Copy Number Variations of Plasmodium vivax DBP1, EBP/DBP2, and RBP2b in Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative Ethiopians.

Recent evidence challenges the belief that Duffy-negative individuals are resistant to Plasmodium vivax due to lacking Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC). Erythrocyte Binding Protein (EBP/DBP2) has shown moderate binding to Duffy-negative erythrocytes in vitro. Reticulocyte Binding Protein 2b (RBP2b) interactions with Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1) suggest involvement in Duffy-negative infections. Gene copy number variations (CNVs) in PvDBP1, PvEBP/DBP2, and PvRBP2b were investigated in Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative P. vivax-infected individuals from Ethiopia. Among Duffy-positive samples, 34% displayed PvDBP1 duplications (Cambodian-type). In Duffy-negative infections, 30% showed duplications, mostly Cambodian-type. For PvEBP/DBP2 and PvRBP2b, Duffy-positive samples exhibited higher duplication rates (1-8 copies for PvEBP/DBP2, 1-5 copies for PvRBP2b 46% and 43% respectively) compared to Duffy-negatives (20.8% and 26% respectively). The range of CNVs was lower in Duffy-negative infections. Demographic and clinical factors associated with gene multiplications in both Duffy types were explored, enhancing understanding of P. vivax evolution in Duffy-negative Africans.

Socioeconomic Disparities and the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance.

BACKGROUND: The increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections is a significant global health threat, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. The drivers of AMR are complex and potentially impacted by socioeconomic factors. We investigated the relationships between geographic and socioeconomic factors and AMR. METHODS: We collected select patient bacterial culture results from 2015 to 2020 from electronic health records (EHR) of two expansive healthcare systems within the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW) metropolitan area. Among individuals with EHR records who resided in the four most populus counties in DFW, culture data were aggregated. Case counts for each organism studied were standardized per 1,000 persons per area population. Using residential addresses, the cultures were geocoded and linked to socioeconomic index values. Spatial autocorrelation tests identified geographic clusters of high and low AMR organism prevalence and correlations with established socioeconomic indices. RESULTS: We found significant clusters of AMR organisms in areas with high levels of deprivation, as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). We found a significant spatial autocorrelation between ADI and the prevalence of AMR organisms, particularly for AmpC and MRSA with 14% and 13%, respectively, of the variability in prevalence rates being attributable to their relationship with the ADI values of the neighboring locations. CONCLUSIONS: We found that areas with a high ADI are more likely to have higher rates of AMR organisms. Interventions that improve socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unemployment, decreased access to healthcare, crowding, and sanitation in these areas of high prevalence may reduce the spread of AMR.

The impact of overweight and obesity on health outcomes in the United States from 1990 to 2021.

AIM: Elevated body mass index (BMI) presents a significant public health challenge in the United States, contributing to considerable morbidity, mortality and economic burden. This study investigates the health burden of overweight and obesity in the United States from 1990 to 2021, leveraging the Global Burden of Disease data set to analyse trends, disparities and potential determinants of high BMI-related health outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study focused on the United States, analysing trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and deaths attributable to high BMI, defined as a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher for adults. Statistical analyses included estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized DALY rates and age-standardized death rates. Pearson correlation was performed between EAPCs and the socio-demographic index (SDI), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized DALY rates attributable to high BMI increased by 24.9%, whereas the age-standardized death rates increased by 5.2%. Age disparities showed DALYs peaking at 60-64 years for males and 65-69 years for females, with deaths peaking at 65-69 years for males and 90-94 years for females. A strong negative correlation was found between the EAPC in age-standardized DALY and death rates and the SDI. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity significantly impact public health in the United States, especially among older adults and lower socio-demographic regions. Comprehensive public health strategies integrating behavioural, technological and environmental interventions are crucial. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, personalized interventions and policy-driven approaches to address the multifaceted influences on high BMI.

Evaluating the global impact of low physical activity on type 2 diabetes: Insights from the global burden of disease 2019 study.

