Health Science Reports最新文献

Background and Aims

Evidence confirms a high prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among university students in Bangladesh. The primary objective of this case–control study was to examine the association between overweight/obesity and sleep patterns (including sleep duration and quality) among university students in Bangladesh. The secondary objective was to identify the sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors that predict overweight/obesity in the study population.

Methods

The sociodemographics and body mass index (BMI) were gathered from a sample of 330 university students (setting: one public university in Bangladesh). Sleep health was measured by the 19-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and compared between the cases (BMI ≥ 23.0 kg/m²) and controls (BMI = 18.5–22.9 kg/m²). Bivariate and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed.

Results

One hundred and sixty-five overweight/obesity students and 165 control subjects participated in the study. The peak age for overweight/obesity was 22–25 years in the students, and about 67% of the cases were poor-quality sleepers compared to 53% of the students in the control group. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that students' overweight/obesity was associated with being female (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.12; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.25, 3.61), short sleep duration ( ≤ 7 h/night) (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.66), poor quality of sleep (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.87), and physical inactivity (aOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.55).

Conclusion

Key factors associated with overweight/obesity among Bangladeshi university students include age (22–25 years), gender (higher prevalence in female students), sleep duration and quality, and physical inactivity. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep health, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles to mitigate overweight/obesity among university students.

Aims and Objectives

Honey possesses specific anti-inflammatory properties. We evaluated the effects of oral honey supplementation on skeletal muscle-related inflammatory markers among military graduates after overtraining.

Methods

This randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted on 42 overtrained military graduates who were randomly assigned to receive either honey supplementation (5 mL of 12% honey solution twice daily for 6 weeks) or a placebo for 6 weeks. In our study, we utilized Milk Vetch Sahand honey as the intervention. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), aldolase A, and creatine kinase (CK) were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before and after the intervention.

Results

A total of 21 male participants with a mean age of 20.75 years were included in each group. No significant differences were found between the groups in the pre-intervention assessment of inflammatory biomarkers. However, in the post-intervention assessment, participants who received honey exhibited significantly smaller increases in CRP (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p = 0.001), aldolase A (p < 0.001), and CK levels (p < 0.001) compared to the controls. The mean changes in these biomarkers were notably lower in the honey group indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect of honey.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that honey supplementation significantly reduces inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α, CRP, aldolase A, and CK in military graduates experiencing overtraining, underscoring its potential to alleviate inflammation associated with intense physical training. To confirm and extend these findings, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is recommended.

Background and Aims

There is a lack of population-based studies focusing on guideline-based prognostic models for stroke. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model that predicts mortality following a first-ever acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

The study included 899 adult patients ( ≥ 18 years) with confirmed diagnosis of first-ever acute ischemic stroke enrolled in the Malaysian National Stroke Registry (NSR) from January 2009 to December 2019. The primary outcome was mortality within 90 days post-stroke (266 events [29.6%]). The prognostic model was developed using logistic regression (75%, n = 674) and internally validated (25%, n = 225). Model performance was assessed using discrimination (area under the curve (AUC]) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test [HL]).

Results

The final model includes factors associated with increased risk of mortality, such as age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.06 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.03, 1.10; p < 0.001]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score aOR 1.08 (95% CI 1.08, 1.13; p = 0.004), and diabetes aOR 2.29 (95% CI 1.20, 4.37; p = 0.012). The protective factors were antiplatelet within 48 h. aOR 0.40 (95% CI 0.19, 0.81; p = 0.01), dysphagia screening aOR 0.30 (95% CI 0.15, 0.61; p = 0.001), antiplatelets upon discharge aOR 0.17 (95% CI 0.08, 0.35; p < 0.001), lipid-lowering therapy aOR 0.37 (95% CI 0.17, 0.82; p = 0.01), stroke education aOR 0.02 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05; p < 0.001) and rehabilitation aOR 0.08 (95% CI 0.04, 0.16; p < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent performance (discrimination [AUC = 0.94] and calibration [HL, X² p = 0.63]).

Conclusion

The study developed a validated prognostic model that excellently predicts mortality after a first-ever acute ischemic stroke with potential clinical utility in acute stroke care decision-making. The predictors could be valuable for creating risk calculators and aiding healthcare providers and patients in making well-informed clinical decisions during the stroke care process.

Background and Aims

The Adventist lifestyle, which encourages the consumption of a vegetarian or vegan diet, has been associated with several health benefits; however, the nutrition knowledge of Adventists about essential nutrients in the context of plant-based diets has not yet been assessed, therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of an expert-led lecture-based educational intervention on the nutrition knowledge and habits of plant-based Seventh-day Adventists.

