Health Science Reports最新文献

Background and Aims

Headache is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia. Medicinal plants have been studied for their potential to relieve pain naturally. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of clove and lavender aromatherapy in reducing headaches caused by spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing urological surgery.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial study involved 90 patients undergoing urological surgery at Bahonar Hospital in Kerman in 2021. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received aromatherapy with clove and lavender essential oils, while the control group received standard care. The effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing post-operative headaches was measured using the Visual Analog Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS25.

Results

The study found that, while both lavender and clove aromatherapy reduced headache severity compared to the control group at 8 and 24 h post-surgery, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, a significant reduction in headache severity was observed in all three groups, with lavender and clove groups showing a greater reduction than the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Aromatherapy could be a simple, affordable, and safe way to reduce pain and the need for post-surgical sedatives. Due to conflicting results in previous studies, further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness.

Trial Registration: IRCT20211124053172N1.

Background and Aims

Domestic violence during pregnancy harms the mother-child bond and can affect fertility decisions. The study aims to Comparison of Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Fertility Motivation in Pregnant Women with and without Experience of Violence.

Materials and Methods

This descriptive and analytical study was conducted was conducted in 2024. A total of 292 pregnant women were selected through stratified random cluster sampling from primary healthcare of zanjan, Iran, and divided in non-violent (147) and violent (145) groups. Data collection tools were Demographic, the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), the mother's attachment to Cranley's fetus, and Miller's fertility preferences questionnaire. To analyze the data by SPSS 17, we used Chi-square test, Pearson's test, correlation coefficient, and logistic regression, with a significance level set at p-value < 0.05.

Results

Most of the women who experienced violence had a second pregnancy or more (116 out of 145). Unwanted pregnancy was almost twice as common in women who had experienced violence as in women who had not (16.1% vs 8.2%). Women who experienced violence were significantly more likely to have fewer children (χ2 = 4.693, p = 0.33). As a result of the Binary logistics regression analyses, it was determined that the variables of young age of husband (OR: 1.325; CI:1.379–3.352), law education level of the husbands (OR:1.313; CI:1.090–2.093), gravida ≥ 5 (OR:5.750; CI:1.018–32.464), low desire to have children (OR:1.882; CI: 1.035–3.420), and low Fetal Attachment (OR: 5.423; CI: 1.965–14.966) were statistically significant with violent women.

Conclusion

Domestic violence during pregnancy affects the bond between mother and fetus, as well as fertility choices. Reducing domestic violence can enhance maternal-fetal attachment and improve fertility rates.

Background and Aims

Chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the main cause of cervical carcinoma (CC). It has a significant worldwide disease burden and is the fourth most prevalent malignancy in women. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Ethiopian women, causing an estimated 4884 deaths and 7095 new instances of diagnosis annually. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes of HPV vaccine among adolescent school girls.

Methods

Between June 2, 2023 and August 15, 2023, a study was conducted in Debre Berhan City. All adolescent girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who attended school in the chosen kebeles were eligible for participation in the current study. Schools were selected using a simple random sampling method. Epidata 4.2.0 was utilized for data entry and SPSS 25 for the analysis. There were three types of logistic regression used: multivariate, univariate, and descriptive statistics. At 95% CI, a p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results

We had 601 respondents. The majority of the respondents were in the age range of 16–17 years (51.3%). More than one-fourth of participants started sexual activity, (29.5%) and only (22.1%) participants had information about the HPV vaccine. The majority (83%) of participants had poor knowledge about the HPV vaccine. More than half of the participants (57.4%) had no information about CC and only (26.8%) study participants had information about CC. Only (14.5%) of participants knew the cause of CC was HPV. Below one-fourth of (23.4%) participants knew the HPV vaccine used to prevent HPV infection. More than half (54.2%) of the participants had a negative attitude towards the HPV vaccine. Participants who were not informed about the HPV vaccine before the current study were approximately 65% less likely to be aware of the HPV vaccine compared to those who had prior knowledge of it (AOR = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.42,0.92; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Adolescent girls had negative attitudes and poor knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Adolescent girls should be educated about CC and HPV infection to improve their knowledge and attitude about the HPV vaccine using health professionals and mass media.

