Alcohol and illicit drugs:prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use and their predictors in young people from Argentina,Bulgaria,Chile and Romania

Background:Alcohol and illicit drugs(AID)continue to be a major global health concern.Although preventable,AID is linked to millions of deaths annually worldwide.The situation is particularly grave for young people,with AID being a major direct risk factor for disability-adjusted youth life-years lost and death.It further contributes to assaults,road crashes,accidental poisoning,and suicide,leading to long-term issues and public health concerns.Objective:This study aimed at disclosing current AID prevalence data for Argentinian,Bulgarian,Chilean and Romanian youth.It shed light on the predictors of AID in young people from those countries.Method:The study used an online survey to gather data from people aged 18 to 25(n=1,297).The survey was underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour(TPB).Predictors were investigated separately for drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs.Results:Our data revealed that across the four target countries,49%to 90%of the participants drank alcohol,and 8%to 35%used illicit drugs in the past three months.Between 20%and 91%of them intended to drink,and between 8%and 31%intended to use illicit drugs in the following three months.Our TPB model predicted statistically significant(P<0.001)amounts of variance in drinking alcohol(between 61%and 72%)and using illicit drugs(between 20.3%and 74.4%).Intention was consistent in significantly predicting both behaviours.Evidence around the predictive validity of self-efficacy,age and gender was mixed across the investigated countries.Conclusion:This research provided an update on the scarce AID epidemiological data.It also supplied evidence about what theoretically-informed measures might be useful targets of interventions in the case of Argentina,Bulgaria,Chile and Romania.This new knowledge of understanding substance abuse determinants and prevalence may help researchers and practitioners better meet young people's health prevention needs.

Correlation between psychological traits and the use of smart medical services in young and middle-aged adults: An observational study

BACKGROUND Psychological problems affect economic development.However,there is a huge gap between mental health service resources and mental health service needs.Existing mental health service technology and platforms cannot meet all the diverse mental health needs of people.Smart medicine is a new medical system based online that can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of medical services and make mental health services accessible.AIM To explore the level of intelligent medical use among young and middle-aged people and its correlation with psychological factors.METHODS Convenience sampling was used to select 200 young and middle-aged patients with medical experience at the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu between January 2022 and January 2023 as the research subjects.The general condition Questionnaire,Eysenck Personality Questionnaire,Symptom Checklist-90,General Health Questionnaire,and Smart Medical Service Use Intention Questionnaire were used to collect data.Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the participants’willingness to use smart medical services and their personality characteristics,psychological symptoms,and mental health.RESULTS The results revealed that the mental health of young and middle-aged people was poor,and some had psycho-logical problems such as anxiety,depression,and physical discomfort.Familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart healthcare in this population are at a medium level,and these levels correlate with psychological characteristics.Acceptance was positively correlated with E,and negatively correlated with P,anxiety,fear,anxiety/insomnia,and social dysfunction.The degree of use was negatively correlated with P,obsessive-compulsive symptoms,depression,anxiety,hostility,paranoia,and somatic symptoms.CONCLUSION The familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart medical services among the middle-aged and young groups are related to various psychological characteristics.

The Relationship between Mental Health Literacy and Subjective Well-Being of Young and Middle-Aged Residents: Perceived the Mediating Role of Social Support and Its Urban-Rural Differences

This study investigates mental health literacy among young and middle-aged urban and rural residents and the differences in mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being.From January to February 2022,620 participants(320 rural and 300 urban residents)from three provinces of China were selected by con-venience sampling.A general data questionnaire,mental health literacy scale,perceived social support scale and subjective well-being scale were administered.The mental health literacy scores of urban residents were 3.34±0.57 and those of rural residents were 2.73±0.79.The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the mental health literacy scores of rural residents were more significant than those of urban residents in terms of sex and age,while urban residents’mental health literacy scores were more significant than those of rural resi-dents in terms of monthly income.Mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being of young and middle-aged urban and rural residents were all positively correlated(P<0.01).While the level of mental health literacy is better among urban residents than rural residents,perceived social support plays a partial mediating role between mental health literacy and subjective well-being of both urban and rural residents,and should be the focus of researchers seeking to improve the level of well-being of residents.

