care Unit depended on the number of preexisting comorbidities, length of stay and procedure underwent during the ICU stay but not the chronological age. In this study, only one in four died after undergoing treatment in the Geriatric Intensive care unit. Geriatric intensive care services can improve the outcome of older patients admitted with a critical illness.

scholarly journals INFLUENCES OF PARENTS AND PEERS ON ADOLESCENT SMOKING INITIATION: FINDINGS FROM A LONGITUDINAL STUDY IN KOTA TINGGI DISTRICT, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
Lim Kuang Hock ◽  
Lim Hui Li ◽  
Sumarni Mohd Ghazali ◽  
Cheong Yoon Ling ◽  
Kee Chee Cheong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Parental Influence ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Multi Stage

Studies have shown that parents and peers are among the dominant factors that contribute to smoking initiation among non-smoking adolescents. The paucity of this information in Malaysia warrants a longitudinal study to determine the actual factors associated smoking initiation. The study aims to address the gaps in our knowledge on the factors that associated with smoking initiation among non-smoking school-going adolescents. We carried out a longitudinal study among non-smoking secondary school-going adolescents in Kota Tinggi district, Johor. A representative sample of 1682 was selected via multi-stage sampling and respondents were followed-up for a period of one year. A pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected respondents and multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the factors associated with smoking initiation among non-smoking school-going adolescents. Approximately 1 in 10 non-smoking school-going adolescents-initiated smoking at the end of follow-up. Having peers and a father who smokes were significantly associated with smoking in univariate analysis, similarly, a relationship was also observed in multivariable analysis between parents who smoked with smoking initiation after the effect of other independent variables were controlled (Adjusted relative risk: 1.81, 95% CI 1.06-2.95). The study revealed that parental influence was more dominant than peer influence with regard to smoking initiation. Therefore, intervention programmes should involve parents/guardians to enhance their chances of success and reduce the incidence of smoking among non-smoking school-going adolescents.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with bleeding after prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhosis

Endoscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Drolz ◽  
Christoph Schramm ◽  
Oliver Seiz ◽  
Stefan Groth ◽  
Eik Vettorazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Endoscopic Variceal Ligation ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Grade Iii

Background Prophylactic endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is frequently performed in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with early upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in cirrhosis patients after prophylactic EVL. Methods 787 nonemergency EVLs performed in 444 patients in two German University medical centers were analyzed retrospectively. Results Within 30 days after EVL, 38 UGIBs were observed (4.8 % of all procedures). Bilirubin levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.0 for a 2-fold increase) and presence of varices grade III/IV according to Paquet (HR 2.6, 95 %CI 1.3–5.0 compared with absence or smaller sized varices) were independently associated with UGIB following EVL. International normalized ratio (INR) was associated with bleeding events in the univariate analysis but did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for bilirubin and presence of varices grade III/IV (HR 1.2, 95 %CI 0.9–1.6 for an increase by 0.25). There was no statistically significant association between platelet count or fibrinogen levels and UGIB. Substitution of coagulation products did not affect incidence of bleeding after EVL, which also applied to patients with “coagulopathy” (INR > 1.5 and/or platelet count < 50 × 109/L). No association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and post-EVL UGIB was observed. Conclusions EVL is a safe procedure and immediate bleeding complications are rare. Serum bilirubin levels and size of varices, rather than coagulation indices, are associated with UGIB after EVL. Our data do not support the preventive substitution of blood or coagulation products.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy in The Gambia: findings from 2018 population-based survey

