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 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.

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.

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.

Prevalence and Distribution of Tick-Borne Hemoparasites in Cattle from the Noun and Ndé Divisions of the West Region, Cameroon

Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.

Prevalence of Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors in Lactating Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) on Dairy Farms in Benadir Region, Somalia

The study took a comprehensive approach to understanding mastitis in lactating camels, a disease that significantly impacts milk quantity and quality. This complex and multifactorial disease poses a significant challenge to dairy camel farming, particularly in Somalia. The studys objective was to determine the prevalence of mastitis and the risk factors associated with it among lactating camels on dairy farms in Benadir, Somalia. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2022 in the Benadir region of Somalia. A total of 96 lactating camels underwent examination using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) to identify clinical and subclinical mastitis cases. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 20 farm employees/owners to gather information on hygiene practices, parity, lactation stage, tick infestation, and the presence of udder/teat lesions. Data regarding parity and lactation stage were obtained through owner interviews. The data collected on specifically designed forms were recorded and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis using SPSS version 20 statistical software, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis of the data. The studys findings revealed a significant prevalence of camel mastitis, with 34.4% (33/96) of lactating camels affected and clinical and subclinical cases constituting 5.2% and 29.2%, respectively. Quarter-level prevalence was 46.3%, with clinical and subclinical mastitis at 4.7% and 41.6%, respectively. The study also identified significant associations (P < 0.05) among risk factors such as stage of lactation, parity, and age, indicating a higher susceptibility to mastitis in older camels during early lactation compared to those in late lactation and younger camels. These findings underscore the crucial role of inadequate hygienic conditions on camel farms and udder tick infestations in driving the elevated prevalence of mastitis, highlighting the need for improved management practices in dairy farming in Benadir, Somalia. Effective interventions, including improved management practices and extension services, are essential to reduce the burden of mastitis in dairy camels.

Literature Review of the Prevalence of Hypertension at Gulu University, Gulu City, Acholi Subregion, Northern Uganda

Hypertension is a big problem worldwide. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practice about hypertension at Gulu University, Gulu city, Gulu district, Acholi subregion, Northern Uganda. A literature search on hypertension was done. It showed that, in Uganda, a representative number of 17,777 adult patients’ data were analyzed from January 2014 to February 2024. The epidemiological data on awareness of hypertension was found to be at 8%. Of this, 18.3% of the people with hypertension had it under control. The results of the findings were promising. Hypertension is an important public health challenge in Uganda particularly in Northern Uganda where Gulu University falls. In comparison with the two regions of Central Uganda and Northern Uganda, there was a significant number of populations that were not aware of their condition. Those diagnosed were on treatment but the treatment was not adhered to due to stock outs of medicines. Therefore, Measures are required to prevent hypertension, improve awareness, treatment and control within the community, especially at Gulu University where research has never been done.

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.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Patients Received at the Biochemistry Unit of the Charles de Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital in Ouagadougou

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the biochemistry unit of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients of all ages who performed a lipid panel in the CHUP-CDG biochemistry unit during the study period have been included. Results: A total of 2872 patients have been included. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 19.51 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. Among the patients, 22.84% had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalences of hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were 11.57%, 49.19% and 57.50% respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia were present in 9.04% and 2.08% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly more frequent in the female sex (p = 0.0077);hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (p = 0.0255) and mixed hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study indicates a worrying situation. It would therefore appear essential to extend the search for risk factors nationwide, particularly those that can be modified, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.

