Perinatal depression and its associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Perinatal depression significantly impacts maternal and child health, with further complexities arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review is the first to comprehensively synthesize evidence on the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated risk factors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) during the pandemic period. METHODS: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022326991). This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guideline for prevalence studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ProQuest. Pooled prevalence estimates were computed for both prenatal and postnatal depression. Identified risk factors were summarized narratively. RESULTS: A total of 5169 studies were screened, out of which 58 were included in the narrative review and 48 [prenatal (n = 36) and postnatal (n = 17)] were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled depression prevalence for prenatal women was 23% (95% CI: 19-27%), and for the postnatal women was 23% (95% CI: 18-30%). Maternal age, education, perceived fear of COVID-19 infection, week of pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and social and family support were identified as associated risk factors for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our review demonstrates an increased prevalence of perinatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. It sheds light on the significant burden faced by pregnant and postnatal women and emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions during the ongoing and potential future crisis.

Examining toilet use and menstrual hygiene practices among beneficiary households of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission) in rural areas of Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Background: Basic sanitation and waste management have always remained a central issue in India. The country launched its flagship sanitation program - Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) (Clean India Mission) in 2014 to abolish open defecation and achieve universal sanitation coverage. Objective: This study aimed to examine barriers to toilet use and women's menstrual hygiene practices in relation to the availability of toilets among rural residents. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and multi-stage sampling method, 120 households were selected from rural villages of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Structured questionnaires and direct observation methods were used for data collection. Results: All the houses had SBA latrines, yet 25% population defecated outside. About 40% households reportedly never cleaned their toilets. Most menstruating women (86.2%) preferred to change their menstrual pads/cloths in their bedroom instead of bathrooms. Incomplete construction was reported as the major reason for not using toilets. Large family size and low caste were found to be other predictors of non-use of toilets. Rural women did not use toilets for menstrual purposes as they do not consider these places as clean and safe. Conclusion: This study clearly suggests that constructing toilets without adequate behaviour change interventions would not solve the problem of hygiene and sanitation in India, particularly in rural areas. There must be adequate monitoring of SBA scheme and utilization of funds for toilet usage. Development and implementation of suitable behaviour change strategies for toilet use in rural areas are essential to achieve the goal of open defaecation-free India.

Effectiveness of herbal oral care products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis: an overview of systematic reviews.

Introduction: Numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews have investigated the effectiveness of both herbal and conventional oral care approaches to reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, their findings vary and are inconsistent. Thus, the objective of this umbrella review is to compile data from systematic reviews and provide an overview of the effects of herbal oral care products on tooth plaque and gingivitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in 6 databases for systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, published up to 30 May 2023, without any language restrictions. Only clinical trials comparing herbal oral care products (in the form of mouthrinse or toothpaste) against standard oral care products or placebo were considered. Results: Some herbal oral care products, particularly in the form of mouthrinses, have a similar level of positive effect on plaque and gingivitis reduction and, thus, can be used as an adjunct to traditional dentifrices. However, the shorter duration of trials (<4 weeks) and reported publication bias in the clinical trials mean that these findings must be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: To accurately determine the impact of various herbal extracts on periodontal health, well-designed, long-term, and controlled trials that adhere to standardized protocols must be carried out.

Introduction: On a étudié l'efficacité d'approches de soins buccodentaires classiques et à base de plantes pour lutter contre la plaque dentaire et la gingivite dans le cadre de nombreux essais cliniques et revues systématiques. Toutefois, leurs conclusions ont été variables et incohérentes. Cette revue générale vise donc à compiler des données issues de revues systématiques et de présenter un aperçu des effets des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes sur la plaque dentaire et la gingivite. Méthodes: On a procédé à une recherche documentaire exhaustive dans 6 bases de données pour effectuer des revues systématiques, avec ou sans méta-analyses, sans aucune restriction relative à la langue de l'étude, publiées avant le 30 mai 2023. Seuls des essais cliniques comparant des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes (sous forme de rincebouche ou de dentifrice) à des produits de soins buccodentaires classiques ou à des placebos ont été envisagés. Résultats: Quelques produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes, en particulier les rince-bouches de ce type, ont des effets positifs comparables en matière de réduction de la plaque et de la gingivite et peuvent donc être utilisés en complément des dentifrices ordinaires. Toutefois, ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence du fait de la durée relativement courte des essais (moins de 4 semaines) et du biais de publication signalé dans les essais cliniques. Conclusion: Pour déterminer avec précision les effets de divers extraits de plantes sur la santé parodontale, il est nécessaire d'avoir recours à des essais bien conçus, à long terme et contrôlés, qui respectent des protocoles normalisés.

