Psychosocial Correlates of Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents under Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aguascalientes, Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Population Survey

Background: Suicide and suicidal behaviors were already a global public health problem, producing preventable injuries and deaths. This issue may worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic and may differentially affect vulnerable groups in the population, including children, adolescents, and young adults. The current study evaluated the association of affective variables (depression, hopelessness, and anxiety), drug use (alcohol, tobacco, and others), emotional intelligence, and attachment with suicidal behaviors. Methods: A state-wide survey included 8033 students (51% female, 49% male; mean age of 16 years) from science and technology high-schools using a standardized questionnaire that was distributed online. Multinomial logistic regression models tested associations between suicidal behaviors and several covariates. The analyses accommodated the complex structure of the sample. Results: Approximately 21% of all students reported a suicidal behavior (11% with a low-lethality suicide attempt, 6% with self-injuries, and 4% with a high-lethality suicide attempt). Variables associated with higher odds of suicidal behavior included: female sex, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, alcohol and tobacco use, childhood trauma, and having to self-rely as issues affecting attachment, and low self-esteem. Security of attachment was associated with lower odds of suicidal behavior. Conclusions: The complexity of suicidal behavior makes it clear that comprehensive programs need to be implemented.

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Does bullying predict suicidal behaviors among in-school adolescents? A cross-sectional finding from Tanzania as an example of a low-income country

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-019-2402-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Festo K. Shayo ◽

Paul S. Lawala

Keyword(s):

Suicide Attempt ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Low Income ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Suicidal Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Being Bullied

Abstract Background Bullying and suicidal behaviors are a silent public health problem among adolescents. Little is known about the link between bullying and suicidal behaviors in low-income countries such as Tanzania. In the current study, we estimated the prevalence of being bullied and determined its association with suicidal behaviors among in-school adolescents. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of the Tanzania Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in 2014. This was the first nationally representative survey conducted to a sample of 3793 in-school adolescents. The primary independent variable was being bullied, while the outcome variables of interest were suicide ideation and suicide attempt. We used a chi-square χ2 test for group variables comparisons and multivariate logistic regression for statistical associations between independent and outcome variables. In our analysis, a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence intervals. Results The prevalence of being bullied among 3793 surveyed in-school adolescents was 27.0%. In an adjusted multivariate regression model, being bullied was independently associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt: [AOR; 1.9, 95% C.I; 1.5–2.4], and [AOR; 3.6, 95% C.I; 2.9–4.5] respectively, p < 0.001. Conclusions Bullying is prevalent and possibly a potential predictor of suicidal behaviors among in-school adolescents in Tanzania. There is a need for all educational stakeholders: teachers, parents, students, mental health professionals, and policymakers to design a program for mitigating the problem of bullying in schools.

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Prediction of Suicidality According to Serum Folate Levels in Depressive Patients Receiving Stepwise Pharmacotherapy

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.747228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jae-Min Kim ◽

Ha-Yeon Kim ◽

Hee-Joon Lee ◽

Ju-Wan Kim ◽

Hee-Ju Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicide Attempt ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Serum Folate ◽

Suicidal Behaviors ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Replication Studies ◽

Depressive Patients ◽

Previous Suicide Attempt

Background: The effects of serum folate levels on suicidal behavior, strongly associated with depression, have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between serum folate levels and suicidal behavior in patients with depressive disorders.Methods: Serum folate levels were measured at baseline in 1,094 patients with depressive disorder, 884 of whom were followed during a 12-month period of stepwise pharmacotherapy. Suicidal behaviors evaluated at baseline were (i) previous suicide attempt and (ii) baseline suicidal severity; behaviors evaluated at follow-up were (iii) increased suicidal severity and iv) fatal/non-fatal suicide attempt. Associations of serum folate levels with four types of suicidal behaviors were analyzed using logistic regression models after adjustment for relevant covariates; they were also examined using area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analyses.Results: Reduced serum folate levels (<6.0 ng/mL) were independently associated with all four types of suicidal behaviors. AUROC curve analyses indicated that discriminant or prognostic values of reduced serum folate levels were fair for fatal/non-fatal suicide attempt during follow-up, whereas they were modest for previous suicide attempt, baseline suicidal severity, and increased suicidal severity.Conclusions: Serum folate levels could serve as a biomarker of suicidal behavior in depressive patients. However, it should be used as an adjunct rather than a substitute for prediction of suicidal behavior considering its low prognostic values. Further replication studies are needed for its clinical utilization.

