Prevalence of adolescent mental disorders in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam measured by the National Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (NAMHS): a multi-national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are the leading global cause of health burden among adolescents. However, prevalence data for mental disorders among adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries are scarce with often limited generalisability. This study aimed to generate nationally representative prevalence estimates for mental disorders in adolescents in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. METHODS: As part of the National Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (NAMHS), a multinational cross-sectional study, nationally representative household surveys were conducted in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam between March and December, 2021. Adolescents aged 10-17 years and their primary caregiver were interviewed from households selected randomly according to sampling frames specifically designed to elicit nationally representative results. Six mental disorders (social phobia, generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Version 5. Suicidal behaviours and self-harm in the past 12 months were also assessed. Prevalence in the past 12 months and past 4 weeks was calculated for each mental disorder and collectively for any mental disorder (ie, of the six mental disorders assessed). Prevalence of suicidal behaviours (ie, ideation, planning, and attempt) and self-harm in the past 12 months was calculated, along with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) to show the association with prevalence of any mental disorder in the past 12 months. Inverse probability weighting was applied to generate national estimates with corresponding 95% CIs. FINDINGS: Final samples consisted of 5155 households (ie, adolescent and primary caregiver pairs) from Kenya, 5664 households from Indonesia, and 5996 households from Viet Nam. In Kenya, 2416 (46·9%) adolescents were male and 2739 (53·1%) were female; in Indonesia, 2803 (49·5%) adolescents were male and 2861 (50·5%) were female; and in Viet Nam, 3151 (52·5%) were male and 2845 (47·4%) were female. Prevalence of any mental disorder in the past 12 months was 12·1% (95% CI 10·9-13·5) in Kenya, 5·5% (4·3-6·9) in Indonesia, and 3·3% (2·7-4·1) in Viet Nam. Prevalence in the past 4 weeks was 9·4% (8·3-10·6) in Kenya, 4·4% (3·4-5·6) in Indonesia, and 2·7% (2·2-3·3) in Viet Nam. The prevalence of suicidal behaviours in the past 12 months was low in all three countries, with suicide ideation ranging from 1·4% in Indonesia (1·0-2·0) and Viet Nam (1·0-1·9) to 4·6% (3·9-5·3) in Kenya, suicide planning ranging from 0·4% in Indonesia (0·3-0·8) and Viet Nam (0·2-0·6) to 2·4% (1·9-2·9) in Kenya, and suicide attempts ranging from 0·2% in Indonesia (0·1-0·4) and Viet Nam (0·1-0·3) to 1·0% (0·7-1·4) in Kenya. The prevalence of self-harm in the past 12 months was also low in all three countries, ranging from 0·9% (0·6-1·3) in Indonesia to 1·2% (0·9-1·7) in Kenya. However, the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and self-harm in the past 12 months was significantly higher among those with any mental disorder in the past 12 months than those without (eg, aORs for suicidal ideation ranged from 7·1 [3·1-15·9] in Indonesia to 14·7 [7·5-28·6] in Viet Nam). INTERPRETATION: NAMHS provides the first national adolescent mental disorders prevalence estimates for Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. These data can inform mental health and broader health policies in low-income and middle-income countries. FUNDING: The University of Queensland in America (TUQIA) through support from Pivotal Ventures, a Melinda French Gates company.

Livebirth rate after one frozen embryo transfer in ovulatory women starting with natural, modified natural, or artificial endometrial preparation in Viet Nam: an open-label randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Use of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) has increased. However, the best endometrial preparation protocol for FET cycles is unclear. We compared natural and modified natural cycle strategies with an artificial cycle strategy for endometrial preparation before FET. METHODS: In this randomised, open-label study, we recruited ovulatory women aged 18-45 years at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, who were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to natural, modified natural, or artificial cycle endometrial preparation using a computer-generated random list and block randomisation. The trial was not masked due to the nature of the study interventions. In natural cycles, no oestrogen, progesterone, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was used. In modified natural cycles, hCG was used to trigger ovulation. In artificial cycles, oral oestradiol valerate (8 mg/day from day 2-4 of menstruation) and vaginal progesterone (800 mg/day starting when endometrial thickness was ≥7 mm) were used. Embryos were vitrified, and then one or two day-3 embryos or one day-5 embryo were warmed and transferred under ultrasound guidance. If the first FET cycle was cancelled, subsequent cycles were performed with artificial endometrial preparation. The primary endpoint was livebirth after one FET. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04804020. FINDINGS: Between March 22, 2021, and March 14, 2023, 4779 women were screened and 1428 were randomly assigned (476 to each group). 99 first FET cycles were cancelled in each of the natural and modified cycle groups, versus none in the artificial cycle group. The livebirth rate after one FET was 174 (37%) of 476 in the natural cycle strategy group, 159 (33%) of 476 in the modified natural cycle strategy group, and 162 (34%) of 476 in the artificial cycle strategy group (relative risk 1·07 [95% CI 0·87-1·33] for natural vs artificial cycle strategy, and 0·98 [0·79-1·22] for modified natural vs artificial cycle strategy). Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, as the power to detect small differences was low. INTERPRETATION: Although the livebirth rate was similar after natural, modified natural, and artificial cycle endometrial preparation strategies in ovulatory women undergoing FET IVF, no definitive conclusions can be made regarding the comparative safety of the three approaches. FUNDING: None.

