Search

Abstract As 2030 approaches, the World Health Organization’s due date for ending intestinal schistosomiasis as a public health problem in all endemic areas, understanding the current trends in the burden of schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in endemic areas is critical for monitoring the progress, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to plan for instant response to mitigate the burden of schistosomiasis. From February to April of 2023, 328 students from three primary schools in Southwest Ethiopia participated in an institution-based cross-sectional study in the detection of Schistosoma mansoni. Intestinal schistosomiasis was identified among 242 school children, with a rate of infection of 73.8% (95% CI: (64.8–83.4%)). The rate of infection was higher among study participants aged between 10 and 13 years [AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: (1.1, 3.44). About 75% of the male participants were infected with Schistosoma mansoni [AOR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.49, 1.41). Nearly half (48.1%) of the S. mansoni infections among study participants were identified as heavy infections. More than half of the male study participants (50.3%) infected with Schistosoma mansoni had heavy infection intensity. Of the total female schoolchildren infected with Schistosoma mansoni, about 44.4% had a heavy infection. The prevalence and intensity of infection of Schistosoma mansoni in the study area are significantly noticeable, raising doubts on the effectiveness of the interventional programs or pin-points possible re-infection. Strategies to end the disease as a public health threat, mainly in remote and endemic areas, should consider novel integrated strategies targeting the life cycle of schistosomes besides the large-scale mass drug administration.

Background. Proper nutrition is essential for maximizing athletic performance. Athletes with a high level of nutritional knowledge are more likely to adopt healthy dietary habits, positively impacting their performance. Understanding where athletes obtain nutritional information is crucial, as these sources influence dietary practices and performance. Objectives. The study aimed to inform a culturally tailored nutritional strategy for Ethiopian athletes. Materials and methods. A descriptive study was conducted with 301 randomly selected athletes from 10 sports clubs. Data on nutritional knowledge and information sources were gathered through validated questionnaires (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.844 and 0.802, respectively). SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data via descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation, regression, and ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. Results. The average scores for nutritional information sources and knowledge were 3.17 (SD = 1.19) and 3.09 (SD = 1.33), indicating moderate adherence. A strong correlation was found between information sources and performance (R = 0.723, p < 0.001), as well as a moderate correlation between nutritional knowledge and performance (R = 0.629, p = 0.000), explaining 79.2% of performance variance. Regression analysis showed that both factors had a significant effect on performance. Conclusions. Nutritional knowledge and credible information sources are critical in enhancing athletes’ performance. The study highlights the need for improved nutrition education among Ethiopian track athletes to promote better dietary practices and performance.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) texture analysis parameters in distinguishing Wilms tumor (WT) from neuroblastoma (NB). Method: The research included forty-three patients (23 with WT and 20 with NB) with confirmed diagnoses and CT images. Texture analysis involved seven first-order and nine second-order parameters, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis performed to differentiate between WT and NB. Results: Results showed that the median tumor volume was significantly higher in the WT group. Significant differences were found in entropy and homogeneity among first-order parameters. ROC analysis revealed sensitivity and specificity values: 78% and 45% for uniformity, 56% and 85% for entropy and 47% and 75% for sum entropy. Conclusion: Findings suggest that texture analysis has potential in distinguishing WT from NB in pediatric CT scans, which may reduce the need for repeated scans, additional imaging and invasive procedures, thereby improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs

IntroductionSomalia is continuing to recover from three decades of underdevelopment, political instability, civil unrest, and protracted humanitarian crises. However, Somalia has one of the lowest maternal health indicators in the world. For instance, the maternal mortality ratio is 621 per 100,000 live births. Extra efforts are needed to improve maternal health. In this study, we aim to investigate the level of completion and coverage along the maternity continuum of care in Somalia.MethodThe study used data from the Somalia Health and Demographic Survey 2020. We restricted our analysis to ever-married women who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey (n = 2432). Completion of the continuum of maternity care was the outcome variable for this study. It was constructed into a binary variable with complete coded as one and incomplete coded as 0. We categorized it into three models: ANC4+ as the first model, ANC4+ & SBA as the second model, and ANC4+ & SBA & PNC as the third model.ResultsMore than half of the women (53.1%) had their most recent births at ≤19 years old. Of all the mothers (n = 2432), only 235 (9.7%) had at least four or more of the recommended antenatal care (ANC4+), and 68 (2.8%) of them utilized skilled birth attendants. Only 14 (0.6%) women received all three maternal healthcare services (ANC4+, SBA, and PNC within 48 hours). About 78.1% of the mothers did not attend any of the three CoC services.ConclusionMaternal health care utilization decreases as they progress from ANC4+ to PNC utilization. The government and partners should design and implement strategies to improve maternal healthcare utilization specific to rural and nomads, less educated, not working, low income, and have less power in decision-making.

