Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Physicians at General Governmental Hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It significantly impacts the quality of life and imposes a financial burden on healthcare systems. Previous studies have shown varying prevalence rates of IBS among different populations. Objective This study aims to determine the prevalence of IBS among physicians working in general governmental hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to analyze the associated demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study of 391 physicians from King Fahad and East Jeddah General Hospitals used an anonymous electronic survey covering demographics, health, lifestyle, and the Birmingham IBS Symptoms Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, with p < 0.05 as significant. Results The prevalence of IBS among the participants was 45% (n=176). Significant associations were found between Birmingham scores and various demographic and lifestyle factors. Younger age groups (25-29 years, 51.4%, n=201) had higher mean ranks (212.98) compared to older age groups, with a p-value of .009. Males (54.5%, n=213) had a significantly higher mean rank (213.37) compared to females (45.5%, n=178; 175.22) (p<.001). Non-smokers (38.1%, n=149) had a significantly higher mean rank (214.27) compared to smokers (61.9%, n=242; 166.33) (p<.001). Physical exercise was associated with a lower prevalence of IBS symptoms, with non-exercisers (39.9%, n=156) having a higher mean rank (207.67) compared to exercisers (60.1%, n=235; 178.42) (p=.012). Additionally, 46.3% (n=181) of participants reported missing work due to IBS symptoms. Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of IBS among physicians in Jeddah, with significant associations between IBS symptoms and various demographic and lifestyle factors. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness, regular screening, and support for physicians suffering from IBS to improve their quality of life and job performance.

Exploring the reasons behind nurses' intentions to leave their hospital or profession: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Multiple factors can fuel nurses' intention to leave their employing hospital or their profession. Job dissatisfaction and burnout are contributors to this decision. Sociodemographic and work context factors can also play a role in explaining nurses' intention to leave. Objective: To investigate the role of sociodemographic and work context factors, including job resources, job demands, job dissatisfaction, depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion, on nurses' intention to leave their hospital or their profession. Design: Multicentre cross-sectional study. Settings: Eight European hospitals, two per each country, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. Participants: From May 16 to September 30, 2022, we collected 1,350 complete responses from nurses working at the selected hospitals (13 % response rate). Methods: The intention to leave was assessed through two 5-Likert scale outcomes, agreeing with the intention to leave the profession and the intention to leave the hospital. Logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: At the multivariable analysis, a higher intention to leave the hospital was observed for: younger age, having served on the frontline against COVID-19, lack of quipment, living in the Netherlands, emotional exhaustion, dissatisfaction with work prospects, and dissatisfaction with the use of professional abilities. There was a higher intention to leave the profession for: younger age, living in the Netherlands, having work-related health problems, depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, low possibilities of professional development, dissatisfaction with work prospects, lack of use of professional abilities, overall ob issatisfaction, and dissatisfaction with salary. Nurses living in Italy expressed the lowest intention to leave. Conclusion: While confirming the role of job dissatisfaction and burnout, we found higher intention to leave for young nurses, nurses with work-related health problems, and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dissatisfaction with work prospects, professional development, and salary also increased the intention to leave. We call for educators, managers, and policymakers to address these factors to retain at-risk nursing categories, implementing strategies to mitigate intentions to leave.

Exploring the Determinants of Tobacco Usage Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Maharashtra.

Introduction The widespread use of tobacco is a major global health threat, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that annually, millions of people die prematurely due to tobacco use, with this number projected to increase significantly in the future. Developing countries, including India, bear a substantial burden of tobacco-related deaths, often beginning during adolescence. This study estimated the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents in the 13-19 years age group, identified the types of tobacco products used, explored the reasons for initiation, and examined the influence of family, peers, and socio-demographic factors on tobacco use. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to June 2024 in a medical college's urban and rural field practice areas in Pune district, Maharashtra. A total of 310 adolescents were surveyed using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi software version 2.3.28. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to assess associations between variables. Results Out of 310 participants, 94 (30.32%, 95% CI: 25.25%-35.77%) reported using tobacco. Among these 94 participants, 82 (87.23%) used smokeless tobacco, 19 (20.21%) used the smoked form of tobacco, and seven (7.45%) used both forms. The mean age of initiation was 15.94 years for smoking and 15.59 years for smokeless tobacco. The data indicate a higher percentage of tobacco use among females (50%) compared to males (24.8%). However, in terms of absolute numbers, more males (60) than females (34) reported using tobacco due to the larger number of males in the study sample. The most common reasons for initiation included curiosity (43.74%) and peer pressure (53.99%). Specifically, 49 individuals (42.6%) aged 13-15 were using tobacco, compared to 23 individuals (30.3%) aged 16-17, and only 22 individuals (18.5%) aged 18-19. Participants from urban areas reported higher tobacco use (48%) compared to those from rural areas (46.7%). Among those from joint families, about 24 (31.6%) reported tobacco use, while in nuclear families, it was slightly lower at about 70 (29.9%). Conclusion Factors such as peer pressure and curiosity played significant roles in the initiation of tobacco use, with more than half of the participants citing peer influence as the primary reason for starting. This study revealed differences in tobacco usage patterns across age groups, with younger participants showing higher usage rates. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as health education and anti-tobacco media campaigns, to reduce tobacco use among adolescents.