The Ability of a 3-Gene Host Signature in Blood to Distinguish Tuberculous Meningitis From Other Brain Infections.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is difficult to diagnose. We investigated whether a 3-gene host response signature in blood can distinguish TBM from other brain infections. METHODS: The expression of 3 genes (dual specificity phosphatase 3 [DUSP3], guanylate-binding protein [GBP5], krupple-like factor 2 [KLF2]) was analyzed by RNA sequencing of archived whole blood from 4 cohorts of Vietnamese adults: 281 with TBM, 279 with pulmonary tuberculosis, 50 with other brain infections, and 30 healthy controls. Tuberculosis scores (combined 3-gene expression) were calculated following published methodology and discriminatory performance compared using area under a receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: GBP5 was upregulated in TBM compared to other brain infections (P < .001), with no difference in DUSP3 and KLF2 expression. The diagnostic performance of GBP5 alone (AUC, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], .67-.81) was slightly better than the 3-gene tuberculosis score (AUC, 0.66; 95% CI, .58-.73) in TBM. Both GBP5 expression and tuberculosis score were higher in participants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; P < .001), with good diagnostic performance of GBP5 alone (AUC, 0.86; 95% CI, .80-.93). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-gene host signature in whole blood has the ability to discriminate TBM from other brain infections, including in individuals with HIV. Validation in large prospective diagnostic study is now required.

Genome-wide association and polygenic risk score estimation of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kinh Vietnamese-A pilot study.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a powerful tool in investigating genetic contribution, which is a crucial factor in the development of complex multifactorial diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare burden in the Western Pacific region; however, there is limited availability of genetic-associated data for type 2 diabetes in Southeast Asia, especially among the Kinh Vietnamese population. This lack of information exacerbates global healthcare disparities. In this study, 997 Kinh Vietnamese individuals (503 with type 2 diabetes and 494 controls) were prospectively recruited and their clinical and paraclinical information was recorded. DNA samples were collected and whole genome genotyping was performed. Standard quality control and genetic imputation using the 1000 Genomes database were executed. A polygenic risk score for type 2 diabetes was generated in different models using East Asian, European, and mix ancestry GWAS summary statistics as training datasets. After quality control and genetic imputation, 107 polymorphisms reached suggestive statistical significance for GWAS (≤5 × 10-6) and rs11079784 was one of the potential markers strongly associated with type 2 diabetes in the studied population. The best polygenic risk score model predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus had AUC = 0.70 (95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.77) based on a mix of ancestral GWAS summary statistics. These data show promising results for genetic association with a polygenic risk score estimation in the Kinh Vietnamese population; the results also highlight the essential role of population diversity in a GWAS of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A study of genetic variants associated with skin traits in the Vietnamese population.