Background and Aims

Although sequelae are commonly reported in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors following COVID-19, country-specific long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) studies are scarce. Therefore, the aims were to describe HRQoL and to identify early factors associated with impaired HRQoL 1 year after ICU admission following COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional, longitudinal observational study assessed HRQoL 1 year after ICU admission for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, which covers Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression, along with the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between HRQoL and the independent variables.

Results

A total of 105 participants (median age 58 [interquartile range {IQR}: 51–66] years) completed the EQ-5D-3L. Over two-thirds (n = 73, 69%) reported moderate or extreme problems related to Pain/Discomfort and half (n = 53, 51%) reported problems related to Anxiety/Depression. The mean EQ-5D-3L value index was 0.83 (standard deviation ±0.13). For the EQ-VAS (n = 103), the median score was 70 (IQR: 59–80). Diabetes mellitus was associated with impaired HRQoL in Self-Care (odds ratio [OR]: 7.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.77–31.92) and longer length of stay in ICU was associated with impaired HRQoL in both Usual Activities (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and Pain/Discomfort (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03–1.13). Also, younger age (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.00) and female sex (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.70) were associated with impaired HRQoL in Pain/Discomfort.

Conclusion

The prevalence of impaired HRQoL 1 year after ICU care due to COVID-19 is a public health concern. Our findings imply that COVID-19 ICU survivors, and particularly those with diabetes, should be followed up beyond 1 year to identify those in need of continued mental and physical health care and rehabilitation.

Background and Aims

Assessing the prevalence of hypertension and associated determinants in riverine island populations is crucial due to their unique socio-environmental characteristics and restricted healthcare access, which increase sensitivity to hypertension-related problems and should lead targeted interventions. So, this study investigates the concerning issue of hypertension, focusing on its prevalence and influential factors among adults in Sirajganj's Riverine Island.

Methods

By employing a cross-sectional approach, the research utilized a structured questionnaire. A total of 309 people took part in this study via face-to-face interviews by following convenience sampling technique. The investigators performed frequency analysis for getting prevalence of HTN and other variable's percentage and binary logistic regression analysis for getting associated determinants. Analysis was conducted by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 41% among all individuals. People who were illiterate were 1.23 times more hypertensive. Some key risk factors were discovered, including smoking (p = 0.04), adding salt to meals (p < 0.001), eating fatty or fat-type foods (p < 0.001), sleeping late (p < 0.001), worrying about their lifestyle and future (p < 0.001), and not exercising (p = 0.03). Males were 1.43 times more hypertensive (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.17−2.0, p = 0.002) than females. Smokers were 4.21 times more hypertensive (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.12−17.13, p = 0.04) than nonsmokers. Consumers oil/fat with food were 2.18 times more hypertensive (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.78−2.54, p < 0.001) than others. Respondents who were worried about their lifestyle and future were 3.38 times more hypertensive (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.27−6.01, p = 0.001) than others.

Conclusion

People should consume a healthy diet and refrain from smoking. Regular physical activity and going to bed early are recommended. Medical camps and workshops should be held on riverine islands to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent hypertension.

Background and Aim

Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents significant health risks due to elevated blood sugar levels, necessitating adherence to dietary recommendations for effective management. However, diabetic patients often encounter barriers hindering their adherence to dietary guidelines. This study sought to investigate the determinants of good nutritional diet knowledge and adherence to dietary recommendations beyond the barriers faced by diabetic patients in Ghana.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional prospective study that collected data using a tested and structured questionnaire from 100 diabetic patients from January 2024 to June 2024. Data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS (version 26). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 56.97 ± 11.98 years. Overall, about 74.44% had good nutritional diet knowledge. Being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.41–0.83]), and having complete tertiary education (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 0.96–3.82) were the factors associated with good nutritional diet knowledge. About 39% stopped their dietary plan without informing their doctor, and 60% stopped when they felt their condition was under control. The overall adherence to dietary recommendations was poor as only 48% adhered to the recommendations. Being female (AOR = 0.83, 95% CI = [0.49–2.11]), being 75 years or older (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI = 0.99–4.14), and having good nutritional knowledge (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.61–4.16) were the factors associated with good adherence to dietary recommendation.

