Prevalence and Related Factors of Depression Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly altered the daily lives of people in unprecedented ways, causing a variety of mental health problems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression among Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the factors associated with depressive mood using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES).

METHODS

We analyzed participants aged ≥ 19 years from KNHANES 2018 (n = 5,837) and 2020 (n = 5,265) to measure and compare the prevalence of depression before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression was defined as a score ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Furthermore, we performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the independent predictors of depressive mood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression was notably higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the pre-pandemic period (5.2% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.043). In a multivariate model, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.41), age < 50 years (19-29 years: aOR, 7.31; 95% CI, 2.40-22.21; 30-39 years: aOR, 7.38; 95% CI, 2.66-20.47; 40-49 years: aOR, 4.94; 95% CI, 1.84-13.31 compared to ≥ 80 years), unemployment (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.41-2.85), upper-middle class household income (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.18-2.85 compared to upper-class income), being a beneficiary of Medicaid (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.33-4.14), poor self-rated health (aOR, 4.99; 95% CI, 1.51-3.47 compared to good self-rated health), and current smoking (aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.51-3.47) were found to be significant risk factors for depression during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Depression was significantly more prevalent among Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the pre-pandemic era. Therefore, more attention should be paid to individuals vulnerable to depression during pandemics. Implementing psychological support public policies and developing interventions to prevent the adverse outcomes of COVID-19-related depression should be considered.

Gender differences in substance use and associated factors among urban refugees in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Alcohol and other substances use related problems among refugees is a global public health concern. Although there is substantial research on the use of alcohol and other substances among the refugees, little is known about gender and other factors that might be associated with the use of alcohol and other substances. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol and substance use across gender and other specific associated factors among urban refugees living in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 343 refugees were interviewed on the use of alcohol and other substances using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. The associated factors included, age, marital status, occupation, duration (length of stay) in Uganda, educational levels, stigma and depression. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables.

RESULTS

No significant gender difference in alcohol use was found, and the overall prevalence of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use among our sample of refugees living in Mbarara city was 43%. There were however, statistically significant gender differences in the use of other substances, with a significantly higher percentage of men than women reporting intermediate, substantial, or severe substance use (45% among men, 37% among women). Higher levels of depression and being separated from one's spouse were associated with higher levels of alcohol and substance use. In addition, higher age and being male were associated with the use of substances other than alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use among both male and female refugees. Clinical interventions focused on the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance use among the refugee communities may benefit from focusing on depressive symptoms as well.

Risk Factors Associated with Keratoconus in an Iranian Population

Purpose

To determine associated factors for keratoconus (KCN) in the Iranian population.

Methods

In this retrospective case-control study, 100 KCN patients and 200 age- and sex-matched individuals, who were either candidates for photorefractive keratectomy or healthy referrals from the Torfeh Eye Hospital, were included as the case and control groups, respectively. KCN patients were all registered at the Iranian National Registry of Keratoconus (KCNRegⓇ). Demographic characteristics, patients' symptoms and their habits, as well as systemic and ocular disorders were documented. Clinical examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error measurements, biomicroscopic examination, and corneal imaging.

Results

In this case group, the frequency of mild, moderate, and severe KCN was 38%, 28%, and 34%, respectively. Parental consanguinity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.758, P = 0.029), positive familial history in patients' first degree (OR = 12.533, P < 0.001) and second degree (OR = 7.52, P < 0.001) relatives, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR = 7.510, P = 0.003), severe eye rubbing (OR = 10.625, P < 0.001), and systemic diseases including migraine, hypertension, and thyroid disease (OR = 6.828, P = 0.021) were found as associated factors for KCN. Lesser frequency of KCN was observed in patients with Fars ethnicity (OR = 0.583, P = 0.042), with higher levels of wealth indices (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001) and higher levels of education (OR = 0.18, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Severe eye rubbing, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, parental consanguinity and positive familial history of KCN, low socioeconomic status, and low levels of education were significantly associated with KCN in our study population.

