Association between people’s attitudes towards human-elephant conflict and their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in Buxa Tiger Reserve and its adjoining area,India

“Human-elephant conflict(HEC)”,the alarming issue,in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers.The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve(BTR)and its adjoining area in West Bengal State,India,making the area volatile.People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC,because people’s proximity with wild elephants’habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC.The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis.BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve(EDER).We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics including location of village,gender,age,ethnicity,religion,caste,poverty level,education level,primary occupation,secondary occupation,household type,and source of firewood.The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages(EFVs),peripheral forest villages(PFVs),corridor village(CVs),or forest and corridor villages(FCVs),mainly males,at the age of 18–48 years old,engaged with agriculture occupation,and living in kancha and mixed houses,have more likelihood to witness HEC.Besides,respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity.For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife,people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way,so that the two communities can live in harmony.

The impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes:Evidence from China

With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.

Prevalence and Demographic Distributions of Pre-Eclampsia among Pregnant Women at Ho Teaching Hospital

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, pre-eclampsia remains a major health problem contributing to high rates of maternal mortality. Despite this condition having adverse effects on maternal and child health, its prevalence and associated risk factors are still significant, especially in developing countries including Ghana. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and demographic distributions associated with pre-eclampsia among pregnant women at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods: A facility-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing available data or hospital records of pregnant mothers admitted to the labor and maternity wards from January 2018 to December 2020. All pregnant women who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia within this period were included in the study. The data were collected using a structured checklist. Results: 5609 data on pregnant women from 2018 to 2020 were recorded. Out of the 5609 data recorded, 314 pre-eclampsia cases were recorded giving an overall prevalence of 5.6%. The yearly prevalence for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 4.6%, 5.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. The most recorded pre-eclampsia cases were seen among women within the age group of 18 - 24 years. The data showed that 112 (35.7%) of the pregnant women who had pre-eclampsia were nulliparous. Pre-eclampsia-associated maternal and fetal complications were;preterm delivery 221 (70.4%), intrauterine fetal death 62 (19.7%), eclampsia 9 (2.9%), HELLP syndrome 5 (1.6%) and maternal death 17 (5.4%). Associated factors of pre-eclampsia were parity, level of education, and occupation (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a rising trend in the incidence of pre-eclampsia over the years at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Parity, level of education, and occupation were found to be associated with developing pre-eclampsia.

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society orthopedic surgeons in the United States:An analysis of geographical distribution,academic,leadership,and demographic characteristics

BACKGROUND The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society(LLRS)is a premier orthopedic specialty organization that promotes limb reconstruction for all ages.LLRS membership characteristics,however,are poorly reported.This study delineates orthopedic surgeon LLRS members’demographic traits,academic achievement,leadership attainment,and geographical distribution across the United States.AIM To inform aspiring orthopedic professionals,as well as to promote growth and diversity in both the LLRS organization and overarching field.METHODS This cross-sectional study examined United States LLRS members’academic,leadership,demographic,and geographical attributes.After reviewing the 2023 LLRS member directory,Google search results were matched to the listings and appended to the compiled data.Sex and ethnicity were evaluated visually utilizing retrieved images.The Hirsch index(H-index)of academic activity,residency and fellowship training,other graduate degrees,leadership positions,practice type(academic or non-academic),and spoken languages were categorized.LLRS members per state and capita determined geographic distribution.The Mann Whitney U test was applied to compare H-index between males and females,as well as to assess member differences pertaining to affiliation with academic vs non-academic practice facilities.RESULTS The study included 101 orthopedic surgeons,78(77.23%)Caucasian and 23(22.77%)non-Caucasian,79(78.22%)male and 22(21.78%)female.Surgeons with DO degrees comprised only 3.96%(4)of the cohort,while the vast majority held MDs[96.04%(97)].Mean H-index was 10.55,with male surgeons having a significantly higher score(P=0.002).Most orthopedic surgeons(88.12%,)practiced in academic centers.Of those professionals who occupied leadership positions,14%were women,while 86%were men.Additionally,19(37.25%)United States regions and the District of Columbia lacked an LLRS-member orthopedic surgeon.Total per capita rate across the United States was 0.30 LLRS orthopedic surgeons per 1 million people.CONCLUSION Over 21%of LLRS members are women,surpassing prior benchmarks noted in orthopedic faculty reporting.LLRS members’high research productivity scores imply field dedication that can refine expertise in the limb lengthening and reconstruction space.Gender disparities in leadership remain,however,necessitating greater equity efforts.A low rate of LLRS representation per capita must be addressed geographically as well,to affect improvements in regional care access.This study can serve to support aspiring orthopedic professionals,inform diversity,leadership,and field advancement strategies,and maintain the continued goal of enhanced patient care worldwide.