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Suicidal Behavior in Four Ethnic Groups in The Hague, 2002–2004

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910.30.2.63 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 63-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Irene Burger ◽

Albert M. van Hemert ◽

Willem J. Schudel ◽

Barend J.C. Middelkoop

Keyword(s):

Suicide Attempt ◽

Ethnic Groups ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Emergency Service ◽

Attempted Suicide ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Specific Rate ◽

Completed Suicide ◽

The Hague ◽

Psychiatric Department

Background: Suicidal behavior is a severe public health problem. Aims: To determine the rates of attempted and completed suicide among ethnic groups in The Hague, The Netherlands (2002–2004). Methods: By analyzing data on attempted and completed suicide (from the psychiatric department of general medical hospitals; the psychiatric emergency service and the municipal coroners). Results: Turkish and Surinamese females aged 15–24 years were at highest risk for attempted suicide (age-specific rate 545 / 100,000 and 421 / 100,000 person-years, respectively). Both rates were significantly higher than in the same age group of Dutch females (246 / 100,000 person-years). Turkish (2%) and Surinamese (7%) had lower repeat suicide-attempt rates than did Dutch (16%) females aged 15–24. Significantly lower suicide-attempt rates were found for Surinamese than for Dutch females aged 35–54 years. Differences were not explained by socioeconomic living conditions. The ratio fatal/nonfatal events was 4.5 times higher in males than in females and varied across age, gender, and ethnicity strata. Completed suicide was rare among migrant females. No completed suicides were observed in the Turkish and Surinamese females aged 15–24 years. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a high risk of attempted suicide and a low risk of completed suicide among young Turkish and Surinamese females.

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Perceived Experiences of Community Violence Among Adolescents: A School Survey From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211005132 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110051

Author(s):

Claudia L. de Moraes ◽

Érika B. dos Santos ◽

Michael E. Reichenheim ◽

Stella R. Taquette ◽

Luciane Stochero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

Community Violence ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Interpersonal Aggression ◽

Adolescent Students ◽

Management Actions

Community violence (CV) is a global public health problem due to its high frequency and severe consequences. Although CV is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, little is known about the everyday CV situations that do not lead to death. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to and involvement in CV situations among adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 693 individuals in their second year of high school selected through stratified multistage random sampling. Information about their exposure to and involvement in CV was collected through a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire in the classrooms. For approximately 30% of the adolescents, someone close to them had been murdered, and 40% had already seen the corpse of a victim of homicide. Seventeen percent reported having been directly involved in CV situations. Approximately 38%, 13%, and 25% had been victims of robberies, interpersonal aggression, and death threats to either themselves or their relatives, respectively. Many of these situations occurred more than once. In general, CV was more frequently reported by boys and by those who did not live with both parents. Adolescents from higher economic classes experienced more interpersonal aggression and felt a greater need to carry a gun. Those who belonged to the lower economic classes and studied in public schools were more exposed to lethal violence than other students. The results call attention to the very high percentage of adolescent students that are involved in CV situations as well as to the differences in violence rates among population subgroups. Such findings should be considered when planning CV prevention and management actions in schools and other socialization spaces for adolescents.

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Food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among adults during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020005005 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽

Karin De Ridder ◽

Sabine Drieskens ◽

Rana Charafeddine ◽

Finaba Berete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Soft Drink ◽

Household Composition ◽

Healthy Diet ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Habits ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Soft Drink Consumption ◽

