Analyzing HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Viral Suppression Disparities: Insights From America's HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard (AHEAD) National Database.

Despite advancements in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention, disparities in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and viral suppression persist across different demographics. This study analyzes data from America's HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard (AHEAD) National Database to identify and understand these disparities based on age, gender, and race/ethnicity. In this study, we utilized the AHEAD National Database, which tracks HIV indicators across various demographics, including age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Data from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed to assess trends in PrEP uptake and viral suppression rates. Viral suppression was defined as having less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood. Data analyses were conducted to identify disparities and trends over time. The study has found notable disparities in PrEP uptake and viral suppression. From 2017 to 2022, PrEP prescriptions significantly increased from 13.20% to 36% of those eligible, rising from 161,185 to 437,425. During the same period, viral suppression rates among people with HIV rose from 63.10% to 65.10%, with the total number of individuals achieving viral suppression growing from 538,414 to 663,121. Younger individuals and males had higher uptake rates compared to females. Racial and ethnic disparities were also evident, with higher PrEP uptake and viral suppression rates among White and multiracial individuals compared to Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino populations. Viral suppression rates generally improved across all groups but remained lower for marginalized communities. In conclusion, while there has been overall progress in PrEP uptake and viral suppression, significant disparities persist. Targeted interventions are needed to address these gaps, particularly among marginalized racial and ethnic groups and underserved age demographics. Continued monitoring and tailored public health strategies are essential for achieving equitable HIV care and prevention.

The Impact of Infectious Diseases on Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review.

The complex connection between some infectious illnesses and some psychiatric disorders is an important area of study, with infections known to cause a diverse range of psychiatric symptoms. This association poses significant challenges for physicians in differentiating between mental illnesses induced by infections and those stemming from underlying psychiatric conditions. This study systematically synthesizes literature from various databases that explain the relationship between certain infectious diseases and specific psychiatric disorders. The systematic review explores mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, direct central nervous system (CNS) infection, and the interaction between the immune system and psychiatric conditions. The study examines various infectious pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, prion diseases, and fungi. An analysis of these findings is presented in the study's discussion section, along with a review of therapeutic methods such as drug use and psychological treatment. The review emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary teamwork and thorough clinical examinations in managing psychiatric symptoms caused by infections. It also highlights the significant role of public health measures in mitigating the impact of psychiatric diseases related to infectious illnesses. The study finds that current therapeutic methods include pharmacological and psychological treatments, which can effectively manage these conditions. The study has concluded that psychiatric manifestations are prevalent across various infectious diseases, including those caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Key mechanisms identified include neuroinflammation, direct infection of the CNS, and the immuno-psychiatric interface, all of which contribute to the development of psychiatric symptoms. The future of managing these complex conditions lies in a comprehensive approach that combines clinical, therapeutic, and public health strategies.

COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Predictors of Uptake Among Adults With Coronary Heart Disease: Insight From the 2022 National Health Interview Survey.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has become a burden to all nations across the globe, and vaccination currently remains the most effective means of fighting the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. From the time of approval and subsequent distribution of the various COVID-19 vaccines, nearly 72.3% (5.5 billion) of the globe's population have been vaccinated, leaving slightly more than a quarter of the globe's population at risk. With the approval and availability of booster vaccine dosages to individuals with chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease (CHD), it is vital to comprehend the factors underlying the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in such subgroups. Further, the American Heart Association recommends vaccination against COVID-19 in populations with coronary heart disease (CHD). This is because they are more likely to experience severe outcomes due to COVID-19 infection. This study assesses the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as well as predictors of its uptake. METHODS: Using the 2022 survey data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 1,708 adults ≥ 40 years with CHD who responded yes/no to whether they had received the vaccine were identified. A Pearson's chi-square test was used to ascertain differences among those who had received the vaccine and those who had not. A logistic regression (multivariate regression) was used to evaluate predictors of COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: About 1,491/1,708 (86.8%) adults ≥ 40 years reported being vaccinated against COVID-19. Among them, 1,065/1,491 (68.4%) had received more than two vaccination doses. The predictors of COVID-19 vaccination were older age (odds ratio (OR): 2.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40-2.89), p < 0.001), ratio of family income to poverty threshold of 1 and above (OR: 2.40 (95% CI: 1.58-3.64), p < 0.001), having a college degree (OR: 3.09 (95% CI: 1.85-5.14), p < 0.001), and being insured (OR: 3.26 (95% CI: 1.03-10.26), p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The findings of the study have indicated that 68.4% of adults 40 years and above with CHD have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and have received more than two doses of vaccines. More than half have followed recommendations and have received booster doses of the vaccine. Old age (above 40 years) and a higher socioeconomic class are associated with being more likely to follow COVID-19 vaccination guidelines. Despite the higher vaccination rate of 68.4% in the adults with heart diseases group, strategies for improving booster vaccine awareness alongside accessibility are needed to enhance additional dosage uptake, protect them against novel COVID-19 variants, and ensure the development of sustained immunity.

Is YouTube a good resource for patients to better understand kidney cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To assesses the complexity, reliability, and quality of the most popular kidney cancer videos on YouTube. METHODS: We searched YouTube using phrases relevant to kidney cancer and grouped videos based on publishing channel type. Video parameters along with complexity, reliability, and quality scores were recorded. Video complexity was determined using the SMOG index. SMOG scores greater than 6.4 equate to content that is too complex for the general public. Video quality and reliability was scored by 5 reviewers using the Global Quality Scale and a modified DISCERN criteria. All categorical and numerical variables were analyzed via independent t-test and 1-way analysis of variance using SPSS. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one videos were analyzed. The most popular publishing channel types are professional development (n = 65), medical institutions (n = 27), student education (n = 9), and nonprofit organization (n = 4). Professional development videos are significantly more complex than medical institution videos (mean SMOG score of 11.1 vs. 9.4, P = 0.004), and nonprofit organization videos (11.1 vs. 7.8, P = 0.003). Compared to medical institution videos, professional development videos have fewer mean total views (876 views vs. 17,554, P = 0.016), mean views per month (14.92 views vs. 351.7, P = 0.007), and mean comments (1 comment vs. 18, P = 0.038). Both professional development videos and medical institution videos are more reliable than student education videos (mean DISCERN score of 3.9 vs. 2.9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of understandable and reliable kidney cancer videos on YouTube. Moreover, the majority of kidney cancer videos are intended for medical professionals and may be too complex for the general public. The medical community has the opportunity to make an active effort to provide better resources for patients on YouTube.