Methods

The intervention, delivered in the form of an online lecture by a clinical nutrition expert, comprised a 30-min lecture emphasizing the role of essential nutrients for vegans and vegetarians, the role of dietary supplements in COVID-19 prevention. Nutritional knowledge was assessed by using a 25-item questionnaire before and after the lecture, with a follow-up survey administered 4 weeks after the lecture to examine changes in dietary behaviors and supplement use.

Results

Thirty-seven participants completed the study. The mean test scores significantly improved from 8.49 (SD 3.75) pre-lecture to 20.03 (SD 2.99) post-lecture (p < 0.001). Subsequent behavioral changes were reported, including increased supplement use and dietary modifications, underscoring the intervention's impact.

Conclusion

This study highlights the effectiveness of a targeted educational interventions in improving nutritional knowledge among plant-based Seventh-day Adventists. Health promotion activities conducted by the church should aim to inform church members of the need for well-planned plant-based diets and of the importance of appropriate supplementation.

Background and Aims

In Northern Nigeria, entrenched patriarchal norms, high maternal mortality rates, low contraceptive use, and a fragile healthcare system exacerbated by conflict pose significant challenges to reproductive autonomy and family planning. This study investigates the impact of conflict exposure on women's unmet family planning needs and reproductive autonomy, including contraceptive decision-making, discussing condom use, and declining sexual advances.

Methods

This study employs a kernel-based difference-in-differences model using data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (2008, 2013, 2018) linked with conflict incident data from the Armed Conflict Location and Events Database.

Results

Results suggest that conflict exposure is generally associated with women's reproductive autonomy, with effects varying over time and between urban and rural settings. Specifically, urban conflict exposure before 2013 was found to be associated with an increased ability for women to refuse sexual advances and a reduction in unmet family planning needs. Conflict exposure during 2014–2018 is found to be associated with an increased ability for women to request condom use and an increased ability to refuse sex.

Conclusion

The diverse outcomes, which predominantly show positive associations between conflict exposure and women's reproductive autonomy, may be attributed to the presence of humanitarian assistance, changed fertility preferences and altered gender norms during conflict.

Background and Aims

In the last two decades, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as surrogacy, have helped couples address infertility. However, the use of these techniques can present moral, social, and psychological challenges for both the infertile parents and the surrogate mother. Therefore, this study investigates the attitudes of infertile couples toward surrogacy and the associated challenges.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 176 infertile couples. Data were collected using a bifurcated questionnaire that assessed the challenges and concerns of infertile couples regarding surrogacy. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software.

Results

The average attitude score toward surrogacy was 92.93 ± 4.89, with no significant differences between females and males. The results of the five distinct subscales indicated that with increasing education levels, intentional attitudes and future perspectives on surrogacy decreased (b = −0.59, p = 0.02) and the score for children born through surrogacy decreased significantly (b = −0.60, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between the history of ART and the overall acceptance of surrogacy (b = 1.6, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

These findings are important as they highlight the attitudes of infertile couples in Iranian society toward surrogacy. It appears that providing adequate education to society will significantly facilitate the optimal use of this treatment method.

Background and Aims

Due to the high risk of skin cancer from sun exposure in farmers, understanding their awareness of preventive behaviors is critical. Therefore, this study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer prevention among Iranian farmers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a valid questionnaire with 336 farmers randomly selected from villages in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To be eligible for the study, participants had to be 18 years of age or older and currently working on a farm in the study region.

Results

The mean age years of participants was 49.31 ± SD = 12.23. The mean ± SD of attitude and performance scores were 11.50 ± 3.78 (min = 2, max = 20) and 9.05 ± 2.48 (min = 0, max = 15), respectively. The findings indicate that while 90.2% of participants are aware of the risks of prolonged sun exposure, misconceptions remain. Only 46.4% recognize UV dangers on cloudy days, and 63.4% understand sunscreen use is needed beyond sunny conditions. Awareness of specific risks like skin cancer (42.6%) and sunburn (27.4%) is moderate, while knowledge of cataracts (6.8%) and premature skin aging (9.2%) is low. Barriers to sunscreen use persist, with only 22.3% deeming it important and 40.8% finding it convenient. The risk of developing skin cancer was underestimated in 131 (39.0%) participants.

Conclusion

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer prevention among farmers in Iran are low. There is a need for culturally appropriate educational messages and intervention programs to increase awareness, improve attitudes, and promote preventive behaviors among farmers.