AIM: We aimed to assess the global implications of low physical activity (LPA) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019. METHODS: The analysis was conducted by examining the age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates over a 30-year period. To assess the trends, we utilized estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). RESULTS: The study revealed a notable increase in the burden of DALYs attributable to T2DM resulting from LPA, with an EAPC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.89). Among the regions examined, Oceania showed the highest burden, whereas Eastern Europe exhibited the lowest burden. Specifically, within the Central Asia region, a considerable increase in T2DM-LPA DALYs was observed, with an EAPC of 3.18 (95% confidence interval 3.01-3.36). The burden associated with T2DM-LPA DALYs was found to be similar between genders and increased across all age groups, peaking in the 80-84 years. Furthermore, there was a clear association between the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the age-standardized DALYs rate. Regions categorized as low-middle and middle SDI experienced a substantial rise in burden. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a substantial increase in the T2DM-LPA DALYs in low-middle and middle SDI regions, as well as among individuals aged 80-84 years. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive global health interventions that promote physical activity, particularly targeting high-risk populations and regions.

Diet quality and its associated factors among adults with overweight and obesity: findings from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The rate of adult severe obesity has been continually rising in the USA. While improving diet quality has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, few studies have explored the differences in diet quality among adults with overweight and obesity by different weight statuses along with socio-demographic factors and physical activity using data from a nationally representative survey in the USA. The main goal of the study is to assess the diet quality of adults with overweight and obesity by examining differences in the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores, using data from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Among 6746 adults with overweight and obesity (aged ≥ 20 years), severe obesity was prevalent (27 %), particularly among females, non-Hispanic Blacks and those with lower education and income. Compared to adults with overweight, adults with severe obesity had lower HEI-2015 total scores as well as component scores for total fruits, whole fruits, greens and beans, refined grains, sodium and saturated fats. Among adults with overweight and obesity, non-Hispanic Blacks had lower diet quality than non-Hispanic Asians; females had better diet quality than males; older adults had better diet quality than younger adults; adults with a college degree and above had better diet quality than those with less than a high school degree. Socio-demographic differences in diet quality and weight status should be considered in future obesity interventions to reduce adult severe obesity in the USA.

Trends in deaths and disability-adjusted life-years of ischemic heart disease attributable to high body-mass index worldwide, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the global burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) attributable to High body mass index (HBMI) by utilizing data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019. METHODS: This study utilized data from the GBD 2019 to examine the impact of HBMI on deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The analysis focused on age-standardized rates and considered a 30-year time frame. Trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). RESULTS: Since 1990, a significant global increase in IHD attributable to HBMI has been observed. This increase is particularly notable among elderly males and in regions with low-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), such as Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In 2019, IHD globally resulted in 1,662,339 deaths and 41,369,773 DALYs. Despite the high age-standardized death rate (20.73 per 100,000) and DALY rate (499.41 per 100,000), a declining trend was noted. This trend is reflected by the EAPCs of -0.35 for DALYs and - 0.67 for deaths. Notably, males and middle SDI countries exhibited higher rates of IHD, whereas high SDI regions such as High-income Asia Pacific and Western Europe showed decreasing trends in IHD. CONCLUSION: Over the past three decades, there has been a significant increase in IHD caused by HBMI, especially in low-middle and low SDI regions. This highlights the importance of targeted interventions in addressing this issue. Notably, regions including Central Asia, Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East have been heavily affected.

Self-harm and interpersonal violence due to high temperature from the global burden of disease study 2019: A 30-year assessment.

BACKGROUND: The impact of global warming on health due to climate change is increasingly studied, but the global burden of self-harm and interpersonal violence attributable to high temperature is still limited. This study aimed to systematically assess the burden of self-harm and interpersonal violence attributable to high temperature globally or by region and climate zone from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: We obtained the global, regional, and national deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDR) of self-harm and interpersonal violence due to high temperature from 1990 to 2019 through the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. The burden of self-harm and interpersonal violence due to high temperature was estimated by age, sex, climate zone, the socio-demographic index (SDI), and the healthcare access and quality index (HAQ). Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in ASMR and ASDR were calculated for 1990-2019 using the Joinpoint model. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, the global deaths and DALYs related to self-harm and interpersonal violence due to high temperature increased from 20,002 (95% UI, 9243 to 41,928) and 1,107,216 (95% UI, 512,062 to 2,319,477) to 26,459 (95% UI, 13,574 to 47,265) and 1,382,487 (95% UI, 722,060 to 2,474,441), respectively. However, the ASMR and ASDR showed varying degrees of decreasing trends, with decreases of 13.36% and 12.66%, respectively. The ASMR was high and declining in low and low-middle SDI regions, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In addition, SDI and HAQ index were negatively correlated with ASMR in 204 countries and regions. CONCLUSIONS: The global burden of self-harm and interpersonal violence attributed to high temperature has decreased over the past 30 years, but the number of deaths and DALYs continues to rise. Climate change continues to make heat stress a significant risk factor for self-harm and interpersonal violence worldwide.

