HEMOGLOBIN STATUS OF FEMALE MEDICOS IN URBAN AREA AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACTObjectives: Estimating the hemoglobin (Hb) status in female medicos through prospective cross-sectional study and assessment of influencing ofcofactors were objectives.Methods: Women medicos who volunteered, consented and met selection criteria were enrolled. Hb level was estimated to diagnose anemia.Relationship with influencing factors was assessed statistically.Result: A total of 100 eligible students were enrolled. Mean age±standard deviation (SD) age of the participants’ was 20.9±3.1 years (17-25 years).Mean±SD Hb was 12.25±1.0189 g% (9.0-16.0 g%). 33 were anemic, and mild anemia (32%) was frequent. There was a history of worm infestation inthree students (3%), who were treated adequately. Nine were on iron supplements of which five were still anemic and were continuing the treatmentby the end of the study. 28 (84.84%) anemic students were not on any iron or hematinic treatment. There was no association between the anemiaand nature of diet, consumption of green leafy vegetables, consumption of coffee/tea after food, smoking/tobacco or alcohol consumption, mother’seducation, socioeconomic status, menstrual factors, and physical exercise. The prevalence of anemia was found to be higher in underweight andoverweight students in comparison to students with normal body mass index.Asymptomatic participants (n=78) outnumbered symptomatic ones(n=22), but without any statistical significance. Easy fatigability (14%), pallor (7%), breathlessness (6%), weakness (9%), and easy bruising (1%)were frequent complaints.Conclusion: Anemia is frequent among women medicos, often underdiagnosed, under-reported, many remaining asymptomatic. Negligence ofmedical students toward their anemic status despite the awareness of consequences of low Hb level is a serious cause of concern.Keywords: Awareness, Hemoglobin, Nutritional anemia, Women medical students.

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Infertility and associated factors in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

African Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ahs.v20i4.57 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 1985-95

Author(s):

Thomas Obinchemti Egbe ◽

Charmaine Ngo Mbaki ◽

Nicholas Tendongfor ◽

Elvis Temfack ◽

Eugene Belley-Priso

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽

Toxic Substances ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reproductive Tract Infection ◽

History Of

Aim: We determined the prevalence and factors associated with couple infertility in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 18th 2015 to March 18th 2016 in three public hospitals in Douala. Three hundred and sixty participants were studied prospectively for associated fac- tors using a multivariate logistic regression model and 4732 files were studied retrospectively for the prevalence of infertility. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of couple infertility was 19.2%. In logistic models, the factors which independently increased the risk of couple infertility were a history of reproductive tract infection/STI, a history of uterine fibroids, a history of dys- menorrhea and abortion for the females while for males it was a history of mumps, erectile dysfunction and exposure to chemicals/toxic substances/pesticides. Conclusion: One in every five couples in this study was infertile. Several factors affect the risks associated with couple in- fertility. The identification of these factors could help detect subgroups of couples at high risk of infertility. Reproductive health education, screening programmes for STI’s that may lead to infertility should be offered to couples. Keywords: Couple infertility; prevalence; associated factors; Douala; Cameroon.

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Practice of Eye Checks among Medical Doctors in South-East Nigeria

Advances in Research ◽

10.9734/air/2021/v22i430309 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 38-46

Author(s):

Arinze Anthony Onwuegbuna ◽

Akunne Ijeoma Apakama ◽

Miriam-Benigna Chika Amobi ◽

Emeka Akujuobi Chianakwalam ◽

Chuka Michael Okosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family History ◽

Visual Impairment ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Eye Diseases ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Medical Doctors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