Dental plaque caries related microorganism in relation to demographic factors among a group of Iraqi children.

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcusmutans and lactobacilli are most important bacteria in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Cariogenic microflora has been associated to the primary caregiver transmission and sugary diets.

Food insecurity and its association with socio-demographic characteristics in Cyprus.

The prevalence of food insecurity in Cyprus and the socio-demographic factors that are related to this public health problem are unknown. Data used in this cross-sectional study were collected between 1 June 2022 and 21 May 2023 using a self-reported method. Food insecurity was evaluated using the Greek version of Adult Food Security Survey Module. The data regarding socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics along with body weight and height measurements were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A representative sample of n=1255 adults, ≥18 years old living in the five different districts of the Republic of Cyprus, was recruited. Prevalence of food insecurity in Cypriot population was 12.6%. Prevalence was higher in females, in older adults, in adults living in Paphos, in individuals who were separated, divorced, or widowed, in retired people, in people living with children, and in people with low income and education. Based on multivariable analysis, income was the strongest socio-demographic factor independently associated with food security (€ 6,500-€ 19,500: AOR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.86 and >€ 19,500: AOR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.73, 0.31). Food insecurity is a global problem that need further examination. The association between food insecurity and socio-demographic characteristics needs to be highlighted in order for each country to develop specific public health policies (e.g. financial support to low income people) to decrease food insecurity and improve people's overall health and quality of life.

Social and Demographic Health Disparities in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic health disparities are important factors that contribute to outcomes in orthopedic surgery. With the increasing rates of common shoulder surgeries being performed, understanding all factors that contribute to patient outcomes is essential. There are several key socioeconomic and demographic factors, including insurance status, ethnicity, and Race, which have been implicated to impact both access to high-quality shoulder and elbow care and outcomes following shoulder and elbow surgery. In this review article, we seek to highlight the literature pertaining to social and demographic disparities in shoulder and elbow surgery for the purpose of providing policy makers and clinicians key information to optimize the equitable delivery of high-quality medical care to patients of all socioeconomic backgrounds. METHODS: A literature review of PubMed was conducted using several keywords with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 22 articles were included across shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, and elbow arthroplasty. Multiple disparities were identified in the literature across Race, ethnicity, insurance status, and social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS: Our search of the literature demonstrated significant disparities in shoulder and elbow surgeries, showing that racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors adversely affect patient outcomes due to decreased access quality care. To improve equity, recommendations include shifting care to high-volume and outpatient centers and increasing geographical diversity and access to surgical and rehabilitative care.

Demographic and Prognostic Factors of the Columnar Cell Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A National Cancer Database Study.

Objective The columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC-CC) is a rare, malignant tumor of the thyroid gland. This study uses the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to analyze demographic and prognostic factors affecting the overall survival rates of PTC-CC. Methods From 2004 to 2020, 7,079 patients diagnosed with columnar cell papillary thyroid carcinoma were identified in the NCDB. Patient demographics were reviewed based on categories listed in the NCDB participant user file data dictionary. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox hazard regression models were used to analyze the significance of demographic and prognostic factors on overall survival rates of PTC-CC. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated each five-year increment in age was associated with a 30% increase in mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-1.36, P < 0.001). Charlson-Deyo scores displayed similar incremental increases, such that patients with a score ≥ 3 had a 154% increase in mortality risk relative to a score of 0 (HR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.75-3.68, P < 0.001). Black individuals had a 70% increase in mortality compared to White individuals (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.25-2.30, P < 0.001), while all Other races had the highest 10-year survival rate of 92.7%. Females had a significant 37% decrease in mortality compared to males (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.54-0.73, P < 0.001). Patients in the lowest income quartiles were found to have a significant increase in mortality compared to the highest income group (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41-0.71, P < 0.001). Survival rates were negatively correlated with NCDB Analytic Staging increases. Conclusion In general, age, sex, race, education, income, comorbidities, and cancer staging were found to be predictive factors of overall survival rates of PTC-CC. However, insurance status and education levels did not result in significant differences.