The Demographic Problem in Greece:Consequences and Solutions

Globally,population dynamics are shifting towards increased life expectancy,and many countries,including Greece,face significant demographic challenges.Greece is particularly impacted by one of the lowest birth rates in the world and a rapidly aging population.This demographic shift places unprecedented pressure on the nation’s pension systems and economic stability,as more people retire than enter the workforce.This study aims to explore the historical factors contributing to Greece’s demographic situation,analyze the consequences of current trends,and propose strategic solutions.The research utilizes a literature review approach and the case study of Greece to understand the depth and breadth of the demographic crisis.Key areas of focus include the declining birth rate,the economic implications of an aging population,and the potential of migration and policy reform to rejuvenate demographic dynamics.The study evaluates various policy interventions from other countries to propose a tailored,multi-faceted strategy for Greece.These strategies emphasize economic incentives for young families,improved childcare and parental support,healthcare investment,and inclusive migration policies to enhance workforce numbers.This comprehensive approach seeks to provide actionable insights that can help Greece mitigate the effects of demographic decline and foster a more sustainable future,aligning policy interventions with socio-economic and cultural realities.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

The Impact of Demographics and Cultural Tourism on University Enrollments in Calabria, Italy

The decline in the birth rate,which has been uninterrupted in Italy since the mid-1960s,has had a significant impact on many aspects of society.As far as the educational system is concerned,this phenomenon has acted like a wave,first causing a decline in the population of the first school age groups,then in the other groups,until recently affecting the 19-25 age group,which includes the majority of university students.As a result,the majority of Italian universities have seen a decline over time in both enrollments(matriculations)and student numbers(enrollments),although the situation varies from one area to another.In the Mezzogiorno,this trend is even more pronounced,since an increasing number of resident students tend to favor universities in the Centre-North,creating a South-Centre-North movement,which could be compared to a particular form of cultural tourism,without a similar flow in the opposite direction.Finally,the study highlights the probable consequences of the recent demographic depopulation on the future trend of university enrollment of residents aged 19-25 in the Calabria region,using the most recent demographic projections of Istat and constructing two evolutionary scenarios.In the first scenario,we have assumed that in the near future university enrollment rates remain constant throughout the period considered;in the second scenario,these rates instead experience a gradual and continuous increase.These results could be useful if further forecasts of university enrollments were to be made at the level of individual Calabrian universities.

Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Obesity among Adolescents in Secondary School in Onitsha, South East Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of obesity among adolescent has been on the increase worldwide. This is probably a result of increase in the sedentary life style and the increasing shift to western diet. Obesity in children and adolescents has adverse consequences. These include increase in the rate of Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, etc with resultant increase in premature deaths. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity in apparently healthy secondary school adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of secondary school adolescents aged 10 - 19 years randomly selected from two public schools and three private schools. The weight and heights of study subjects were measured using standard equipment. Body mass index (BMI) was appropriately calculated and the WHO growth reference standard for age and gender, specific percentile for BMI was used to define overweight 85th to 97th and obese (97th percentile and above). Results: Data were initially collected from 1250 participants, but 52 were excluded due to improperly completed questionnaires. Thus, a total of 1198 students were ultimately included in the study, giving a response rate of 95.8%. These included 621 females (51.8%) and 577 males (48.2%) aged 10 - 19 years giving a F:M ratio of 1:0.9. The mean age of the students was 15.07 ± 1.96 years overall, 15.13 ± 2.08 years for males and 15.03 ± 1.83 years for females. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female in the distribution of age groups (p = 0.12). The mean BMI was 21.51 ± 3.57 kg/m2 for females and 20.22 ± 3.16 kg/m2 for males. The BMI was significantly higher in females in all age groups (p < 0.001) except those aged 10 - p = 0.13). The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher in females than males (17.7% vs 10.7%, 5.6% vs 4.5% respectively;p ≤ 12 yrs;p = 0.04). The frequent consumption of sugar based beverages (p p p = 0.03) were significantly associated with both overweight and obesity (p p p < 0.001) were also significantly associated with obesity. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors such as gender, socioeconomic status and behavioral patterns were major contributors to obesity. Behavioral interventions including regulating the intake of sugar based beverages and reducing the time spent on sedentary activities could be useful strategies in reducing the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents.

