BMC Public Health最新文献

Background: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections occurring during pregnancy may pose adverse health consequences to the mother and the developing baby. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and STHs, and their association with adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women in Jimma Town.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 314 pregnant women was conducted in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. The pregnant women were recruited from selected public health facilities during their antenatal care (ANC) visits from August to December 2021. Data on demographic characteristics and factors associated with S. mansoni and STH infections were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Moreover, during the third trimester, stool specimen of each pregnant woman was examined using Kato-Katz technique, and hemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue analyzer. Data on adverse birth outcomes were collected during delivery. Data were analyzed using STATA-MP_12 (StataCorp., TX, USA).

Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections was 26.1%. Soil-transmitted helminths and S. mansoni were detected in 20.4% (95%CI: 15.9-24.8) and 5.7% (95%CI: 3.2-8.3) of the pregnant women, respectively. The magnitude of low birth weight was 6.4%, higher in those with late-term delivery and maternal anemia (p < 0.05). Maternal anemia was also associated with post-partum bleeding (p < 0.05). Pregnant women who carry out laundry activities in the river were significantly more infected by S. mansoni (AOR 10.7, 95% CI: 2.2-51.9).

Conclusions: This study sheds light on the burden of maternal STH and S. mansoni infections in Jimma Town. A quarter of the pregnant women were infected with STHs and S. mansoni. It is recommended that pregnant women in the area avoid washing clothes in the river to reduce the risk of S. mansoni infection. Screening for intestinal parasitic infections should be conducted for pregnant women living in endemic areas during their ANC follow-up.

Background: Global warming is raising increasing concerns about its impact on worker productivity, particularly in industries like construction where outdoor physically demanding jobs are prevalent. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to assess the existing evidence on the impact of heat exposure on productivity loss among construction workers.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across six databases-Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and IEEE-covering the period from database inception to September 18, 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used for quality assessment. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed, and publication bias was evaluated by Egger's and Begg's tests.

Results: From an initial pool of 1209 studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria, representing data from 2387 workers. Our findings indicate that 60% (95% CI: 0.48-0.72, p < 0.01) of construction workers exposed to elevated temperatures experienced significant productivity loss. Productivity loss was more pronounced when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeded 28 °C or when ambient temperatures surpassed 35 °C. Furthermore, workers aged over 38 (proportion = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.72) and teams with female workers (ratio = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60-0.87) were more susceptible to productivity loss.

Conclusions: This review highlights heat exposure as a significant factor affecting productivity in the construction industry. We recommend prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups such as women and older workers, developing innovative technologies and equipment for working in hot conditions, and improving the working environment to safeguard workers' health and productivity. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term health impacts of heat exposure and develop strategies for optimizing microclimate management in construction settings.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of strong surveillance systems in detecting and responding to public health threats. We sought to evaluate attributes of Keur Massar district's existing COVID-19 surveillance system.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022; desk review covered data collected from March 03, 2020 to May 31, 2022 in 18 health posts. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire completed during a face-to-face interview and a desk review of surveillance data gathered from different notification platforms (Excel, ODK, DHIS2 aggregated, and tracker). Study was conducted in Keur Massar department, in the Dakar region. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses in June 2022. We utilized a standardized, semi-structured questionnaire adapted from CDC guidelines for surveillance evaluation.

Results: All 18 head nurses targeted, responded to the questionnaire, with an average age of 41.5 years and 63% aged between 30 and 44. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.6, and respondents had an average of 15.1 years of experience. All nurses were involved in COVID-19 surveillance and had notified at least one suspected case. While 39% conducted COVID-19 data analysis, 55.6% received feedback from the national level. The usefulness score for the surveillance system was 77.7, with the lowest score (72.9) related to describing the pandemic's magnitude. Simplicity scored 63.3, with low scores for the availability of guidelines (0) but high scores for training and equipment (94.4). Acceptability scored 76.6, with strong support for COVID-19 surveillance but weak community involvement (48.6). While no cases were reported through the DHIS2 aggregated platform, 1327 PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 cases were reported through the national Excel sheet and 278 PCR-positive cases were reported through the COVID-19 DHIS2 tracker during the same period. Timeliness varied, averaging 3 days using ODK and 7 days with the national Excel sheet, with a combined average of 5 days across both systems.

Conclusion: The study highlights challenges in COVID-19 surveillance due to limited human resources, multiple data systems, and delays in notification. While most nurses were trained and equipped, gaps in data quality, timeliness, and community support emphasize the need for streamlined processes and increased workforce capacity.

Background: To ensure the acceptability and effectiveness of potential Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs), understanding user needs, and preferences are crucial to inform the design of MPTs. This article aims to explore the perceptions towards potential MPT use and to explore the needs of multiple stakeholders in India within their social and behavioural contexts.