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amadou Barrow ◽  
Amienatta Jobe ◽  
Sulayman Barrow ◽  
Ebrima Touray ◽  
Michael Ekholuenetale
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Functional Difficulties ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unplanned pregnancy is a public health issue that has detrimental implications for the mother and baby alike. However, few studies have been conducted in The Gambia on this subject. As a result, the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy among women of reproductive age in The Gambia was investigated, as well as the factors associated with it. Methods The Gambia's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) was used to evaluate the 2018 results. Data was obtained from 3790 women aged 15 to 49 who had also given birth. The univariate analysis was conducted using percentage. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were determined using a multivariable logistic regression model (with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI)). The degree of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results Approximately 25.3% (95% CI: 23.1%-27.6%) of the women reported unplanned pregnancy. Women aged 30–34 years had 45% reduction in unplanned pregnancy, when compared with those aged 15–19 years (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32–0.94). The Fula and non-Gambian women had 30% and 45% reduction in unplanned pregnancy respectively, when compared with Mandinka women. Those who had no functional difficulties had 47% reduction in unplanned pregnancy, when compared with women who had functional difficulties (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91). Respondents who had given births to 3–4 and 5 + children were 1.79 and 3.02 times as likely to have unplanned pregnancy, when compared with women who had given birth to 1–2 children. Single/unmarried women were 11.38 times as likely to have unplanned pregnancy, when compared with women currently married/in union (AOR = 11.38; 95% CI: 6.38, 20.29). Local Government Area of residence was significantly associated with unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, women who were neither happy nor unhappy and 18 + at sexual debut were 1.39 and 1.34 times as likely to have unplanned pregnancy, when compared with the very happy women and those < 18 at sexual debut respectively. Conclusion The rate of unintended pregnancies was large (25.3%). Several causes have been linked to unplanned pregnancies. These results suggest that further efforts are required to enhance women's sex education, expand access to family planning services, and provide affordable health care to high-risk women in order to minimize unintended pregnancies.

scholarly journals Serum Epidemiological Analysis and Risk Factors Associated with Leptospira spp. in Cattle in the State of Piauí

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Siluana Benvindo Ferreira ◽  
Katiene Régia Silva Sousa ◽  
Vanessa Castro ◽  
Sabrina Thabla Pereira Lopes ◽  
Sávio Benvindo Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Leptospira Spp

Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp. and it is considered one of the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify the prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with infection in cattle herds, in the microregion of Floriano, Piaui State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 414 bovine sera samples were collected (390 females aged over 24 months and 24 bulls) from 22 properties (farms) in the municipalities that compose the study area. The samples were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies from 23 pathogenic serovars. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm to evaluate the risk factors, using a univariate analysis of the variables of interest, by Pearson’s Chi-square test (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test, when it was necessary. Then, each independent variable was crossed with the dependent variable and those that presented statistical significance <0.20 were selected for multivariate analysis, using logistic regression, adopting a significance level of 5%. This research identified 143 positive animals (MAT> 1: 100) in the 22 evaluated farms; all of them had at least one positive animal, resulting in a prevalence of 34.54%, with 32,8% females (136) and 1,7% males (07), and 8,93% (37) of co-agglutination. Nineteen of the 23 tested serovars were identified; among them, Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.48%), Hardjo (31.2%), Pomona (4.3%), and Castellonis (4.3%) stood out. Absence of quarantine (OR = 16.172, P = 0.024), vaccination (OR = 0.090, P = 0.037) and isolation of diseased animals (OR = 0.006, P = 0.030) were identified, by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, as risk factors for any serovar of Leptospira spp.Discussion: The results of the present study showed that leptospirosis is present in all studied municipalities, in which the prevalence may be related to the variety of factors that influence the occurrence of the disease, such as climatic and environmental conditions, transit of animal, practices of management adopted in the herd, and the lack of information about the disease. The occurrence of co-agglutination can be explained by the possibility of multiple and concomitant contaminations with several serovars. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent serovar, which has significant importance to public health since it is considered the main serovar of leptospirosis in humans, associated with the presence of rodents. On the other hand, the serovar Hardjo is related to the chronic leptospirosis in cattle, demonstrated through reproductive problems. The serovars Castellonis and Pomona were also observed in bovine herds, suggesting a possible transmission of the microorganism between animal species, probably due to exposure to the same sources of infection. In fact, the large number of serovarieties of Leptospira spp. indicates the presence of one or more maintenance hosts, which are natural reservoirs of this infection. The risk factors confirmed in the logistic regression analysis probably occur due to failures in sanitary management. It is concluded that Leptospira spp. is disseminated in cattle in the studied region, with the presence of several serovars, which reinforces the need for intensifying the prevention and control measures, such as vaccination.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Backyard Composting Behavior at the Household Level