Socio-Demographic Factors, Clinical Characteristics and Maternal Prognosis of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy at Panzi General Referral Hospital

Background: Hypertensive disease in pregnancy is an important cause of morbidity, long-term disability, and maternal and neonatal mortality. The aim is to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and maternal prognosis of these women with Hypertension during pregnancy. Material and Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study, we interview patients and after discussion we transcripts in a database in Excel software before analysis with SPSS version 20.0 and Stata 14.0 The qualitative variables have been summarised by the Percentage and the quantitative variables will be summarised by Means and Standard Deviation. The associations of the variables were calculated by Pearson’s chi-square test with a significance level set at a p-value Result: The average age of the patients was 30.33 ± 7.020 years, 92.1% were married, 79.8% lived in urban areas, most of the patients were overweight (43%), 92.1% of them had monofetal pregnancies, 36% were multiparous, 34.2% had a previous history of preeclampsia in pregnancy and 14% were known to have hypertension. Pre-eclampsia was the most frequent form of hypertension in pregnancy with 73.68% of cases and represents 84.8% of severe forms of hypertension in pregnancy, 53.4% of the patients delivered vaginally. Eclampsia was the most frequent complication in our patients with 31.7% frequency and among the socio-demographic parameters, age and body mass index were significantly associated with maternal complications. Conclusion: Maternal age and body mass index are important socio-demographic factors associated with the occurrence of maternal complications in women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Community Perceptions and Socio-Demographic Influence on Trophy Hunting in Rungwa Game Reserve, Tanzania

The trophy hunting industry in Tanzania plays a significant role in wildlife conservation as well as economic and community development. Trophy hunting has been conducted in Rungwa Game Reserve (RGR) for several decades;however, the trophy hunting opinions from the local communities living adjacent to the reserve are not well documented. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of local communities living adjacent to Rungwa Game Reserves toward trophy hunting. Furthermore, the study assessed factors that influenced the opinions of participants by using structural equation modeling. We used semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews in the three villages adjacent to RGR. The local communities are aware of existing hunting operations around the game reserves. The study found positive attitudes among local communities toward trophy hunting, only if local people accrue benefits from hunting operations. The community’s attitudes towards trophy hunting varied across household size and occupation. Education and household position had an indirect influence on the community’s attitude. Our findings suggest that socio-demographic variables are important to consider when assessing awareness and attitudes toward trophy hunting. Local communities are willing to support trophy hunting operations if the benefits obtained from hunting are significant and it can improve wildlife conservation and their livelihood. In conclusion, trophy hunting is important to local communities living adjacent to protected areas, and banning them may have a significant impact on their livelihood and wildlife conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that conservation policies and interventions consider the dual significance of trophy hunting, fostering strategies that balance socio-economic benefits for communities and wildlife conservation.

Analysis of SocioDemographic Characteristics as Risk Factors of HIV/AIDS in Rural Environment of Ivory Coast

AIDS is a public health problem of which,in spite of the authorized actions and efforts,the socio‐economic,cultural,and political effects on humanity do not cease growing.Finding either preventive or curative solutions remains a big concern and the production of knowledge is still one of the alternatives.It is in this context that this study on the socio‐demographic characteristics in connection with the evolution of the disease in rural environment was carried out.The concerned targets were the rural populations of Indenie‐Djuablin,an area located at the East of the Ivory Coast.Thus,Affalikro,Aniassue,Amelekia,and Bettie,principal large villages of the chief town of Abengourou area were the sites of data collection of nearly 305 samples of individuals using a questionnaire and interview guides.The study used a quantitative and qualitative method with the dialectical and hypothetico‐deductive approaches for the data analysis.The results obtained and discussed made it possible to conclude that the socio‐demographic characteristics,while determining the attitudes and behaviors,expose the individuals to the HIV/AIDS contamination.