Analysis of differentially expressed genes related to cerebral ischaemia in young rats based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database

BACKGROUND The incidence rate of cerebral infarction in young people is increasing day by day,the age of onset tends to be younger,and its internal pathogenesis and mechanism are very complicated,which leads to greater difficulties in treatment.Therefore,it is essential to analyze the key pathway that affects the onset of cerebral infarction in young people from the perspective of genetics.AIM To compare the differentially expressed genes in the brain tissue of young and aged rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and to analyse their effect on the key signalling pathway involved in the development of cerebral ischaemia in young rats.METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus 2R online analysis tool was used to analyse the differentially expressed genes in the GSE166162 dataset regarding the development of cerebral ischaemia in young and aged groups of rats.DAVID 6.8 software was further used to filter the differentially expressed genes.These genes were subjected to Gene Ontology(GO)function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis to determine the key gene pathway that affects the occurrence of cerebral ischaemia in young rats.RESULTS Thirty-five differentially expressed genes(such as Igf2,Col1a2,and Sfrp1)were obtained;73 GO enrichment analysis pathways are mainly involved in biological processes such as drug response,amino acid stimulation response,blood vessel development,various signalling pathways,and enzyme regulation.They are involved in molecular functions such as drug binding,protein binding,dopamine binding,metal ion binding,and dopamine neurotransmitter receptor activity.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed a significantly enriched pathway:The cyclic adenosine monophosphate(c-AMP)signalling pathway.CONCLUSION The c-AMP signalling pathway might be the key pathway in the intervention of cerebral infarction in young people.

Young People’s Conceptualization of Their Wellbeing: Culturally Situated Understandings in the Context of Kazakhstan

Little is known about the wellbeing of young people living in post-Soviet nation contexts such as Kazakhstan. The qualitative data reported represents the views of 309 Kazakhstani young people on their conceptualizations of wellbeing that fell broadly into three major thematic categories: external factors from one’s surroundings;relationships with others;and internal aspects of the self. The direct consequence of inadequate physical environment on health and the environment’s impact on psychological wellbeing through leisure, lifestyle, education, and employment opportunities were emphasized. Affirmative connections with others were associated with increased levels of emotional wellbeing. The importance of making independent choices as well as being actively involved in leisure, volunteering and extracurricular school activities for achieving optimal levels of wellbeing was highlighted.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sexuality and Modern Contraceptive Methods among the Young People at Cotonou (Benin)

Introduction: Youth is the period of life when one usually experiences sexual relations for the first time. Lack of preparation and inexperience lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The aim was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods among young people in Cotonou. Method: This was a descriptive and prospective study that was conducted from August to September 2017 among young people living in Cotonou. Results: We had questioned 500 young people. The sex ratio was 0.6 with 267 girls (61.1%). 27.9% of young people surveyed do not know the fertility period. 76.2% of young people are sexually active and 39.8% have at least 2 sexual partners. Most of these young people had early sexual intercourse at an average age of 16.73 ± 2.85 years. Half of the boys have sex for pleasure and half of the girls have sex for love. 100% of young people know at least one STI, especially HIV/AIDS. Of the 15.10% of cases of reported pregnancy, 49.2% resulted in an abortion. 99% are aware of modern contraceptive methods for the prevention of pregnancy. But 53.7% are unaware that modern contraceptive methods prevent STIs. The main sources of information on contraception are the media and teachers. The main modern contraceptive method used is the condom in 73%. Young people surveyed do not use modern contraceptive methods in 57.5%. Conclusion: The practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods remain quite limited among young people. It is important to intensify information and awareness activities.