BACKGROUND: Most skin-related traits have been studied in Caucasian genetic backgrounds. A comprehensive study on skin-associated genetic effects on underrepresented populations such as Vietnam is needed to fill the gaps in the field. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop a computational pipeline to predict the effect of genetic factors on skin traits using public data (GWAS catalogs and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the 1000 Genomes Project-1KGP) and in-house Vietnamese data (WGS and genotyping by SNP array). Also, we compared the genetic predispositions of 25 skin-related traits of Vietnamese population to others to acquire population-specific insights regarding skin health. METHODS: Vietnamese cohorts of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 1008 healthy individuals for the reference and 96 genotyping samples (which do not have any skin cutaneous issues) by Infinium Asian Screening Array-24 v1.0 BeadChip were employed to predict skin-associated genetic variants of 25 skin-related and micronutrient requirement traits in population analysis and correlation analysis. Simultaneously, we compared the landscape of cutaneous issues of Vietnamese people with other populations by assessing their genetic profiles. RESULTS: The skin-related genetic profile of Vietnamese cohorts was similar at most to East Asian cohorts (JPT: Fst = 0.036, CHB: Fst = 0.031, CHS: Fst = 0.027, CDX: Fst = 0.025) in the population study. In addition, we identified pairs of skin traits at high risk of frequent co-occurrence (such as skin aging and wrinkles (r = 0.45, p = 1.50e-5) or collagen degradation and moisturizing (r = 0.35, p = 1.1e-3)). CONCLUSION: This is the first investigation in Vietnam to explore genetic variants of facial skin. These findings could improve inadequate skin-related genetic diversity in the currently published database.

Spatial Analysis of Drug-Susceptible and Multidrug-Resistant Cases of Tuberculosis, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2020-2023.

We characterized the spatial distribution of drug-susceptible (DS) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) cases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a major metropolis in southeastern Asia, and explored demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with local TB burden. Hot spots of DS and MDR TB incidence were observed in the central parts of Ho Chi Minh City, and substantial heterogeneity was observed across wards. Positive spatial autocorrelation was observed for both DS TB and MDR TB. Ward-level TB incidence was associated with HIV prevalence and the male proportion of the population. No ward-level demographic and socioeconomic indicators were associated with MDR TB case count relative to total TB case count. Our findings might inform spatially targeted TB control strategies and provide insights for generating hypotheses about the nature of the relationship between DS and MDR TB in Ho Chi Minh City and the wider southeastern region of Asia.

Emerging Enterovirus A71 Subgenogroup B5 Causing Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Vietnam, 2023.

We report on a 2023 outbreak of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease in southern Vietnam caused by an emerging lineage of enterovirus A71 subgenogroup B5. Affected children were significantly older than those reported during previous outbreaks. The virus should be closely monitored to assess its potential for global dispersal.

Detection of Recombinant African Swine Fever Virus Strains of p72 Genotypes I and II in Domestic Pigs, Vietnam, 2023.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II is endemic to Vietnam. We detected recombinant ASFV genotypes I and II (rASFV I/II) strains in domestic pigs from 6 northern provinces in Vietnam. The introduction of rASFV I/II strains could complicate ongoing ASFV control measures in the region.

Novel Variant and Known Mutation in 23S rRNA Gene of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Northern Vietnam, 2023.

During a 2023 outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated community-acquired pneumonia among children in northern Vietnam, we analyzed M. pneumoniae isolated from nasopharyngeal samples. In almost half (6 of 13) of samples tested, we found known A2063G mutations (macrolide resistance) and a novel C2353T variant on the 23S rRNA gene.

Emerging Monkeypox Virus Sublineage C.1 Causing Community Transmission, Vietnam, 2023.

We studied a community cluster of 25 mpox cases in Vietnam caused by emerging monkeypox virus sublineage C.1 and imported into Vietnam through 2 independent events; 1 major cluster carried a novel APOBEC3-like mutation. Three patients died; all had advanced HIV co-infection. Viral evolution and its potential consequences should be closely monitored.

Therapeutic efficacy of pyronaridine-artesunate (Pyramax) in treating Plasmodium vivax malaria in the central highlands of Vietnam.

The emergence and spread of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium vivax have necessitated the assessment of alternative blood schizonticidal drugs. In Vietnam, chloroquine-resistant P. vivax malaria has been reported. In an open-label, single-arm trial, the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pyronaridine-artesunate (Pyramax, PA) was evaluated in Dak Nong province, Vietnam. A 3-day course of PA was administered to adults and children (≥20 kg) infected with P. vivax. Patients also received primaquine (0.25 mg/kg daily for 14 days). PA was well tolerated with transient asymptomatic increases in liver transaminases. The per-protocol proportion of patients with day 42 PCR-unadjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response was 96.0% (95% CI, 84.9%-99.0%, n = 48/50). The median parasite clearance time was 12 h (range, 12-36 h), with a median fever clearance time of 24 h (range, 12-60 h). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as potential genetic markers of reduced drug susceptibility were analyzed in three putative drug resistance markers, Pvcrt-o, Pvmdr1, and PvK12. Insertion at position K10 of the Pvcrt-o gene was found in 74.6% (44/59) of isolates. Pvmdr1 SNPs at Y976F and F1076L were present in 61% (36/59) and 78% (46/59), respectively. Amplification of Pvmdr1 gene (two copies) was found in 5.1% (3/59) of parasite samples. Only 5.1% (3/59) of isolates had mutation 552I of the PvK12 gene. Overall, PA rapidly cleared P. vivax blood asexual stages and was highly efficacious in treating vivax malaria, with no evidence of artemisinin resistance found. PA provides an alternative to chloroquine treatment for vivax malaria in Vietnam. CLINICAL TRIALS: This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12618001429246.