Conclusion

The participants had good nutritional diet knowledge but poor adherence to dietary recommendations. Being female and having completed tertiary education were the determinants of good nutritional diet knowledge while being female, being 75 years or older, and having good nutritional knowledge were the factors associated with good adherence. The leading adherence barriers were the discomforts associated with cooking meals that meet their dietary requirements, dietary restrictions, and financial difficulties.

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent, yet under-diagnosed sleep disorder and has a strong association with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Vascular abnormalities, nocturnal glucose dysregulation, impaired blood flow, and hypoxia during OSA induce oxidative stress and promote the inflammatory pathways which increase the VEGF factor levels, leading to the progression of DR.

Aims

To date, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective, gold-standard treatment for patients with moderate to severe OSA. However, the implications of CPAP for the treatment of DR due to OSA is still a topic of ongoing debate.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that the administration of CPAP therapy led to a reduction in retinal exudates and optical coherence tomography indices for retinal edema and also exhibited improvement in glycemic control, sleepiness, and overall health-related quality of life. Nevertheless, there are limited studies present that have evaluated the impact of CPAP therapy on DR in patients with OSA and well-designed studies are needed to confirm CPAP's therapeutic effect on DR despite these findings. Moreover, concerns regarding its long-term safety, adherence challenges, and inconsistent study designs limit definitive conclusions about CPAP's efficacy in managing DR. This indicates the need for future studies to advocate for enhanced CPAP adherence strategies, refined diagnostic criteria for OSA, and large-scale clinical trials to explore CPAP's therapeutic role in DR. Addressing these challenges could revolutionize clinical practices, optimize patient outcomes, and establish CPAP as a cornerstone in the integrated management of OSA and DR.

Background and Aims

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in tracheal intubation is widely accepted in anesthetic induction, but adverse effects are possible. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare influence of use and nonuse of NMBAs on incidence of laryngeal complications and intubating conditions in surgical patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing use of NMBAs with either placebo or no treatment for oral tracheal intubation in adult patients under general anesthesia. Studies were evaluated using a risk-of-bias assessment. We conducted random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analyses on extracted data and calculated risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Nine trials with 1176 participants were included. Incidence of postoperative sore throat or hoarseness did not differ between groups receiving and not receiving NMBAs at 24 h (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.96–1.46; I² = 45%), 48 h (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.46–1.52; I² = 42%), or 72 h (RD: −0.00; 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.07; I² = 59%). Compared with use of NMBAs, induction without NMBAs reduced the occurrence of acceptable intubating conditions (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67–0.94; I² = 92%) and with increased risk for poor intubating conditions (RR: 4.77; 95% CI: 3.20–7.10; I² = 0%). The pharmacological interventions for hemodynamic changes after intubation did not differ significantly between the NMBAs and non-NMBAs groups (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.53–1.95; I² = 78%).

Conclusion

Endotracheal intubation without NMBAs does not increase the incidence of postoperative hoarseness or sore throat in adult surgical patients, which may be considered as a safe and effective technique of anesthesia induction. Although NMBAs use was associated with acceptable intubating conditions and reduced risk for poor intubation conditions.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021284813

Background and Aims

Several studies were performed to evaluate the relationship between CBC and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In this review, we discussed the prognostic value of CBC parameters in DM patients.

Methods

English literature was searched and retrieved from the Google Scholar search engine and PubMed database (1980–2024). “Diabetes mellitus,” “Blood cell count,” “Mean platelet volume,” “Leukocytes,” and “Inflammation” were used as keywords.

Results

DM increases vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, while vascular inflammation affects erythropoiesis and red blood cell deformation, thus increasing red cell distribution width (RDW). Mean platelet volume (MPV) is another useful prognostic biomarker for DM patients. Additionally, elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels are associated with poor glycemic control in T2DM patients, so it can be used as a screening tool in diabetic follow-up.

Conclusion

RDW can be used as a valuable independent biomarker to assess the prognosis of patients with DM. MPV can also be used as a noninvasive, widely available, and low-cost marker as a key factor as well as a Prognostic/diagnostic biomarker that could be used for DM patients. Total white blood cell count, NLR, Mean platelet volume lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) are valuable biomarkers in predicting DM.