scholarly journals Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Young Children Born to HIV-Infected Mothers: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S. McHenry ◽  
Eren Oyungu ◽  
Ziyi Yang ◽  
Ananda R. Ombitsa ◽  
Cleophas Cherop ◽  
...  

Introduction: Over 15 million children who were exposed to HIV perinatally but uninfected (HEU) are alive globally, and they are faced with multiple risk factors for poor neurodevelopment. While children who are HIV-infected (HIV+) appear to have worse neurodevelopmental scores compared to children unexposed and uninfected with HIV (HUU), the evidence is mixed in children who are HEU. This small descriptive pilot study aimed to compare neurodevelopmental scores of children who are HIV+, HEU, and HUU in Kenya.Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study included children ages 18–36 months who were HIV+, HEU, or HUU. Neurodevelopment was assessed, along with sociodemographic, lab, and growth data. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-squared, and adjusted linear regression models.Results: One hundred seventy two were included (n = 24 HIV+; n = 74 HEU; n = 74 HUU). Mothers of children who were HEU experienced more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). The only neurodevelopmental differences were found among groups was that children who were HIV+ had higher receptive language scores (p = 0.007). Lower height-for-age z-scores and being left home alone were associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores.Conclusions: Being stunted, left completely alone for at least an hour within the last week, and having higher sociodemographic status were associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores. The higher levels of depressive symptoms within mothers of children who are HEU warrants further investigation.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeca Mozun ◽  
Cristina Ardura-Garcia ◽  
Eva S. L. Pedersen ◽  
Jakob Usemann ◽  
Florian Singer ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundReferences from the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) are widely used to interpret children’s spirometry results. We assessed fit for healthy schoolchildren.MethodsLuftiBus in the school (LUIS) is a population-based cross-sectional study done from 2013-2016 in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Parents and children aged 6-17 years answered questionnaires about respiratory symptoms and lifestyle. Children underwent spirometry in a mobile lung function lab. We calculated GLI-based z-scores for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75 for healthy White participants. We defined appropriate fit to GLI references by mean values ±0.5 z-scores. We assessed if fit varied by age, body mass index, height, and sex using linear regression models.ResultsWe analysed data from 2036 children with valid FEV1 measurements of which 1762 also had valid FVC measurements. The median age was 12.2 years. Fit was appropriate for children aged 6-11 years for all indices. In adolescents aged 12-17 years, fit was appropriate for FEV1/FVC (mean: -0.09; SD: 1.02) z-scores, but not for FEV1 (mean: -0.62; SD: 0.98), FVC (mean: -0.60; SD: 0.98), and FEF25-75 (mean: -0.54; SD: 1.02). FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75 z-scores fitted better in children considered overweight (means: -0.25, -0.13, -0.38) than normal weight (means: -0.55, -0.50, -0.55; p-trend: <0.001, 0.014, <0.001). FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75 z-scores depended on both age and height (p interaction: 0.034, 0.019, <0.01).ConclusionGLI-based FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75 z-scores do not fit White Swiss adolescents well. This should be considered when using reference equations for clinical decision making, research and international comparison.Take home messageOur study suggests GLI-based FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75 z-scores over detect abnormal lung function in Swiss adolescents, and more so among slimmer adolescents, which has important implications for clinical care, research, and international comparisons.