Spatiotemporal trends in the burden of aortic aneurysms caused by high sodium intake from 1990 to 2019: A global, regional, and national analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study, drawing on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data, examines spatiotemporal trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) linked to aortic aneurysm (AA) from high sodium intake. The aim is a comprehensive analysis globally, regionally, and nationally spanning 1990 to 2019. METHODS AND RESULTS: Quantifying AA deaths and DALYs due to high sodium intake, incorporating age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR), revealed a global surge. Deaths rose by 86.09 %, DALYs by 74.02 % from 1990 to 2019. EAPC for ASMR and ASDR displayed negative trends (-0.72 and -0.77). High/middle-high Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions bore higher burdens than lower SDI regions. Males consistently had higher burdens across SDI regions, with both genders showing a slight downward trend. Age-wise, AA deaths and DALYs rose with age, followed by decline. A positive correlation existed between SDI and global burden, inversely related to EAPC for ASMR and ASDR. CONCLUSION: AA burden from high sodium intake is pronounced in high SDI regions, necessitating targeted interventions. The global data highlights a significant increase in AA deaths and DALYs due to high sodium intake, urging prompt and effective control measures.

Time living with food insecurity and socio-demographic factors: longitudinal analysis in a city in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Food insecurity (FI) is the lack of daily access for everyone to quality food in sufficient quantity. In many populations, it presents as a chronic and persistent condition. This study analysed the association between the length of time living with FI and socio-demographic conditions in households in a semi-arid municipality in the Brazilian Northeast between 2011 and 2019. DESIGN: This is a population-based cohort study among families in the municipality in Northeast Brazil (2011, 2014 and 2019). FI was estimated through the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA, Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale), and the longitudinal category of time of living with FI was adopted to classify them according to the time they remained in FI during the cohort. The association with the socio-demographic profiles of the population was verified through multinomial logistic regression. SETTING: Households in semi-arid, Northeast of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Household respondents interviewed in 2011, 2014 and 2019 (n 274). RESULTS: Sixty-seven percentage (67 %) of families lived in FI in this period. Rural residence, low monthly per capita income and low schooling of the household reference person increased the chances of these families living longer in FI. These overlapping conditions increased the odds of FI in the household. CONCLUSIONS: Coping with FI requires intersectoral intervention that improves the socio-demographic conditions of the population.

Socio-demographic correlates of ultra-processed food consumption in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) across a range of socio-demographic characteristics of Canadians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The national-level 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition provided data on all foods and drinks consumed on the previous day via a 24-hour dietary recall. All food items were classified according to the type of industrial processing using the NOVA system. Multivariable linear regression models examined associations between a range of socio-demographic characteristics and the mean energy contribution (% of total daily energy intake) from total UPF and UPF subgroups. SETTING: The ten Canadian provinces. PARTICIPANTS: Canadians aged 2 or older (n 20 103). RESULTS: UPF contributed, on average, nearly half (44·9 %) of total daily energy intake of Canadians. Children aged 6-12 and adolescents aged 13-18 consumed over half of total daily energy from UPF (adjusted means of 51·9 % and 50·7 %, respectively). Recent and long-term immigrants consumed a significantly lower share of energy from UPF (adjusted means of 42·2 % and 45·1 %, respectively) compared with non-immigrants (54·4 %), as did the food secure (42·8 %) v. those in moderately (48·1 %) or severely food-insecure households (50·8 %). More modest differences were observed for intake of total UPF and UPF subgroups by sex, education, income adequacy and region of residence. CONCLUSION: Levels of UPF consumption in 2015 in Canada were pervasive in all socio-demographic groups and highest among children and adolescents, non-immigrants and those living in food-insecure households. These findings can inform public health interventions to reduce UPF consumption and promote healthier diets in various socio-demographic groups.