IUD Expulsion and its Socio-demographic Determinants in China

To identify the determinant of the occurrence of IUD expulsion Materials & Methods Based on 25 733 IUD uses from the Chinese Two per Thousand Fertility Survey data, this study examines the patterns and differentials of IUD expulsion rate by characteristics of women, and identifies the socio demographic determinants of IUD expulsion. A Life Table method was used to calculate the cumulative expulsion rate and a random effects discrete time survival model was employed to assess the impact of potential determinants simultaneously on the risk of expelling an IUD. Results Three major findings are observed in this study. First, IUD expulsion was the second main reason, after pregnancy during IUD use, for IUD discontinuation during the first four years of IUD insertion; the expulsion rates were 6.4%, 9.1%, 10.8 %, and 12.0% at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Second, there was a clustering of IUD expulsion: some women experienced repeated IUD expulsions. Third, some socio demographic characteristics and fertility history were associated with the occurrence of IUD expulsion. In particular, the expulsion rate was high among young women, among those with two or more children and among those living in rural areas. Conclusion The above mentioned factors shoald be addressed in order to decrease the IUD expulsion rate and enhance the reprocluctive he alth of women.

Water Analyses, Eco-Balance and Socio-Demographic Analyses as Prerequisites for Solutions of the Sewage Treatment Problems in Rural Areas

The implementation of the EU-water framework directive (EU-WFD) demands a financeable and adaptable sewage treatment, creating a need for action especially in rural areas, where the “good ecological status” is often not reached even though the sewage works fulfill the legal minimum requirements. Therefore the construction of new, more efficient wastewater treatment plants is advisable. Due to the precarious financial situation in most rural areas, many municipalities can however not master the necessary funds for an improved waste water infrastructure. A large part of the costs would have to be shouldered by the local population in the form of additional sewage levies, leading to massive socio-economic strain. Hence, different solutions, which are tailored to the socio-economic, demographic and environmental characteristics of rural areas and fulfill the legal requirements, need to be developed. One possible approach is presented in the form of the Dirlammen case study (municipality Lautertal, Hesse, Germany). It consists of 1) biological and physicochemical analyses of the waste waters, 2) a modified eco-balance for the construction of a new sewage works and 3) socio-economic and demographic analyses of the population. It serves as a tool for the assessment of the influencing ecological, socio-economic and demographic factors on the sewage problems in rural areas. These findings can easily be transferred to other rural areas with a similar configuration and thus deliver the basis for a generally applicable approach to these problems. The results of the comprehensive analysis have shown for the municipality Dirlammen/Lautertal that the continued operation of the existing pond sewage plant is, with regards to the ecological, socio-economic and demographic points of view, preferable to the construction of a new waste water treatment plant. With regard to the sustainability principles of the sewage treatment and the objectives of the EU-WFD, existing sewage works should be operated for as long as the sewage treatment is feasible within technical and legal boundaries. With the construction of new facilities on the other hand, the expected improvement of the water quality has to be weighed against the ecological impairments caused by the construction itself. Rural waste water plans have to be developed for the long-term, taking not only the ecology into account but also the demographic change. Possible approaches in this regard could be a shift towards a decentralized waste water treatment concept and–even more important–improvements of the river morphology. But also the reduction of the diffuse pollution from agricultural sources should be considered for the development of strategies for the improvement of the ecological state. Short-term optimization measures in the existing sewage works might also improve the water quality until the long-term development plans can be implemented. In particular the challenges of the demographic change and linked with that the changing requirements for the rural waste water treatment must be addressed by any future plans. Only with the help of such a comprehensive approach the dangers of bad planning and unacceptable socio-economic burdens can be minimized.

