Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese military personnel:A cross-sectional,multicenter-based study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a prevalent disease encountered in military internal medicine and recognized as the main cause of dyspepsia,gastritis,and peptic ulcer,which are common diseases in military personnel.Current guidelines in China state all patients with evidence of active infection with H.pylori are offered treatment.However,the prevalence of H.pylori infection and its regional distribution in the military population remain unclear,which hinders effective prevention and treatment strategies.Understanding the prevalence of H.pylori infection in the military population will aid in the development of customized strategies to better manage this infectious disease.AIM To investigate the prevalence of H.pylori infection in the Chinese military population in different geographic areas.METHODS This multicenter,retrospective study included 22421 individuals from five tertiary hospitals located in north,east,southwest,and northwest cities of China.H.pylori infection was identified using the urea breath test,which had been performed between January 2020 and December 2021.RESULTS Of the 22421 military service members,7416(33.1%)were urea breath test-positive.The highest prevalence of H.pylori was in the 30-39 years age group for military personnel,with an infection rate of 34.9%.The majority of infected subjects were younger than 40-years-old,accounting for 70.4%of the infected population.The individuals serviced in Lanzhou and Chengdu showed a higher infection prevalence than those in Beijing,Nanjing,and Guangzhou,with prevalence rates of 44.3%,37.9%,29.0%,31.1%,and 32.3%,respectively.CONCLUSION H.pylori infection remains a common infectious disease among military personnel in China and has a relatively high prevalence rate in northwest China.

Prevalence of fear of childbirth,its risk factors and birth outcomes in Australian multiparous women

BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth(FoC)is a widespread issue that impacts the health and well-being of mothers and newborns.However,there is inconsistency regarding the prevalence of FoC in the and there is limited research on the prevalence of FoC among Australian pregnant women.AIM To investigate the prevalence of FoC,its risk factors and birth outcomes in Aust-ralian multiparous women.METHODS In this prospective cohort quantitative study,212 multiparous women were re-cruited from antenatal clinics at Westmead Hospital in western Sydney from 2019 to 2022.Pregnant women who attended antenatal visits and met the inclusion criteria signed the consent forms and completed several online questionnaires at baseline.After they gave birth,their birth outcomes were collected from the hospital’s medical record database.The data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics,χ^(2)test,independent samples t-test,and multivariable logistic regression analysis.RESULTS Out of 212 participants,24%experienced a high level of FoC and 7%experienced severe FoC.Theχ^(2)test results revealed that a family income of≤$100000,no alcohol intake during pregnancy,pre-existing health problems,previous caesarean section(emergency or planned),and previous neutral/traumatic childbirth experiences were significantly associated with higher levels of FoC(P<0.05).Other risk factors included being moderately to very worried and fearful about the upcoming birth,having severe to extremely severe anxiety throughout pregnancy,and expressing low relationship satisfaction.According to multivariable logistic regression,the odds of a high level of FoC were higher in women with anxiety,a history of traumatic childbirth experience,a history of sexual assault during childhood,pre-existing health problems,and lower relationship satisfaction(P<0.05).CONCLUSION High-severe levels of FoC are experienced by pregnant multiparous women and are affected by several demo-graphic factors.However,due to the small sample size in the present study,further studies with larger sample sizes are required to draw a firm conclusion on the prevalence of severe FoC among multiparous women and its associated risk factors and birth outcomes.

Prevalence and associated factors of clubfoot in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia: A hospital-based study

BACKGROUND Clubfoot,or congenital talipes equinovarus,is a widely recognized cause of disability and congenital deformity worldwide,which significantly impacts the quality of life.Effective management of clubfoot requires long-term,multidiscip-linary intervention.It is important to understand how common this condition is in order to assess its impact on the population.Unfortunately,few studies have investigated the prevalence of clubfoot in Saudi Arabia.AIM To determine the prevalence of clubfoot in Saudi Arabia via the patient population at King Fahad University Hospital(KFUH).METHODS This was a retrospective study conducted at one of the largest hospitals in the country and located in one of the most densely populated of the administrative regions.RESULTS Of the 7792 births between 2015 to 2023 that were included in the analysis,42 patients were diagnosed with clubfoot,resulting in a prevalence of 5.3 per 1000 live births at KFUH.CONCLUSION The observed prevalence of clubfoot was significantly higher than both global and local estimates,indicating a substantial burden in the study population.