This study aims to analyze the project of Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students (P5), the role of teachers in improving P5, and the characters developed in P5 implemented by PPG-STPKat students of St. Francis Asisi Semarang. The mixed method research design was used. The probability sampling technique was used to select 14 schools for the research population. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires assessing the implementation of the P5 project and the role of teachers and analyzed using ANOVA Linearity, Linear Regression, and the F Test. Interviews were used to collect qualitative data, which was then analyzed using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the simultaneous implementation of the P5 project and the role of the teacher had a high effect on student character building (99.1%). The linearity test revealed a linear relationship between P5 project implementation and learner character, with a significance value (p) of 0.000 0.05. P5 has been implemented in elementary schools, and teachers serve as role models, motivators, inspirers, and evaluators, according to qualitative findings. Students' Pancasila character profile depicts a character of faith, piety to God Almighty, and noble character. Positive aspects of mutual cooperation included improved collaboration skills and various aspects of mutual cooperation. This study's recommendations include increasing the number of meeting hours, involving a team of facilitators, and ensuring school readiness. Students must be encouraged to participate actively in the P5 project and to develop the Pancasila learner profile attitude.

BackgroundIn developing countries, institutional delivery is a key proven intervention that reduces maternal mortality and can reduce maternal deaths by approximately 16%–33%. In Somalia, only 32% of births are delivered in a health facility with the assistance of a skilled healthcare provider. We aimed to investigate the factors hindering women from giving birth at healthcare facilities in major towns in Somalia, where most of the health facilities in the country are concentrated.MethodsA community-based health survey was carried out in 11 major towns in Somalia between October and December 2021. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 women who gave birth in the last five years. Women were recruited through convenient sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were estimated to assess the associations.ResultsThe overall prevalence of institutional delivery was 57%. Approximately 38% of women living in Mogadishu and 53% living in another ten towns give birth at home. Women who had poor knowledge of the importance of health facility delivery had nearly four times higher odds of delivering at home (AOR 3.64 CI: 1.49–8.93). Similarly, those who did not receive antenatal care (AOR 2.5, CI: 1.02–6.39) and those who did not receive a consultation on the place of delivery (AOR 2.15, CI: 1.17–3.94) were more likely to give birth at home. The reasons for home delivery included financial reasons, the long distance to the health facility, and the fact that it was easier to give birth at home.ConclusionThe study found that home delivery is high in major towns in Somalia and is associated with a lack of understanding of the importance of health facility delivery, not using ANC, and not receiving consultancy about where to give birth. Primary health care should strengthen information, education, and communication activities. Since the health care system in Somalia is overwhelmingly private, the government may consider access to free and within-reach ANC and health facility delivery for women and girls from families who cannot pay the ANC and childbirth delivery cost.

Abstract Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased over the recent years; however, little is known about the experience of parents of children with autism in Africa such as Somalia. The aim of this study is to understand the knowledge on autism of Somali parents of children with autism and their perceptions of causes and treatment of ASD. Methods We conducted a qualitative study involving 22 parents of children with autism who lived in Mogadishu and Hargeisa; the two largest cities in Somalia. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Of the 22 participants, 9 were returned immigrants and 13 were local people (non-immigrants). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The data revealed that most of the parents hold the belief that their children’s autism were caused by the measles vaccine. The findings demonstrated that parents sought diagnosis and treatment care from outside Somalia due to the lack of experience of health providers in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. The data also revealed a lack of knowledge about autism among the public with resultant stigma and discrimination against children with autism and their families. Conclusions Efforts to increase public knowledge on autism, its causes and treatments are of paramount importance, while a public health campaign designed to eliminate the stigma subjected to children with autism is necessary to improve the quality of life of children with autism and their caregivers. Finally, to counteract vaccine hesitancy, particularly in response to the measles vaccine, health policy makers should take steps to separate the cooccurrence of the onset of autism symptoms and the provision of the measles vaccine.

