Journal of research in health sciences最新文献

Background: There is a gap in the literature specifically addressing the relationship between food insecurity and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Study Design: A case-control study.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the association between food insecurity and the risk of AD in 301 participants, including 150 cases and 151 controls. Cases were recruited among people in the early stages of the disease who had been diagnosed with AD within the past six months. Controls were selected from health centers across Tehran. Food security status was assessed using the validated Persian translation of the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture's household food security questionnaire.

Results: After adjusting for potential cofounders, food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of AD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59-4.94). Among female participants, food insecurity increased the odds of AD (OR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.72-7.30). For individuals under 65, food insecurity also increased the likelihood of AD nearly four-fold (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.48-10.47), while for those over 65, the risk was only 2.89 times (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.36-6.14).

Conclusion: Food insecurity might be associated with an increased risk of AD. Further research is required to explore the relationship between food insecurity and other types of neurological disorders or health conditions. More precisely, future studies should aim to investigate the association in a prospective design.

Background: It is widely believed that poverty is a significant factor in causing stunting, and parental habits can also play a role. In this context, households with employed mothers are often suspected of increasing the risk of stunting in children. This study aimed to examine the role of maternal employment status in stunted children among low-income families in Indonesia. Study Design: A cross-sectional analysis.

Methods: In general, 47021 children were investigated in this study. The children's nutritional health and maternal work status were used as the outcome and variables, respectively. Seven control variables were evaluated, including residence type, marital status, mother's age, education level, child age, antenatal care (ANC), and gender. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was employed, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.

Results: Overall, 19.0% of Indonesian children under two from low-income households experienced stunted growth. Meanwhile, 23.5% of mothers were employed in low-income homes. Regarding nutritional status, the findings revealed that employed mothers had stunted kids, which is slightly higher than that in unemployed mothers. More importantly, it was found that unemployed mothers were 1.022 times more likely to have stunted kids than employed mothers (95% confidence interval: 1.015-1.030), underscoring the crucial role of maternal employment in child nutrition.

Conclusion: Maternal employment status played a role in having stunted children among low-income families, and unemployed mothers were a risk factor for having this type of child. Empowering unemployed mothers through job opportunities, financial support, and access to childcare and nutrition programs can help reduce child stunting in low-income families.

Background: Each year, millions of children under five die globally, with many of these deaths being preventable. The situation is particularly concerning in low sociodemographic index (LSDI) states of India, where the under-five mortality rate is 45 children per 1000 live births. This study aimed to predict under-five mortality and determine related key factors. Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study analyzed National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data related to 94,202 children from the LSDI states of India. Several survival models were tested, including Cox proportional hazards, random survival forest, and gradient-boosted survival, to identify factors linked to child mortality. Model performance was evaluated using metrics such as the concordance index, integrated Brier score, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: Among the studied children, 4.5% (4,284) died before their fifth birthday. The risk of death was higher in children born to younger (15-25 years) mothers (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.113, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.034, 1.198; P < 0.001), uneducated mothers (HR = 1.263, 95% CI: 1.098-1.454; P < 0.0001), mothers with a poorer wealth index (HR = 1.719, 95% CI: 1.475-2.003; P < 0.0001), and children with low birth weight (HR = 2.091, 95% CI: 1.934-2.26; P < 0.001). The random survival forest model outperformed in identifying these risk factors.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of empowering women through education, improving family planning, addressing poverty, and providing equitable healthcare to reduce child mortality. These insights can help shape policies and initiatives to improve the survival and health of children in vulnerable communities.

Background: The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among school-aged children in India varies from 27% to 90%. There is no evidence of the comparative effects of various available interventions. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and rank the effects of different interventions on IDA among school-going children. Study Design: Systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Methods: To this end, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the comparative effects of various interventions on hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin against a control were included in this study. The random-effect model was conducted for Hb, and the fixed-effects model was performed for ferritin to estimate the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the effect of interventions of outcomes based on the heterogeneity (I² ).

Results: Eight RCTs (including 2534 participants) investigating the effects of 12 interventions for IDA treatment among school-going children in India were obtained. The results of reference-based forest plots and P score indicated that iron-rich fish powder was the most effective intervention for increasing Hb levels (MD: 2.07 g/dL, 95% CI: 0.68-3.47, P score=0.8656), followed by iron and folic acid (IFA) given twice weekly (MD: 1.47 g/dL, 95% CI: -0.31-3.25, P score=0.7209). Additionally, IFA supplementation twice weekly was found to be highly effective in increasing serum ferritin levels among anemic school children (MD: 0.80 ng/mL, 95% CI: 0.33-1.27, P score=0.9148).

Conclusion: It seems that iron-rich fish powder and intermittent IFA supplementation were the most effective interventions, but further research is needed to confirm these results and assess their public health implications. Protocol Registration: PROSPERO registration number was CRD42024541802.

Background: Exploring the pattern of diseases in space and time enhances our understanding of truly needy areas. The present study aimed to explore spatiotemporal mapping of colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) incidence using Bayesian models and space-time scan statistics in Hamadan Province from 2010 to 2019. Study Design: An ecological time-series study.

Methods: In this study, the data on CRC and GC cases were obtained from Hamadan cancer registry. The crude standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated for each county per year. Hierarchical Bayesian space-time models were fitted to estimate adjusted SIRs. Space time cluster analysis was performed using space-time scan statistic.