Global, regional, and national quality of care index of cervical and ovarian cancer: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is the most preventable and ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer. However, in the world, there are disparities in health care performances resulting in differences in the burden of these cancers. The objective of this study was to compare the health-system quality of care and inequities for these cancers using the Quality of Care Index (QCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 1990-2019 data of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) was analyzed to extract rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLL), and Years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) of cervical and ovarian cancer. Four indices were developed as a proxy for the quality of care using the above-mentioned rates. Thereafter, a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was applied to construct the Quality of Care Index (QCI) as a summary measure of the developed indices. RESULTS: The incidence of cervical cancer decreased from 1990 to 2019, whereas the incidence of ovarian cancer increased between these years. However, the mortality rate of both cancers decreased in this interval. The global age-standardized QCI for cervical cancer and ovarian cancer were 43.1 and 48.5 in 1990 and increased to 58.5 and 58.4 in 2019, respectively. QCI for cervical cancer and ovarian cancer generally decreased with aging, and different age groups had inequitable QCIs. Higher-income countries generally had higher QCIs for both cancers, but exceptions were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Uncovering disparities in cervical and ovarian cancer care across locations, Socio-Demographic Index levels, and age groups necessitate urgent improvements in healthcare systems for equitable care. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and prompt future research to explore root causes and effective strategies for narrowing these gaps.

Sociodemographic determinants of vaccination and willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccines in Hungary, results of a cross-sectional online questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Several different coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines were authorized and distributed all over the world, including Hungary, but vaccination rates and acceptance of the different vaccines varied through 2021 and subsequent years. In Hungary Western vaccines and the Chinese and Russian vaccines were available in early 2021. Understanding preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for the COVID-19 vaccine could provide information for policy decision making to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the socio-demographic factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccination and to analyse individual preferences for the available COVID-19 vaccines in Hungary. METHODS: A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted between 25-05-2021 and 08-06-2021 exploring the vaccine acceptance and WTP for vaccination in the Hungarian general population. To assess the preferences towards the different vaccines available in Hungary at the time of the study, we used a multi-step WTP task. RESULTS: Altogether 2,000 respondents filled out our survey, with the average age of 49.1 (SD = 15.3), out of whom 370 respondents (18.5%) stated that they already had a COVID-19 infection. Age above 65 years, male gender, higher level of education, higher income and residence in the capital or county seats were associated with a higher probability of vaccination. The average WTP ranged from 14.2 to 30.3 EUR for the different vaccine types. CONCLUSIONS: Males, respondents with higher education and income stated a higher WTP value for all vaccines. Better socioeconomic status increased both vaccination coverage and willingness to pay for vaccines.

Global and regional estimates of tuberculosis burden attributed to high fasting plasma glucose from 1990 to 2019: emphasis on earlier glycemic control.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown subjects suffering from diabetes or persistent hyperglycemia were more likely to develop tuberculosis (TB). However, the global burden of TB attributed to high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the global, regional, and national TB burden attributed to HFPG from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: With Global Burden of Disease study 2019, the numbers and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates (ASDR) of TB attributed to HFPG at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019 were extracted. The locally weighted regression model was applied to estimate the TB burden for different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. RESULTS: Globally, the ASMR and ASDR attributed to HFPG were 2.70 (95% UI, 1.64-3.94) and 79.70 (95% UI, 50.26-112.51) per 100,000 population in 1990, respectively. These rates decreased to 1.46 (95% UI, 0.91-2.08) and 45.53 (95% UI, 29.06-62.29) in 2019. The TB burden attributed to HFPG remained high in low SDI and Central Sub-Saharan Africa regions, while it declined with most significantly in high SDI and East Asia regions. Additionally, the ASMR and ASDR of TB attributed to HFPG were significantly higher in the male and the elderly population. CONCLUSIONS: The global TB burden attributable to HFPG decreased from 1990 to 2019, but remained high in low SDI regions among high-risk populations. Thus, urgent efforts are required to enhance the awareness of early glycemic control and TB treatment to alleviate the severe situation.

The sex difference in self-rated health among older Turkish and Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands: an exploratory study of contributing determinants.

BACKGROUND: Although being a woman and having a migration background are strong predictors of poor self-rated health among (older) adults, research on the sex difference in self-rated health among (older) migrants remains limited. This study therefore aims to investigate this topic and explore the contributing role of determinants of self-rated health. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 360 Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adults aged 55-65 as part of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. Self-rated health (good versus poor) was measured by a single item question. Univariate age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the sex difference in self-rated health and the contribution of sex differences in sensitivity (strength of the association) and/or exposure (prevalence) to socio-demographic, social, lifestyle or health-related determinants of self-rated health. RESULTS: Women had a 0.53 times lower odds (95%CI:0.40-0.82, p = 0.004) on good self-rated health compared to men. Women more often having a lower education level, living alone and having a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, chronic diseases and especially functional limitations contributed to the lower self-rated health among women. In contrast, men were more sensitive to the impact of memory complaints, depressive symptoms, visual difficulties and functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Older Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch women have a significant lower self-rated health compared to men. Women having a higher exposure to both socio-demographic and health-related determinants of self-rated health, which contributed to the sex difference. Future research should take these differences in self-rated health and determinants between women and men into account when investigating health among older migrants.