Author(s):  
Molly Green ◽  
Elizabeth King ◽  
Florian Fischer

Abstract Syrian refugees in Germany number around 700,000 and they are managing acculturation and mental health issues. In May–July 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 97 Syrian refugees in Germany using measures of acculturation, social support, depressive symptoms and wellbeing. We ran linear-regression models and created an interaction term of two aspects of acculturation, focused on the outcomes of depressive symptoms and wellbeing, along with the possible moderation of social support. Affiliation with German culture was positively associated with wellbeing. More acculturation to German culture may promote positive mental health. Higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of wellbeing and higher levels of depressive symptoms; this could reflect reverse causality or more connections with those back home. This study provides insight into acculturation and mental health among a significant refugee population in Germany.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Welsh ◽  
Gayan Kathriachchige ◽  
Tahmeed Raheem ◽  
Anneke C Grobler ◽  
Melissa Wake ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo describe the epidemiology of lung function in Australian children aged 11–12 years and their parents, and explore the degree of intergenerational concordance.DesignCross-sectional study (the Child Health CheckPoint) nested in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC).SettingAssessment centres in seven Australian cities and eight regional towns, February 2015 to March 2016. Families unable to attend a clinic appointment were offered a home visit during the same period.Participants1874 families (53% of all eligible) participated in the study. Lung function data were available for 1759 children aged 11–12 years and 1774 parents (1668 biological pairs).Outcome measuresParticipants completed spirometry with measures including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and mid expiratory flow (MEF), converted to z-scores using Global Lung Initiative equations. Parent–child concordance was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multivariable linear regression models. Survey weights and methods accounted for LSAC’s complex sampling, stratification and clustering within postcodes.ResultsAll lung function measures followed approximately normal distributions. Mean (SD) for FEV1, FVC and MEF z-scores in children were 0.33 (1.07), 0.83 (1.14) and −0.48 (1.09), respectively. Mean (SD) in parents were 0.28 (1.10), 0.85 (1.15) and −0.45 (1.10), respectively. Parent FEV1, FVC and MEF were associated with child lung function with significant positive correlation coefficients (0.22, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.26; 0.24, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.29; and 0.24, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.29, respectively).ConclusionsMean lung volumes were larger but with smaller airway size than international standards for both parents and children in this population sample. Modest associations between parent and child lung function highlight the potential for better identification of ‘at risk’ populations. Therefore, these findings may aid the development of health policy that aims to prevent the onset or limit the progression of lung disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Larysz ◽  
Izabella Uchmanowicz

Background: The nursing profession is predisposed toward depressed mood and depressive symptoms. The multidirectionality and intensity of stressors in the nurses' occupational environment are of great significance in this respect. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected sociodemographic factors on depressive symptoms among cardiac nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 336 cardiac nurses (302 women and 34 men) and was conducted between December 2019 and September 2020 in four hospital cardiac units in Wroclaw, Poland. Sociodemographic data were collected using a self-developed survey. The following standardized instruments were used for the study outcomes: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results: The study among cardiac nurses showed mild depression in 11.61%, moderate depression in 5.06%, and severe depression in 2.68%. Linear regression models showed that significant (p &lt; 0.05) predictors of the PHQ-9 score included (1) higher occupational education (bachelor's degree), graduation “only” from medical high school or “other” education; (2) work experience of 16–20 years; (3) living in a relationship; (4) living in a rural area. Linear regression models showed that significant (p &lt; 0.05) predictors of the BDI score included (1) higher occupational education (bachelor's degree); (2) graduation “only” from medical high school or “other” education; (3) living in a relationship.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are a significant problem among Polish cardiac nurses. The prevalence of depressive symptoms is affected by the education level, employment form, marital status, and place of residence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Velda J. Gonzalez-Mercado ◽  
Jean Lim ◽  
Leorey N. Saligan ◽  
Nicole Perez ◽  
Carmen Rodriguez ◽  
...  