Job Satisfaction among Ophthalmologists in Iran

Purpose

To estimate the level of job satisfaction among ophthalmologists in Iran and determine the associated factors that may impact their overall job satisfaction.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 181 ophthalmologists (79.0% male) were interviewed by the Warr-Cook-Wall questionnaire with 7-point-Likert scale, which transformed responses from a 0 (most dissatisfied) to 100 (most satisfied). Questionnaires were randomly distributed among registered ophthalmologists at the 29 t h Annual Congress of the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology in November 2019. Satisfaction under each scale was considered as a score of > 60% of the total score.

Results

A total of 181 ophthalmologists with a mean age of 47.8 ± 12.1 years and 16 ± 12 years of practice participated in the present study. They were mostly satisfied with their job as a whole (88.1%, mean score: 60.6 ± 20.7) and dissatisfied with their income (55.9%, mean score: 47.6 ± 20.3). High levels of job satisfaction was found among ophthalmologists with longer duration of practice (P < 0.001) while lower levels of satisfaction were identified among those who worked in academic centers (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

In this study,high levels of job satisfaction were found among ophthalmologists with longer duration of practice while low levels of satisfaction were identified among ophthalmologists who worked in academic centers. The factors of salary and working hours accounted for the least levels of job satisfaction.

Uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter study

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 hypertensive patients in Eastern Ethiopia from June 15 to July 15, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and reviewing patients’ charts. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Results:

This study revealed that magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension was 48% (95% confidence interval = 43.1%−52.8%). Being male (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.29–3.26), age ⩾55 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.16, 95% confidence interval = 1.96–5.08), non-adherence to medication (adjusted odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–2.94), low diet quality (adjusted odds ratio = 4.04, 95% confidence interval = 2.44–8.44), physically inactive (adjusted odds ratio = 3.20, 95% confidence interval = 1.84–5.56), and having comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.90–4.85) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusions:

In our sample of hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia, half had uncontrolled hypertension. Older age, male sex, non-adherence to antihypertensive medication, low diet quality, physically inactive, and having comorbidity were found to be predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, sustained health education on self-care practices with special emphasis on older, males, and patients with comorbid conditions.

Factors associated with the workload of health professionals in hospital at home: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Understanding the factors related to workload, could help hospital at home (HaH) managers to make decisions on the most appropriate and efficient use of the HaH services. Published studies on this topic are scarce, so we have conducted a systematic review to identify such factors according to published evidence.

METHODS

Due to the heterogeneity of HaH models, HaH was defined as a care that provides a set of medical and nursing care and attention of hospital rank to patients at home, when they no longer require hospital infrastructure but still need active monitoring and complex care. The electronic data base literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and Cinahl (EBSCOhost) from inception to December 2021, including grey literature. Search terms related to `hospital at home´, `workload´ and `care time´ were used. There was no restriction on language, type of study or year of publication. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist and certainty in the body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE Pro Tool. Results were summarised in a tabulated format.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with 56,706 patients were included. Workload was measured as time, number of visits or both. The predictive factors of the workload included variables related to patient characteristics and other valid and reliable patient classification systems, as well as characteristics of the institutions where the studies were conducted. The factors associated with higher workloads were: being older, male, living in a rural environment, presenting a higher number of diagnoses, having worse functional status and being unable to assume self-care.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified predictors of workload are mostly associated with home nursing care. The results could be useful and applicable to different organisational models of HaH health systems. More studies that include physicians and proxy measures of workload are needed.

Assessment of self-care practice amongst patients with type II diabetes attending Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

There is almost no published data on the assessment of self-management practice among adult type II diabetes patients in Ethiopia. Hence, we aim to assess the level of self-management practice for people with type II diabetes patients attending Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia.

METHOD

The study was conducted from April 1 to August 30, 2021 in type II diabetes mellitus patients at Adama Hospital Medical College. The survey was performed using the diabetes mellitus self-Management questionnaire, which consists of four domains Physical activity, Physician contact, Medication adherence, glucose management and dietary management of the patients. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics was performed. Fisher's Exact Test was used to determine the presence of association between adherence to self-care behavior and other variables. P-value less than 0.05 determines statistical significance.