Factors related to compliance with the COVID-19 health regulations among young people

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all facets of our lives and all ages and social strata worldwide.Measures have been taken to protect against the spread of the virus,such as more rigorous hand hygiene,the use of face masks and social distancing.However,the focus has often been on young people,who have been seen as a group lacking sufficient respect for government-imposed measures.This review outlines the preventive measures that have been taken in different countries and discusses their specific impact on young people and adolescents,taking into account the developmental stage and concrete needs of this age group.It summarizes those studies that have provided information on compliance with preventive measures by young people and adolescents,concluding that although compliance levels among this age group are lower than among older adults,the general view of youths as non-compliant is not consistent with real,objective data.The review also summarizes different views regarding the possible reasons for this lower level of compliance,taking into account both social(gender and age)and personal factors(personality,empathy,prosociality,self-control,cognitive styles and motivations),and discusses the practical implications of these findings for the future.

Sidelights of the Chinese Speaking Contest for International Young People

Editor's Note:Listen to the understanding of young people on"a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind"and tell the story of China s rapid development from an international perspective.This is the original intention of the Chinese speaking contest for international young people,themed"The Pursuit of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind".

Promotion of Housing Industrialization in Chongqing： A Case Study of Satisfying the Expanding Housing Demand of Young People

Since the city of Chongqing became a municipality on 14th March, 1997, the structure of Chongqing population has undergone tremendous changes. Especially the young, born after the 1980s, will play an important part in the future housing market. So it seems quite urgem to effectively satisfy the housing needs of young people. Massive research and practices indicate that the housing industrialization conserves the environment, improves quality and reduces cost of housing and is among the most effective ways to boost sustainable development of housing industry. The main objective of the paper is to discuss how to meet the growing housing demands of the young and concludes that housing with recreation, sports and other ancillary facilities will be better fit to the young to rent or to own. Furthermore, an analysis of the Chongqing housing market potential of young people＇s wish to rent or to purchase satisfactory housing demonstrates that some real estate investors may be failing to exploit serious opportunities that could arise from providing service to the young. And this case study of meeting the changing housing needs of the young may help accelerate the process of housing industrialization in Chongqing as well as providing a useful study concerning housing industry.

A Comparative Study of Risk Factors and Prognosis in Young and Elderly Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective:To investigate the differences in risk factors and prognosis between young and elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)so as to provide a basis for the prevention of young patients with acute STEMI.Methods:Patients initially diagnosed with STEMI in the 920"Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA from January 1,2018 to December 31,2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this study.A total of 235 STEMI patients aged≤45 years old and 532 STEMI patients aged≥65 years old were screened.The baseline characteristics,laboratory indicators,clinical characteristics,coronary angiography,SYNTAX score and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during 1-year follow-up were analyzed and compared.Results:A total of 767 STEMI patients were enrolled,including 235 in the young group and 532 in the elderly group.Among the STEM patients in the young group,224 cases were male,and smoking and drinking were common.Compared with the elderly group,the young group had shorter hospital stays and more family history of ischemic heart disease(IHD).The level of low-density lipoprotein in the young group was higher than that in the old group,while the level of high-density lipoprotein in the young group was lower than that in the old group.The level of high uric acid and homocysteine in the young group was significantly higher than that in the old group.The main cause of STEMI in the young group was fatigue,and the most common symptom was angina pectoris.Coronary angiography showed that single vessel disease was more common in the young group than in the elderly group,and the lesion in the young group was the left anterior descending artery.The SYNTAX score was significantly lower in the young group than in the elderly group according to the anatomical characteristics of coronary artery disease.In the forest plot,diabetes mellitus and a family history of IHD showed a trend of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in both groups.Conclusion:Males,smokers,alcohol drinkers and family history of ischemic heart disease are more common in young patients.Common risk factors include fatigue,hyperuricemia,hyperlipidemia and so on.In addition,age itself is an independent risk factor.Management of diabetes,hyperuricemia,and homocysteine levels is essential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in young patients.By controlling these factors,the incidence of young patients with acute STEMI can be effectively prevented and the corresponding prevention and treatment basis can be provided.

Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Diabetic Retinopathy in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is among the most common diabetic complications, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Recent studies have linked vitamin D to the pathogenesis of diabetes and there is growing evidence that vitamin D can interfere with the mechanisms involved in diabetes and its complications. Despite improvements in treatment, diabetic retinopathy remains a significant complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Identification of early treatable predictors of diabetic retinopathy such as vitamin D deficiency, may allow more aggressive management of those at high risk. Purpose: To assess the association of vitamin D deficiency with diabetic retinopathy in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Design: Observational study with case control design. Method: 60 young people with type 1 diabetes aged between 11 to 24 years were included in this study. Among them, 30-young people have diabetic retinopathy and 30-young people do not have diabetic retinopathy. Purposive sampling technique was applied as per inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis of the results was done by using computer-based software, SPSS version 26. P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was present in 83% of the young people with diabetic retinopathy and in 53% without diabetic retinopathy. The mean vitamin D level in young people with and without diabetic retinopathy was 17.38 ± 3.77 ng/ml and 20.15 ± 5.06 ng/ml respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.019). Vitamin D deficiency was increased with the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression showed vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with diabetic retinopathy with a crude odds ratio of 5.69 with a p value of 0.008 and adjusted odds ratio of 16.08 with a p value of 0.002 respectively. Conclusion: Result of the study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with diabetic retinopathy in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Impact of extended nursing model after multi-disciplinary treatment on young patient with post-stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke has become one of the most serious life-threatening diseases due to its high morbidity,disability,recurrence and mortality rates.AIM To explore the intervention effect of multi-disciplinary treatment(MDT)extended nursing model on negative emotions and quality of life of young patients with post-stroke.METHODS A total of 60 young stroke patients who were hospitalized in the neurology department of our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group used the conventional care model and the experimental group used the MDT extended nursing model.After the inhospital and 3-mo post-discharge interventions,the differences in negative emotions and quality of life scores between the two groups were evaluated and analyzed at the time of admission,at the time of discharge and after discharge,respectively.RESULTS There are no statistically significant differences in the negative emotions scores between the two groups at admission,while there are statistically significant differences in the negative emotions scores within each group at admission and discharge,at discharge and post-discharge,and at discharge and post-discharge.In addition,the negative emotions scores were all statistically significant at discharge and after discharge when compared between the two groups.There was no statistically significant difference in quality of life scores at the time of admission between the two groups,and the difference between quality of life scores at the time of admission and discharge,at the time of discharge and post-discharge,and at the time of admission and post-discharge for each group of patients was statistically significant.CONCLUSION The MDT extended nursing mode can improve the negative emotion of patients and improve their quality of life.Therefore,it can be applied in future clinical practice and is worthy of promotion.

Evaluation of a School-Based Health Education Program for Urban Indigenous Young People in Australia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a school-based health promotion and education program in improving knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviours of urban Indigenous young people regarding chronic disease and associated risk factors. A mixed methods approach was adopted for this evaluation;however, this paper will focus on the quantitative aspect of the study. The Deadly Choices? health education program was delivered weekly at six education facilities in Brisbane, Australia to participants from years seven to 12 over seven weeks. One school that received the Deadly Choices program the following term acted as the control group. Questionnaire data was collected immediately pre and post intervention to assess program impact. As self-reported by participants there were mostly significant improvements over time for questions relating to knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy regarding leadership, chronic disease and risk factors within the intervention group. There were also significant changes within the intervention group regarding breakfast frequency (P = 0.002), physical activity frequency (P ≤ 0.001), fruit (P = 0.004) and vegetable (P ≤ 0.001) intake. Overall, there were few significant differences between the control and intervention groups regarding health attitudes and behaviours;however, there were considerably more improvements relating to self-efficacy and knowledge of chronic disease and associated risk factors between groups. The program also facilitated 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks for participants. Deadly Choices is an innovative and comprehensive school-based program which has great potential to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous young people in urban areas by providing education in leadership and chronic disease prevention;engaging students in physical activity participation;and collaborating with health services to facilitate health checks.