Background. Adequate nutrition knowledge is crucial for developing proper eating habits, especially among athletes, as it has a significant impact on sports performance. This underscores the consensus in sports nutrition education among professionals working with athletes. Study purpose. The study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices of under-17 football club players in Ethiopia. Materials and methods. A descriptive survey research method was used, and standardized questionnaires were randomly distributed to 26 footballers to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices regarding nutrition. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Pearson coefficient, and one-way ANOVA (p 0.5) were observed in the data related to eating habits, age, or nutritional understanding. Significant variations in educational backgrounds were noted (p 0.05) in nutrition knowledge scores for age, education, and source of information. However, a significant difference (p

Abstract Background Due to the rising number of diabetic patients, the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is clearly posing a major challenge to the long-term viability of the health-care system. Despite this, most DPN epidemiological research in eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, has so far been limited to survey studies. Thus, we determined the incidence of DPN and its predictors among diabetic patients in tertiary health-care setting of southwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter retrospective follow-up study was carried out on 567 randomly selected diabetic patients. Data were entered using Epi-Data v4.6 and analyzed using R v4.0.4. The survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier, and compared using Log-rank test between groups of categorical variables. The PHA were evaluated using the Schoenfeld residuals test. Multivariable Gompertz proportional hazard model was used to examine the predictors of DPN at 5% level of significance. Results Overall, of 567 DM patients 119 developed DPN with an incidence rate of 3.75, 95%CI [3.13, 4.49] per 100 PY. About 15.13% and 69% of DPN cases occurred within 2 and 5 years of DM diagnosis, respectively. In the multivariable Gompertz PH model, being female [AHR = 1.47; 95% CI (1.01, 2.15)], T2DM [AHR = 3.49 95% CI (1.82, 6.71)], having diabetic retinopathy [AHR = 1.9 95% CI (1.25, 2.91)], positive proteinuria [AHR = 2.22 95% CI (1.35, 3.65)], being obese [AHR = 3.94 95% CI (1.2, 12.89)] and overweight [AHR = 3.34 95% CI (1.09, 10.25)] significantly predicts the future risk of DPN. Conclusion Nearly, 7 in 10 of DPN cases occurred within short period of time (5 year) of DM diagnosis. Being female, T2DM, DR, positive proteinuria, obese and overweight significantly predicts the risk of DPN. Therefore, we recommend screening and early diagnosis of diabetes with its complication. While doing so, attention should be given for DM patients with DR and positive proteinuria at baseline.

AbstractIntroductionIntimate partner violence is defined as any behavior by a current or past male intimate partner during marriage, cohabitation, or any other formal or informal union that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Men are the most common perpetrators of this against women. It affects almost one-third of all women worldwide.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence, consequences, and factors associated with intimate partner violence among partnered women in Gambella town.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Variables with a p-value

This research characterized the organic extracts of Capsicum chinense by GCMS and LCMS analyses and investigated their antidiabetic potentials in a fructose-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model. The organic extracts were found to display a promising in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and in vivo decrease of serum glucose levels, ALP, ALT, AST, creatinine, uric acid, and lipid levels. They upregulated the antioxidative CAT, SOD1, GPx, and PFK1 gene expressions and restored the pancreas, liver, and kidney architectures. Multitarget interactions of C. chinense metabolites forcibly modulated the AKT1 and PIK3R1 proteins demonstrating the prospective functional food potential of C. chinense.

Abstract Background The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women remains high globally, particularly in low‐income settings. Iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) during pregnancy is the most widely employed strategy to alleviate adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to explore the determinants of compliance with iron supplementation in the study area. Aim To identify determinants of IFAS compliance among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Mettu town, South West Ethiopia, in 2021. Methods A facility‐based, unmatched case‐control study was conducted from May to July 2021 with a total sample size of 344 (115 cases and 229 controls). Cases and controls were selected using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, pretested interviewer‐administered questionnaire, entered into Epi‐data software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Variables with p

