Epidemiology
Satvinder K Dhaliwal; Dana Dabelea; Angela E Lee-Winn; Deborah H Glueck; Greta Wilkening; Wei Perng
Abstract
Background: In utero exposure to increased inflammation caused by acute experiences may negatively impact on child neurodevelopment, but little is known about the effects of low-grade chronic inflammation. We wanted to investigate prenatal inflammation, as indicated by biomarkers of low-grade chronic ...
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Background: In utero exposure to increased inflammation caused by acute experiences may negatively impact on child neurodevelopment, but little is known about the effects of low-grade chronic inflammation. We wanted to investigate prenatal inflammation, as indicated by biomarkers of low-grade chronic inflammation, as an in utero programming method for neurodevelopment, and see how much of these associations are explained by perinatal factors. Methods: We utilized linear regression to analyze the relationship between prenatal C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α and offspring Child Behavior Check List scores for total problems, externalizing and internalizing behaviors in 489 mother-offspring pairs from the Healthy Start cohort, based in Denver, Colorado, USA. We made sequential adjustments for perinatal correlates. Model 1 considered maternal age, gestational age at blood draw, and child age. Model 2 included further adjustments for mother race/ethnicity, followed by household income in Model 3 and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in Model 4. Finally, we used the maternal Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Perceived Stress Scale scores as measures of psychosocial stress. Results: In Model 1, children of mothers with C-reactive protein in the fourth quartile had a 3.82 (95% CI: 0.94, 6.70) unit higher t-score for total problems compared to those in the first to third quartiles. The inclusion of household income and pre-pregnancy BMI in the fully adjusted model reduced the impact estimate to 3.11 (-0.45, 6.67). We found a similar pattern in externalizing behavior and across models for interleukin 6. Conclusions: Maternal inflammation is associated with worse neurobehavioral outcomes in children. This association was influenced by higher pre-pregnancy BMI and lower household income.
Epidemiology
Kyosuke Ono; Katsuaki Kikuchi
Abstract
Background: It is extremely important to use existing data to study the transition of infection and removal rates, as well as the influence of vaccination, in the major epidemic waves 6, 7, and 8 in Tokyo, and to develop an effective countermeasure to suppress the epidemic. Methods: We developed ...
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Background: It is extremely important to use existing data to study the transition of infection and removal rates, as well as the influence of vaccination, in the major epidemic waves 6, 7, and 8 in Tokyo, and to develop an effective countermeasure to suppress the epidemic. Methods: We developed a new IR model of the epidemic in which I and R comprise both symptomatic and exposed individuals. Based on this model, numerical methods were developed to calculate infection and clearance rates, as well as the vaccine effect. To minimize the maximum number of daily positives Rd, we developed a mechanism for controlling the number of people examined T based on the Rd rate. Results: The transitions between epidemic waves 6 and 8, as well as the overall vaccination effect in reducing infection rates, were clarified. Using the measured link between removal rate and tested individuals, the suppressive impact of T control was recreated for waves 6 to 8. As a result, wave 6 showed a significant drop in the maximum Rd from one tenth to one half of the actual data. Although the test system was greatly reinforced in waves 7 and 8, the T control was still able to cut the maximum Rd in half when implemented within 10 days of the epidemic waves' onset. Conclusion: The novel IR theory, the calculation method for predicting infection and removal rates, and the T control will all give formidable instruments for future epidemic suppression.
Epidemiology
Mohammed Tanimu; Emem Victor Umanah; Haruna Umar Yahaya
Abstract
This study presents a thorough analysis of family planning methods and forecasting models using data from the Family Health Care Clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. The study reveals a significant variation in the usage of modern family planning methods. Notably, male condoms exhibit a wide range of usage patterns, ...