Impact of Demographics on Early-Stage vs. Stage IV Diagnosis in Amelanotic Melanoma: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Introduction Amelanotic melanoma (AM) is a rare form of melanoma that lacks pigment. Although curable when diagnosed early, it is often missed or mistaken for other benign conditions. There has not been a study investigating the impact of demographic features on the diagnosis of stage 0-I (early-stage) versus stage IV AM. Objective This study addresses a gap in knowledge regarding demographic factors that influence the odds of early-stage vs. stage IV diagnosis of AM. Methods This study identified 684 patients from the National Cancer Database who were diagnosed with early-stage AM or stage IV AM from 2004 to 2020 and compared them based on age, sex, race, insurance, income, education, insurance status, rurality, facility type, geographic region, and Charleson-Deyo score. Socioeconomic and demographic features of patients with early-stage and stage IV were compared using the chi-squared test, the independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results Most cases analyzed were White (98.5%), male (57.7%), and lived in a metropolitan setting (86.7%). Males made up most of the early-stage and stage IV groups (55.0% vs. 45% and 66.5% vs. 33.5%, respectively, p < 0.05). Younger age is associated with decreased odds of stage IV disease (OR = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.952-0.993, p < 0.05). In addition, the female sex is associated with decreased odds of stage IV disease (OR = 0.584, 95% CI = 0.381-0.897, p < 0.05). Conclusions Age and sex are two variables that influence the odds of stage IV diagnosis in patients with AM, which is strongly associated with worse survival outcomes.

Factors Related to Prevalence of Depression in Türkiye: A Population-Based Study. / Türkiye'de Depresyonun Yayginligi ile Iliskili Faktörler: Nüfusa Dayali Bir Çalisma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the adult population in Türkiye and to examine the relationship of depression with socio-demographic and behavioral variables and chronic diseases. METHOD: This sturdy utilized data from the 2019 Turkey Health Survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Module (PHQ- 8) was employed to assess depressive symptoms in the survey. Based on the analysis using the diagnostic algorithm of the PHQ-8, from a total of 17084 people aged 15+ years old who were, we selected 6.4% individuals with depressive symptoms. Then, we randomly selected 1101 individuals without depressive symptoms, comprising of a total of 2202 individuals as the study sample. We assessed the factors associated with depressive symptoms using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The risk of developing depressive symptoms increased with age. Women were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Education, physical activity, and marital status were negatively correlated with reporting depressive symptoms. Further, social support was a protective factor to report depressive symptoms. The presence of chronic diseases was positively associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results showed that point and annual prevalence of depressive symptoms were high. The findings provide a basis for further studies to explore the factors associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in Türkiye. Our findings could serve as a reference to monitor depression in the country, as well as help in the planning of health resource and identify high risk segments of the population.

Comparative analysis of stress levels among working and non-working Indian women in rural Gujarat.

Stress is derived from the Latin word "stringers" manifests as the body's response to various demands and pressures, affecting individuals' health and well-being. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate stress levels in employed and unemployed women, recognizing the differential stress experiences in various life domains. A quantitative non-experimental comparative research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from 120 women in Visnagar, Gujarat. Results: Non-working women demonstrated lower stress levels compared to working women in pre-test measures. Post-intervention, non-working women experienced a reduction in stress, while working women showed no change. Demographic factors like age, education, and family structure did not significantly influence stress levels, except for monthly income, which correlated with lower stress across both groups. The study underscores significant disparities in stress levels between employed and unemployed women in rural Visnagar. Tailored interventions effectively reduced stress among non-working women but showed limited efficacy for working women. Financial stability emerged as a crucial factor in mitigating stress. Younger working women reported higher stress levels, suggesting the need for targeted interventions addressing career and familial pressures.