Oral health status among the transgender population of India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The invisibility of the transgender population within official records, combined with other socio-economic factors, impacts oral health status among transgender people. Hence, our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to generate a pooled estimate of the oral health status of the transgender community in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed across four databases. The studies included a quantitative research design conducted in India and involved self-identified transgender individuals. The pooled prevalence was determined at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Q-statistics and the I2 test were utilized to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis and Baujat plots were used to detect outliers within the studies. A Doi plot and LFK index were employed to assess the publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies comprising 1566 transgender participants were included. The pooled prevalence of toothbrush use among transgenders in India was found at 83% (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), smoking = 12% (CI: 0.03-0.26), smokeless tobacco = 53% (CI = 0.38-0.68), dental caries = 78% (CI: 67%-88%), calculus = 65% (CI: 0.4-0.86), and bleeding 18% (CI:0.08-0.32). CONCLUSION: Oral health disparities among Indian transgender individuals are evident in the low toothbrush usage, an elevated prevalence of tobacco use, and dental disorders such as calculus, cavities, and bleeding. Tailored dental health programs that include inclusive healthcare services and awareness are essential. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42023468872.

Oral health status of prisoners in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Given the high prevalence of oral health problems among prisoners, the goal of this systematic review is to provide a better knowledge of the scope of this problem. METHODS: Electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were performed. Studies that investigated inmates aged 18 or older with oral health problems were eligible. Variables reported in four or less studies were described narratively. Conversely, for variables reported in more than four studies, a meta-analysis was performed using random effect model. Furthermore, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate moderator effect on outcome. Doi and LFT index is applied to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Out of 494 results, 12 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of caries among prisoners is 78.42% (59.48%-92.58%). On meta-regression, the prevalence of caries appears to be lower in studies with a higher male percentage; however, non-significant (p = .079) due to small sample size. Community periodontal index (CPI) scores revealed periodontal disease, with scores of 3 and 4. Moreover, a significant need for oral hygiene instruction, prosthesis, extraction, and tooth ache, periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions, leucoplakia, attrition, abrasion, bruxism, and smoking behaviors were also reported. CONCLUSION: Poor oral health status in the incarcerated population highlights the urgent need for comprehensive oral health intervention in prisons.

Correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to summarize, compare, and assess possible association in individuals with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for periodontitis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Three study repositories were searched for quantitative studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and December 2022. Quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). The standardized mean difference (SMD), with a random effect model and a P value of 0.05 as the significance level, was utilized as a summary statistic measure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fourteen papers were included in the descriptive synthesis. Thirteen were qualified for meta-analysis. Our findings suggest a link between the two conditions in terms of clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, Plaque Index, and probing depth. The estimated SMD for CAL was found to be 0.68 (95% CI: 0.15-1.21) (P<0.01). For tooth loss, the forest plot analysis revealed an SMD of 1.62 (95% CI: 0.48-2.76) (P=0.005). Similarly, for pocket depth, the SMD was 0.53; CI: 0.07-0.99 (P>0.05). The pooled estimates for plaque index were 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.61 (P>0.05). The funnel plot showed a symmetric distribution with the absence of systematic heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Although our data suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, larger population-based investigations are needed to validate this connection. Case-control studies must pave the way to more rigorous investigations with well-defined populations and clinical outcomes as primary outcome measures.