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This study presents a thorough analysis of family planning methods and forecasting models using data from the Family Health Care Clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. The study reveals a significant variation in the usage of modern family planning methods. Notably, male condoms exhibit a wide range of usage patterns, as indicated by their relatively high standard deviation (624.657). Female condoms, on the other hand, demonstrate the highest coefficient of variation (CV) at 90.44%, suggesting the greatest relative variation among the methods. Skewness and kurtosis measurements reveal distinct usage patterns, with injectables and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) displaying right-skewed and heavy-tailed distributions. In contrast, female condoms and implants exhibit negatively skewed and light-tailed distributions. The study highlights that the exclusive use of condoms by males surpasses all female family health care methods practiced during the study period, albeit showing a declining trend with seasonal variations. The Model (N), an ARIMA(1,0,2)x(2,1,2)12 model, emerges as the most accurate forecasting model during the estimation period with P-values indicating their statistical significance, and also exhibiting the lowest RMSE, MAE, MAPE, AIC, HQC, and SBIC values, and a negative MPE. This suggests that it provides the most precise predictions while maintaining relative simplicity. These findings hold significant implications for family planning programs and healthcare decision-making in Abuja, Nigeria.
Epidemiology
Abubakar Abdallah Kheir
Abstract
Background: The study sought to better understand the severity and causes of hypertension and obesity in Mvita Sub County, Mombasa County, with the overarching goal of determining the impact knowledge/awareness had on developing either or both illnesses.Methods: The research was carried out in all five ...
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Background: The study sought to better understand the severity and causes of hypertension and obesity in Mvita Sub County, Mombasa County, with the overarching goal of determining the impact knowledge/awareness had on developing either or both illnesses.Methods: The research was carried out in all five wards of Mvita Sub County in 2019: Majengo, Tononoka, Old Town, Tudor, and Shimanzi. Furthermore, the study included 110 respondents who were chosen using probability stratified selection and included both young and elderly people of both genders. The findings were then descriptively examined using mean and percentages.Results: Increased knowledge/awareness reduced the likelihood of contracting either or both conditions, whereas drug abuse, poor nutrition, and poverty were the leading causes of hypertension/obesity in Mvita Sub County. Stakeholders' insignificant roles, a lack of local farming/agricultural practices, poor parental involvement, poor public health practices, and a lack of school involvement in health programs were all factors.Conclusion: Inaction in the face of the highlighted findings could lead to a spike in obesity and hypertension. As a result, immediate public health intervention is required. This intervention should involve raising health awareness among Mvita Sub County residents through media channels like local radio stations, assisting the county government in combating drug abuse (especially tobacco and khat), and enhancing nutritional services like relying on local farming and closely monitoring patients' nutritional needs.
Epidemiology
Ahmed Shouman; Hala Samir Abou-ElWafa; Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
AbstractIntroduction: Due to their destructive consequences on organisational productivity, mental health issues in workers are the subject of the most research worldwide. Workers' mental illnesses are linked to a number of issues at work. Some mentally ill employees frequently display anger and violence ...
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AbstractIntroduction: Due to their destructive consequences on organisational productivity, mental health issues in workers are the subject of the most research worldwide. Workers' mental illnesses are linked to a number of issues at work. Some mentally ill employees frequently display anger and violence at work, which might result in physical assault. The mentally ill employees lose motivation and morale, and they not only become a stigma for the company but also for themselves. The purpose of this narrative review was to highlight the magnitude, risk factors, and prevention and control of mental health problems at the workplace which is significant social issue and has a negative impact on occupational wellbeing and productivity. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, and Google using search terms “mental”, “health”, “work-related”, and “psychological” in different combinations. Results: People who face high job demands, limited job control, high effort-reward imbalance, or low organisational fairness are more likely to develop mental problems. Making a workplace safe and healthy requires recognising and fostering mental health. In creating a healthy work environment, one that won't cause or aggravate mental health issues and where employees with mental illness are adequately supported, managers and employees both have important roles to play. Conclusion: The creation and implementation of a workplace mental health strategy and programme would improve employee health, boost business productivity, and advance the general welfare of the community. The workplace is an ideal setting for educating people about and increasing their understanding of mental health issues.