Hypertension among persons with type 2 diabetes and its related demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in the Fasa cohort study.

Hypertension is a very common comorbidity in type 2 diabetes patients, which leads to important health and treatment challenges. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients. This study was conducted using cross-sectional data from 1245 participants aged between 35 and 70 years and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at baseline in the Fasa cohort study. The prevalence hypertension was determined and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between various risk factors and hypertension prevalence. The average age of the participants was 53.5 ± 8.7 years and 71.7% (n = 893) were female and 28.3% (n = 352) were male. The prevalence of hypertension in people with type 2 diabetes was 45.5% (n = 566). Higher age (AOR, 95% CI: 8.1, 4.6-14.3), female gender (OR, 95% CI: 1.8, 1.2-2.5), Fars (AOR, 95% CI: 1.6, 1.1-2.4) and Turk (AOR, 95% CI: 1.6, 1.1-2.5) vs. other ethnicity, and overweight (AOR, 95% CI: 1.8, 1.38-2.38) and obesity (AOR, 95% CI: 2.7, 2.0-3.8) vs. BMI < 25 was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, while higher physical activity (AOR, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.42-0.78) was associated with lower prevalence of hypertension in the multivariable model. The prevalence of hypertension in persons with type 2 diabetes was high and increased with greater age, in some ethnic groups, and with higher BMI and low physical activity. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate these associations in this population.

Exploring Maternal Socio-Demographic Factors Shaping Children's Dietary Patterns in Brazil: Results from the 2019 National Health Survey.

This study aimed to identify the dietary patterns of Brazilian children aged 6-23 months and to investigate their association with maternal socio-demographic factors. Data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were used in this cross-sectional study. Mothers of 1616 children aged 6-23 months reported on their children's dietary intake. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and their associations with maternal socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using linear regression models. The first consisted of healthy patterns and the second, unhealthy ones. Linear regression showed that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was higher among children of mothers who were older (ß = 0.02, p = 0.01), had more years of education (ß = 0.49, p = 0.04), reported living with a partner (ß = 0.29, p = 0.01), and resided in an urban area (ß = 0.35, p = 0.01). Conversely, adherence to the unhealthy pattern was positively associated with mothers who declared themselves as black or brown (ß = 0.25, p = 0.03). Our results show that older mothers with higher levels of education and paid work and who live with a partner are more likely to contribute to their children's healthy eating patterns. We conclude that socio-demographic factors may influence the quality of the food offered to children. Nevertheless, advocating for public policies promoting nutritious complementary diets emphasising fresh and minimally processed foods remains crucial for children whose mothers do not possess these favourable socio-demographic characteristics.

Unveiling food safety knowledge and practices among pet owners in Lebanon.

Owning pets offers various potential health benefits; however, it can be associated with gastrointestinal illnesses due to poor food safety knowledge and practices. This study aimed to evaluate the level of food safety knowledge and practices among pet owners in Lebanon, exploring the association between their knowledge/practices and socio-demographic characteristics. The participants included 300 pet owners, representing various genders, ages, educational levels, educational backgrounds, and incomes. They completed a questionnaire of 72 food handling practices and knowledge questions related to preparation, cross-contamination, storage and hygiene. In parallel, 300 non-pet owners with comparable sociodemographic characteristics to pet owners (control group) completed the questionnaire. On average, food safety knowledge scores were 62.1 ± 14.9% and 58.7 ± 15.5% among pet and non-pet owners, respectively, and the difference was significant (p = 0.05). On the other hand, mean food safety practice scores were 41.3 ± 14.8% and 40.4 ± 15.3% among pet and non-pet owners, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.41). In the food safety knowledge part, non-pet owners who were young, high income, university graduate, and from health-related majors scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while among pet-owners, only participants with a university degree and from health-related majors scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, in terms of knowledge. On the other hand, In the food safety practices part, non-pet owners who were young, high income, and university graduates scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while among pet-owners, only young and high-income participants scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher. These results highlight the need for ongoing educational initiatives to improve food safety practices among both pet owners in Lebanon. The study suggests that targeted educational programs should be developed, considering specific socio-demographic characteristics, to enhance overall food safety awareness and practices among the population.

Does Patient's Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Knowledge Predict Optimal Clinical Outcomes?