Background and Aims

One-third of all child deaths in this country are caused by diarrhea. The burden of the disease appears to be increasing in recent years in Bangladesh. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of diarrhea and identify the factors contributing to diarrheal diseases among children aged 0–5 years in Bangladesh from 2006 to 2019, to understand the recent increase in this serious health issue.

Methods

In this study, using the data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a total of 31,566, 23,402, and 24,686 children under five were included from, 2006, 2012, and 2019, respectively. Logistic regressions were applied to analyze the changes in factors influencing childhood diarrhea.

Results

The results revealed a decline in diarrhea prevalence from MICS 2006 (7.1%) to MICS 2012 (3.9%). However, there was a sharp increase to 6.9% in MICS 2019. Notably, children aged 12–23 months exhibited consistently 2.22 times (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI: 1.86–2.65), 5.24 times (CI: 2.51–10.95) and 3.36 times (CI: 2.67–4.22) higher likelihood of experiencing diarrhea compared to the older age group (48–59 months) in MICS 2006, 2012 and 2019, respectively. The mother's educational background also played a role, in MICS 2006, 2012, and 2019, children whose mothers had no or incomplete primary education had 1.48 (CI: 1.18–1.86), 1.07 (CI: 0.76–1.50), and 1.34 (CI: 1.06–1.69) times higher chances of diarrhea compared to children of mothers with secondary complete or higher education.

Conclusion

Underweight status, geographical division, household wealth status, and unimproved and shared toilet facilities emerged as contributing factors of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years. The findings underscore the importance of child nutrition, basic hygiene practices, and special care during the rainy season to mitigate the under-five mortality rate associated with diarrhea.

Background

Globally, Ghana is one of the countries with the greatest cervical cancer (CC) burdens and mortality rates. Available research has focused primarily on women's experiences in the general population neglecting factors that influence cervical cancer screening (CCS) among ethnically diverse populations in Ghana.

Aim

This study explored the factors influencing CCS among ethnically diverse women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana.

Method

From April to June 2023, a community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Aboabo and Asawase communities of the Ashanti Region. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Outcome variables with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Habits, knowledge, perceived benefits, and facilitating factors influenced CCS among ethnically diverse women. An overall self-reported CCS rate of 7.2% (n = 32) with an early age of sexual initiation of 15–20 years was recorded. While habits (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.09, 0.58; p = 0.002), affect (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 0.03; p < 0.001), and the perceived benefits of screening (OR = 3.07, 95% Cl 1.01, 10.8; p = 0.059) were associated with CCS. Norms (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 20,948,726,859,075; p > 0.9), knowledge (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.61, 2.53; p = 0.5), and facilitating factors (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.51, 2.01; p > 0.9) were not statistically significant with CCS.

Conclusion

Poor knowledge, lower perceived benefits of CCS, and weak facilitating factors were identified as barriers to CCS. Implementing national CCS and vaccination campaigns to improve awareness, and screening to reduce women's risk is encouraged.

Background

Joint pain is common and limits leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in older adults. However, some older adults with pain are also physically active. Psychosocial factors that may indicate external engagement (such as social network) and internal drive (such as feeling able to “get going”) are emerging as predictors of LTPA and may explain why some older adults with pain are physically active.

Methods

We investigated the cross-sectional association of psychosocial factors with LTPA (kcal/week) in adults over the age of 64 with pain in their back, hips, knees and/or feet from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Psychosocial factors included: social network score from the Lubben Social Network scale and three questions from the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D): perceived effort, difficulty getting going, and trouble concentrating. Separate multivariable ordinal regression models estimated the association between these indicators and LTPA, while controlling for demographics and other contributors of LTPA: number of medications, number of pain sites, body mass index, gait speed, digit substitution symbol test, brain white matter hyperintensities, and mood.

Results

Among 902 participants (65% female, 14% Non-White) with joint pain and complete data, higher social network score, and no self-reported “difficulty getting going” were associated with higher levels of LTPA, independent of covariates. Associations with perceived effort or trouble concentrating were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our research suggests that some older adults with pain are physically active and psychosocial factors related to external engagement and internal drive might be important targets to support LTPA. Studies should investigate the role of psychosocial states on LTPA among older adults with pain.

Impact Statement

We certify that this work is novel.

The potential impact of this research on clinical care includes the following: Resiliency factors such as psychosocial factors may be more important targets to promote leisure-time physical activity in older adults with pain than specific pain reduction strategies.