RESULT

Majority (63.4%) of respondents do not perform self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Out of a total of 93 participants, 48 (51.6%) respondents adhered to insulin therapy. Sixty-two (66.7%) adhered to recommended diet management practice, 57 (61.3%) did not adhere to physical activity recommendations and 59 (63.5%) participants adhered to overall self-care practice (DMSQ).

CONCLUSION

Although the importance of self-care practices in the management of diabetes were recognized to be useful and effective for achieving glycemic control and preventing serious diabetes complications, our study found that most patients had not adhered to self-care practice especially in terms of SMBG and physical activity. Overall (DSMQ) adherence to self-care practice was optimal amongst type II diabetes patients in AHMC Chronic care unit.

Prevalence and associated factors of double and triple burden of malnutrition among child-mother pairs in Ethiopia: Spatial and survey regression analysis

Background

Evidence on double and triple burdens of malnutrition at household level among child-mother pairs is a key towards addressing the problem of malnutrition. In Ethiopia, studies on double and triple burdens of malnutrition are scarce. Even though there is a study on double burden of malnutrition at national level in Ethiopia, it doesn’t assess the triple burdens at all and a few forms of double burden of malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of double and triple burdens of malnutrition among child-mother pairs in Ethiopia.

Methods

A total sample of 7,624 child-mother pairs from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 were included in the study. All analysis were performed considering complex sampling design. Anthropometric measures and hemoglobin levels of children, as well as anthropometric measurements of their mothers, were used to calculate double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and triple burden of malnutrition (TBM). Spatial analysis was applied to detect geographic variation of prevalence of double and triple burdens of malnutrition among EDHS 2016 clusters. Bivariable and multivariable binary survey logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with DBM and TBM.

Results

The overall weighted prevalence of DBM and TBM respectively were 1.8% (95%CI: 1.38–2.24) and 1.2% (95%CI: 0.83–1.57) among child-mother pairs in Ethiopia. Significant clusters of high prevalence of DBM and TBM were identified. In the adjusted multivariable binary survey logistic regression models, middle household economic status [AOR = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.89] as compared to the poor, average birth weight [AOR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.80] as compared to large birth weight and children aged 24–35 months [AOR = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.04,0.95] as compared to 6–12 months were less likely to experience DBM. Average birth weight [AOR = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.91] as compared to large birth weight and time to water source <=30 min [AOR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.19,0.89] as compared to on premise were less likely to experience TBM.

Conclusion

There is low prevalence of DBM and TBM among child-mother pairs in Ethiopia. Interventions tailored on geographic areas, wealth index, birth weight and child birth could help to control the emerging DBM and TBM at household level among child-mother pairs in Ethiopia.

Magnitude of Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy and Associated Factors Among HIV/AIDS Clients Receiving Care at Public Health Institutions, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: In the mid-1990s, the development of combination antiretroviral therapy converted HIV infection into a chronic condition, with newly diagnosed patients now living longer than the general population. HIV affects both the central and peripheral nerve systems, resulting in a variety of clinical problems, including peripheral neuropathy, which is a common neurological consequence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of data on the extent of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its underlying factors in Ethiopia, necessitating this study. Objective: The primary goal of this study is to assess the degree of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its related factors among HIV/AIDS clients on follow up at public health institutions in Northwest Ethiopia. Methodology: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to 30 December 2020 at selected south Gondar zone public health institutions ART clinic. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Standardized Questioner adapted from other study was used to collect the data. Moreover, Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening tool (BPNS) was used to assess peripheral sensory neuropathy. The data were entered with epi-data manager version 4.4 and analyzed using STATA version 16. Result: A total of 555 adult PLWHIV agreed to participate in the study, resulting in a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of Peripheral sensory neuropathy was 32.25, 95% CI (28.28, 36.26). The participant’s age, DM comorbidity, viral load level, and disease clinical stage were all found to have a statistically significant association with peripheral sensory neuropathy. Conclusion: Peripheral sensory neuropathy was incredibly common. Accordingly, peripheral sensory neuropathy was found considerably associated with age, viral load level, stage of the disease, and DM comorbidity. It is vital to integrate routine peripheral sensory neuropathy screening strategies for clients who are on ART follow up for prevention and early identification of the problem.