Investigation of Demographic and Clinical Data of Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an important etiological factor causing chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular diseases and hypertension (HT). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the clinical information and demographic characteristics of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients who received treatment at our hospital for the last five years. Material and Method: Among 21400 people who sought care at Siirt State Hospital Urology and Nephrology Outpatient Clinics between January 2015 and January 2020 for various reasons, a total of 36 patients experiencing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease were included in the present research. Retrospective patient file access was used to gather demographic information and laboratory data. Results: The study included 36 patients in all, 25 (69.4%) male and 11 (30.6%) female. The patient’s average age was 50.8 ± 19.0. The average age at diagnosis was 43.4 ± 17.2. Family history was positive in 29 (80.5%) of the patients. There were hypertension in 27 (75.0%) patients, coronary artery disease in five (13.9%) patients, diabetes mellitus in five (13.9%) patients, left ventricular hypertrophy in 18 (50%) patients, proteinuria in 11 (30.6%) patients, and six (16.7%) patients had macroscopic hematuria. Liver cysts were found in 23 (63.9%) of the patients and nephrolithiasis in eight (22.2%). Discussion: Hypertension is the most common finding when clinical and demographic data of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are examined. Providing blood pressure control reduces the risk of death due to left ventricular hypertrophy and slows down the rate at which chronic kidney disease progresses. The rate was found to be 80.5% for patients with a positive family history. It may be possible to diagnose and treat people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease earlier by screening their family members.

Socio-Demographics and Late Antenatal Care Seeking Behavior: A Cross Sectional Study among Pregnant Women at Kyenjojo General Hospital, Western Uganda

Background: Late antenatal care attendance among pregnant women at health facilities remains a significant public health problem. Globally, approximately 830 women die every day due to pregnancy-related complications and 99% of these deaths occur in developing countries whereby 86% of pregnant women access Antenatal Care (ANC) services at least once. Objective: The general objective of the study was to determine factors associated with late antenatal care seeking behavior among pregnant women at Kyenjojo general hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study design that considered quantitative data collection methods among pregnant women attending ANC. The sample size was determined using Kish and Leslie (1969) formula using a proportion of 37% (0.37) of women who sought late ANC. A systematic sampling technique was used to sample pregnant women on daily basis. Results: A total of 283 women participated in the study. Spouse’s occupation was significantly associated with late ANC attendance (p = 0.026). On the other hand, education level of respondent (Fisher’s = 8.363, p = 0.028*), religion (Fisher’s = 5.77, p = 0.048*) and parity (Fisher’s 10.312, p = 0.026*) revealed statistically significant association with late ANC attendance. In multivariate logistic regression, on occupation, women with unemployed spouses were significantly associated with 25% increase in attendance of late ANC compared to those in formal employment (AOR = 0.25, CI: 0.073 - 0.855, p = 0.027*). Conclusion: The Majority of pregnant women sought ANC at 90.1% (n = 255). There’s a need for government to strengthen health promotion targeting women in rural communities.

Demographic Dilemma

China needs a proactive response to negative population growth The year 2022 will most likely be remembered as a turning point in any future discussion on China’s demographics.That year,the world’s most populous country entered an“era of negative population growth.”Its natural population growth rate slid to 0.6 per thousand from 2021’s 0.34 per thousand,the nation’s overall population declined by 850,000 people year-on-year,and new births fell below 10 million for the first time since 1950,data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

Variability in Vitamin A Intake of Pregnant Women in Ngaoundere-Cameroon with Geographic Origin, Socio-Professional and Demographic Factors

Variability in vitamin A (VA) intake of pregnant women in Ngaoundere town according to geographic origin, socio-professional and demographic factors was studied. A total of 100 pregnant women attending ante natal visits at the Regional Hospital in Ngaoundere were involved in the survey. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on geographic origin, socio-professional status, birth history, demographic and anthropometric factors. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Meals potentially rich in VA consumed by these women were collected, their carotenoids contents quantified and VA activity determined by conversion. Results indicated that daily VA intake of these women varied significantly (p < 0.05) with geographic origin, level of education and age of pregnancy. VA intake of pregnant women of Northern origin (Adamawa, North and Far North Regions) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower (496 μg/day/woman) than that of women of Southern origin (588 μg/day/woman), although both were below the recommended intake of 800 μg/day/woman. The more educated a woman and the older her pregnancy, the higher her VA intake. VA consumption of pregnant women of Northern origin was significantly influenced by their age, whereas for pregnant women of Southern origin, BMI (Body Mass Index) equally had a significant influence on their VA intake. Socio-professional status, marital status and number of children did not significantly influence the daily VA intake of these women. Thus, a pregnant woman originating from the Northern part of the country and having no formal education, consumed less foods rich in carotenoids and therefore was more at risk for vitamin A deficiency.