2002 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
William M. Park ◽  
Kevin S. Lamons ◽  
Roland K. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Peer Influence ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Logit Regression ◽  
Knox County ◽  
Sample Data

Communities in most states are under pressure to reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills. Many are making efforts to encourage their citizens to practice backyard composting. A logit regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with backyard composting of yard and food wastes in a case study area. Sample data were obtained through a September 1997 telephone survey of 865 households residing in single-family dwellings in Knox County, Tennessee. Findings indicate that a number of variables reflecting complementary behavior, attitudes, knowledge, and peer influence were significantly related to composting behavior. Policy implications of these findings are outlined.

The integrated interventional radiology match: a bibliometric analysis of matched first-year residents

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishnu Chandra ◽  
Neil Jain ◽  
Pratik Shukla ◽  
Ethan Wajswol ◽  
Sohail Contractor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interventional Radiology ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Index Number ◽  
Research Information ◽  
H Index ◽  
Scopus Database ◽  
Journal Impact

Objectives: The integrated interventional radiology (IR) residency has only been established relatively recently as compared to other specialties. Although some preliminary information is available based on survey data five, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis documenting the importance of the quantity and quality of research in applying to an integrated-IR program currently exists. As the first bibliometric analysis of matched IR residents, the data obtained from this study fills a gap in the literature. Materials and Methods: A list of matched residents from the 2018 integrated-IR match were identified by contacting program directors. The Scopus database was used to search for resident research information, including total publications, first-author publications, radiology-related publications, and h-indices. Each matriculating program was categorized into one of five tiers based on the average faculty Hirsch index (h-index). Results: Sixty-three programs and 117 matched residents were identified and reviewed on the Scopus database. For the 2018 cycle, 274 total publications were produced by matched applicants, with a mean of 2.34 ± 0.41 publication per matched applicant. The average h-index for matched applicants was 0.96 ± 0.13. On univariate analysis, the number of radiology-related publications, highest journal impact factor, and h-index were all associated with an increased likelihood of matching into a higher tier program (P < 0.05). Other research variables displayed no statistical significance. All applicants with PhDs matched into tier one programs. Conclusions: Research serves as an important element in successfully matching into an integrated-IR residency. h-index, number of radiology-related manuscripts, and highest journal impact factors are all positively associated with matching into a higher tier program.

Predictors of Faster Decline of Residual Renal Function in Taiwanese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 191-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Te Liao ◽  
Chih-Chung Shiao ◽  
Jenq-Wen Huang ◽  
Kuan-Yu Hung ◽  
Hsueh-Fang Chuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Renal Function ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Residual Renal Function ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Artery Disease

⋄ Objective Loss of residual renal function (RRF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is a powerful predictor of mortality. The present study was conducted to determine the predictors of faster decline of RRF in PD patients in Taiwan. ⋄ Methods The study enrolled 270 patients starting PD between January 1996 and December 2005 in a single hospital in Taiwan. We calculated RRF as the mean of the sum of 24-hour urea and creatinine clearance. The slope of the decline of residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was the main outcome measure. Data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment parameters; episodes of peritonitis; and hypotensive events were analyzed by Student t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and chi-square, as appropriate. All variables with statistical significance were included in a multivariate linear regression model to select the best predictors ( p < 0.05) for faster decline of residual GFR. ⋄ Results All patients commencing PD during the study period were followed for 39.4 ± 24.0 months (median: 35.5 months). The average annual rate of decline of residual GFR was 1.377 ± 1.47 mL/min/m2. On multivariate analysis, presence of diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.001), higher baseline residual GFR ( p < 0.001), hypotensive events ( p = 0.001), use of diuretics ( p = 0.002), and episodes of peritonitis ( p = 0.043) independently predicted faster decline of residual GFR. Male sex, old age, larger body mass index, and presence of coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure were also risk factors on univariate analysis. ⋄ Conclusions Our results suggested that diabetes mellitus, higher baseline residual GFR, hypotensive events, and use of diuretics are independently associated with faster decline of residual GFR in PD patients in Taiwan.

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