Marijuana Use and Depressive Symptoms among Young People: Examining Unidirectional and Bidirectional Effects

Research suggests that the prevalence of marijuana use and depression are increasing in the United States. Although it is not entirely clear what accounts for these coincident trends, several studies have shown that these two health concerns are associated among young people. This study assessed four hypotheses regarding the association between marijuana use and depression: 1) whether marijuana use affects subsequent symptoms of depression;2) whether depressive symptoms affect subsequent marijuana use;3) whether they are associated in a bidirectional (reciprocal) manner;and 4) whether the association between the two is confounded by stressful life events. Using eight years of longitudinal data from the Family Wellness and Health Study, a fixed-effects regression model provided empirical support for the first hypothesis only, but not for the others. Future research should explore in greater detail why marijuana use may have a causal impact on experiences with depression among young people.

Physical activity and exercise training in young people with cystic fibrosis:Current recommendations and evidence

Despite the acceptance of physical activity （PA） being integral to a young person＇s health, children with disability often exhibit low levels of PA. In young people with cystic fibrosis （CF） the importance of exercise and daily PA is acknowledged by clinicians and their support teams, however, there is a lack of knowledge related to its prescription. CF is a recessive genetic disorder affecting the lung, pancreas and sweat glands. CF is the most common life shortening genetic disease in the Caucasian population for which there is no cure. In the UK, CF affects over 9000 people, with 4000 under 16 years of age. Only about half of the CF population can expect to live beyond 40 years of age. Besides drug therapies, rehabilitative exercise programmes form an important component of treatment and long term exercise programmes are considered positive treatment strategies, but all lack any detailed prescriptive information. Several reviews and editorials have highlighted the lack of evidence based research in PA and exercise training in young people with CF; but advocate a greater need for understanding the role of exercise in therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review is to update the reader on the current recommendations and evidence in PA and exercise training for young people with CE These developments have extended our understanding of PA and exercise training in children and adolescents with CF, and its implementation in the management of this chronic disease.

Relationship between Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Uptake among Young People in Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between sexual risk behavior and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric test such as chi-square was used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. Results of data analysis indicated that sexual risk behaviors comprised three variables: sex with multiple partners, intergenerational sex (sex with partners 10 years older), and transactional sex. The results of the chi-square test of association between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between sex with multiple partners and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria. It was among others recommended that sexually active young people in Nigeria should use protection against HIV infection.

Hypertension (Htn) among Young People of 18 to 35 Years Old in Cardiology Department of Gabriel Toure University Teaching Hospital

Few studies have been conducted on hypertension among youth in Mali?hence the interest of our study aimed to clarify certain aspects what are not taken account yet in previous studies.?Objective: Determine the clinical and para-clinical characteristics of hypertension among 18 to 35 years old young people.?Methods:?This cross-sectional and retrospective study of 24 months from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2010?in the cardiology department of the Gabriel Touré UTH.?Results:?We identified 132 cases during the study period out of 2146 cases of hypertension with a prevalence of 6.1%. The female gender represented 81.8%, with a sex ratio of 45.59, 1% of patients had an unknown family history of hypertension. The age group of 31 to 35 years accounted for 43.9%. The circumstances of discovery were dominated by exertional dyspnea (37.9%). Body mass index was normal in 45.5% of patients. The higher BMI was more common in female patients with 39.39% (p?= 0.045). In the sample,53% of patients had a systolic blood pressure between 140?and 159 mmHg and 38.6% had diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg with no significant difference (p?> 0.5). The high creatinine level was found in 18.18% of our patients. The ECG?found?84.6%?of left ventricular hypertrophy among cavitary hypertrophies. The echocardiography has found cavitary?dilatation in 40.04% of cases;it concerned the left ventricle in 25.71%. Also 18.57% of our patients had impaired left ventricular systolic function. Among the complications found in our patients, kidney failure led with 56%.?Conclusion:?Hypertension is not a rare event among young population even with a normal body mass index. It is often discovered during complications that can be dreadful.