Depression and Suicidal Risk in HIV-Infected Adults at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral tritherapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV (PVVIH) and extended their life expectancy. However, the nervous system is faced with a neurotropic virus that evolves chronically, sometimes creating neurological disorders directly or indirectly linked to stigmatization or therapeutic effects. Objective: to determine the prevalence of depression associated with suicidal risk (SR) and identify associated factors. Patients and method: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study from January 1 to November 30, 2022, including all HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study took place in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital. This department has an inpatient capacity of 36 beds, and an outpatient capacity of 25 patients per day, three times a week. This is the largest center for PVVIH in Brazzaville. The Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the degree of depression and suicidal risk. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviations. Statistical tests were used according to their applicability criteria. For all tests, the significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 150 patients were consulted, constituting the sample size. The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was 32%. These patients had an average age of 42.83 ± 10.24 years, were female (n = 101;67.3%), Christian (n = 97;64%), single (n = 68;45.3%). Stigmatization (n = 75;50%) was the reason for attempted suicide. HIV was perceived as treatable (n = 103;68.7%), unlucky (n = 62;41.3%). Patients were WHO stage 1 (n = 105;70%). RS was present in 47 cases (31.3%). Factors associated with depression and suicidal risk were age (p = 0.000), residence (p = 0.028), suicide attempt (p = 0.000), desire to procreate (p = 0.000) and ARV (antiretrovirals) side effects (p Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was high, in line with stigma and socio-economic conditions. The associated factors were in line with those identified in the literature. Mental health needs to be integrated into the overall care of people living with HIV.

Dynamics in the Prevalence of Insulin Resistance between 2005 and 2023 in Type 2 Diabetics in South Kivu in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Studies

Aim: Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing an epidemiological transition responsible for a change in the metabolic profile in favour of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of the prevalence of insulin resistance and associated risk factors in diabetic patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2005 and 2023. Method: We measured fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and looked for metabolic syndrome parameters (2009 criteria) in type 2 diabetes patients in 2005-2008 (n = 176) and in 2018-2023 (n = 303). The HOMA model was used to measure insulin sensitivity and islet β-cell secretory function. Results: Between 2005 and 2013, the trend was towards an increase in the prevalence of insulin resistance (from 13.1% to 50.8%;p Conclusion: This present study shows an increase in insulin resistance in Congolese urban areas and a persistence of atypical diabetes mellitus in Congolese rural areas, confirming the particularity of the pathophysiology of the disease in African areas currently influenced by the epidemiological transition. Further studies using an appropriate methodology are required.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in Children ≤ 5 Years of Age in Some Conflict Hit Areas of Meme Division of the South West Region of Cameroon

Malnutrition refers to the deficiency, imbalances, or excesses in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients [1]. Khan defines anaemia as below level of Haemoglobin in red blood shown by a lower number of functioning red blood cells [2]. The crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has led to several negative effects on children’s living conditions. There has been an increase in malnutrition and anaemia in the South West Region and Kumba in particular. The main objective of this study was “to examine the prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age in some conflict-hit areas of Meme Division”. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 from March to June. We recruited 200 children ≤ 5 years into the study from three hospitals. The regional hospital annex in Kumba, Presbyterian General Hospital Kumba and the Ntam Hospital in Kumba. Socio-demographic factors were assessed using questionnaire, nutritional status was assessed by the use anthropometric measurements and an auto haematology analyser was used to determine anaemia. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the study area was 40.5%. The prevalence of malnutrition varied significantly (P < 0.001) with the study sites. The overall prevalence of anaemia in the study area was 70.5%. The prevalence of anaemia was not significantly associated with the study sites. The prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age is very high in the Kumba municipalities. This could be attributed to the ongoing crisis which has caused a lot of social migrations from rural areas to Urban areas which are safer.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Heart Diseases within the Urban and Rural Communities of the Town of Bougouni and Its Surroundings (Southern Mali): A Comparative Study