This study aims to investigate the relationship between higher education and gender equality among public university students in Indonesia. Based on the form of data and the nature of the observed object, this research is classified as a survey research. The results of this study show that despite the increase in women's participation in higher education in Indonesia, gender gaps still exist in various aspects of student life. Although there are policies and programs that support gender equality, their implementation is still limited and sometimes faced with cultural and social challenges. Education in gender perspective is the thought that education is organized for everyone without discriminating gender, ethnicity, and nation, and education is not discriminatory but will prioritize education for men and women which will ultimately facilitate gender equality in relations between men and women. This study points to the need for further efforts to improve gender equality in higher education. Policies and programs that focus on strengthening gender awareness, providing better academic and social support for female students, and addressing lingering gender norms and stereotypes in society are needed to create an inclusive and equal educational environment for all students. Higher education in Indonesia is still faced with the challenge of gender equality. Despite positive steps taken, greater efforts are needed to achieve true gender equality among public university students in Indonesia. Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki hubungan antara pendidikan tinggi dan kesetaraan gender di kalangan mahasiswa perguruan tinggi negeri di Indonesia. Berdasarkan bentuk data dan sifat objek yang diamati, penelitian ini diklasifikasikan sebagai penelitian survei. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa meskipun ada peningkatan partisipasi perempuan dalam pendidikan tinggi di Indonesia, kesenjangan gender masih ada di berbagai aspek kehidupan mahasiswa. Meskipun ada kebijakan dan program yang mendukung kesetaraan gender, implementasinya masih terbatas dan terkadang dihadapkan pada tantangan budaya dan sosial. Pendidikan dalam perspektif gender bahwa pendidikan diselenggarakan untuk semua orang tidak membeda-bedakan jenis kelamin, etnis dan bangsa dan pendidikan tidak diskriminatif tetapi akan memprioritaskan pendidikan bagi laki-laki dan perempuan yang pada akhirnya akan memfasilitasi kesetaraan gender dalam hubungan antara laki-laki dan perempuan. Studi ini menunjukkan perlunya upaya lebih lanjut untuk meningkatkan kesetaraan gender di pendidikan tinggi. Kebijakan dan program yang berfokus pada memperkuat kesadaran gender, memberikan dukungan akademik dan sosial yang lebih baik bagi mahasiswa perempuan, serta mengatasi norma dan stereotip gender yang masih ada di masyarakat, diperlukan untuk menciptakan lingkungan pendidikan yang inklusif dan setara bagi semua mahasiswa. Pendidikan tinggi di Indonesia masih dihadapkan pada tantangan kesetaraan gender. Meskipun ada langkah-langkah positif yang diambil, upaya yang lebih besar diperlukan untuk mencapai kesetaraan gender yang sebenarnya di kalangan mahasiswa perguruan tinggi negeri di Indonesia.

Pelvic organ prolapse is the downward descent of female organs, including the bladder, small bowel, and large bowel, resulting in the protrusion of the vagina, uterus, or both. This disorder, exclusive to women, causes psychological trauma and social withdrawal, leading to an increased rate of gynecologic surgery. To assess the Pelvic Organ Prolapse and its associated factors among Women Visiting public Hospitals in south west Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among gynecologic patients. A total sample size of 408 was allocated to the institutions proportional to their previous month’s case load. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 20 for descriptive and inferential analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with a 95% confidence level were estimated, and a P -value

Abstract Introduction The cytoskeletal protein ezrin is upregulated in many cancer types and is strongly associated with poor patient outcome. While the clinical and prognostic value of ezrin has been previously evaluated in breast cancer, most studies to date have been conducted in smaller cohorts (less than 500 cases) or have focused on specific disease characteristics. The current study is the largest of its kind to evaluate ezrin both at the protein and mRNA levels in early‐stage breast cancer patients using the Nottingham (n = 1094) and METABRIC (n = 1980) cohorts, respectively. Results High expression of ezrin was significantly associated with larger tumour size (p = 0.027), higher tumour grade (p