Adherence to lifestyle modifications and its associated factors in hypertensive patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To find out the adherence to lifestyle modifications and its associated factors in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND

Low adherence to lifestyle modifications leads to poor therapeutic effectiveness, decreased quality of life, poor health outcomes and increased health care costs. Various factors play an important role in determining the adherence level varying among the different cultural, social and national contexts.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analytical research design was carried out.

METHODS

Information from 264 patients with hypertension was collected at the Outpatient Department of Manmohan Cardiothoracic, Vascular and Transplant Center, Kathmandu. A standard tool of WHO Steps Survey Questionnaire and Hypertension Fact Questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for analysis using SPSS 16.

RESULT

The overall adherence to lifestyle modifications was determined as 20.8% with the adherence rate being lowest up to 30.3% for adequate intake of fruits and vegetables. Likewise, 52.5% of patients had average knowledge of hypertension management. Age (p = .021), education (p = .001), occupation(p = .026), household income (p = .007) and family history(p = .011) had statistically significant association with the level of adherence. Younger age (AOR = 1.85 CI = 0.79-4.33) remained as the independent predictor of high adherence to lifestyle modifications. The study followed the STROBE checklist for reporting cross-sectional study.

CONCLUSION

This study identified that adherence to lifestyle modification is low in older patients. More effective lifestyle modification counselling and educational approaches focusing on the older age groups as well as considering educational level, occupation, family income and family history of hypertension are required to improve their level of adherence.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses are frequently acquainted with the hypertensive patients in hospitals where they need to provide health teaching on lifestyle modifications. This study identifies the factors that need to be considered while counselling the hypertensive patients.

Prevalence of Bone Density Reduction and Its Related Factors in Hemophilia Patients in South Khorasan Province in 2018

Background:

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of bone density reduction and its associated factors in hemophilia patients in South Khorasan Province in 2018.

Materials and Methods:

This case-control study was conducted on all patients with hemophilia type A with medical records in Hemophilia center in South Khorasan province. A number of 57 eligible subjects who met the criteria were selected based on census method. Thereafter, 60 non-hemophilic individuals who were similar to hemophilic patients in terms of age and body mass index were selected by convenience sampling method. DXA device was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in two locations of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 19), using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and independent t-test. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence rate of bone density reduction in spine bone in hemophilia patients was measured at 31.6% and 13.3% in non-hemophilia subjects (P=0.02); moreover, this rate in hip bone was reported as 7% and 5%, respectively (P=0.65). Relative frequency of bone density reduction in the spine and hip bone was not significantly different among hemophilia patients based on age, severity of hemophilia, vitamin D, hepatitis and smoking (P>0.05). However, a significant difference was detected in terms of body mass index (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Based on the obtained results, the prevalence of bone density reduction in hemophilic patients was significantly higher, as compared to that of non-hemophilia patients. This necessitates the implementation of drastic preventive measures, prompt diagnosis, timely treatment, and appropriate therapeutic measures.

Magnitude and associated factors of caesarean section deliveries among women who gave birth in Southwest Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section is a life-saving comprehensive obstetric procedure of women and newborn performed during childbirth-related complications and should be universally accessible for all pregnant mothers globally. Appropriate use of caesarean section can reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. However, inappropriate use of caesarean section can negatively affect infant health, women health, and future pregnancies. The magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section delivery were not consistent and will vary between different hospitals of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section deliveries in Southwest Ethiopia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 29, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 551 study participants. A pretested, structured, and face-to-face interview was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. P values < 0.05 result were considered as a statistically significant association.