Background. The role of alterations in gut microbiota composition (termed dysbiosis) has been implicated in the pathobiology of depressive symptoms; however, evidence remains limited. This cross-sectional pilot study is aimed at exploring whether depressive symptom scores changed during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat rectal cancer, and if gut microbial taxa abundances and predicted functional pathways correlate with depressive symptoms at the end of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Methods. 40 newly diagnosed rectal cancer patients (ages 28-81; 23 males) were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and provided stool samples for 16S rRNA sequencing. Gut microbiome data were analyzed using QIIME2, and correlations and regression analyses were performed in R. Results. Participants had significantly higher depressive symptoms at the end as compared to before CRT. The relative abundances of Gemella, Bacillales Family XI, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Weissella, and Leuconostocaceae were positively correlated (Spearman’s rho = 0.42 to 0.32), while Coprobacter, Intestinibacter, Intestimonas, Lachnospiraceae, Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminiclostridium, Ruminococcaceae (UCG-005 and uncultured), Tyzzerella, and Parasutterella (Spearman’s rho = − 0.43   to − 0.31 ) were negatively correlated with HAM-D scores. Of the 14 predicted MetaCyc pathways that correlated with depressive symptom scores at the end of CRT, 11 (79%) were associated with biosynthetic pathways. Conclusions. Significant bacterial taxa and predicted functional pathways correlated with depressive symptoms at the end of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rectal cancer which warrants further examination and replication of our findings.


Author(s):  
Latefa A. Dardas ◽  
Susan Silva ◽  
Devon Noonan ◽  
Leigh Ann Simmons

Abstract The Arab region has the largest proportion of young people in the world and many of the factors that contribute to the onset of depression. Yet, very little is known about the current situation of depression and its associated stigma in this region. The purpose of this pilot study was to obtain preliminary data examining clinically significant depressive symptoms, depression stigma, and attitudes towards seeking professional help for depression among a sample of Arab adolescents from Jordan. Cross-sectional data were collected from 88 adolescents attending public schools in Jordan using self-report questionnaires that were available in, or translated into, Arabic. Among the 88 adolescents, 22% reported scores suggesting mild depression and 19% reported scores suggesting moderate depression, while 24% reported scores suggesting severe depression. The most frequently reported depressive symptoms were changes in sleep patterns (76%), changes in appetite (63%), agitation (62%), and crying (61%). The majority (73%) had moderate depression stigma, and 43% had negative attitudes towards seeking professional help. Yet, 67% believed they would find relief in psychotherapy if they ever had a serious emotional crisis. Findings suggest that the prevalence of depressive symptoms may be high among Jordanian adolescents. Further, many of these adolescents may experience depression-related stigma that affects their attitudes and willingness to seek professional help. To determine the true scope of these issues, including the prevalence of depression among Jordanian adolescents, future research should obtain data from a nationally representative sample.


Author(s):  
Afifa Anjum ◽  
Sahadat Hossain ◽  
Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Md Elias Uddin ◽  
Dewan Abdur Rahim

Abstract Background Adolescent depression is an alarming issue for Bangladesh since a large number of Bangladeshi adolescents suffer from depression but cannot get proper treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and factors associated with this psychological health hazard among urban and semi-urban adolescents of the Dhaka region in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study was performed among 311 adolescents, grades 8–10, in Dhaka city and Savar Upazila, adjacent to the city, in 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of items on sociodemographics, lifestyle information, screen-based sedentary behaviour (SBSB) and mental health. Results A total of 36.6% of the adolescents reported depressive symptoms, with a greater prevalence among females (42.9%) than males (25.7%). Sociodemographic factors including being female, residence and grade in school were significantly associated with depression. Logistic regression analysis showed that SBSBs, such as the use of social media (odds ratio [OR] 2.06 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.27–3.35]), high screen time (>120 min/day; OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.30–4.25]) and sleep disturbance (OR 3.93 [95% CI 2.37–6.50]) were significantly linked with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Depressive symptoms are prevalent among urban and semi-urban adolescents of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Therefore, urgent initiatives should be taken to curb the spread of depression among Bangladeshi adolescents.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Lúcia Damásio Moutinho ◽  
◽  
Natalia de Castro Pecci Maddalena ◽  
Ronald Kleinsorge Roland ◽  
Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti ◽  
...  