PURPOSE: Preoperative evaluation and educational training are required before metabolic and bariatric surgery. This study evaluates patient's comprehension prior to the operation and identifies the relationship between certain sociodemographic parameters and surgery outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of patients who completed a preoperative questionnaire and underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2019 and 2021 was performed. The questionnaire evaluated surgery preparation and factors influencing weight loss after surgery. RESULTS: In total, 81 patients completed the preoperative questionnaire. Mean age was 44 ± 11.69 years, 63 females (77%). Mean BMI was 42.85 ± 5.72 kg/m2. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and one anastomosis gastric bypass was performed in 10 (12.3%), 28 (34%), and 43 (53%) patients respectively. Out of the patients, 38 (47%) were Israeli born Jews, 14 (17.3%) were Russian born Jews, and 29 (35.8%) were Israeli born Arabs. Mean follow-up was 30.71 ± 8.66 months. Questionnaire scores average was 67.7 ± 16.15. Based on univariate analysis, younger, single, higher educated, fewer offspring, and Israeli born Jews significantly scored higher in the questionnaire (p = 0.03, 0.05, 0.01, 0.0002, 0.02 respectively). Postoperational weight loss was significantly inferior among older patients, revisional procedures, and patients with lower educational levels (p = 0.02, 0.006, 0.05 respectively). Patients with a higher BMI, and fewer offspring had a significantly higher weight loss postoperatively (p = 0.0001, 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSION: The number of factors can influence optimal weight loss following metabolic and bariatric surgery. Identifying groups with certain characteristics and addressing their weaknesses may improve weight loss outcomes.

Socio-demographic factors and mental health trajectories in Australian children and primary carers: Implications for policy and intervention using latent class analysis.

Children's mental health status (MHS) is frequently influenced by their primary carers (PCs), underscoring the significance of monitoring disparities longitudinally. This research investigated the association between socio-demographic clusters and mental health trajectories among children and their PCs over time. Data from waves 6-9c2 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify four socio-demographic classes among children aged 10-11 years at wave 6. Multinomial logistic regression and predictive marginal analysis explored associations between classes and mental health outcomes. PCs in Class 4 (disadvantaged and separated families with indigenous children) exhibited higher odds of borderline and abnormal MHS compared to Class 1 (prosperous and stable working families) across all waves. However, while MHS of PCs' impacted children consistently, the association with socio-demographic classes was significant only in wave 6. Class 4 children had elevated risks of mental illness compared to Class 1, while Class 3, characterized by educated working mothers, had lower risks. Reducing mental health risks entails addressing socio-economic disparities, supporting stable family structures, and offering tailored interventions like counseling and co-parenting support. Longitudinal monitoring and culturally sensitive approaches are crucial for promoting mental well-being across diverse groups.

Understanding the Perspectives of Hail City Population on the Confidentiality and Privacy of Digital Health and Medical Information.

Background In the era of rapid digital advancement, the confidentiality and privacy of digital health and medical data have become paramount concerns. This study investigates the perspectives of individuals residing in Hail City regarding these critical issues, with a particular emphasis on the influence of demographic factors such as age, gender, and computer proficiency on individuals' discomfort with health professionals using computers and their trust in researchers. Gaining a deeper understanding of these factors is vital for the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing patient comfort and trust in digital health/medical technologies. Methodology This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, involving a survey of 775 individuals aged 18 and above in Hail City. The questionnaire was designed to gather information on participants' demographic characteristics, computer proficiency, experiences with digital health and medical information, and perceptions of health information safety and privacy. To examine the associations and predictive relationships between variables, chi-square tests, correlation analyses, and logistic regression were performed. Results Significant associations were found between gender and discomfort with health professionals using computers (chi-square = 60.29, p < 0.0001), and between age and trust in researchers regarding the privacy of medical information (chi-square = 50.14, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were observed between computer proficiency and perception of health information safety (r = 0.12, p = 0.0002), while a negative correlation was found between computer ownership and avoidance of medical tests due to privacy concerns (r = -0.08, p = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, and computer proficiency as significant predictors of discomfort with health professionals using computers. The findings highlight the crucial role that demographic factors play in shaping attitudes toward the privacy and security of digital health and medical information. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the crucial role that demographic factors play in shaping attitudes toward the privacy and security of digital health and medical information. Gender and age were found to significantly influence individuals' levels of discomfort and trust, while computer proficiency was shown to enhance perceptions of safety. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend implementing targeted interventions, such as gender-sensitive training programs and initiatives, to enhance digital literacy and improve patient comfort and trust in digital health technologies.

