Prevalence of presbyopia in a semi-urban population of southwest, Nigeria: a community-based survey.

Uncorrected presbyopia is a major cause of poor near vision in the developing countries. To determine the prevalence and demographic characteristics of presbyopia among adult populations (40 years and above) in a sub-urban population, southwest Nigeria, a population-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select eligible respondents. All participants had distance visual acuity assessment done and participants with visual acuity of less than 6/6 were refracted. Near vision was then assessed at 40 cm with distance correction in place if required. Information on near vision was obtained from the participants using interviewer administered questionnaires. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 22. A total of 440 subjects aged 40 years and above were studied. Prevalence of presbyopia was 75 % and was significantly associated with increasing age. There was higher prevalence of presbyopia among females than males (76.3 % vs. 73.5 %), though not statistically significant. Also prevalence of presbyopia was not significantly associated with educational and occupational status in the study. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of presbyopia. There is need for improved awareness on presbyopia screening and available correction in the local government.

What is driving unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in adult Bangladeshi after one year of vaccine rollout? Analysis of observational data.

Objective: The present study aimed to (1) assess the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine unwillingness and (2) identify the factors associated with vaccine unwillingness. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data of 2633 Bangladeshi adults. Descriptive analysis was performed to compute the prevalence of vaccine unwillingness by the participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compute Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with vaccine unwillingness as a dependent variable and sociodemographic characteristics as predictor variables for vaccine unwillingness. Results: Overall, 27.4% respondents showed unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Regression model suggested that groups with significantly higher odds of vaccine unwillingness were found to be participants aged 18-25 years (AOR= 3.41, CI= 1.71-6.80), Muslim (AOR= 1.81, CI= 1.21-2.71), participants with higher secondary education (AOR= 3.12, CI= 1.73-5.63), unemployed (AOR= 8.79, CI= 5.42-14.26), participants with monthly household income < □ 15000 (AOR= 4.03, CI= 2.51-6.47), residents of a semi-urban setting (AOR= 1.43, CI= 1.01-2.03), participants affiliated with opposition parties (AOR= 2.82, CI= 1.89-4.21), and participants who did not report that they or their family members tested positive for COVID-19 (AOR= 4.32, CI= 3.08-6.07). Conclusion: The study findings suggested that a certain vaccine literacy campaign targeting semi-urban, low-income, and low-educated Bangladeshi is warranted to ensure the widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Bangladesh.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DMT2) in a Semi-Urban Saudi Population.

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common health problem in Saudi Arabia, causing a huge burden for individuals, families, and communities. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus among a semi-urban population of Saudi Arabia. (2) Research methods: The research design was cross-sectional, and the research was conducted in five primary health care centers (PHCC) in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was calculated as 353. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data after obtaining ethical approval. Blood samples were taken to assess glucose levels and other variables. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze data. (3) Results: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 34.6%. The disease was more prevalent among the older respondents compared with the younger age groups (44.6% versus 15.6%). We found that females acquire the disease at a slightly higher rate than males (34.9% versus 34.2%), but this difference is not statistically significant. The sociodemographic risk factors of the disease were as follows: old age (44%), business and private occupation (38.5%), divorced or widowed (56.3%), and low income (42.4%). The health behaviors factors were as follows: overweight or obese status (42.3%), high triglycerides (TG) (43.4%), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (37.3%), and high total cholesterol (23.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in these risk factors between patients with and without diabetes. (4) Conclusion: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among the semi-urban population of Saudi Arabia is high. The disease is more prevalent among elderly respondents and is associated with obesity, high TG, low HDL, and high total cholesterol.

Influence of community satisfaction with individual happiness: comparative study in semi-urban and rural areas of Tikapur, Nepal.

Happiness is a subjective indicator of overall living conditions and quality of life. Recently, community- and national-level investigations connecting happiness and community satisfaction were conducted. This study investigated the effects of community satisfaction on happiness in Nepal. A factor analysis was employed to examine 24 items that are used to measure community satisfaction, and a multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of these factors on happiness. In semi-urban areas, sanitation showed a positive relationship with happiness. In rural areas, edu-medical services were negatively related to happiness, while agriculture was positively related. Gender and perceived health were closely associated with happiness in rural areas. Both happiness and satisfaction are subjective concepts, and are perceived differently depending on the socio-physical environment and personal needs. Sanitation, agriculture (food) and edu-medical services were critical factors that affected happiness; however, the results of this study cannot be generalized to high-income countries.

Intestinal parasitic infestation among children in a semi-urban Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Survey on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infestations in different geographic regions is a prerequisite to obtain an accurate understanding of the burden and cause of intestinal parasitic infestations in a particular area. The aim of the present study was to determine the intestinal parasitic infestation among children in a semi-urban area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 335 stool samples were collected, processed, and microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight (38%) stool samples showed presence of ova/cysts. Multiple parasites were seen in 42 (32.8%) samples. Among the protozoans, Entamoeba histolytica (55.3%) was the most common followed by Giardia lamblia (40.4%). Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana (24.2%) were the most common helminths detected. CONCLUSIONS: In most of the cases, intestinal parasitic infestation spreads due to low standards of personal hygiene, poor sanitation, non-usage of toilets and an illiterate population, thus suggesting regular surveys to help in devising optimum methods of control.