RESULTS

The magnitude of caesarean section deliveries was found to be 32.5 % (95 % CI; 28.6%-36.7 %). Mothers resided in an urban area [AOR = 2.58, (95% CI; 1.66-4.01)], multiple pregnancies [AOR = 3.15, (95% CI; 1.89-5.23), malpresentation [AOR = 3.05, (95% CI; 1.77-5.24)], and previous history of caesarean section [AOR = 3.55, (95% CI; 2.23-5.64) were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

Caesarean section deliveries were found high in the study area. Mothers resided in an urban area, multiple pregnancies, malpresentation, and previous history of caesarean section were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. Therefore, counselling of mothers on the risk of giving birth through elective caesarean section without absolute and relative medical indications and giving enough time for the trial of vaginal birth after caesarean section are recommended.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Ectoparasite Infestations in Dogs from the State of Tabasco, Mexico

This study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites that infest owned dogs in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. In total, 1,302 dogs were sampled in the 5 ecological regions of Tabasco. The dog owners were surveyed to identify the factors associated with infestations. Ectoparasites were identified using taxonomic keys. Eleven species of ectoparasites were observed. General prevalence was 26.65%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis were the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasites. The most important factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in the studied dogs were living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3. Ectoparasite studies such as the one presented herein generate important information to create control programs focused on decreasing infestations in companion animals and thus the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of pathogens.

[Prevalence and factors associated with missed opportunities for vaccination at Niamey, Niger]

AIM

determine the prevalence and factors associated with missed opportunities for vaccination of children 0-23 months old in the health district Niamey 2 (Niger) in 2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a cross - sectional study conducted in the health district of Niamey 2 in 2018. All children aged of 0 - 23 months which had parents aged more than 15 years old, who accepted to answer our questions were included.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the missed opportunities immunization was 42.8%. Parent's perception on health services, the long waiting time, the refusal of immunization, the date of next appointment were the factors associated with the missed opportunities immunization.

CONCLUSION

Taking into consideration the results of this study, the missed opportunities immunization remain important public health problems in Niger. Some actions need to be taken to improve the sensitization of communities about children immunization completeness.

Job Burnout and Related Factors among Health Sector Employees

Objective: Job burnout can cause physical and psychological damage and reduce job efficiency, especially in difficult jobs such as health care fields. This study aimed to assess the association between the level of job burnout and some contributing factors among health care providers in Iran. Method : This study was performed on the data derived from 1807 participants from the first phase of the employees' health cohort in 2017-2018. The data were collected using as a self-administrated tool utilizing Maslach Burnout Inventory. The questionnaire scores ranged from never to everyday, with 3 levels of burnout as well as burnout itself; then, the scores were categorized as low, moderate, or high. Ordinal logistic regression model was used to adjust ordinal dependent variables. Results: The mean score of the total burnout was 16.5±7.77 and was associated with work experience and age group (p < 0.001). The components of burnout consisted of emotional exhaustion (8.9± 9.0), depersonalization (23± 2.9), and personal accomplishment (34± 8.6). Emotional exhaustion was related to sex (less among males, OR=0.48) and type of job (less among officials compared to health care staff, OR=0.488). Composite burnout was more common among younger staff (OR= 3.85). Depersonalization was associated with duty shift workers (OR=2.42). Conclusion: Job burnout is a major concern, and lack of personal accomplishment, as a component of burnout, was highly prevalent among Iranian health care employees. Being a single woman, health care provider, and having more than 20 years of work experience with a duty shift were contributing factors for burnout experience. Monitoring symptoms of burnout and its associated factors in the workplace and proposing an alternative organizational and behavioral system and sharing it with relevant authorities may help prevent or reduce job burnout and its deleterious effects.

Prelacteal Feeding Practices among Mothers in Motta Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background

Optimal breastfeeding is recommended up to two years, i.e, it prevents 1.4 million child deaths per year. Despite this prelacteal feeding is commonly practiced in Ethiopia due to different reasons. The objective of this study was to assess prelacteal feeding and associated factors among mothers who have infants less than six months of age.

Method

A community based quantitative cross sectional study was conducted from April 7, 2015 to May 7, 2015. Using simple random sampling method total of 423 mothers with infant less than six months old were included in this study. The data were collected by using an interviewer admini stered questionnaire. Both simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were computed to identify factors associated with prelacteal feeding.

Results

Prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 20.3% [95% CL: 16.38% – 24.02%]. The most common prelacteal feeding in the study area was butter (62.2%). Mothers with young infant who fed colostrum [AOR=3.540 (1.534, 8.173), initiated breastfeeding on time [AOR=4.4832 (1.823, 11.028)] and supported by husband's [AOR=2.686 (1.037, 6.953)] were less likely to practice prelacteal feeding to their infant than their counterparts.