Snack Consumption

Abstract Objective: To assess food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among Belgian adults during confinement due to COVID-19. Design: Three cross-sectional online health surveys were conducted during March–May 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine associations between self-reported changes in fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet and salted snack consumption or weight as dependent variables and food insecurity indicators as independent variables, adjusted for gender, household composition, educational attainment and household income. Setting: Belgium. Participants: In total, 8640 adults recruited by convenience sampling. Results: About 10·4 % of Belgians often or sometimes feared food shortages, 5·0 % were often or sometimes short of food without money to buy more and 10·3 % often or sometimes could not afford to eat a healthy diet during confinement. These percentages were highest among single-parent families (26·7, 14·4 and 23·4 %, respectively). Adults who often or sometimes feared that food would run out during confinement had significantly higher odds of decreased v. unchanged fruits (3·53; 95 % CI = 2·06, 6·05) and vegetables (5·42; 95 % CI = 2·90, 10·11) consumption and significantly higher odds of increased v. unchanged soft drink consumption (3·79; 95 % CI = 2·20, 6·54). Similar results were found for adults who often or sometimes ran out of food and for adults who often or sometimes were not able to afford a healthy diet. Conclusion: Food insecurity during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium was associated with adverse changes in most dietary behaviours. A strong government response is needed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity to protect public health from ongoing and future pandemics.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Muslim Students, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing ◽

10.1177/00469580211013476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 ◽

pp. 004695802110134

Author(s):

Chutima Rattanawan ◽

Suraiya Cheloh ◽

Asma Maimahad ◽

Malatee Tayeh

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Economic Factor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

School Age ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia is a global public health problem. The prevalence of anemia among different ages, genders or ethnic groups must be clarified in order to solve problems. This study proposed to determine the prevalence and factors related to anemia among the Muslim school-age population in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from 200 school-age subjects. The thalassemia screening was performed with KKU-OF and KKU-DCIP reagents. The prevalence of anemia in this study was 36.5%, divided into males and females, 33.3% and 39.1%, respectively. The means of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in the anemic group were significantly lower. The positive results for KKU-OF or KKU-DCIP or both were 15.0%, 2.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. The result of positive OF test was a significantly independent factor for anemia. The number of family members was 5 to 7 and more than 7 persons are related factors for anemia in this study. In summary, the contribution of thalassemia and socio-economic factor are associated factors to anemia in this population. These findings should be addressed in public health strategies for the control of anemia of school-aged Muslims in the region.

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Adherence to Primary Prevention and Skin Self-Examination Practices by Spanish Melanoma Patients

Dermatology ◽

10.1159/000512887 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Irene Torrecilla-Martínez ◽

Esperanza Manrique-Silva ◽

Victor Traves ◽

Celia Requena ◽

Eduardo Nagore

Keyword(s):

Primary Prevention ◽

Cutaneous Melanoma ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

High Level ◽

Self Examination

Background: The incidence of cutaneous melanoma, an important global public health problem, has been increasing over the last several decades. Objectives: In order to decrease melanoma-related mortality, ways to communicate and implement the correct methods for conducting primary and secondary prevention measures (such as early detection via self-examination) should be investigated. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study consisting of 409 patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma was conducted. An online questionnaire was created to evaluate knowledge levels, attitudes, and adherence to primary preventive measures and to skin self-examination practices. Results: The results revealed that even when 43% of the patients perform cutaneous self-examinations, only half of them fully followed the recommendations. Patients aged <45 years, female, with a I–II phototype, with an intermediate/high level of education, and with a history of NMSC were more likely to have an adequate degree of knowledge. Moreover, patients aged <45 years and with an adequate degree of knowledge more frequently showed an adequate adherence to the primary prevention measures. Finally, patients aged 45–60 years and with an adequate degree of knowledge presented a good adherence to the self-skin examination measures. Limitations: Possible limitations of this study were memory bias through the influence of age within the study population, and bias due to a greater proportion of subjects with a high education level. Conclusion: Within the population of patients with melanoma, a high percentage of patients do not rigorously follow the recommended prevention measures. Our study highlights the need to implement awareness in this population to improve the prevention of cutaneous cancer.

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Synovitis is associated with constant pain in knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study of OMERACT knee ultrasound scores

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.210285 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jrheum.210285

Author(s):

Holly T. Philpott ◽

Trevor B. Birmingham ◽

Ryan Pinto ◽

Codie A. Primeau ◽

Dominique Arsenault ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Constant Pain ◽