Sexual Identity, Preference and Prevalence of Forced Sexual Intercourse among Young People in an Urban Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Young people are at risk of being victims or perpetrators ofcoerced or forced sexual sex. In predominantly low- and middle-income countries, this contributes significantly to their risk for HIV infection, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Current trends show that young people sexual identity and preferences affect their sexual and reproductive health. Objective: This study aims to determine prevalence of coerced or forced sexual intercourse, sexual identity and sexual preferences of young people in Oluku Community, Ovia North East, Local Government, Edo State, South Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in June, 2013 using multi-stage sampling method. Results: A total of 400 young people participated in this study. The mean age was 17.8 ± 3.9 years. A higher proportion of respondents were of the Bini ethnic group 145 (36.3%). Most respondents were Christians 346 (86.5%) while 33 (8.2%) were Moslems. Majority of the respondents had secondary education 271 (67.8%), most were single 363 (90.8%) and were from families with a monogamous setting 289 (72.3%). The prevalence of forced sex was 12.9%, similarly, condom use during forced sex was 27.8%. More females (15.3%) than males (9.6%) had experienced forced sex;forced sex was common among young people from older age group, monogamous homes, and those living in a flat or self contained. Majority (95.3%) of adolescent’s sexual preference was vaginal, only a few preferred oral (3.3%) and anal sex (1.5%). Religion was associated with sexual preference and identity. The sexual identity of most (98.0%) young person’s was heterosexual (or different sex), while 0.5% were homosexual (or same sex) and 1.5% bisexual (or both). Conclusion and Recommendations: Legislation against forced and coerced sex, rape and other forms of sexual violence should be formulated and implemented.

Relationship between HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Awareness and HCT Uptake among Young People in Nigeria: Implications for Social Change

This study examined the relationship between HIV counselling and testing (HCT) awareness and HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria and their implications for social change. The study is a quantitative research guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The target population comprised young people in Nigeria ages 15 to 24 years because the focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting HCT uptake among young people in this age cohort. The representative sample was obtained from the updated master sample frame of rural and urban zones developed by the National Population Commission in Nigeria. This master sample frame was a national survey that comprised all 36 states in Nigeria. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10,091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192;urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The individual questionnaires asked about household characteristics, background characteristics of the respondents. Data were analyzed by inputting them into SPSS v21.0 for analysis and then coded them for each participant. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages;measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric tests such as chi-square were used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. The results of the chi-square test of association between HCT awareness and HCT uptake showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between HCT awareness and HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years in Nigeria, X2 (1, n = 8916) = 306.66, p < 0.001. In other words, knowledge of the availability of HCT services may have influenced the possibility that the participants would use them. Among others, it was recommended that government should examine the efficacy of HCT treatments in Nigeria, along with conducting a demographic analysis of the at-risk population.

The Paediatric Observation Priority Score: A System to Aid Detection of Serious Illness and Assist in Safe Discharge

The Paediatric Observation Priority Score (POPS) is a bespoke assessment tool for use in Paediatric Emergency Departments incorporating traditional physiological parameters alongside more subjective observational criteria. Initial performance characteristics of POPS were analysed in a convenience sample of 936 presentations to ED. Triage on the basis of gut instinct parameters identified an additional 261 patients deemed of lowest acuity compared to analysis by physiology scores. Resource consumption increased with increasing acuity on presentation. POPS shows promise in assisting in the assessment process of children presenting to Emergency Departments. Inclusion of subjective triage criteria helps contextualise the physiological parameter scoring by using the experience of staff conducting triage. Initial interpretation of presenting physiology gives a more informed assessment of initial acuity, and thus is better able to identify a child who can be safely managed in the community. The system also allows for rapid detection of those most unwell.