Exploring the causal effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels on the risk of type 1 diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study.

The burden of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is vast and as of 2021, an estimated 8.4 million people were living with the disease worldwide. Predictably, this number could increase to 17.4 million people by 2040. Despite nearly a century of insulin therapy for the management of hyperglycemia in T1D, no therapies exist to treat its underlying etiopathology. Adequate dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) has been reported in observational studies and Randomized Controlled Trials to be associated with reduced risk of developing T1D but results have been inconclusive. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the relationship between ω-3 intake and T1D. We performed a two-sample MR analysis using single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with ω-3 levels in a sample of 114,999 Europeans and their effects on T1D from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of 24,840 European participants. A main MR analysis using the Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was conducted and validated using MR-Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses excluding potentially pleiotropic single nucleotide polymorphisms were also performed. Main MR analysis using the IVW method showed no evidence of a causal relationship between ω-3 levels and T1D risk (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.56-1.51, p = 0.745). MR-Egger and Weighted mode methods showed similar results while Weighted median showed a marginally significant association (OR: 1.15, CI: 1.00-1.32, p = 0.048). Sensitivity analysis revealed heterogeneity in the main analysis MR estimates (IVW Q > 100, p < 0.0001) and no directional pleiotropy (Egger intercept: -0.032, p = 0.261). Our study found limited evidence of a causal association between ω-3 and T1D, with only a marginally significant association observed in one of the four MR methods. This challenges the proposition that ω-3-rich diets are of substantial benefit for the prevention and management of T1D.

Knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders toward HIV prevention among young people in a resource-limited setting: A qualitative study.

Background: Currently, 410,000 new HIV infections among youth occur worldwide, which is a significant public health issue. Members of the clergy can be trustworthy allies in the reduction of HIV infections among the youth. However, little is known regarding their knowledge as well as the perceptions they hold towards HIV prevention among young people. Thus, we explored the knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders regarding HIV prevention among young people (15-24 years) in Lira district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted among 20 religious leaders in March 2021 in Lira district. Religious leaders were sampled purposively and recruited from modern religions (beliefs influenced by Christianity or Islam) in Lira district. Guides for key informant interviews were utilized to gather information. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVivo version 12 software, and the data was then ready for analysis. The main themes were determined using thematic analysis. Results: Although a few individuals had some misconceptions, the majority of participants had good knowledge about the transmission and prevention of HIV. Participants knew awareness creation, abstinence, and faithfulness in marriage as HIV prevention strategies and held positive perceptions. Perceived barriers to HIV prevention involvement were lack of knowledge and training, and inadequate resources whereas motivating factors were; being respected, and trusted, and having easy access to young people. Conclusion: In conclusion, religious leaders show limited HIV prevention knowledge due to religious beliefs, but understand the importance of measures like abstinence. Despite challenges, their involvement is crucial. Addressing knowledge gaps and providing support is vital. Future efforts should emphasize both behavioral measures and interventions like condom use, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

The role of religious leaders on the use of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies among young people (15-24) in Lira district, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Young people (15-24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior such as early sexual activity. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district, Uganda. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. A total 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant's interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants' responses. RESULTS: About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided targeted HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001). Qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention. CONCLUSION: The use of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people.