Epidemiology
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the ...
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This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed. This letter is concerned with the term stataphobia, which is an interesting and common among researchers of different disciplines but not well-known type of phobia. Definition, causes, effect on research productivity and how to combat stataphobia are briefly discussed.
Epidemiology
Adisu Naga Mamo; Desta Hiko Gamada; Gamachu Chemeda Feyisa; Kadir Mude Wabe
Abstract
Background: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality are 94% concentrated in Africa. Ethiopia is one of ten African countries affected by malaria, with 60% of the population living in malaria-risk areas. Recently, seasonal outbreaks have been reported in all regions, including previously malaria-free ...
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Background: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality are 94% concentrated in Africa. Ethiopia is one of ten African countries affected by malaria, with 60% of the population living in malaria-risk areas. Recently, seasonal outbreaks have been reported in all regions, including previously malaria-free areas. Nationally, the Nensebo district of the west Arsi zone is classified as having very low transmission. During the 21st WHO week of 2021, Melka Denbi kebele reported an unusually high number of malaria cases to this district. The purpose of this study was to look into the magnitude of the malaria outbreak and the factors that contributed to it. Methods: A descriptive study was followed by an unmatched case-control study on 86 cases and 172 controls who were chosen at random. Malaria cases were those who were confirmed positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and were line-listed at a health facility, while controls were those who lived nearby and were confirmed negative by RDT. At a p-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval, logistic regression was used to identify malaria contracting factors.Results: With a mean age of 22 (12.31SD), the overall attack rate was 20.2/1000. Plasmodium vivax (PV) 105 (52.8%) was the most common. Staying out at night (AOR=3.94; 95%CI: 2.18-7.37) and stagnant water/intermittent river within 1 km of the vicinity were risk factors. Screened houses were protective (AOR=0.49; 95%CI: 0.27-0.89), as was knowledge of malaria transmission (AOR=0.51; 95%CI: 0.28-0.93) and prevention and control methods (AOR=0.50; 95%CI: 0.27-0.93).Conclusion: The illness was caused primarily by PV species known for their relapsing characteristics. Risk factors included stagnant water near homes and sleeping outside at night. Malaria screening centers and increased public awareness reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Our recommendations included regular environmental monitoring, behavioral change communication, ensuring radical cure, and further research with a detailed entomological survey and climate variables.
Epidemiology
Farshad Kakian; Arman Jobeiri; Zahra Hashemizadeh; Babak Shirazi Yeganeh; Mohammad Motamedifar
Abstract
Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. In terms of appropriate therapeutic options, antimicrobial drug resistance among bacterial pathogens is a major source of concern. The purpose of this study was to provide local information on ...
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Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. In terms of appropriate therapeutic options, antimicrobial drug resistance among bacterial pathogens is a major source of concern. The purpose of this study was to provide local information on antibiotic resistance patterns in Faghihi Hospital located in Shiraz, Southwest Iran.Methods: The frequency and antibiogram patterns of blood culture bacterial isolates were studied from January 2018 to December 2019. For antibacterial susceptibility testing, the disk diffusion method was used, which met the standard criteria of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing 28th edition.Results: During the study period, 576 (9.7%) of the 5935 blood cultures tested positive. Gram positive bacteria made up 340 (59.1%) of the positive cultures, while gram negative bacteria made up 236 (40.9%). S. aureus was the most common isolate (26.2%), followed by S. epidermidis (15.1%) and E. coli (14.2%). Vancomycin was the most effective antibiotic against gram positive bacteria, but no antibiotic was available for gram negative bacteria. Amikacin was most effective against E. coli isolates, while Imipenem was most effective against P. aeruginosa isolates.Conclusion: Our findings suggest and emphasize the importance of observing resistance patterns that affect empirical therapy and infection control methods on a yearly basis by monitoring blood culture isolates and susceptibility patterns.