Prevalence of Vitamin-D deficiency and insufficiency among prisoners across the globe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inadequate nutrition is linked to a wide range of detrimental chronic and infectious illness outcomes among the prison populations. However, there is a paucity of thorough analysis of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among jail inmates. Consequently, in order to bridge this gap, we conducted a thorough research to ascertain the incidence of vitamin D deficiency among prisoners worldwide. METHOD: Six computer-based literature indexes were thoroughly searched for topic focused publications. The I2 test was used to determine heterogeneity among the studies. The overall effect was assessed using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval. We used metafor package in R version 4.2.1 for the analysis of data. RESULT: Out of 612 studies, 4 studies were included for analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 55% among prisoners. On the other hand, 29.41% were found to have insufficient vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: Despite the scant available research, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among prisoners. Regular vitamin D status evaluations using reliable health tests, dietary inspection and supplementation are crucial. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID: CRD42023396203.

The use of antivirals in the treatment of human monkeypox outbreaks: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Human monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection is a recently declared public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. Besides, there is scant literature available on the use of antivirals in MPXV infection. This systematic review compiles all evidence of various antivirals used on their efficacy and safety and summarizes their mechanisms of action. METHODS: A review was done of all original studies mentioning individual patient data on the use of antivirals in patients with MPXV infection. RESULTS: Of the total 487 non-duplicate studies, 18 studies with 71 individuals were included. Tecovirimat was used in 61 individuals, followed by cidofovir in seven and brincidofovir (BCV) in three individuals. Topical trifluridine was used in four ophthalmic cases in addition to tecovirimat. Of the total, 59 (83.1%) were reported to have complete resolution of symptoms; one was experiencing waxing and waning of symptoms, only one (1.8%) had died, and the others were having a resolution of symptoms. The death was thought unrelated to tecovirimat. Elevated hepatic panels were reported among all individuals treated with BCV (leading to treatment discontinuation) and five treated with tecovirimat. CONCLUSION: Tecovirimat is the most used and has proven beneficial in several aggravating cases. No major safety concerns were detected upon its use. Topical trifluridine was used as an adjuvant treatment option along with tecovirimat. BCV and cidofovir were seldom used, with the latter often being used due to the unavailability of tecovirimat. BCV was associated with treatment discontinuation due to adverse events.

Burden of depression and its predictors among prisoners in a central jail of Odisha, India.

Background: Mental illness disproportionately affects the physical, psychological, and social well-being of prisoners worldwide at a far higher rate than the general population. Depression is one of the common mental illnesses. However, in low- and middle-income countries, relatively little research has been undertaken to assess the prevalence and the factors that contribute to depression among prisoners. Aim: This paper aims to assess the burden and predictors of depression among male inmates in a central jail in Odisha. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among male prisoners in one of the central jails of Odisha. A total of 146 samples were selected using a random sampling method and 105 completed the interview. The socio-demographic characteristics and PHQ-9 scale were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. Result: In the overall study sample, 25.7% of inmates were diagnosed with moderately severe depression, and 27.6% were diagnosed with severe depression. Binary logistic regression showed that higher education, being accused of a crime, and having low social support are all significant predictors of depression in prisoners. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the significance of understanding the role of social support in prison and assisting policymakers in developing policies that make it more inmate-oriented, resulting in increased prisoner mental well-being and health.

The Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Prisoners in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence and subsequent mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indian prisoners are often ignored by policymakers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the rising burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Indian prisons and estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among Indian prisoners. METHODS: A total 9 studies were chosen in accordance with PRISMA guidelines that investigated the burden of NCDs in Indian prisons and were published between January 2010 and August 2022. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA Version 16 software, and the funnel plot was used to identify publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 167 articles were identified, and 9 were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among prisoners was 48.78% (95% CI, 27.24-70.55%). According to the review, prisoners showed a significant prevalence of moderate to severe depression, dental caries, poor periodontal condition, and suicide ideation. This study is the first to analyze NCDs prevalence among Indian prisoners. Poor mental and dental health standards and the virtual absence of healthcare facilities necessitate governmental actions to boost inmates' health. It is essential to develop preventative interventions for this extremely isolated and vulnerable group in addition to diagnosing and treating noncommunicable diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings will enable decision-makers to structure and develop appropriate preventative and curative programs for inmates' general wellbeing.