Drying-rewetting cycles are ubiquitous across natural and managed ecosystems. These cycles are known to mobilize carbon (C) in soils producing dramatic pulses in microbial respiration. While many factors contribute to these pulses, the drying-rewetting history of soils affecting carbon emissions remains unclear, especially in irrigated soils where soil moisture fluctuations are more repetitive and/or frequent than natural, seasonally influenced soils. To understand the controls of repeated wet-up and dry down effects on agricultural soils, we used a systems approach to examine the cross section of a furrow irrigated orchard to delineate soil C dynamics. Specifically, we compared two contrasting water regimes, (1) soils temporarily but repeatedly inundated during water delivery (i.e., furrows) and (2) soils at the base of trees (i.e., berms) that only receive water during precipitation events in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Overall, our findings show that the heterogeneous landscape of a furrow irrigated field results in two separate systems within the field scale in gaseous release of C as CO2, microbial selectivity of substrates, and mechanisms for C stabilization. By monitoring soil moisture as a function of depth for over two years, our results reveal that furrow soils undergo dramatic wet-dry cycles, while moisture within the berm is relatively constant. We were able to capture the distinct heterogeneity of soil moisture changes within the furrow and berm soils by continuously monitoring CO2 flux throughout water input events in both the wet and dry season. Soil CO2 efflux is suppressed upon irrigation within furrows, while carbon oxidation in berm soils exhibits pore-connectivity limitations that result in lower fluxes when dry. Solid phase soil C speciation determined by C 1s NEXAFS demonstrated C of higher aromaticity remained in furrow soil compared to berm soils. Microbial community analysis shows significantly different communities reside within berm and furrow soils, where furrow soils support more anaerobic metabolisms and spore-formers while berm soils have relatively higher abundance of aerobic microbes capable of degrading larger, more complex C compounds. Our findings show that water regime (periodic inundation vs episodic rainfall) controlling rewetting history can greatly differentiate C respiration within managed soils.

Background: Sick building syndrome (SBS) consists of a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms temporally that is related to residential buildings of unclear causes. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the prevalence and contributing factors of SBS in adult people living in Hodan district, Mogadishu Somalia.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 using a convenient sampling to include 261 individuals. The data was collected through structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. SBS was assessed using 15 building-related symptoms and four socio-demographic characteristics. Five SBS conformation criteria were used. Descriptive statistics were presented, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables.Results: The prevalence of SBS was 41% from the total of 261 participants. Based on the findings, SBS had a significant association with being female [AOR = 3.044, 95% CI = (1.813, 5.110)], lack of functional windows [AOR = 3.543, 95% CI = (1.293, 9.710)], fungal growth in the buildings [AOR = 3.433, 95% CI = (1.223, 9.638)], recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents [AOR = 2.541, 95% CI = (1.018, 6.343)], cooking inside building [AOR = 4.709, 95% CI = (1.469, 15.095)], outdoor air pollutant [AOR = 6.364, 95% CI = (2.387, 16.966)], use of charcoal for cooking [AOR = 1.846, 95% CI = (1.013, 3.365)], incensing habits of occupants [AOR = 4.375, 95% CI = (2.303, 8.308)] fan use [AOR = 2.067, 95% CI = (1.099, 3.886)] and dust in the living rooms [AOR = 5.151, 95% CI = (2.380, 11.152).Conclusion: SBS had a significant association with occupants’ sex, lack of functional windows, fungal growth in the buildings, recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents, cooking inside the building, outdoor air pollutants, use of charcoal for cooking, incensing habits of occupants, and dust in the living rooms. High prevalence and poor understanding of sick building syndrome could threaten the health status of the occupants. Measures such as mass health education on identifiable risk factors should be taken to cope with these problems.

BackgroundWhile countries embrace efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goal 3.1 (to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 and end preventable deaths of new-borns and children), an estimated 2.5 million pastoralists in Somalia are struggling to access maternal and child healthcare services. Institutional delivery and access to antenatal care remained to be a challenge in Somalia, where pastoralism is a common means of livelihood. The aim of this study is to explore the maternal health services available for settled pastoralists (transhumant) and their families who still practice nomadic pastoralism in the Mudug region of Somalia.MethodsA qualitative study, including 14 interviews and one FGD, was conducted in Darussalam village (a transhumant village along the border between Somalia and Ethiopia), Puntland State, from December 2022 to January 2023. The study participants were community members who support the maternal and child health clinic (MCH), village administration, and health providers.ResultsWe found that the efficiency of the health facilities that serve for pastoralist women and children are hampered by staff-related, supply-related, patients-related and referral-related constraints. This study highlights that the absence of essential supplies, the unmet need for training among the staff as well as the absence of important facilities in the MCH such as ambulance and blood bags.ConclusionNumerous strides could be made in the provision of affordable maternal healthcare to pastoralist communities in Darussalam areas of the Mudug region when organizations that support health care in Somalia and the Ministry of Health include pastoralists’ healthcare in their priorities.