Results: A total of 1864 CRC cases and 2340 GC cases were included in the analyses. The central counties, including Hamadan (smoothed SIR range: 1.24-1.28) and Tuyserkan (1.01-1.24), exhibited higher than expected number of CRC cases. Northern counties such as Razan (1.19-1.51) and Kabudarahang (1.21-1.42), along with Nahavand in the south (0.98, 1.53), also showed higher than expected number of GC cases. The most likely spatiotemporal cluster of CRC was identified in Hamadan and Tuyserkan occurring between 2015 and 2019 (relative risk [RR]=1.82, P<0.001). The most likely spatiotemporal cluster of GC was identified in Nahavand from 2010 to 2011 (RR=1.87, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Spatiotemporal inequality in the incidence of CRC and GC was identified in Hamadan province over the past decade. The findings may help to reduce cancer disparities and allocate effective resources in the appropriate region and time in the future.

Background: Around 810 women die daily due to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. In India, despite advancements in maternal health initiatives, pregnancy loss (PL) rates remain high. This study analyzed the determinants, prevalence, and spatial distribution of PL in India. Study Design: This study employed a cross-sectional design.

Methods: Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021), the study analyzed 255,385 pregnancies to assess the prevalence of PL. The analysis includes socio-demographic variables and spatial factors affecting PL rates.

Results: The national PL prevalence is 11.1%, comprising 7.3% miscarriages, 2.9% abortions, and 0.9% stillbirths. Higher PL rates correlated with older maternal age, urban residence, higher wealth index, and tobacco use. The spatial analysis identified 84 districts as hot spots for PL, primarily located in Northern and Eastern India, while 89 cold spots were identified in Central and North-Eastern regions. Multilevel logistic regression revealed that women aged 35-49 years (aOR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.26-1.63) and women who used tobacco (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09-1.49) were at a significantly higher risk of PL compared to younger women (<20 years) and non-tobacco users, respectively.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying causes of PLs and recommends strengthening the health system in hot spot districts. This can be achieved through targeted interventions that address regional disparities and socio-economic determinants, ultimately improving maternal health outcomes.

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represents a significant global health challenge, accounting for 71% of global deaths. This concern is also widespread in Morocco. Consanguinity, common in Arab and Muslim regions, could influence the genetic predisposition to these diseases. This study aimed to explore the impact of consanguineous marriage (CM) on predisposition to these chronic illnesses among the populace in Settat province, Morocco, concerning prevalent NCDs. Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was conducted in Settat, Morocco, from April to October 2021 and included 453 married women aged 18 and above. Participants were selected from rural and urban health centers using a two-stage sampling method. The data were collected through structured interviews using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses with SPSS 26 assessed associations between consanguinity and NCDs in respondents and their descendants using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: The participants had a mean age of 38.04 years, with 35% residing in rural areas and 26.7% having a CM. The results indicated that individuals with consanguineous ancestors have a greater risk of contracting NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (OR=2.047, P=0.005), diabetes (OR=1.988, P=0.009), asthma (OR=2.069, P=0.036), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR=1.732, P=0.045), and cancer (OR=1.646, P=0.1), compared to those with non-consanguineous parents.

Conclusion: It is essential to integrate the harmful effects of consanguinity on future generations' health into public health policy through genetic counseling, testing, screening, and awareness programs.

Background: Amnesia is a cognitive impairment that manifests as a deficit in the retrieval of previous memories and the acquisition of novel information. Limited research, especially in Iran, exists on the risk factors of amnesia, and smoking might be linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing memory issues and cognitive decline, including amnesia. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors associated with amnesia and the connection between smoking and amnesia. Study Design: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was conducted at the baseline of the Hoveyzeh cohort study on adults aged 35-70 years in southwest Iran between 2016 and 2018. The required data on socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics, history of stroke, history of epilepsy, and history of head trauma were collected from the participants. The relationship between smoking and amnesia was assessed, and multiple logistic regression was employed to account for potential confounding variables.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 48.83±9.20 years, and 39% were male. The overall prevalence of amnesia was 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8-4.6). The odds of having amnesia were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (adjusted odds ratio=1.52 [95% CI: 1.21-1.91]). Additionally, several other factors, including age, education level, type of residence, history of stroke, epilepsy, and history of trauma, were associated with amnesia.

Conclusion: Our investigations revealed a direct correlation between smoking and amnesia. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these associations, it will be imperative to conduct future longitudinal studies.

Background: Despite extensive research examining the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and suicide, the extent to which EI can prevent suicidal behaviors remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate this relationship. Study Design: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to September 8, 2024. Studies exploring the relationship between mean EI scores and suicidal behaviors were included. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, and the likelihood of publication bias was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) in EI scores between individuals with and without suicidal behaviors or ideation using a random-effects model.

Results: Out of 3470 studies initially identified, 10 studies (including 2532 participants) met the eligibility criteria. The results showed that individuals without suicidal attempts had significantly higher overall EI scores than those who did (SMD=0.99; 95% CI: 0.58-1.40; P<0.001). Similarly, individuals without suicidal ideation had significantly higher EI scores (SMD=0.47; 95% CI: 0.13-0.82; P=0.007). No evidence of publication bias was found (P=0.525).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher EI is associated with a reduced risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Incorporating EI into psychological treatments and suicide prevention programs may be beneficial in mitigating suicidal behaviors.