Prevalence of refractive errors in school-aged and preadolescent children in Colombia

AIM:To describe the distribution of refractive errors by age and sex among schoolchildren in Soacha,Colombia.METHODS:This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in five urban public schools in the municipality of Soacha.A total of 1161 school-aged and pre-adolescent children,aged 5-12y were examined during the school year 2021-2022.Examinations included visual acuity and static refraction.Spherical equivalent(SE)was analysed as follows:myopia SE≤-0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or worse;high myopia SE≤-6.00 D;hyperopia SE≥+1.00 D(≥7y)or SE≥+2.00 D(5-6y);significant hyperopia SE≥+3.00 D.Astigmatism was defined as a cylinder in at least one eye≥1.00 D(≥7y)or≥1.75 D(5-6y).If at least one eye was ametropic,children were classified according to the refractive error found.RESULTS:Of the 1139 schoolchildren included,50.6%were male,58.8%were aged between 5 and 9y,and 12.1%were already using optical correction.The most common refractive error was astigmatism(31.1%),followed by myopia(20.8%)and hyperopia(13.1%).There was no significant relationship between refractive error and sex.There was a significant increase in astigmatism(P<0.001)and myopia(P<0.0001)with age.CONCLUSION:Astigmatism is the most common refractive error in children in an urban area of Colombia.Emmetropia decreased and myopia increased with age.

Prevalence of Anemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Anemia is a common public health concern in patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide.This study aimed to identify the prevalence of anemia among patients with diabetes.Methods Electronic databases,including PubMed,Scopus,Web of Sciences,and Google Scholar,were searched systematically for studies published between 2010 and 2021.After removing duplicates and inappropriate reports,the remaining manuscripts were reviewed and appraised using theNewcastleOttawa Scale(NOS)tool.A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of the extracted data using Stata version 17.Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Q statistic.Results A total of 51 articles containing information on 26,485 patients with diabetes were included in this study.The articles were mainly from Asia(58.82%)and Africa(35.29%).The overall prevalence of anemia was 35.45%(95%CI:30.30–40.76),with no evidence of heterogeneity by sex.Among the two continents with the highest number of studies,the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes was significantly higher in Asia[40.02;95%CI:32.72–47.54]compared to Africa[28.46;95%CI:21.90–35.50](P for heterogeneity=0.029).Moreover,there has been an increasing trend in the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes over time,from[15.28;95%CI:9.83–22.21]in 2012 to[40.70;95%CI:10.21–75.93]in 2022.Conclusion Globally,approximately 4 in 10 patients with diabetes suffer from anemia.Therefore,routine anemia screening and control programs every 3 months might be useful in improving the quality of life of these patients.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Tinnitus prevalence and care experience among population of Almaty city

The prevalence of tinnitus is increasing worldwide along with the aging population.The absence of a gold standard for diagnosis and treatment makes it difficult to assess the health status of a patient with tinnitus.The aim was to determine the prevalence of tinnitus among older adults in Almaty city and to evaluate the healthcare experience among the respondents who received treatment for tinnitus.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among people aged 18 years and above in Almaty city.The data were collected using a questionnaire sent via a Google form and/or as a printed version.Fully completed responses were received from 851 respondents.The questionnaire consists of 31 questions.Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of tinnitus.Results:The prevalence of tinnitus in Almaty was 23.3%.The data showed that smoking and sleep regimen were associated with tinnitus.Older respondents indicated more symptoms associated with tinnitus than younger respondents did.Additional consultation was needed as part of the treatment of tinnitus.In addition,49.4%of the respondents indicated a need of a support group for people with tinnitus.The respondents also indicated that the access to appropriate resources for the treatment of tinnitus was poor.Conclusion:Similar to other studies,this analysis confirmed that tinnitus is prevalent in the adult population of Almaty city.Future activities should include measures for the improvement of public awareness of the risk factors of tinnitus,and multidisciplinary teamwork among healthcare specialists should be improved.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in China from 2014-2023:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)stands as the predominant infectious agent linked to the onset of gastritis,peptic ulcer diseases,and gastric cancer(GC).Identified as the exclusive bacterial factor associated with the onset of GC,it is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization.The elimination of H.pylori plays a crucial role in the primary prevention of GC.While the prevalence has declined in recent decades,H.pylori infection is still highly prevalent in China,accounting for a significant part of the disease burden of GC.Therefore,updated prevalence information for H.pylori infection,especially regional and demographic variations in China,is an important basis for the design of targeted strategies that will be effective for the prevention of GC and application of policies for H.pylori control.AIM To methodically evaluate the occurrence of H.pylori infection throughout China and establish a reference point for subsequent investigations.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following established guidelines,as detailed in our methodology section.RESULTS Our review synthesized data from 152 studies,covering a sample of 763827 individuals,314423 of whom were infected with H.pylori.We evaluated infection rates in China's Mainland and the combined prevalence of H.pylori was 42.8%(95%CI:40.7-44.9).Subgroup analysis indicated the highest prevalence in Northwest China at 51.3%(95%CI:45.6-56.9),and in Qinghai Province,the prevalence reached 60.2%(95%CI:46.5-73.9).The urea breath test,which recorded the highest infection rate,showed a prevalence of 43.7%(95%CI:41.4-46.0).No notable differences in infection rates were observed between genders.Notably,the prevalence among the elderly was significantly higher at 44.5%(95%CI:41.9-47.1),compared to children,who showed a prevalence of 27.5%(95%CI:19.58-34.7).CONCLUSION Between 2014 and 2023,the prevalence of H.pylori infection in China decreased to 42.8%,down from the previous decade.However,the infection rates vary considerably across different geographical areas,among various populations,and by detection methods employed.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in community households in Lanzhou city