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.

Evolution of Esophageal Cancer Incidence Patterns in Hong Kong, 1992-2021: An Age-Period-Cohort and Decomposition Analysis.

Objective: To elucidate the historical trends, underlying causes and future projections of esophageal cancer incidence in Hong Kong. Methods: Utilizing the Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model, we analyzed data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry (1992-2021) and United Nations World Population Prospects 2022 Revision. Age-standardized incidence rates were computed, and APC models evaluated age, period, and cohort effects. Bayesian APC modeling, coupled with decomposition analysis, projected future trends and identified factors influencing incidence. Results: Between 1992 and 2021, both crude and age-standardized incidence rates of esophageal cancer witnessed significant declines. Net drifts exhibited pronounced downward trends for both sexes, with local drift diminishing across all age groups. Period and cohort rate ratios displayed a consistent monotonic decline for both sexes. Projections indicate a continued decline in esophageal cancer incidence. Population decomposition analysis revealed that epidemiological changes offset the increase in esophageal cancer cases due to population growth and aging. Conclusion: The declining trend of esophageal cancer in Hong Kong is influenced by a combination of age, period, and cohort. Sustaining and enhancing these positive trends requires continuous efforts in public health interventions.

Unraveling the dynamics of loneliness and cognition in late life: a cross-lagged panel model.

Introduction: Loneliness and cognitive decline are pressing concerns among older adults, yet little research has explored cognition as a predictor of loneliness. This study investigates the dynamic relationship between loneliness and cognitive function in older adults using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM). Methods: Data were drawn from Waves 9-14 of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), encompassing 8,473 individuals aged 65 years and older. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and cognitive function was measured using immediate and delayed word recall and serial 7s from the HRS RAND file. Age, gender, education, marital status, self-health report, and depression were included as covariates. Using Mplus, we computed RI-CLPMs. The first three models were conducted on loneliness and cognitive functions. Then unconditional RI-CLPMs with no exogenous predictors were computed. Results: Three conditional model results showed that age, gender, marital status, self-health report, and depression were significantly associated with loneliness in the first wave, but only age and self-health report were significantly associated with immediate and delayed word recall at the first wave, not with serial 7s. For carry-over effects, loneliness showed significant positive associations across consecutive waves, but cognitive functions showed significant positive associations just in the last two waves. Some spill-over effects were found between loneliness and cognitive functions. For within-person effects, although initially non-significant, a negative association between loneliness and immediate and delayed word recall emerged in later waves (11-12 and 13-14). The conditional models indicated that older age, not being married, male gender, low self-reported health, and high depression levels were positively associated with loneliness. However, only older age and lower self-reported health were positively linked to cognitive functions. Discussion: This study underscores the link between loneliness and cognitive function decline in older adults, emphasizing the need to address loneliness to potentially reduce cognitive decline. Insights into demographic predictors of loneliness and cognitive function could inform targeted interventions for promoting successful aging.

Eating Behaviors during Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders are complex illnesses with serious long-term consequences. They are linked to negative outcomes such as miscarriage, low birth weight, and other obstetric and postpartum difficulties. Our study in Muscat, Oman, examines the eating habits of pregnant women who consult primary care physicians. In this study, our aim is to identify key sociodemographic factors linked with eating disorders in Oman. METHOD: We used the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire to assess the potential for the presence of eating disorders. Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests were used to analyze relationships between improper eating behavior and independent variables. RESULTS: The study showed that 1.6% of participants had a potential diagnosis of an eating disorder, with the most common inappropriate behavior being binge eating at a prevalence of 18.8%. A pre-gestational low Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with a higher prevalence of binge eating during pregnancy. Additionally, we found that pregnant women who were working were more prone to self-induced vomiting. High BMI before pregnancy was significantly associated with various inappropriate eating behaviors, such as restraint behavior (p = 0.000), shape concern (p = 0.000), weight concern (p = 0.040), eating (p = 0.045), laxative use (p = 0.020), and excessive exercise (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The study reveals a high prevalence of eating disorders in pregnancy. Less educated women exhibit higher laxative use, while working women show more instances of binge eating and self-induced vomiting. These findings emphasize the critical need to prioritize targeted interventions and support for vulnerable pregnant women.