Socio-Demographic, Clinical, and Hygiene Profile of Syndromically Managed Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the several major public health concerns, the burden of which is borne by low- and middle-income countries like India. Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the relationship between menstrual and sanitary hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) based on syndromic diagnosis Methods: An out-patient department (OPD) based cross sectional survey to determine these associations, if any exist, which would help critically analyze syndromic management. STD was reported by the presence of vaginal/cervical/urethral discharge with or without irritation and itching, lower abdominal pain and ulcer. Results: The prevalence of STD was 66.84% with the most commonly reported symptoms being discharged (31.18%), followed by abdominal pain (17.92%) and itching/irritation (12.90%), with ulcer (4.83%) being the least reported symptom. Perimenopausal age ((AOR: 0.420 [CI: 0.189 - 0.915];p = 0.030), higher grades of education ((AOR: 0.228 [CI: 0.119 - 0.424];p < 0.001) for secondary), urban residency (AOR: 0.435 [CI: 0.686 - 2.733];p < 0.001), and contraception use (AOR: 0.531 [CI: 0.308 - 0.887];p = 0.018) were associated with lesser odds of presenting with an STD symptom. Belonging to a minority religious community (AOR: 7.20 [CI: 1.866 - 48.251];p < 0.012) or backward castes (AOR: 3.753 [CI: 1.587 - 10.144];p < 0.001), having similar illness (AOR: 4.205 [CI: 2.795 - 6.439];p < 0.001) or having an invasive gynecological procedure done in the past one year (AOR: 1.953 [CI: 1.184 - 3.295];p = 0.010) and washing the reusable sanitary material only with water (AOR: 4.900 [CI: 2.701 - 9.116];p < 0.001) as compared to washing it with water and soap, had a higher association with presenting with STD symptoms. Stratified analysis also showed that women presenting discharge (AOR: 2.049 [CI: 1.343 - 3.146] for vaginal and cervical;AOR: 1.426 [CI: 0.826 - 2.482] for urethral) were more likely to not have a toilet facility in an accessible condition. Women with sanitary napkin use had lesser odds (AOR: 0.780 [CI: 0.516 - 1.180];p = 0.293) of presentation for STD in OPD than women who used other material. Conclusion: To better manage the group of diseases that may present with symptoms of STD under syndromic approach, we propose interventions such as menstrual hygiene education and promotion of the use of sanitary napkins among women especially those belonging to lower socio-economic sections of the society.

Socio-economic vulnerability level in the Jeneberang watershed in Gowa Regency,South Sulawesi Province,Indonesia

Jeneberang watershed is vital,particularly for people living in Gowa Regency(South Sulawesi Province,Indonesia),who benefit from its many advantages.Landslides and floods occur every year in the Jeneberang watershed,so it is imperative to understand the socio-economic vulnerability of this region.This research aims to identify the vulnerability level of the Jeneberang watershed so that the government can prioritize areas with high vulnerability level and formulate effective strategies to reduce these the vulnerability.Specifically,this study was conducted in 12 districts located in the Jeneberang watershed.The primary data were collected from questionnaires completed by community members,community leaders,and various stakeholders,and the secondary data were from the Landsat satellite imagery in 2020,the Badan Push Statistic of Gowa Regency,and some governmental agencies.The socio-economic vulnerability variables were determined using the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis(MCDA)method,and each variable was weighted and analyzed using the Geographical Information System(GIS).The study reveals that the levels of socio-economic vulnerability are affected by variables such as population density,vulnerable groups(disabled people,elderly people,and young people),road network and settlement,percentage of poor people,and productive land area in the Jeneberang watershed.Moreover,all of the 12 districts in the Jeneberang watershed are included in the medium vulnerability level,with the mean percentage of socio-economic vulnerability around 50.92%.The socio-economic vulnerability of Bajeng,Pallangga,and Somba Opu districts is categorized at high level,the socio-economic vulnerability of Bungaya,Parangloe,and Tombolo Pao districts is classified as medium level,and the remaining 6 districts(Barombong,Bontolempangan,Bontomarannu,Manuju,Parigi,and Tinggimoncong)are ranked as low socio-economic vulnerability.This study can help policy-makers to formulate strategy that contributes to the protection of biodiversity and sustainable development of the Jeneberang watershed,while improving disaster resilience and preparedness of the watershed.