History Of

Visual impairment greatly affects one’s quality of life. The number of persons with visual impairment and blindness in the world is on the increase. Eye screening allows for early detection of sight-threatening diseases and timely intervention could be sight-saving. Aim: To determine the practice of eye checks and identify the factors that affect periodic eye checks among medical doctors in south-east Nigeria. Methodology: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among practicing medical doctors in private and public hospitals in Anambra State Nigeria, using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Information obtained from the participants included the sociodemographics data, type and duration of practice, presence of any medical and/or ocular condition, family history of eye diseases, history of use of spectacles, practice of eye check and interval of eye check, factors affecting the practice of eye check, and ways of promoting regular eye check. Data obtained were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. Statistical significance was set at p˂0.05. Results: One hundred and eighty-seven practicing medical doctors were interviewed. There were 123 (65.8%) males and 64 (34.2%) females. Their ages ranged from 24 to 80 years, with a mean age of 44.81 ± 12.73 years. The mean duration of professional practice was 18.16 ± 11.9 years. Majority, 124 (66.3%) works in government-owned hospitals. Among the study participants, 93(49.7%) doctors had been diagnosed with different ocular diseases; 99(52.9%) had a family history of ocular problems; 94(50.3%) had used prescription lenses; and 51(27.3%) had medical conditions. One hundred and twelve (59.9%) had undergone at least eye examinations once, of which 54(48.2%) had their last eye examination over 5 years ago. The prevalence of eye check was 59.9% (95%CI: 52.9 – 66.9%). Eye checks were significantly associated with medical practice of over 20 years (P=0.030), working in a private practice (P=0.001), having eye diseases such as cataract (P=0.006), refractive error (P˂0.001), presbyopia (P˂0.001), and use of prescription spectacles (P˂0.001). ‘Belief of not having eye problems’ and ‘No time’ which accounted for 58.7% and 24.0% respectively were the commonest reasons for not regularly having eye examinations. Conclusion: Poor attitude to periodic eye examinations was seen in medical doctors in south east Nigeria.

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Factors Associated with Prolonged Institutionalization in Mentally Ill People with and Without a History of Violence and Legal Involvement: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology ◽

10.1177/0306624x211022671 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0306624X2110226

Author(s):

Gustavo Carvalho de Oliveira ◽

Marina Clara Oliveira Fraga ◽

Thayná Pereira da Silva ◽

Hiltanice Medeiros Bezerra ◽

Alexandre Martins Valença

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Federal District ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Criminal Records ◽

Single Male ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Records ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Violence

This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 34 individuals hospitalized for a long period in the Federal District, in Brazil. To evaluate factors related to prolonged institutionalization in mental patients with history of violence and criminal records. Individuals found were assorted into two groups: with and without criminal records. We analyzed 56 items by reviewing medical records and health records. Demographic and social data, history of violence, criminal involvement, medical history, substance use, and other aspects related to long hospitalizations, by reviewing medical and health records. We found a profile of male individuals: single, male, with an average age of 47.6 years, low education, and little professional qualification from correctional facilities or long-term psychiatric clinics and hospitals. Most men had a history of aggressive behavior, a leading psychiatric diagnosis of psychosis, and an issue with polypharmacy. Two factors showed statistical significance and were highly related to longer institutionalizations: polypharmacy and records of hospitalization for violent behavior. Further studies with these populations are needed to increase knowledge on the subject. They can help health care systems to improve and provide broad, humanized and quality assistance with multi-professional teams, aiming to reduce prolonged hospitalizations.

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Lifestyle and nutritional status of late adolescent in an urban area of Western Maharashtra: cross sectional study

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203373 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 3027

Author(s):

Jyoti A. Landge ◽

Gajanan D. Khadkikar

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Late Adolescent ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Green Leafy Vegetables ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is rapidly increasing among adolescent age. One of the reasons is change in lifestyle and behavior practices. Adolescent population and health of adolescents have a special concern. In late adolescence there is transition from school to college or university. This transition to college life often worsens lifestyle and dietary habits among late adolescents. Present study was carried out to assess lifestyle and nutritional status of late adolescent.Methods: A cross sectional study were carried out involving 140 late adolescent students of 17-19 years after obtaining permission from college principle using preformed questionnaire. Subsequently anthropometric measurements like weight in kg and height in meters, waist and hip circumference in centimetre were measured using standard assessment measures.Results: Out of 140 students 51 (36.4%) were boys and 89 (63.6%) were girls. Mean age of the students was 18.13±0.79 years. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 49 (35%) and 29 (20.7%) respectively. No significant difference in BMI for boys and girls. Waist circumference and waist hip ratio was more in girls compared with boys. More than half 53.6% had mixed diet pattern. Among study participants 55.7% have green leafy vegetables in their diet and 62.8% have fruit in their diet. Most frequent unhealthy diet practice was intake of junk food 85% followed by fast food.Conclusions: High prevalence of obesity and overweight in late adolescent indicate an urge to start primordial and primary intervention since childhood.