Plant-based foods are becoming an increasingly frequent topic of discussion, both scientific and social, due to the dissemination of information and exchange of experiences in the media. Plant-based diets are considered beneficial for human health due to the supply of many valuable nutrients, including health-promoting compounds. Replacing meat-based foods with plant-based products will provide many valuable compounds, including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and some ω3 fatty acids. Due to their high nutritional and functional composition, plant-based foods are beneficial in acute and chronic diseases. This article attempts to review the literature to present the most important data on nutrients of plant-based foods that can then help in the prevention of many diseases, such as different infections, such as coronavirus disease, pneumonia, common cold and flu, asthma, and bacterial diseases, such as bronchitis. A properly structured plant-based diet not only provides the necessary nutrients but also can help in the prevention of many diseases.

BackgroundSunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D and supports bone growth and strength. The awareness of mothers about the benefit of exposing their infants to sunlight, as well as the practice of doing so, is important to a child’s proper growth and development. The current study looked into mothers’ knowledge, practice, and factors related to infant sunlight exposure in rural villages in the Mettu district, southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was utilized with randomly selected mothers of newborns from rural areas in the Mettu district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Analysis of the data was performed using the SPSS version 21 software. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out, and p

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) causes significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Somalia. Among diabetic patients, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) constitute the largest proportion of admissions, amputations, and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and subsequently determine factors associated with it among diabetic patients at three major hospitals in Somalia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 diabetic patients between August and November 2022. All eligible diabetes patients who were attending De Martini Hospital, Madina General Hospital, and Deynile General Hospital during the study period were included in the study. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. We collected demographic, clinical, and behavioral variables from all participants. A bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance.ResultThe mean age of the study’s participants was 50.9 ± 13.6 years. The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 15%. Patients who were either overweight or obese (OR 4.63, CI: 2.08–10.30), had a lack of family support in managing diabetes (OR 3.33, CI: 1.74–6.36), and did not check their feet regularly were more likely to develop DFU (OR 1.99, CI:1.08–3.66).ConclusionIncreased body mass index, lack of family support, and not checking feet regularly were associated with DFUs. The high prevalence of DFUs and the plethora of needs of people with DFUs pose challenges for health care. A coordinated health care system is necessary to meet the needs of diabetic patients and prevent DFUs.

ObjectivesHead and neck cancer is a common malignancy frequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Studies have shown an increased risk of stroke with the receipt of radiotherapy, but data on stroke-related mortality are limited, particularly in the modern era. Evaluating stroke mortality related to radiotherapy is vital given the curative nature of head and neck cancer treatment and the need to understand the risk of severe stroke in this population.MethodsWe analyzed the risk of stroke death among 122,362 patients (83,651 patients who received radiation and 38,711 patients who did not) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 in the SEER database. Patients in radiation vs. no radiation groups were matched using propensity scores. Our primary hypothesis was that radiotherapy would increase the hazard of death from stroke. We also examined other factors impacting the hazard of stroke death, including whether radiotherapy was performed during the modern era when IMRT and modern stroke care were available as well as increased HPV-mediated cancers of the head and neck. We hypothesized that the hazard of stroke death would be less in the modern era.ResultsThere was an increased hazard of stroke-related death in the group receiving radiation therapy (HR 1.203, p = 0.006); however, this was a very small absolute increase, and the cumulative incidence function of stroke death was significantly reduced in the modern era (p < 0.001), cohorts with chemotherapy (p=0.003), males (p=0.002), younger cohorts (p

Objective To assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) and associated factors among pregnant women in Bachoo District, Oromia, Ethiopia.Design A mixed cross-sectional study design was employed to conduct this study.Setting A community-based cross-sectional study was done in the rural community of Bachoo District of Iluu Abbaa Boor Zone, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia.Participants A total of 307 pregnant women participated in the quantitative study, 51 respondents were involved in the qualitative part. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the final respondents. Data were entered into EpiData V.3.1 and analysed using SPSS V.22. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p

Summary: Hallucinations limit widespread therapeutic use of psychedelics as rapidly acting antidepressants. Here we profiled the non-hallucinogenic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analog 2-bromo-LSD (2-Br-LSD) at more than 33 aminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). 2-Br-LSD shows partial agonism at several aminergic GPCRs, including 5-HT2A, and does not induce the head-twitch response (HTR) in mice, supporting its classification as a non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A partial agonist. Unlike LSD, 2-Br-LSD lacks 5-HT2B agonism, an effect linked to cardiac valvulopathy. Additionally, 2-Br-LSD produces weak 5-HT2A β-arrestin recruitment and internalization in vitro and does not induce tolerance in vivo after repeated administration. 2-Br-LSD induces dendritogenesis and spinogenesis in cultured rat cortical neurons and increases active coping behavior in mice, an effect blocked by the 5-HT2A-selective antagonist volinanserin (M100907). 2-Br-LSD also reverses the behavioral effects of chronic stress. Overall, 2-Br-LSD has an improved pharmacological profile compared with LSD and may have profound therapeutic value for mood disorders and other indications.