Summary Objective: To compare the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress in medical students from all semesters of a Brazilian medical school and assess their respective associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study of students from the twelve semesters of a Brazilian medical school was carried out. Students filled out a questionnaire including sociodemographics, religiosity (DUREL - Duke Religion Index), and mental health (DASS-21 - Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale). The students were compared for mental health variables (Chi-squared/ANOVA). Linear regression models were employed to assess factors associated with DASS-21 scores. Results: 761 (75.4%) students answered the questionnaire; 34.6% reported depressive symptomatology, 37.2% showed anxiety symptoms, and 47.1% stress symptoms. Significant differences were found for: anxiety - ANOVA: [F = 2.536, p=0.004] between first and tenth (p=0.048) and first and eleventh (p=0.025) semesters; depression - ANOVA: [F = 2.410, p=0.006] between first and second semesters (p=0.045); and stress - ANOVA: [F = 2.968, p=0.001] between seventh and twelfth (p=0.044), tenth and twelfth (p=0.011), and eleventh and twelfth (p=0.001) semesters. The following factors were associated with (a) stress: female gender, anxiety, and depression; (b) depression: female gender, intrinsic religiosity, anxiety, and stress; and (c) anxiety: course semester, depression, and stress. Conclusion: Our findings revealed high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in medical students, with marked differences among course semesters. Gender and religiosity appeared to influence the mental health of the medical students.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (17) ◽  
pp. 3062-3069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Pabayo ◽  
Joice Dias ◽  
David Hemenway ◽  
Beth E Molnar

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between sweetened beverage consumption and depressive symptoms among adolescents.DesignIn a cross-sectional study, adolescents were asked how often they drank soda and fruit drinks in the past 7 d. Depressive symptoms were measured using a brief adapted version of the Modified Depression Scale. Summation scores were standardized using the Z-transformation. We used multilevel multiple linear regression models to estimate the association between soda and fruit drink consumption and depressive symptoms.SettingThe 2008 Boston Youth Survey.SubjectsAdolescents (n 1878), high-school students in grades 9–12 of Boston public schools, Massachusetts, USA.ResultsCompared with those who never drank soda in the past 7 d, those who consumed soda 2–6 times/week (β=0·18; 95 % CI 0·04, 0·32) or ≥1 times/d (β=0·29; 95 % CI 0·13, 0·45) had higher depressive symptoms. Similarly, those who consumed fruit drinks 2–6 times/week (β=0·14; 95 % CI 0·00, 0·28) and those who consumed ≥1 times/d (β=0·22; 95 % CI 0·04, 0·40) had higher depressive symptoms.ConclusionsFrequent consumption of both soda and fruit drinks is associated with greater depressive symptoms among adolescents.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 431-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
GY Minuk ◽  
R Greenberg ◽  
J Uhanova ◽  
K Hawkins ◽  
WD Leslie

BACKGROUND: Unconjugated bilirubin inhibits osteoblastic proliferative activity in vitro, raising the possibility that Gilbert’s syndrome (GS) patients are at increased risk of osteoporosis.OBJECTIVES: To compare bone mineral density (BMD), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-telopeptide (CTX) and osteocalcin levels in GS subjects versus matched controls in a cross-sectional, case-control study.METHODS: BMD determinations were obtained with central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum PTH, CTX and osteocalcin levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay.RESULTS: A total of 17 GS and 30 control subjects were studied. Overall, there were no significant differences in BMD, PTH, CTX or osteocalcin levels between the two groups. However, when older (older than 40 years of age) and younger (40 years of age and younger) cohorts were considered separately, the older GS cohort had significantly decreased total hip BMD, T scores and Z scores, and femoral neck BMD, T scores and Z scores (P<0.005 for each parameter, respectively) compared with older control subjects. Serum osteocalcin levels were lower in the older versus younger GS cohort (P=0.006). An inverse correlation existed between all subjects’ serum unconjugated bilirubin levels and total body BMD determinations (r=−0.42; P=0.04). On univariate analysis, the association between serum unconjugated bilirubin and total body BMD was not significant (P=0.066), nor was serum unconjugated bilirubin identified as a risk factor for low BMD when entered into multivariate analyses.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present pilot study warrant further research involving larger numbers of subjects and longitudinal measurements to determine whether GS is associated with decreased BMD, particularly in older GS subjects.


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