Assessing polygenic risk score models for applications in populations with under-represented genomics data: an example of Vietnam.

Most polygenic risk score (PRS)models have been based on data from populations of European origins (accounting for the majority of the large genomics datasets, e.g. >78% in the UK Biobank and >85% in the GTEx project). Although several large-scale Asian biobanks were initiated (e.g. Japanese, Korean, Han Chinese biobanks), most other Asian countries have little or near-zero genomics data. To implement PRS models for under-represented populations, we explored transfer learning approaches, assuming that information from existing large datasets can compensate for the small sample size that can be feasibly obtained in developing countries, like Vietnam. Here, we benchmark 13 common PRS methods in meta-population strategy (combining individual genotype data from multiple populations) and multi-population strategy (combining summary statistics from multiple populations). Our results highlight the complementarity of different populations and the choice of methods should depend on the target population. Based on these results, we discussed a set of guidelines to help users select the best method for their datasets. We developed a robust and comprehensive software to allow for benchmarking comparisons between methods and proposed a computational framework for improving PRS performance in a dataset with a small sample size. This work is expected to inform the development of genomics applications in under-represented populations. PRSUP framework is available at: https://github.com/BiomedicalMachineLearning/VGP.

Barriers and enablers to people-centred viral hepatitis care in Vietnam and the Philippines: Results of a patient journey mapping study.

In Vietnam and the Philippines, viral hepatitis is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. This study aims to understand the barriers and enablers of people receiving care for hepatitis B and C to support both countries' efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Retrospective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive, quota-based sample of 63 people living with hepatitis B or C in one province of Vietnam and one region of the Philippines. A rapid deductive approach to thematic analysis produced key findings among the three phases of care: (1) pre-awareness and testing, (2) linkage and treatment initiation and (3) ongoing treatment and recovery. The research found that participants followed five typical journeys, from a variety of entry points. Barriers during the pre-awareness and testing phase included limited awareness about hepatitis and its management, stigma and psychological impacts. Enablers included being familiar with the health system and/or patients benefiting from social connections within the health systems. During the linkage and treatment initiation phase, barriers included difficult physical access, complex navigation and inadequate counselling. In this phase, family support emerged as a critical enabler. During the ongoing treatment and recovery phase, the cost of care and socially and culturally informed perceptions of the disease and medication use were both barriers and enablers. Exploring peoples' journeys with hepatitis B and C in Vietnam and the Philippines revealed many similarities despite the different cultural and health system contexts. Insights from this study may help generate a contextualized, people-centred evidence base to inform the design and improvement of primary care services for hepatitis in both research sites.

A simple nomogram to predict dengue shock syndrome: A study of 4522 south east Asian children.

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) substantially worsens the prognosis of children with dengue infection. This study aimed to develop a simple clinical tool to predict the risk of DSS. A cohort of 2221 Thai children with a confirmed dengue infection who were admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 1987 and 2007 was conducted. Another data set from a previous publication comprising 2,301 Vietnamese children with dengue infection was employed to create a pooled data set, which was randomly split into training (n = 3182), testing (n = 697) and validating (n = 643) datasets. Logistic regression was compared to alternative machine learning algorithms to derive the most predictive model for DSS. 4522 children, including 899 DSS cases (758 Thai and 143 Vietnamese children) with a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.4 years, were analyzed. Among the 12 candidate clinical parameters, the Bayesian Model Averaging algorithm retained the most predictive subset of five covariates, including body weight, history of vomiting, liver size, hematocrit levels, and platelet counts. At an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81-0.90) in testing data set, logistic regression outperformed random forest, XGBoost and support vector machine algorithms, with AUC values being 0.82 (0.77-0.88), 0.82 (0.76-0.88), and 0.848 (0.81-0.89), respectively. At its optimal threshold, this model had a sensitivity of 0.71 (0.62-0.80), a specificity of 0.84 (0.81-0.88), and an accuracy of 0.82 (0.78-0.85) on validating data set with consistent performance across subgroup analyses by age and gender. A logistic regression-based nomogram was developed to facilitate the application of this model. This work introduces a simple and robust clinical model for DSS prediction that is well-tailored for children in resource-limited settings.