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Forgone care in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11639-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Habib Jalilian ◽

Somayeh Heydari ◽

Nazanin Mir ◽

Saeedeh Fehresti ◽

Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Type2 Diabetes ◽

History Of

Abstract Background and objective Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease requiring appropriate continuous medical care and delayed, or forgone care may exacerbate the severity of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting forgone care in patients with type2 diabetes. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 1139 patients with type 2 diabetes aged> 18 years in 2019 in Tabriz, Iran. The researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 22 and IBM AMOS 22. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed for dimension reduction of the questionnaire, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) used to verify the result of EFA. We applied the binary logistic regression model to assess the factors affecting forgone care. Results Of the 1139 patients, 510 patients (45%) reported forgone care during the last year. The percentage of forgoing care was higher in patients without supplementary insurance coverage (P = 0.01), those with complications (P = 0.01) and those with a history of hospitalization (P = 0.006). The majority of patients (41.5%) reported that the most important reason for forgoing care is financial barriers resulting from disease treatment costs. Of the main four factors affecting, quality of care had the highest impact on forgone care at 61.28 (of 100), followed by accessibility (37.01 of 100), awareness and attitude towards disease (18.52 of 100) and social support (17.22 of 100). Conclusion The results showed that, despite the implementation of the Islamic Republic of Iran on a fast-track to beating non-communicable diseases (IraPEN), a considerable number of patients with type2 diabetes had a history of forgoing care, and the most important reasons for forgoing care were related to the financial pressure and dissatisfaction with the quality of care. Therefore, not only more financial support programs should be carried out, but the quality of care should be improved.

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Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine in Terms of Their Exposure to the Influenza Vaccine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Leena R. Baghdadi ◽

Shatha G. Alghaihb ◽

Alanoud A. Abuhaimed ◽

Dania M. Alkelabi ◽

Rawan S. Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽

History Of

In 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)) caused a global pandemic. There was an urgent need to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 to reduce its spread and economic burden. The main objective of this study was to understand the attitudes and concerns of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, whether their decision was influenced by their history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, and factors that influence the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We selected and surveyed 356 HCWs via an electronic self-administered questionnaire. A total of 61.16% of HCWs were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and 55.9% of them had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the preceding year (2019–2020). The strongest predictors for taking the COVID-19 vaccine were the HCWs’ belief that the COVID-19 vaccine would be safe, needed even for healthy people, that all HCWs should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that HCWs will have time to take the vaccine. Being female, being middle aged, having <5 years of work experience, having no fear of injections, and being a non-smoker were predictive factors for taking the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. No associations were found between the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and a history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine.

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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and feasibility of TB preventive therapy among Thai prisoners: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11271-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sivaporn Gatechompol ◽

Weerakit Harnpariphan ◽

Ruamthip Supanan ◽

Gompol Suwanpimolkul ◽

Jiratchaya Sophonphan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Preventive Therapy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ltbi Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

Chest X Ray ◽

Latent Tb ◽

Latent Tb Infection

Abstract Background Prisons are considered as major reservoirs for tuberculosis. Preventive therapy for latent TB infection (LTBI) is an adjunctive strategy to control TB. However, LTBI data in Thai prisoners is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok. Participants were screened for active TB by questionnaire and chest X-ray. LTBI was evaluated by Tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFTP) among subgroup. Participants with positive TST or QFTP were considered to have LTBI. Participants with LTBI were offered IPT. Results From August 2018–November 2019, 1002 participants were analyzed. All participants were male with a median age of 38 (IQR 32–50) years. LTBI identified by either TST/QFTP was present in 466 (46.5%) participants. TST was positive in 359 (36%) participants. In the subgroup of 294 participants who had both TST and QFTP results, 181/294 (61.6%) tested positive by QFTP. Agreement between TST and QFTP was 55.1% (Kappa = 0.17). The risk factors associated with LTBI were previous incarceration (aOR 1.53, 95%CI, 1.16–2.01, p = 0.002), history of prior active TB (aOR 3.02, 95%CI, 1.74–5.24, p < 0.001) and duration of incarceration ≥10 years (aOR 1.86, 95%CI, 1.24–2.79, p = 0.003). Majority of LTBI participants (82%) agreed to take IPT. Three hundred and 56 (93%) participants completed treatment whereas 27 (7%) participants discontinued IPT due to the side effects of INH. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of IPT among Thai prisoners. LTBI prevalence in male prisoners in Thailand is high. LTBI screening and treatment should be implemented together with other preventive components.