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection exhibits a familial clustering phenomenon.AIM To investigate the prevalence of H.pylori infection,identify associated factors,and analyze patterns of transmission within families residing in the community.METHODS From July 2021 to September 2021,a total of 191 families(519 people)in two randomly chosen community health service centers in the Chengguan District of Lanzhou in Gansu Province,were recruited to fill out questionnaires and tested for H.pylori infection.Individuals were followed up again from April 2023 and June 2023 to test for H.pylori infection.The relationship between variables and H.pylori infection was analyzed using logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models.RESULTS In 2021,the individual-based H.pylori infection rate was found to be 47.0%(244/519),which decreased to 38.1%(177/464)in 2023.Additionally,the rate of individual-based H.pylori new infection was 22.8%(55/241).The family-based H.pylori infection rate in 2021 was 76.9%(147/191),which decreased to 67.1%(116/173)in 2023,and the rate of family-based H.pylori new infection was 38.6%(17/44).Individual H.pylori infection was positively correlated with age,body mass index(BMI),eating food that was excessively hot,frequent acid reflux,bloating,and halitosis symptoms,and negatively correlated with family size and nut consumption.New individual H.pylori infection was positively correlated with BMI,other types of family structures,drinking purified water,and frequent heartburn symptoms,while negatively correlated with the use of refrigerators and following a regular eating schedule.A larger living area was an independent protective factor for H.pylori infection in households.Frequently consuming excessively hot food and symptoms of halitosis were independent risk factors for H.pylori infection in individuals;frequent consumption of nuts was an independent protective factor for H.pylori infection.Other types of family structure,drinking purified water,and frequent heartburn symptoms were independent risk factors for new individual H.pylori infection;the use of a refrigerator was an independent protective factor for new H.pylori infections.CONCLUSION The household H.pylori infection rate in Lanzhou is relatively high and linked to socio-demographic factors and lifestyles.Eradication efforts and control of related risk factors are recommended in the general population.

Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale

Objective:To assess the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale County,Kenya.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to randomly sample 422 women of reproductive age(15-<50 years)from four villages in Mwaluphamba location.Stool specimens were collected and examined using the Kato-Katz method,while filtration technique was used to analyze urine specimens.Participants’sociodemographic details were obtained using a standardized questionnaire.Results:Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was at 4.7%(20/422,95%CI 2.8%-6.9%)while the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection was 4.5%(19/422,95%CI 2.6%-6.7%).The infection intensities of urinary schistosomiasis among the study participants ranged from 1 to 120 eggs/10 mL of urine with median egg count of 18.45 eggs/10 mL.The patients were diagnosed with light infection,of 56.16 egg/gram and 48.48 egg/gram for Trichuris trichiura and hookworms,respectively.Women without latrines had 15.7 times higher risk of having urinary schistosomiasis compared to those with a latrine.Similarly,use of surface water(aOR=1.0,95%CI 0.2-1.4,P=0.010)and crossing the river to go to a place(aOR=1.1,95%CI 0.3-1.6,P=0.009)were statistically significant risk factors for getting urinary schistosomiasis.In bivariable regression analysis,defecating around the water source(OR=4.3,95%CI 1.5-12.9)had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis(P=0.008).Conclusions:This study has given an insight on the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Mwaluphamba location that form a basis for strengthening the control and elimination programmes for these neglected tropical diseases.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Stroke in Inpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China