Secondary Analyses ◽

Pain Experiences

Objective To examine the association between ultrasound (US)-detected knee inflammation and intermittent and constant pain experiences in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Participants with radiographically early- (KL ≤ 2) and late-stage (KL ≥ 3) disease and frequent symptoms underwent musculoskeletal US measures of inflammation using the OMERACT knee US scoring system. Pain experiences were captured using the Intermittent and Constant OA Pain (ICOAP) tool. We assessed the association between US-synovitis and ICOAP pain experiences using a series of linear, logistic, or multinomial logistic regression models (as appropriate for each variable), while adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and radiographic stage. Secondary analyses were performed similarly by radiographic stage. Results Pain and synovitis measures from 248 patients (453 knees) were included. Worse synovitis was associated with higher ICOAP constant pain scores (β 8.05 [95%CI 0.67, 15.43]), but not intermittent pain scores. Moderate-to-severe synovitis was associated with a 4.73-fold increased relative risk [95%CI 1.06, 8.80] of a constant pain pattern. In secondary analyses, moderate-to-severe synovitis in early radiographic OA was associated with 2.70-higher odds [95%CI 1.04, 7.02] of any constant pain, 3.28-higher odds [95%CI 1.43, 7.52] of any intermittent pain, and with higher intermittent (β 10.47 [95%CI 1.03, 19.91]) and constant (β 12.62 [95%CI 3.02, 22.23]) pain scores. No associations identified for synovitis in those with late radiographic OA. Conclusion In patients with knee OA, moderate-to-severe synovitis is most strongly associated with constant pain. Inflammation may play context-specific roles across pain experiences, especially in earlier radiographic stages of knee OA.

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Knowledge and vaccination status on hepatitis B among the students of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20184561 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (11) ◽

pp. 4715

Author(s):

M. Sabbir Ahmed ◽

M. Wahidur Rahman ◽

Fahmida Fayeza ◽

Tarana Sharmin

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Blood Transfusion ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Causative Factor ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

B Virus

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health problem as well as in Bangladesh. The most common liver disease in Bangladesh is viral hepatitis. Bangladesh is an intermediate endemic zone for hepatitis B virus infection. Research shows that about 10 million people in Bangladesh have been suffering from hepatitis B.Methods: The research was a cross-sectional survey and appropriate statistical formula was used to select 341 respondents randomly. The data were collected through a pre-designed, pre-structured questionnaire, which was distributed among the students. All the data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013.Results: Most of the respondent 95% knew about hepatitis B and about 87% knew that it is a viral infection. About 69% students respond that hepatitis B can increase liver cancer. Among the respondents, 76% supported that hepatitis B can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Most of the students 82% supported blood transfusion as a causative factor and 67% informed that jaundice is the major sign and symptoms of hepatitis B. More than half of the students 53% reported that they were vaccinated for hepatitis B. The major reasons for not taking vaccination were lack of free time and lack of feeling of necessity for vaccination.Conclusions: The overall knowledge and vaccination status on hepatitis B virus was not satisfactory. Different types of seminars and campaigns on hepatitis B, arranged by university will help to increase the student’s level of knowledge on hepatitis B.

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Frequency of Seeing People Walk and Aerobic Physical Activity Among Latino Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2019-0200 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 211-216 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rosenda Murillo ◽

Pooja Agrawal ◽

Sheila Berenji-Jalaei ◽

Elizabeth Vasquez ◽

Sandra Echeverria

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Neighborhood Context ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Latino Men ◽

Behavioral Norms ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

Interview Survey ◽

Racial Ethnic

Background: Little research has examined gender differences in the association of seeing others exercise, in the neighborhood context, with physical activity, particularly for diverse racial/ethnic groups. The authors examined the association between frequency of seeing people walk and aerobic activity by gender among Latinos. Methods: The authors used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey data on Latino participants ≥18 years (n = 5147). Multinomial logistic regression models estimated the association between seeing people walk and level of aerobic physical activity. Results: Men reporting seeing people walk every 2 to 3 days and every day were more likely to meet the aerobic activity recommendation (odds ratio [OR] 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.89 and OR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23–3.14, respectively). Among women, those seeing people walk every day and every 2 to 3 days were likely to engage in some aerobic activity (OR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26–2.80 and OR 2.16; 95% CI, 1.23–3.18, respectively) and meet the recommendation (OR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.24–2.42 and OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.03–2.67, respectively). Women seeing people walk about once a week were also likely to engage in some activity (OR 3.06; 95% CI, 1.59–5.89). Conclusions: Among Latino men and women, seeing people walk is associated with meeting the aerobic activity guideline. Results suggest that adoption of physical activity may in part be driven by neighborhood-level behavioral norms and by inference characteristics of the neighborhood that support walking.

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