Phylogeography of horseshoe bat sarbecoviruses in Vietnam and neighbouring countries. Implications for the origins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.

Previous studies on horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus spp.) have described many coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV (SARSCoVr) in China and only a few coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV-2 (SARSCoV2r) in Yunnan (southern China), Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Here, we report the results of several field missions carried out in 2017, 2021 and 2022 across Vietnam during which 1218 horseshoe bats were sampled from 19 locations. Sarbecoviruses were detected in 11% of faecal RNA extracts, with much more positives among Rhinolophus thomasi (46%). We assembled 38 Sarbecovirus genomes, including 32 SARSCoVr, four SARSCoV2r, and two recombinants of SARSCoVr and SARSCoV2r (RecSar), one showing a Spike protein very similar to SARS-CoV-2. We detected a bat co-infected with four coronaviruses, including two sarbecoviruses. Our analyses revealed that Sarbecovirus genomes evolve in Vietnam under strong geographical and host constraints. First, we found evidence for a deep separation between viruses from northern Vietnam and those from central and southern Vietnam. Second, we detected only SARSCoVr in Rhinolophus thomasi, both SARSCoVr and SARSCoV2r in Rhinolophus affinis, and only RecSar in Rhinolophus pusillus captured close to the border with China. Third, the bias in favour of Uracil in synonymous third codon positions of SARSCoVr extracted from R. thomasi showed a negative correlation with latitudes. Our results also provided support for an emergence of SARS-CoV in horseshoe bats from northern Yunnan and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in horseshoe bats from northern Indochina subtropical forests (southern Yunnan, northern Laos and north-western Vietnam).

Hybridization and reticulate evolution in Diphasiastrum (flat-branched clubmosses, Lycopodiaceae) - New data from the island of Taiwan and Vietnam.

In the species groups related to Diphasiastrum multispicatum and D. veitchii, hybridization was investigated in samples from northern and southern Vietnam and the island of Taiwan, including available herbarium specimens from southeast Asia. The accessions were analyzed using flow cytometry (living material only), Sanger sequencing and multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing. We detected two cases of ancient hybridization involving different combinations of parental species; both led via subsequent duplication to tetraploid taxa. A cross D. multispicatum × D. veitchii from Malaysia represents D. wightianum, a tetraploid taxon according to reported DNA content measurements of dried material (genome formulas MM, VV and MMVV, respectively). The second case involves D. veitchii and an unknown diploid parent (genome formula XX). Three hybridogenous taxa (genome formulas VVX, VVXX, VVVX) were discernable by a combination of flow cytometry and molecular data. Taxon I (VVX, three clones found on Taiwan island) is apparently triploid. Taxon II represents another genetically diverse and sexual tetraploid species (VVXX) and can be assigned to D. yueshanense, described from Taiwan island but occurring as well in mainland China and Vietnam. Taxon III is as well most likely tetraploid (VVVX) and represented by at least one, more likely two, clones from Taiwan island. Taxa I and III are presumably asexual and new to science. Two independently inherited nuclear markers recombine only within, not between these hybrids, pointing towards reproductive isolation. We present an evolutionary scheme which explains the origin of the hybrids and the evolution of new and fully sexual species by hybridization and subsequent allopolyploidization in flat-branched clubmosses.

The Relationship of Preterm and Small for Gestational Age with Child Cognition During School-Age Years.

BACKGROUND: Children born preterm and/or small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of poor cognitive outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the cognitive and academic deficits during the school-age years in children born preterm or SGA compared with those in children born term adequate for gestational age (AGA) in rural Vietnam. METHODS: Children born to women in a preconception micronutrient supplementation trial in Vietnam were classified into 3 groups: preterm AGA (n =138), term SGA (n =169), and term AGA (n = 1134). Cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, measuring 4 domains [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), and processing speed index (PSI) scores] and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) at 6-7 and 10-11 y. Academic achievement was assessed with mathematic and language tests. Analysis of variance and multiple regression models were used to analyze differences in cognitive function and academic achievement at 6-7 and 10-11 y by birth phenotypes. RESULTS: Compared with term AGA children, those born SGA had lower cognitive scores at both 6-7 y (VCI, -2.3; PRI, -3.7; PSI -2.1; and FSIQ, -2.9) and 10-11 y (VCI, -3.7; PRI, -3.5; WMI, -2.7; PSI, -1.9; and FSIQ, -3.9). Children born SGA also had poorer academic achievement with lower language (5.3) and mathematic (2.5) scores. Adjustments for maternal factors and home environment attenuated the associations, but the differences in VCI, PRI, FSIQ, and language at 10-11 y remained significant. There were no differences in cognitive function and academic achievement between children born preterm and AGA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the enduring association of birth phenotype on cognitive functioning and academic achievement during the school years, despite adjustments for maternal education and family environment. Further research is needed to implement effective interventions to improve birth outcomes and optimize child health and development in LMICs. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01665378 (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01665378).