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Cross-sectional study of preprints and final journal publications from COVID-19 studies: discrepancies in results reporting and spin in interpretation

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051821 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e051821

Author(s):

Lisa Bero ◽

Rosa Lawrence ◽

Louis Leslie ◽

Kellia Chiu ◽

Sally McDonald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Journal Publication ◽

Reporting Practices ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Journal Publications ◽

Study Characteristics ◽

Results Reporting

ObjectiveTo compare results reporting and the presence of spin in COVID-19 study preprints with their finalised journal publications.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingInternational medical literature.ParticipantsPreprints and final journal publications of 67 interventional and observational studies of COVID-19 treatment or prevention from the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register published between 1 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.Main outcome measuresStudy characteristics and discrepancies in (1) results reporting (number of outcomes, outcome descriptor, measure, metric, assessment time point, data reported, reported statistical significance of result, type of statistical analysis, subgroup analyses (if any), whether outcome was identified as primary or secondary) and (2) spin (reporting practices that distort the interpretation of results so they are viewed more favourably).ResultsOf 67 included studies, 23 (34%) had no discrepancies in results reporting between preprints and journal publications. Fifteen (22%) studies had at least one outcome that was included in the journal publication, but not the preprint; eight (12%) had at least one outcome that was reported in the preprint only. For outcomes that were reported in both preprints and journals, common discrepancies were differences in numerical values and statistical significance, additional statistical tests and subgroup analyses and longer follow-up times for outcome assessment in journal publications.At least one instance of spin occurred in both preprints and journals in 23/67 (34%) studies, the preprint only in 5 (7%), and the journal publications only in 2 (3%). Spin was removed between the preprint and journal publication in 5/67 (7%) studies; but added in 1/67 (1%) study.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 preprints and their subsequent journal publications were largely similar in reporting of study characteristics, outcomes and spin. All COVID-19 studies published as preprints and journal publications should be critically evaluated for discrepancies and spin.

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Malaria among migrants in a university hospital in Colombia during 2018: A case series

Tropical Doctor ◽

10.1177/0049475520981301 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 004947552098130

Author(s):

Fabián R Carreño-Almánzar ◽

Adán Coronado-Galán ◽

Sonia A Cala-Gómez ◽

Agustín Vega-Vera

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Previous History ◽

Case Series ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Imported Malaria ◽

University Hospital ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Clinical Profiles

Imported malaria has increased in Colombia since 2015 and has been attributed to migrants coming from Venezuela. We present a series of malaria cases, nested in a retrospective cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018, aimed at calculating the prevalence of medical diseases among immigrants in a University Hospital in Colombia. Among 154 immigrants admitted for medical causes between 2017 and 2018, 8 were diagnosed with malaria, all due to Plasmodium vivax. Of these, seven had uncomplicated malaria, five had a previous history of malaria, one was critically ill, but none died. We highlight that, similar to other case series of imported malaria, Latin American migrants were young, with similar clinical profiles, having a low proportion of severe cases, and P. vivax was the most frequent cause.

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Perceived Loneliness and Severe Sleep Disorders in Adult Women during the Covid-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/21501327211025170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272110251

Author(s):

Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro ◽

Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco ◽

Andrea González-Sequeda

Keyword(s):

Sleep Disorders ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Adult Women ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Social Loneliness

Background: Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances. Objectives: To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed. Results: 1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness. Conclusions: SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.

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