Objective The prevalence and the cluster characteristics of risk factors of stroke were assessed in a Chinese diabetic population.Methods Clinical data of 30693 inpatients who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and admitted between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The age-standardized prevalence of stroke was estimated using the 2010 Chinese population census data,and risk factors were analyzed by multiple imputation and regression.Results The crude and standardized prevalence rates of stroke in patients with T2DM were 34.4%and 21.5%,respectively,and 85.2%of the stroke patients had ischemic stroke.Nearly half of the patients who experienced stroke had clusters of more than 4 risk factors.Compared with no-risk-factor clustering,the risk of stroke significantly increased 3-4 times in the presence of more than 4 risk-factor clusters(P<0.001).Hypertension was the most common major risk factor for ischemic stroke[odds ratio(OR),2.34;95%confidence interval(CI),2.18-2.50]and hemorrhagic stroke(OR,3.68;95%CI 2.95-4.59;P<0.001).Moreover,a 1-standard-deviation increase in fasting blood glucose(FBG)was significantly negatively correlated with ischemic stroke risk,and the same change in FBG was significantly associated with an 8%increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.Conclusion The prevalence of stroke in patients with T2DM is rather high,and the clustering of risk factors is associated with the development of stroke in T2DM patients.Risk factors differ in different stroke subtypes.Identifying risk factors for a specific high-risk group is necessary.

Urinary incontinence among Jordanian women:Prevalence,types,and associated factors

Objective:Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition with a negative impact on women's quality of life. Data about UI among Jordanian women are lacking;therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, and associated factors.Methods:A cross sectional nationwide survey was conducted between 1 March 2020 and 15 April 2020. Women were included if they were 18 years of age or more and had access to the internet. Data collected included women's characteristics, UI types, and associated factors. UI was inventoried by asking women if they have UI (yes/no), and the Arabic language validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence-Short Form was used. Age-group specific prevalence rates of UI were estimated, and associated factors were studied using logistic regression analyses.Results:Data from 2118 women were analysed. The median age was 40 (range 18–85) years;58.3% gave birth three or more times;and 64.1% consistently reported having UI. Limited mobility and being multiparous increased the likelihood of reporting UI. Compared to women with normal body mass index, overweight and obese women were 1.9 times and 4.4 times more likely to report UI, respectively.Conclusion:The prevalence of UI among Jordanian women is 64.1%, with mixed UI and stress UI being the more prevalent types in women younger than 60 years old. Age, parity body mass index, and limited mobility are all associated factors with UI. The results of this study provide healthcare policy makers with the necessary information to increase awareness and knowledge regarding UI.

The association of Serum Klotho with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and prognosis in general population:results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016