Methods: A qualitative multicentric study was conducted in three Indian states-Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The study involved a total of 222 interviews: 77 in-depth interviews with women, including those from the general population, HIV-positive women, and street and brothel-based Female Sex Workers (FSWs); 84 in-depth interviews with men and 61 key informant interviews were conducted. Three focus group discussions were conducted with FSWs. Interviews explored perceptions of the potential MPTs, needs, and factors that may potentially affect their use and adherence. Interviews and FGDs were transcribed and translated verbatim. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data in NVivo version 8.

Result: The following themes highlight the need and preferences among women for the potential MPT product: 1) Overall perceptions about new MPT, 2) People at high risk need long acting products, 3) Condom versus new MPT: potential of MPT, 4) Women empowerment through MPTs 5) Secrecy and confidentiality 6) Non-stigmatising MPT product positioning.

Conclusion: Several stakeholders in this study expressed their need for new MPTs, but concerns regarding confidentiality, privacy, stigma and, adherence were identified. Besides efficacy, characteristics such as the size, packaging, formulation, and texture of MPTs, should be taken into account when designing the MPT products, also considering the needs of women, specially, female sex workers.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life of adult survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and identify the factors influencing their long-term outcomes. The findings are intended to provide a reference for optimizing post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation care.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 106 adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the Barthel Index, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile Part II. Statistical analyses included the two-sample rank sum test, multi-sample Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression to assess relationships between health-related quality of life and various factors.

Results: Long-term health-related quality of life scores for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors were 63.72 ± 20.87 for Physical Component Summary(PCS) and 72.69 ± 23.67 for Mental Component Summary (MCS). PCS was positively correlated with the Barthel Index score (r = 0.560, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Scale (r = -0.58, P < 0.01) and Nottingham Health Profile Part II scores (r = -0.757, P < 0.01). MCS showed similar trends, with a positive correlation with the Barthel Index score (r = 0.589, P < 0.01) and negative correlations with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Scale (r = -0.741, P < 0.01) and Nottingham Health Profile Part II (r = -0.647, P < 0.01). Independent factors affecting health-related quality of life included physical health, caregiver type, employment status, Barthel Index score, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Scale, and Nottingham Health Profile Part II score, accounting for 82.6% of variability in PCS. MCS was influenced by employment status, place of residence, and the same clinical scales, explaining 73.9% of the variation.

Conclusions: Adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors have poor health-related quality of life, particularly in social functioning. Key factors affecting their quality of life include caregiver type, employment status, physical and psychological health scores, and place of residence. Establishing specialized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation clinics is crucial for providing comprehensive care and improving long-term outcomes for survivors.

Background: Studies on occupation and COVID-19 infection that cover a range of occupational groups and adjust for important confounders are lacking. This study aimed to estimate occupational risks of hospitalization with COVID-19 by taking into account sociodemographic factors and previous comorbidities.

Methods: We applied a case-cohort design using workers insured with one of Germany's largest statutory health insurers as a data source for occupational and demographical information as well as for information on comorbidities. Cox regression models with denominator weights for cases and controls assessed relative risks of hospitalization with COVID-19 in 2020.

Results: The study consisted of 11,202 COVID-19 cases and 249,707 non-cases. After adjusting for age, sex, number of pre-existing comorbidities, and socioeconomic status, we found at least doubled risks for occupations in theology and church work (HR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.93-4.82), occupations in healthcare (HR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.46-3.05), for bus and tram divers (HR = 2.46; 95% CI 2.04-2.97), occupations in meat processing (HR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.57-2.98), and professional drivers in passenger transport (e.g. taxi drivers) (HR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.59-2.51). In addition, occupations in property marketing and management, social workers, laboratory workers, occupations in personal care (e.g. hairdressers), occupations in housekeeping and occupations in gastronomy all had statistically significantly increased risks compared to the reference population (administrative workers).

Conclusions: We identified occupations with increased risks for hospitalization with COVID-19. For those having a doubled risk it can be assumed that COVID-19 diseases are predominantly occupationally related. By identifying high-risk occupations in non-healthcare professions, effective measures to prevent infections in the workplace can be developed, also in case of a future pandemic.

Background: Drought is one of the most destructive and complex natural hazards, with direct and indirect effects, especially economic effects, on society and households. It affects the well-being and life satisfaction of households. It is important to understand the effects of drought at the micro level, such as households, by examining different attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of drought and its impacts.

Methods: This research aims to investigate the understanding and experiences of the residents of the poor areas of Kerman city regarding drought and its consequences on their well-being and life satisfaction. To that end, the descriptive phenomenology qualitative method was used, selected samples purposefully, and conducted semi-structured and in-depth interviews with households in August and September 2022. MAXQDA₂₀₂₀ software was used to manage and organize the data.