Preconception Micronutrient Supplementation Affects Maternal BMI and Body Composition Postpartum: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Although there is growing evidence on the role of preconception nutrition for birth outcomes, limited evidence exists for its effects on maternal health. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact of preconception micronutrient supplementation on maternal BMI (kg/m2) and body composition at 6 to 7 y postpartum (PP). METHODS: We followed females who participated in a randomized controlled trial of preconception supplementation in Vietnam and delivered live offspring (n = 1599). Females received weekly supplements containing either 2800 µg folic acid (FA) only, 60 mg iron and 2800 µg FA (IFA), or multiple micronutrients (MMs) (15 micronutrients including IFA) from baseline until conception followed by daily prenatal IFA supplements until delivery. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and waist-hip circumference were measured at recruitment and at 1, 2, and 6 to 7 y PP. Body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance at 6 to 7 y PP (n = 867). Group comparisons were made using analysis of variance or chi-square tests and general linear models for adjusted models. RESULTS: At 6 to 7 y PP, we found significant differences (P < 0.05) by treatment group for mean percent fat (MM: 29.2%; IFA: 27.6%; FA: 27.8%), absolute fat mass (MM: 15.1 kg; IFA: 14.0 kg; FA: 14.3 kg), and prevalence of underweight based on BMI < 18.5 (MM: 5.8%; IFA: 10.3%; FA: 14.3%). Mean BMI and triceps skinfold thickness were higher in the MM group, but these differences were not statistically significant; the differences in absolute fat mass were also attenuated after controlling for body weight. No differences were observed for fat-free mass, prevalence of overweight (BMI >23), or other anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Preconception MM supplementation was associated with lower prevalence of underweight and higher percent fat when compared with IFA and/or FA only. Preconception micronutrient interventions may have long-term effects on maternal health and merit further examination. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01665378.

Nonadherence to oral cancer chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: prevalence and predictive factors in Vietnam.

PURPOSE: Standard oral cancer chemotherapy (OCT) or targeted therapy (OTT) has expanded the treatment methods for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its principal nonadherence causes a reduction in efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the status of nonadherence and influencing factors among outpatient patients with HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2021, a prospective observational study was conducted on 384 patients with either old or newly diagnosed HCC treated with OTT. Nonadherence to OCT was determined using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, with a score < 6 points. The patients were finished with a six-month follow-up investigation by questionnaires. RESULTS: 54,8% of HCC outpatients were nonadherent to OCT, with a mean Morisky score of 5.19. They dropped out of the treatment mainly because of drug side effects, such as fatigue (72.4%), hand-foot syndrome (42.7%), diarrhea (38.3%), nausea (25%), insomnia (24.7%), abdominal pain (12%), and anxiety about these adverse events (65.9%). Additionally, financial difficulties and low relative copayments were significantly correlated with the noncompliant treatment of patients (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.32-3.98, P = 0.003; OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 0.95-19.93, P = 0.039, respectively). Moreover, inadequate individual information about the clinical course, the art of treatment, and medication usage instructions were suggestive barriers to adherence to treatment (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.08-3.55, P = 0.024; OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.1-3.14, P = 0.02; OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.29-4.26, P = 0.004, respectively). Finally, a low level of trust in doctors was an essential factor in nonadherence (Mean of the Anderson Trust in Physician Scale scores counted 38.12 vs. 43.97, respectively for non-adherence vs. adherence, P = 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a high rate of primary nonadherence to standard oral targeted therapy among HCC outpatient patients because of drug side effects, patient awareness of treatment, and lack of confidence in healthcare providers. Close supervision, proper medication instructions, appropriate dosage reductions, and comprehensive patient counseling might be necessary to control nonadherence.