Background Previous studies have extensively investigated traditional predictors of cardiovascular disease(CVD)development,progression,and prognosis.However,the influence of novel indicators such as Klotho,on CVD prevalence and prognosis in the general population remains unclear.Method This was an observational study that utilized cross-sectional and longitudinal methods to examine the general population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)2007-2016.The participants were divided into four groups according to the Klotho quartiles.Primary outcome was CVD[coronary artery disease(CAD),congestive heart failure,and stroke],secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.Survey-weighted binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between Klotho and the prevalence of primary outcome,and the restricted cubic spline(RCS)curve was used to further analyze the nonlinear relationship.Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the association between Klotho values and CVD prevalence using survey-weighted binary logistic regression.The incidence of the secondary outcomes among four groups was assessed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Additionally,the relationship between Klotho values and secondary endpoints was explored using survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression across various patient subpopulations.Results A total of 12,146 participants(56.8±10.7 years,48.5%male)were included in our study.The total incidence of CVD was 9.9%(n=1201),of which 4.7%(n=574)were CAD,3.7%(n=454)were congestive heart failure,and 4.1%(n=497)were stroke.Binary logistics regression analysis showed that higher Klotho quartiles were associated with the decreased prevalence of CVD[Quartile 4 vs.Quartile 1:odds ratio(OR)(95%CI):0.77(0.64-0.93),P=0.006]and congestive heart failure[Quartile 4 vs.Quartile 1:0.75(0.56-0.99),P=0.048],However,no significant associations were found between Klotho levels and the outcomes of CAD or stroke.RCS curve illustrated a high Klotho value was negatively correlated with the prevalence of CVD(nonlinear P=0.838),congestive heart failure(nonlinear P=0.110)and stroke(nonlinear P=0.972).No significant interactions were observed in any subgroups regarding the associations between Klotho and prevalence of CVD.After a median follow-up period of 93 months(range:from 1 to 160 months),there were 1228 cases(10.1%)of all-cause mortality in the general population,including 296 cases(2.4%)of cardiovascular mortality.The Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that lower Klotho levels were associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality across the general population,CVD population,and non-CVD population.As Klotho levels decreased,there was also a notable rise in cardiovascular mortality in both the general population and the CVD population.In the overall population,Cox regression analyses demonstrated that higher Klotho values were associated with a decreased risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.And no significant interaction was observed in the CVD subgroup regarding the association between Klotho and mortality.Conclusion High Klotho level was associated with low prevalence of CVD and low risk of mortality in general population.

Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder and its symptoms among bereaved individuals in China:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder(PGD)and its symptoms among the bereaved population in China vary considerably.Aims This meta-analysis aims to estimate the prevalence of PGD and its symptoms among bereaved individuals in China.Methods We conducted a literature search in major Chinese and English databases from their inception to 4 October 2023,for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of PGD or its symptoms in bereaved Chinese individuals.The risk of bias of the included studies and certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data(‘JBI checklist’)and the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development and Evaluations(GRADE),respectively.The‘metaprop’package in R V.4.1.2 was used to synthesise the prevalence.Results A total of 28 studies involving 10994 bereaved individuals were included in the analysis,with JBI checklist scores between 3 and 7.The combined prevalence(95%confidence interval)of PGD and its symptoms was 8.9%(4.2%to 17.6%)and 32.4%(18.2%to 50.8%),respectively.PGD and its symptoms were most prevalent among those who had lost their only child(22.7%)and those bereaved by earthquakes(80.4%),respectively.The GRADE system assigned a very low certainty level to the evidence for the pooled prevalence of PGD and its symptoms.Conclusions The pooled prevalence of PGD and its symptoms indicate a potential high need for grief counselling services among bereaved individuals in China.This need is particularly pronounced in those who have lost their only child and those bereaved due to earthquakes.Further methodologically rigorous studies are needed to provide more accurate prevalence estimates.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023432553.

Increasing prevalence of eating disorders in female adolescents compared with children and young adults:an analysis of real-time administrative data

TToo tthhee eeddiittoorr::Eating disorder(ED),as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5),is a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviour that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning.^(1)The DSM-5 outlines criteria for EDs,including anorexia nervosa,bulimia nervosa,binge-eating disorder,pica,rumination disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.EDs are relatively common in young people,affecting 5.5%-17.9%of young women and 0.6%-2.4%of young men by the time they reach early adulthood.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with hepatitis B:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)has increased in recent clinical practice;however,the relationship between CHB and hepatic steatosis(HS)remains controversial.AIM To shed light on the potential association between NAFLD and hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search using multiple databases,including PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and EMBASE,to identify relevant studies.Predefined inclusion criteria were used to determine the eligibility of the studies for further analysis.RESULTS Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for statistical analysis,which covered 20 studies.The results indicated a lower NAFLD susceptibility in HBVinfected individuals(pooled OR=0.87;95%CI=0.69-1.08;I2=91.1%),with diabetes(P=0.015),body mass index(BMI;P=0.010),and possibly age(P=0.061)as heterogeneity sources.Of note,in four studies(6197 HBV patients),HBV-infected individuals had a reduced NAFLD risk(OR=0.68,95%CI=0.51-0.89,P=0.006).A positive link between hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome emerged in hepatitis B patients,along with specific biochemical indicators,including BMI,creatinine,uric acid,fasting blood glucose,and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.CONCLUSION HBV infection may provide protection against HS;however,the occurrence of HS in patients with HBV infection is associated with metabolic syndrome and specific biochemical parameters.