In Mali, few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases according to place of residence. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular diseases according to residents in town of Bougouni and its rural area (southern Mali). Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study from February 2019 to March 2024. All patients who visited the “CENTRE MEDICAL DE BOUGOUNI” clinic with known or suspected heart disease during the study period were included. Data were collected from medical records. Incomplete or unusable records were excluded. Data were processed using SPS version 22 software. Results: we included 452 patients with an average age of 50 ± 19 years. High blood pression has been found in 42.70% of cases, with higher prevalence in urban areas (47.01%) than in rural areas (41.50%). Diabetes and smoking were found respectively 5.31% and 8.19% in our population. The prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas (5.97%) than rural area (5.35%). smoking prevalence was higher in rural areas (8.49%) than urban areas (6.72%). Alcoholism was found in 2.21% of cases with a little difference between rural area (2.24%) and urban area (2.20%). 31.63% of our patients had no cardiovascular factor. Dyspnea was the reason of consultation in 5.75% of cases and atypical precordialgia in 13.72%. Headaches and dizziness in 8.63% of cases and 21.90% of patients presented other non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was found in 23.45% of cases with higher prevalence in rural areas (28.30%) than urban areas (13.43%). Ischaemic heart disease accounted for 9.29% of cases with a higher prevalence in rural areas (10.38%) than in urban areas (6.71%). PPCMs accounted for 5.98% of cases, with a slight increase in urban areas (6.66%) compared with rural areas (5.68%). Rheumatic valvulopathy accounted for 2.21% of cases;2.84% in rural areas and 0.74% in urban areas. Other valvular diseases accounted for 3.76% of cases;4.73% in rural areas and 1.48% in urban areas. Right heart diseases accounted for 3.98% of cases and stroke for 1.77%. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and heart diseases is high in the rural and urban population of the town of Bougouni and its surroundings (Mali). Excepted smoking, the prevalence of other CV risk factors is higher in urban areas, whereas the prevalence of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease is higher in rural areas. These data could serve as a basis for developing tailored preventive strategies, depending on the place of residence.

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.

Prevalence and features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in prisons in Tuscany

BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them.AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons,this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs.METHODS This is an observational cohort study.Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results.Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility.Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,and Clinical Modification.RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021,79.2%of the prisoner cohort(n=1744)agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test(n=1381).Of these,1288 were negative(93.3%)and 85 were positive(6.2%).A significant association[relative risk(RR)]was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians[RR=2.4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-4.8].A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder(RR=4,95%CI:1.8-9.1).The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany(standardized incidence ratio 0.7,95%CI:0.6-0.9).CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort,screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors among University Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Introduction: WHO estimated that uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment and second leading cause of blindness globally. University students are prone to developing refractive errors due to their curriculum that requires a lot of near work affecting their performance and quality of life unknowingly. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of refractive errors. This study addresses the paucity of knowledge about refractive errors among university students in East Africa, providing a foundation for further research. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with refractive errors among students in the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in which 368 undergraduate students selected using random sampling were assessed for refractive errors from March 2021-July 2021. Eligible participants were recruited and their VA assessment done after answering a questionnaire. Students whose VA improved on pin hole had subjective retinoscopy and results were compiled and imported to STATA 14 for analysis. Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 26.36% with (95% CI) among university students especially myopia. Myopia is most predominant at 60%, followed by 37% Astigmatism and hyperopia of 3% among medical students. Astigmatism consisted of largely myopic astigmatism 72% (26) and 28% (10) compound/mixed astigmatism only. Student positive family history of refractive error was found to have a statistically significant relationship with refractive errors with AOR 1.68 (1.04 - 2.72) (95% CI) and P (0.032). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among university students, especially myopia, was found to be high and family history was associated with students having refractive errors.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among People Living with HIV in Burkina Faso and Diagnostic Performance of HIV/HCV/HBsAg Combined Rapid Test in Comparison with Architect Assays

Background: The diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a constraint for some populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in people living with HIV and to evaluate the performance of a combined rapid test for the simultaneous detection of HIV, HBV, and HCV. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that took place from February 2017 to November 2018 and included 139 HIV-infected individuals followed up at different medical centers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. HBV and HCV serology tests were performed on-site using finger prick whole blood with HIV/HCV/HBsAg combined rapid test and then serum with two reference tests “Architect HBsAg Qualitative” and “Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo”. Results: The mean age of the participants was 57 ± 8 years. Of the 139 participants, 10% (14/139) were HIV-1 positive, 71.9% (100/139) were HIV-2 positive, and 18.0% (25/139) were HIV-1/HIV-2 coinfected. The sensitivity and specificity of the HIV/HCV/HBsAg combined rapid test were 33.33% vs 99.11% and 20% vs 99.25% compared to Architect HBsAg Qualitative and Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo, respectively. The Kappa and Youden Index values were 0.4262 and 0.3244 and 0.2707 and 0.1925, respectively, compared to each of the two reference tests. Conclusion: The results show that the HIV/HCV/HBsAg combined rapid test has poor diagnostic efficiency and should not be recommended for the diagnosis of these viruses.