Results: From the analysis of the results of the interviews with the households, it was shown that the drought, with its impact on the economic, social, family, health, and environmental dimensions, has been identified as five main themes, leading to a decrease in the well-being and life satisfaction of the households.

Conclusion: The drought has caused the migration of families from the cities and villages around Kerman province to the outskirts of the city. Subsequently, with the increase in the population in the outskirts of the city, the problem of waterlessness has increased. As a result, the welfare and life satisfaction of households have decreased.

Background: Patient safety has become a priority issue in health policy strategies in Germany in the last several years, and is especially important in the era of climate change. This study aimed to assess public perceptions about the patient safety impact of climate change and the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing patient perception in Germany.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Germany in 2023, using data from the TK Monitor of Patient Safety. The TK Monitor of Patient Safety is a national survey of the population on the state of safety in medical care. Self-reported data were collected from 1,000 randomly selected adults living in Germany. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were regressed on climate change perception using an ordinal logistic regression approach.

Results: Our results revealed that half of respondents are concerned about climate change affecting their health and 40% of the respondents would like to have climate-sensitive health counseling by their general practitioner. The results showed that demographic variables, such as gender and age, and socioeconomic variables, such as education level and income, are important factors influencing the perception of climate change-related patient safety risks. However, no association was found between urban/rural residence and patient perception.

Conclusions: Our study highlights patient safety as a public health concern in the era of climate change. The German public appears to view climate change as harmful to patient safety. Our findings also show that it is necessary to carry out diagnoses focused on demographic and socioeconomic factors to determine which aspects should be strengthened through programs aimed at reducing patient safety risks associated with climate change.

Background: The recent World Health Organization (WHO) resolution on oral health urges pivoting to a preventive approach and integration of oral health into the non-communicable diseases agenda. This study aimed to: 1) explore the healthcare costs of managing dental caries between the ages of 12 and 65 years across socioeconomic groups in six countries (Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, UK), and 2) estimate the potential reduction in direct costs from non-targeted and targeted oral health-promoting interventions.

Methods: A cohort simulation model was developed to estimate the direct costs of dental caries over time for different socioeconomic groups. National-level DMFT (dentine threshold) data, the relative likelihood of receiving an intervention (such as a restorative procedure, tooth extraction and replacement), and clinically-guided assumptions were used to populate the model. A hypothetical group of upstream and downstream preventive interventions were applied either uniformly across all deprivation groups to reduce caries progression rates by 30% or in a levelled-up fashion with the greatest gains seen in the most deprived group.

Results: The population level direct costs of caries from 12 to 65 years of age varied between US10.2 billion in Italy to US$36.2 billion in Brazil. The highest per-person costs were in the UK at US$22,910 and the lowest in Indonesia at US$7,414. The per-person direct costs were highest in the most deprived group across Brazil, France, Italy and the UK. With the uniform application of preventive measures across all deprivation groups, the greatest reduction in per-person costs for caries management was seen in the most deprived group across all countries except Indonesia. With a levelling-up approach, cost reductions in the most deprived group ranged from US$3,948 in Indonesia to US$17,728 in the UK.

Conclusion: Our exploratory analysis shows the disproportionate economic burden of caries in the most deprived groups and highlights the significant opportunity to reduce direct costs via levelling-up preventive measures. The healthcare burden stems from a higher baseline caries experience and greater annual progression rates in the most deprived. Therefore, preventive measures should be start early, with a focus on lowering early childhood caries and continue through the life course.

Background: Adolescence is a crucial period for establishing healthy behaviours that can reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. However, limited data exist on the clustering of health-related behaviours, in adolescents from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examined how diet and physical activity behaviours cluster and how they are influenced by home and school area-level deprivation.

Methods: The study surveyed 527 adolescents in Yaoundé (Cameroon), Kingston (Jamaica), and Cape Town (South Africa) and grouped them into three categories according to the socioeconomic status (SES) of their homes and school areas (low-low, low-high, and high-high). A k-median algorithm defined three clusters and measured dietary attributes including Dietary Habit Score (DHS), Healthy Food Score (HFS), Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire (NKQ), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time using validated questionnaires. The clusters were ranked based on their physical activity levels and compared them within each city using statistical tests.

Results: The scores on the NKQ and HFS indicated a poor level of both nutritional knowledge and healthy food consumption across sites. Cluster analysis revealed a consistent pattern of high screen time clustering with lower (less healthy) dietary scores across sites. This pattern was consistent regardless of SES in Kingston, and SES and school socioeconomic areas in Cape Town and Yaoundé.

Conclusion: An inverse clustering of sedentary behaviour duration and eating habits remained consistent across different strata for at least two sites, suggesting that interventions to reduce sedentary time could have a ripple effect on multiple NCD risk factors in adolescence.