Epidemiology
Nezal Azh; Seyyedeh Zahra Hajiasghari
Abstract
Introduction: Hospitals may have an adverse effect on the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of Green Hospital to reduce these complications while also improving the environment. The purpose of this study was to assess how many hospitals in Qazvin met Green Hospital ...
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Introduction: Hospitals may have an adverse effect on the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of Green Hospital to reduce these complications while also improving the environment. The purpose of this study was to assess how many hospitals in Qazvin met Green Hospital standards.Methods: This descriptive-observational study was carried out in all of the hospitals in Qazvin that were included in the study via the census sampling method. The standard green hospital questionnaire was used to collect data, which was completed with environmental experts through interviews and document observation. This questionnaire has 96 questions and is divided into eight dimensions: environmental, energy, hazardous materials, water, sewage, greenhouse gas emissions, external water consumption, material, and environmentally friendly purchasing management. Each question is graded on a three-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 2.Results: This study included nine hospitals. Six were teaching/public (5 teaching hospitals and 1 Social Security Hospital), and three were public. The average ratio of active beds to approved beds was 90%, with private hospitals reaching more than 100% (131%). The mean achievement rates for the first through eighth dimensions were 70.08, 74.07, 74.07, 60.88, 40.87, 27.77, and 31.48, respectively. The overall mean score for meeting Green Hospital standards was 57.46%.Conclusions: Although hospitals achieved higher achievement rates in some dimensions, overall results showed low achievement rates. As a result, their managers and employees must learn how to prevent environmental degradation.
Epidemiology
Hulera Usman Kabido; Joseph Fuh Nfongeh; Victor Kolawole Fadayomi; Onyemachi Ifeanyi Adibe; Abdullahi Shuaibu Kabiru; Nafisat Tijjani Dalhat; Yahuza Jibrin Abubakar
Abstract
Background: Due to its persistent nature, ulcers brought on by Helicobacter pylori have been a significant public health concern. This study looked at how specific risk factors affected the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among peptic ulcer patients visiting medical institutions in Lafia, ...
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Background: Due to its persistent nature, ulcers brought on by Helicobacter pylori have been a significant public health concern. This study looked at how specific risk factors affected the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among peptic ulcer patients visiting medical institutions in Lafia, Nigeria. Methods: The blood and stool samples of 180 individuals (71 men and 109 women) were collected randomly, checked for H. pylori using test strips for H. pylori antibodies and antigens (Azure Biotech Inc.), and the feces also were grown on Columbia blood agar base (TITAN Biotech Ltd). Using a standardized questionnaire, some participant risk data was also gathered.Results: A positive culture method (CM) test result was obtained from 14/71 (19.72%) of the 71 male patients and 37/109 (33.94%) of the 109 female subjects out of a total of 210 subjects. For CM alone, it was discovered that female participants had a considerably greater incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection than their male counterparts (p=0.038). Nevertheless, all analytical techniques discovered no evidence of a significant difference between age groups (p>0.05). Only the blood antibody (BAB) approach showed a substantially greater prevalence (p=0.021) in married patients, with 79/116 (68.10%) reactive instances. The presence of drinking water source (p < 0.001, 0.001, 0.002 using CM, BAB, and SAG, respectively) and number of occupants per room (p < 0.001, 0.001, 0.002 using CM, BAB, and SAG, respectively) as potential risk factors for H. pylori infection was also demonstrated.Conclusion: The majority of risk factors that were taken into consideration for this study demonstrated a strong correlation with Helicobacter pylori infection in Lafia, Nigeria.
Epidemiology
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany
Abstract
Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of epidemiologists and epidemiology as a science is becoming clear. An epidemiologist leads the team that deals with health emergencies and pandemics. Whatever type of epidemiologist they are, they must have specific competencies, skills, ...