Socio-demographic and economic factors associated with the consumption of processed foods in South Africa - Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey VII.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with the consumption of processed foods in South Africa. STUDY DESIGN: This is an empirical study where secondary data analysis was performed from the South African Demographic and Health Survey VII. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 10,336 participants (aged ≥15 years) was included in the analysis. Using regression models, we studied the association between socio-demographic and economic predictors and the intake of processed foods. RESULTS: The regression models found that the odds of consumption of any type of processed foods were significantly high in all South African provinces but specifically higher in urban settings, those with any level of education, and young adults. The odds of processed meat consumption were significantly higher among the coloured population, while that of fried food, fast food, and salty snacks was significant in the white population. The odds of consumption increased irrespective of marital status and were higher among males, specifically among those in the poorer and poorest wealth quintiles. CONCLUSION: These findings warrant advocacy and action for healthy food choices in the population. The role of industry, ethnic vulnerability, and gender stereotypes in food preparation are areas that need priority attention.

Global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019: a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of disease study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019, identify the burden of osteoarthritis in different age groups, and assess age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 data, covering 204 countries and territories. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, encompassing 204 countries and territories. Age-standardized DALY rates were calculated, and the age-period-cohort model was employed to examine the age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated to evaluate trends in DALYs. RESULTS: Globally, osteoarthritis DALYs increased by 114.48 % between 1990 and 2019, with an age-standardized DALY rate growth of 3.3 %. The largest relative growth in DALYs occurred in Middle and Low-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions. DALYs increased significantly in almost all age-specific groups, particularly among 45-74 years old age groups. Age, period, and cohort effects analysis revealed a general increase in osteoarthritis DALYs risk over time, with some variations by SDI quintiles and sex. The steepest increase in DALYs occurred in the 30-34 years age group, and the trend attenuated with increasing age. Males showed significantly slower DALYs growth than females in age groups with non-overlapping 95 % confidence intervals. Age effects were consistently higher in females, especially in high-SDI countries. Period and cohort effects generally demonstrated a climbing risk of osteoarthritis DALYs across different SDI quintiles, with more pronounced increases in lower-SDI regions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the substantial and increasing burden of osteoarthritis at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019, with significant variations by age, period, and cohort. These results underscore the importance of developing targeted public health strategies and interventions to address the growing impact of osteoarthritis, particularly in lower-SDI regions and among older populations.

The emotional and social concerns of mothers of children with cleft palate: A cross-sectional study.

PROBLEM: Among birth defects, a cleft palate is one of the most common defects globally, with a prevalence rate of 1 in 700 live-born children per annum. Caring for a child with cleft palate is considered a challenge for mothers who provide around clock care for these children. Despite this, there is limited knowledge of their experiences and needs particularly in low resource settings. BACKGROUND: Previous literature emphasized that mothers of children with cleft palate face many challenges involving emotional distress, social isolation, and financial burden. QUESTION: To investigate the emotional and social concerns of mothers of children with Cleft Palate compared to mothers of children without cleft palate. METHODS: A comparative study design was conducted at the Jordanian Royal Medical Services using convenience sample of 312 mothers of children with and without cleft palate in Jordan. FINDINGS: There was a significant difference in the presence of anxious feelings between mothers of children with cleft palate and those mothers without cleft palate children. Within group comparison for mothers of children with cleft palate has shown a significant difference in their social concerns with regards to social support and child's future. DISCUSSION: Mothers of children with cleft palate reported significantly higher levels of sadness feelings. These emotions could be attributed to several factors, including the financial burden associated with medical treatment and interventions, the burden of caring for a child with special needs, the social stigma related to the child's appearance, the lack of public awareness, and the insufficient social support services. CONCLUSION: Mothers of children with Cleft Palate experience a considerable amount of emotional and social concerns which require urgent interventions.