Conclusions

Prelacteal feeding was common in the study area. Colostrum feeding, timely initiations of breastfeeding and husband support were the independent predictors of prelacteal feeding practices. Recommendation to avoid prelacteal feeding practices were: increasing the habit of mothers to initiate breastfeeding timely and to feed colostrum through education, empowering husbands regarding to breastfeeding and avoiding traditional practices that hinder optimal breastfeeding like colostrum avoidance.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a major contributor to the global disease burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine demographic and clinical factors associated with adherence to antihypertensive medication.

METHODS

From August 2012 to February 2015, we recruited 1,523 Korean patients with hypertension who visited family physicians. The study was conducted in 24 facilities located in urban and metropolitan areas. Of these facilities, two were primary care clinics and 22 were level 2 or 3 hospitals. Adherence was assessed using the pill count method; a cut-off value of 80% was used as the criterion for good adherence. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were compared between the adherent and nonadherent groups using the chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed with medication adherence as the outcome variable.

RESULTS

Of the 1,523 patients, 1,245 (81.7%) showed good adherence to antihypertensive medication. In the multivariate logistic analysis, age ≥65 years, exercise, treatment in a metropolitan-located hospital, being on ≥2 classes of antihypertensive medication and concomitant medication for diabetes, and a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular diseases were associated with good adherence. Patients who had a habit of high salt intake were less adherent to medication.

CONCLUSION

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications, concomitant medication, and exercise were associated with good adherence to antihypertensive medication, and high salt intake was associated with poor adherence to antihypertensive medication. These factors should be considered to improve hypertension control.

Factors Associated with Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Students Who Survived 20 Months after the Sewol Ferry Disaster in Korea

BACKGROUND

The Sewol ferry disaster caused national shock and grief in Korea. The present study examined the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among the surviving students 20 months after that disaster.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and a sample of 57 students (29 boys and 28 girls) who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Data were collected using a questionnaire, including instruments that assessed psychological status. A generalized linear model using a log link and Poisson distribution was performed to identify factors associated with PTSD symptoms.

RESULTS

The results showed that 26.3% of participants were classified in the clinical group by the Child Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms score. Based on a generalized linear model, Poisson distribution, and log link analyses, PTSD symptoms were positively correlated with the number of exposed traumatic events, peers and social support, peri-traumatic dissociation and post-traumatic negative beliefs, and emotional difficulties. On the other hand, PTSD symptoms were negatively correlated with psychological well-being, family cohesion, post-traumatic social support, receiving care at a psychiatry clinic, and female gender.

CONCLUSION

This study uncovered risk and protective factors of PTSD in disaster-exposed adolescents. The implications of these findings are considered in relation to determining assessment and interventional strategies aimed at helping survivors following similar traumatic experiences.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Premature Ejaculation in the Anhui Male Population in China: Evidence-Based Unified Definition of Lifelong and Acquired Premature Ejaculation

Introduction

In 2014, new evidence-based definitions of lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) and acquired premature ejaculation (APE) were proposed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. Based on the new PE definitions, the prevalence of and factors associated with LPE and APE have not been investigated in China.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with LPE and APE in men with the complaint of PE in China.

Methods

From December 2011 to December 2015, a cross-sectional field survey was conducted in five cities in the Anhui province of China. Questionnaire data of 3,579 men were collected in our database. The questionnaire included subjects' demographic information and medical and sexual histories. Men who were not satisfied with their time to ejaculate were accepted as having the complaint of PE. Men with the complaint of PE who met the new definition of PE were diagnosed as having LPE or APE.

Main Outcome Measures

New definition of LPE and APE.