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Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of epidemiologists and epidemiology as a science is becoming clear. An epidemiologist leads the team that deals with health emergencies and pandemics. Whatever type of epidemiologist they are, they must have specific competencies, skills, functions, and ethics.Methods: PubMed and Google were searched for full texts of studies published in English using the key words "epidemiologist" in conjunction with definition, competencies, skills, functions, roles, types, and ethics. This narrative review included all of the literature that was retrieved. We only included the most recent and pertinent articles. Standard epidemiology textbooks were also screened for the relevant review heading.Results: We summarized the contributions of key epidemiologists from Hippocrates to Austin Bradford Hill, as well as their competencies or skills, functions, and 16 types of epidemiologists. Finally, epidemiologists' ethics were discussed.Conclusion: For early detection and prevention of epidemics and health disasters, effective liaison between epidemiologists, clinicians of various specialties, and policymakers is required. This is especially important in developing and developed countries where the number of epidemiologists is low and the majority work in teaching institutions where their contributions are undervalued.
Epidemiology
Itse Olaoye; Akinola Ayoola Fatiregun; Ekun Opeyemi; David Adeleke; Tsemaye Jacdonmi; Stephen Fagbemi; Famokun Gboyega; Abiona Samuel; Adefesoye Victor Akinpelumi; Onyibe Ifeoma Rosemary
Abstract
Background: The last case of the indigenous Wild Polio Virus in Ondo state was in 2008, and the last Polio compatible infection was in 2010. Poliovirus transmission was stopped thanks to the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards, which included acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance. We wanted ...
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Background: The last case of the indigenous Wild Polio Virus in Ondo state was in 2008, and the last Polio compatible infection was in 2010. Poliovirus transmission was stopped thanks to the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards, which included acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance. We wanted to describe the state's polio surveillance performance during the last five years, from 2016 to 2020, using WHO-recommended measures and find areas where it could improve.Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2020, AFP case-based surveillance data was used to undertake a retrospective examination of records. Microsoft Excel was used for data processing, and Quantum Geographic Information System was used for mapping (GIS).Results: From 2016 to 2020, a total of 1,096 AFP instances were recorded, none of which were confirmed as Poliomyelitis. The bulk of the cases (77.2 percent) were found in children under the age of five. Males made up more than half of the cases (53.4%). More than 89 percent of reported cases received three or more OPV doses. Between 2016 and 2020, there was a 79 percent decline in reported incidents. Between 2016 and 2020, the average Non-Polio AFP rate was 11.2 per 100,000, with a stool adequacy of 98.4%.Conclusion: AFP surveillance in Ondo state met the minimum WHO targets during the study period, according to the findings. However, because of the possibility of poliovirus being imported from endemic countries, which might threaten Nigeria's polio-free status, all surveillance actors' sensitization and active case search should be strengthened, particularly in underperforming local government areas (LGAs).
Epidemiology
Itse Olaoye; Akinola Ayoola Fatiregun; Stephen Fagbemi; Famokun Gboyega; Rosemary Onyibe
Abstract
Background: Acute gastroenteritis, a very common disease in humans affecting both children and adults, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Several groups of viruses have been reported as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis. An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis with a high fatality ...
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Background: Acute gastroenteritis, a very common disease in humans affecting both children and adults, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Several groups of viruses have been reported as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis. An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis with a high fatality rate was reported in Ondo State, Southwest, Nigeria, in September 2020. Methods: To provide a descriptive epidemiology of the outbreak, a field investigation was carried out in affected communities in September 2020. Results: Four Local Government Areas (LGA) were affected, with Odigbo LGA having the highest attack rate of 14.9 per 100,000 population. The epidemic curve was propagated in nature. 50 cases were reported with 21 deaths (42%). The outbreak primarily affected 15-year-olds (94%, n=47) and more males (58%, n=29). Conclusion: Poor sanitation, food, and water hygiene conditions in communities of the LGA visited were observed. The spread of the outbreak was probably facilitated by water sellers.