Hereditary hemochromatosis:Temporal trends,sociodemographic characteristics,and independent risk factor of hepatocellular cancer–nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND Hereditary hemochromatosis(HH)has an increased risk of hepatocellular cancer(HCC)both due to genetic risks and iron overload as iron overload can be carcinogenic;HH impacts the increasing risk of HCC,not only through the development of cirrhosis but concerning hepatic iron deposition,which has been studied further recently.AIM To evaluate HH yearly trends,patient demographics,symptoms,comorbidities,and hospital outcomes.The secondary aim sheds light on the risk of iron overload for developing HCC in HH patients,independent of liver cirrhosis complications.The study investigated HH(without cirrhosis)as an independent risk factor for HCC.METHODS We analyzed data from National Inpatient Sample(NIS)Database,the largest national inpatient data collection in the United States,and selected HH and HCC cohorts.HH was first defined in 2011 International Classification of Disease-9th edition(ICD-9)as a separate diagnosis;the HH cohort is extracted from January 2011 to December 2019 using 275.01(ICD-9)and E83.110(ICD-10)diagnosis codes of HH.Patients were excluded from the HH cohort if they had a primary or secondary diagnostic code of cirrhosis(alcoholic,non-alcoholic,and biliary),viralhepatitis,alcoholic liver disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).We removed these patients from the HH cohort to rule out bias or ICD-10 diagnostic errors.The HCC cohort is selected from January 2011 to December 2019 using the ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes of HCC.We selected a non-HCC cohort with the 1:1 fixed ratio nearest neighbor(greedy)propensity score method using the patients'age,gender,and race.We performed multivariate analysis for the risk factors of HCC in the HCC and non-HCC matched cohort.We further analyzed HH without cirrhosis(removing HH patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis)as an independent risk factor of HCC after adjusting all known risk factors of HCC in the multivariate model.RESULTS During the 2011-2019 period,a total of 18031 hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of HH(excluding liver diseases)were recorded in the NIS database.We analyzed different patients’characteristics,and we found increments in inpatient population trend with a Ptrend<0.001 and total hospital cost of care trend from$42957 in 2011 to$66152 in 2019 with a Ptrend<0.001 despite no change in Length of Stay over the last decade.The multivariate analyses showed that HH without cirrhosis(aOR,28.8;95%CI,10.4–80.1;P<0.0001),biliary cirrhosis(aOR,19.3;95%CI,13.4–27.6;P<0.0001),non-alcoholic cirrhosis(aOR,17.4;95%CI,16.5–18.4;P<0.0001),alcoholic cirrhosis(aOR,16.9;95%CI,15.9–17.9;P<0.0001),hepatitis B(aOR,12.1;95%CI,10.85–13.60;P<0.0001),hepatitis C(aOR,8.58;95%CI,8.20–8.98;P<0.0001),Wilson disease(aOR,4.27;95%CI,1.18–15.41;P<0.0001),NAFLD or NASH(aOR,2.96;95%CI,2.73–3.20;P<0.0001),alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency(aOR,2.10;95%CI,1.21–3.64;P<0.0001),diabetes mellitus without chronic complications(aOR,1.17;95%CI,1.13–1.21;P<0.0001),and blood transfusion(aOR,1.80;95%CI,1.69–1.92;P<0.0001)are independent risk factor for liver cancer.CONCLUSION Our study showed an increasing trend of in-hospital admissions of HH patients in the last decade.These trends were likely related to advances in diagnostic approach,which can lead to increased hospital utilization and cost increments.Still,the length of stay remained the same,likely due to a big part of management being done in outpatient settings.Another vital part of our study is the significant result that HH without cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for HCC with adjusting all known risk factors.More prospective and retrospective large studies are needed to re-evaluate the HH independent risk in developing HCC.