Exposure to secondary traumatic stress and its related factors among emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia: a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) nurses are exposed to the risk of secondary traumatic stress (STS), which poses a threat not only to nurses' health and psychological well-being but also adversely affects the execution of their professional duties. The quality and outcome of their nursing services are negatively affected by STS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and intensity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among Emergency Department (ED) nurses. It aims to identify and analyze the socio-demographic, occupational, and psychological factors that influence the severity and variation of STS experienced by these nurses. METHODS: The study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, including two phases. Phase 1 employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing a convenience sample of 181 nurses to explore the levels of STS and the factors associated with it. Following this, Phase 2 was structured as a qualitative descriptive study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected group of ten ED nurses. Data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period from January to June 2022. RESULTS: A total of 181 participants were included in the study. The mean STSS score reported by the nurses was 51 (SD = 13.23) out of the maximum possible score of 85, indicating severe STS among ED nurses. Factors associated with an increase in the levels of STS among ED nurses included being female, older in age, married, possessing higher education and experience, having a positive relationship with colleagues, receiving organisational support, and dealing with a higher number of trauma cases. Several themes emerged from the qualitative interviews including: ED Characteristics: Dual Impact on STS, Emotional Resonance and Vulnerability, Personal Life Stressors, The Ability to Cope, and Social Support. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future strategies and interventions targeting STS should be prioritized to effectively manage its impact on ED nurses. It is crucial to develop targeted interventions that address the specific factors contributing to STS, as identified in this study. Additionally, these findings aim to enhance awareness among nursing administrators, managers, and supervisors about the critical factors associated with STS. This awareness is essential for accurately assessing and developing interventions that mitigate STS among nursing staff.

Global, regional, and national burden and trends of migraine among youths and young adults aged 15-39 years from 1990 to 2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021.

BACKGROUND: Migraine, a widespread neurological condition, substantially affects the quality of life, particularly for adolescents and young adults. While its impact is significant, there remains a paucity of comprehensive global research on the burden of migraine in younger demographics. Our study sought to elucidate the global prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with migraine in the 15-39 age group from 1990 to 2021, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. METHODS: Our comprehensive study analyzed migraine data from the GBD 2021 report, examining the prevalence, incidence, and DALYs across 204 countries and territories over a 32-year span. We stratified the information by age, sex, year, geographical region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). To evaluate temporal trends in these metrics, we employed the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) calculation. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2021, the worldwide prevalence of migraine among 15-39 year-olds increased substantially. By 2021, an estimated 593.8 million cases were reported, representing a 39.52% rise from 425.6 million cases in 1990. Global trends showed increases in age-standardized prevalence rate, incidence rate, and DALY rate for migraine during this period. The EAPC were positive for all three metrics: 0.09 for ASPR, 0.03 for ASIR, and 0.09 for DALY rate. Regions with medium SDI reported the highest absolute numbers of prevalent cases, incident cases, and DALYs in 2021. However, high SDI regions demonstrated the most elevated rates overall. Across the globe, migraine prevalence peaked in the 35-39 age group. Notably, female rates consistently exceeded male rates across all age categories. CONCLUSION: The global impact of migraine on youths and young adults has grown considerably from 1990 to 2021, revealing notable variations across SDI regions, countries, age groups, and sexes. This escalating burden necessitates targeted interventions and public health initiatives, especially in areas and populations disproportionately affected by migraine.

Socio-demographic Predictors of Hospitalization Duration Among Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex psychopathology associated with high service utilization rates. In turn, the hospitalization of BPD patients is a controversial challenge for mental health professionals. Prior literature has identified certain socio-demographic factors as linked to an increased risk of BPD. In this study, we examined the possible connection between these socio-demographic factors and hospitalization duration. We analyzed 1077 hospitalization records of 200 BPD-diagnosed patients. Patients' gender, age, education level, employment and marital statuses, and living arrangement were statistically significantly linked with hospitalization duration. Specifically, female gender, age twenty or below, no high-school diploma (or, to a lesser extent, a diploma with no academic education), unemployment status and/or patients who live with parents are strongly associated with longer hospitalizations compared to male gender, older patients, more educated, married/divorced status and/or those who do not live with their parents. Additionally, the results point to a weak, albeit statistically significant, temporal pattern with more advanced hospitalizations generally aligning with the duration of their preceding ones, while being slightly shorter. In order to prevent potentially unnecessary prolonged and regressive hospitalizations, an estimation of the expected hospitalization duration should be explicitly considered when setting hospitalization goals and plans.