Results

Of 3,579 men who completed the questionnaire, 34.62% complained of PE. Mean age, body mass index, and self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time for all subjects were 34.97 ± 9.02 years, 23.33 ± 3.56 kg/m², and 3.09 ± 1.36 minutes, respectively. The prevalences of LPE and APE in men with the complaint of PE were 10.98% and 21.39%, respectively. LPE and APE were associated with age, body mass index, and smoking and exercise rates (P < .001 for all comparisons). Men with APE reported more comorbidities than men with LPE, especially in the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease (P < .001 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalences of LPE and APE in men with the complaint of PE were 10.98% and 21.39%, respectively. Patients with APE were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and had a higher body mass index than patients with LPE.

Frequency and Associated Factors of Amphotericin B Nephrotoxicity in Hospitalized Patients in Hematology-Oncology Wards in the Southwest of Iran

Background

Nephrotoxicity is the most clinically significant adverse reaction of amphotericin B. Different aspects of amphotericin B (AmB) nephrotoxicity have not been studied well in our population.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, time onset, and possible associated factors of AmB nephrotoxicity in hospitalized patients in hematology-oncology wards in the southwest of Iran.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional, observational study was performed over a period of 9 months at 2 hematology-oncology and 1 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation wards at Namazi Hospital. Patients aged 15 years or older with no documented history of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease who were scheduled to receive formulations of AmB intravenously for at least 1 week were included. The required demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded. Urine urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels were measured at days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 of the AmB treatment. AmB nephrotoxicity based on serum creatinine increase, renal potassium wasting, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia were determined.

Results

Among the 40 patients recruited for the study, 11 (27.5%) patients developed AmB nephrotoxicity with a mean ± standard deviation onset of 6.73 ± 2.36 days. In 5 patients, AmB nephrotoxicity resolved spontaneously without any intervention. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, none of the studied demographic, clinical, and paraclinical variables were significantly associated with AmB nephrotoxicity. The duration of hospitalization (P = 0.541) and the mortality rate (P = 0.723) were comparable between the patients with and without AmB nephrotoxicity. Hypokalemia and renal potassium wasting were identified in 45% and 27.5% of the patients during AmB treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

Nearly one-third (27.5%) of our cohort developed nephrotoxicity within the first week of AmB treatment. Hypokalemia and renal potassium wasting were more notable, affecting about one-half and one-third of the AmB recipients, respectively.

Framing ethnic variations in alcohol outcomes from biological pathways to neighborhood context

BACKGROUND

Health disparities research seeks to eliminate disproportionate negative health outcomes experienced in some racial/ethnic minority groups. This brief review presents findings on factors associated with drinking and alcohol-related problems in racial/ethnic groups.

METHODS

Those discussed are as follows: (i) biological pathways to alcohol problems, (ii) gene × stress interactions, (iii) neighborhood disadvantage, stress, and access to alcohol, and (iv) drinking cultures and contexts.

RESULTS

These factors and their interrelationships are complex, requiring a multilevel perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of interdisciplinary teams and an epigenetic focus are suggested to move the research forward. The application of multilevel research to policy, prevention, and intervention programs may help prioritize combinations of the most promising intervention targets.

Prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of premature ejaculation and the four premature ejaculation syndromes: a large observational study in China

INTRODUCTION

Although the new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed by Waldinger et al., there have been few studies investigating the four PE syndromes in China.

AIMS

We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of PE and the four PE syndromes in Anhui province, China.

METHODS

Between September 2011 and September 2012, subjects were selected from five cities in Anhui province, China. They participated in this survey by completing a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Men with PE complaint were diagnosed as lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

PE complaint was divided into four PE syndromes. Anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction were independently assessed by the self-rating anxiety/depression scale and the international index of erectile function-5, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. The distribution of the four PE syndromes in men with PE complaint was in the order of NVPE (44.09%), PLPE (24.81%), APE (18.77%), and LPE (12.34%). Patients with PE complaint were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher body mass index (BMI) than patients without the complaint (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were also observed in patients with APE compared with other PE patients (depression P = 0.012, cardiovascular P = 0.003, others P < 0.001). In addition, the rates of counseling by a doctor in men with LPE and APE were higher than those in men with NVPE and PLED (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PE complaint in male population of Anhui province, China, was 25.80%, with the highest PE syndromes being NVPE and PLPE. Patients with PE complaint or APE were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher BMI.