Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis among bar and hotel workers in Northern Tanzania

Association of indoor noise level with depression in hotel workers: A multicenter study from 111 China's cities

Several studies have elucidated the link between outdoor noise and depression, but the relationship between indoor noise levels and depression symptoms in residential and public places remains unclear. This study was a multicenter observational study with a cross-sectional design. In 2019, a total of 10 545 indoor noise levels on-site and 26 018 health data from practitioners were collected from 2402 hotels in 111 cities. Indoor daily noise data levels were detected, and PHQ-9 questionnaires were used to collect health data. Logistic analysis was used to determine the association between depression score and noise level, negative binomial regression was used to determine potential risks. The geometric mean indoor noise level was 38.9 dB (A), with approximately 40.9% of hotels exceeding the 45 dB value (A). Approximately 19.1% of hotel workers exhibited mild and above depressive symptoms. In addition to functional zoning, geographic location, central air conditioner, decoration status, and other factors had an impact on noise levels (p < 0.05). Results of logistic and negative binomial regression showed the following: (1) there was significantly positive association between indoor noise and high depression scores above 2 (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002, 1.012) and (2) some sub-groups were more susceptible to this effect, especially for the younger female workers working in the first-tier cities, having higher education level, lower level of income, smoking, and longer working hours. This study confirms an early potential effect of indoor noise on depression. It is recommended to implement evidence-based measures to control noise sources in hotels.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A structured review

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitute major public health problems among women, but the burden of infection in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We conducted a structured review of the prevalence and incidence of genital, oral and anal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science over a 10-year period for studies on epidemiology of genital, oral and anal chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea in women in all countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed geographic and demographic differences in prevalence and incidence of infection; weighted mean prevalence estimates were calculated with a random-effect model. A total of 102 study results were included, with data available for 24/49 of sub-Saharan countries. The weighted prevalence of chlamydial infection was lower among women in community-based studies (3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9-5.1%) than for women recruited at primary healthcare facilities (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.2-8.4%, p < 0.001); the same was observed for gonorrhoea (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0% vs. 4.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-5.6%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of Chlamydia among sex workers was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-7.3%) and gonorrhoea 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-11%). Seven studies reported on incidence which varied between 0.75-28 and 2.8-17 per 100 person-years-at-risk for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea, respectively. Only two studies reported on anal infections and one on oral infection. This overview underscores the considerable incidence and prevalence of genital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Better control strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of infection and to prevent long-term complications of these infections.

Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Women With Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a perturbation of vaginal flora characterized by reduced levels of lactobacilli and concomitant overgrowth of anaerobic bacterial species. BV is highly prevalent and associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including enhanced human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Because recent reports reveal that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection may increase BV risk, we initiated a systematic review and meta-analysis of the link between HSV-2 infection and BV.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases to identify articles posted before 1 December 2014. Two screeners independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of all identified articles, reviewed the full text of articles deemed potentially eligible, and extracted data from 14 cross-sectional and 3 prospective studies. Using random-effects models, we computed separate pooled estimates for cross-sectional and prospective studies.

RESULTS

The pooled odds ratio for cross-sectional studies was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.94). Stronger support for the causal effect of HSV-2 infection on BV risk was revealed by the summary relative risk for the prospective studies, which was 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.30-1.84), with minimal heterogeneity (I(2) = 0).

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses imply that HSV-2 infection is an important BV risk factor. Pharmacologic HSV-2 suppression may reduce BV incidence and BV-associated adverse events.