Exploring the Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Depression among Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region

Sickle Cell Anemia(SCA)is a prevalent genetic condition in Saudi Arabia,particularly in the Jazan region.The study’s purpose was to assess the prevalence of de-pression among individuals with SCA in this area and to identify the factors associated with this condition.The study involved 391 adult participants,all patients in the hematology center of Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital(PMNH).Data was collected through an anonymous interview questionnaire–the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)–between March–May 2022.The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information and variables related to the participant’s SCA history,such as pain levels,frequency of pain,hospitalization duration,and frequency of blood transfusions.These variables underwent Chi-square and One-way ANOVA testing,followed by multivariate regression.The study found a 42%prevalence of depression among the SCA patients.Factors significantly linked with heightened depression levels included being widowed or divorced,experiencing frequent and severe pain,and longer duration of hospital stays.An educational level of at least a bachelor’s degree was also a significant factor.The study reveals a high prevalence of depression among SCA patients in the Jazan region.It underscores the need for policymakers to educate both physicians and patients about the importance of mental health in SCA management.The study also highlights the need for more research into the specific causes and effects of depressive symptoms in SCA patients to inform the creation of effective management plans.

Investigating clubfoot in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, factors, and future directions

This editorial discusses the significant findings and implications of the study conducted by Alomran et al.This retrospective study,soon to be published,provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of and risk factors associated with clubfoot in a specific Saudi population.By highlighting the study’s key outcomes and discussing its broader implications for public health and clinical practices,this editorial aims to underscore the importance of continued research and targeted interventions in addressing congenital deformities such as clubfoot.

Trends and prevalence of eating disorders in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND Eating disorders(EDs)have increasingly become a public health problem globally,especially among children and adolescents.AIM To estimate the burden of EDs in children and adolescents(ages 5-19 years)at the global,regional,and national levels.METHODS Retrieved from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 for EDs,including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa,we extracted the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)and prevalence rates with 95%uncertainty intervals between 1990-2019.The temporal trends of the DALYs and prevalence rates of EDs were assessed according to the estimated annual percentage changes.RESULTS In our study,we found that the burden of EDs continuously increased globally from 1990 to 2019.Although females accounted for more EDs cases,the burden of EDs in males had a greater increment.Meanwhile,the burden of EDs was associated with the high sociodemographic index(SDI)over the past 30 years and the human development indexes in 2019.CONCLUSION EDs,predominantly in high-income countries,are rising globally,especially in Asia,highlighting the need for resource planning and medical policy prioritization across all SDI quintiles.

Prevalence and resistance of Helicobacter pylori in a predominantly Hispanic population

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans.The risk of acquiring H.pylori is related to socioeconomic status and living conditions early in life.Treatment regimens must consider local antibiotic resistance patterns.Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital serves a predominantly indigent population in east Los Angeles with a large number of immigrants from South and Central America.Data regarding the prevalence and resistance of H.pylori in this population is scant.AIM To evaluate the prevalence and resistance of H.pylori and correlate with country of origin.METHODS All gastric biopsies were obtained by a single gastroenterologist at the hospital in a consecutive manner from patients with gastritis from 2017 to 2022 and sent to various labs for evaluation.RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-six patients are born in the United States,450,171,70,and 30 patients are immigrants from Mexico,Central and South America(CSA),Asia,and other countries respectively.Overall,14.65%were found to be infected with H.pylori.Rates of infection in United States-born citizens,immigrants from Mexico,CSA,and Asia are 9.02%,18.67%,13.45%,and 11.43%respectively,with Mexican immigrants having a relative risk of 2.3889[95%confidence interval(CI):1.4789-3.8588,P=0.0004]compared to those born in United States.No correlation seen between infection and length of time immigrants were in United States.Relative risk of infection in patients with no proton pump inhibitor use within the past 30 days found to be 1.9276(95%CI:1.3562-2.7398,P=0.0003).Rates of resistance for clarithromycin and levofloxacin are 21.43%and 31.11%.CONCLUSION H.pylori infection appears to be associated with low socioeconomic status and poor living conditions early in life.Clarithromycin and levofloxacin based treatment regimens should be avoided as first line therapy in this region,particularly in patients of Latin American origin.