Personality priorities are important concepts in Adlerian theory, contributing to understanding and conceptualizing clients’ lifestyles. Even though Adlerian psychology promises multicultural applications and has been interested in Turkey, no instrument measuring personality priorities has been developed or adapted into Turkish. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to adapt the Adlerian Personality Priority Assessment (APPA) into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties with a sample of Turkish undergraduate students. This study was conducted in three steps. In the first step, a linguistic equivalence test was performed with a sample of 73 students enrolled at the Department of English Language Education. In the second step, the structure of the APPA was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of 1,279 undergraduate students. In the final step, test-retest reliability was tested with a sample of 93 undergraduate students within 4-week interval. The results of the linguistic equivalency study revealed that translations were linguistically and culturally proper. According to the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the Turkish form of the APPA consisted of 24 items loaded with four factors consistent with the original form. The results also revealed good levels of internal and test-retest reliabilities. The findings of this study showed that the Turkish form of the APPA is a valid and reliable instrument, and it can be used in research and practice with Turkish populations. The results and limitations were discussed, along with implications for future research and practice.

In Ethiopia, the use of ambulance services for urgent obstetric care improved institutional delivery and reduced maternal mortality. However, poor infrastructure, delayed response from dispatchers, and other socioeconomic factors influence service utilization. The present study assessed the utilization of ambulance services and associated factors during pregnancy and labor among lactating mothers in the Buno Bedele administrative zone of Southwest Ethiopia. Community-based cross-sectional study design with a sample of 792 lactating mothers was carried out. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaire, and focus group discussions (FGD). Among the 792 study participants, 618 (78%) had antenatal care (ANC) follow up and 705 (89%) were aware of information on the availability of free ambulance services. Eighty one percent study participants requested for ambulance services, and 576 (79%) utilized during their pregnancy and delivery periods. Awareness of free ambulance service (AOR = 3, 95% CI [1.4, 7.1], P = .006), maternal formal education (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI [1.46, 9.8], P = .006) and ANC follow up (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI [8.9, 23.3], P = .001) were identified factors responsible for enhanced ambulance services utilization in the study area. The finding of the present study revealed that pregnant women had a higher tendency to use ambulance services during their obstetric emergency. However, poor communication and road infrastructure, as well as delayed dispatcher response hampered better service utilization.

Motivated health workers play an important role in delivering high-quality maternal health services, especially in low-income countries where maternal mortality rates are high, and shortages of human resource for health is prevalent. The aim of this study is to investigate maternal health workers' motivation in three tertiary hospitals in Mogadishu Somalia. We used a semi-structured questionnaire that was validated and widely used in Sub-Saharan Africa to collect data from 220 health workers across three tertiary hospitals in Mogadishu between February and April 2020. Health worker motivation was measured using seven constructs: general motivation, burnout, job satisfaction, intrinsic job satisfaction, organizational commitment, conscientiousness, timeliness and attendance. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of health worker motivation. The results show that male health workers have a higher work motivation, with a mean score of 92.75 (SD 21.31) versus 90.43 (SD 21.61) in women. As regards to profession, significant correlation was found between health workers' motivation and being an assistant (coeff, 6.873, p = 0.001), nurse (coeff, 5.111, p = 0.000), physicians (coeff, 2.898 p = 0.042), pediatric assistants (coeff, 2.878, p = 0.048), midwife (coeff, 3.822, P = 0.01), and others (supervisor and pharmacist) (coeff, 5.623, P = 0.001). Unexpectedly, the gynecologists and midwives were the least motivated groups among the different professions, with mean scores of 83.63, (SD: 27.41) and 86.95 (SD: 21.08), respectively. Of the aforementioned seven motivation constructs, the highest mean motivation scores (from 1-5) were observed in conscientiousness and intrinsic job satisfaction. These results highlight the importance of targeted interventions that increase female health workers' motivation, particularly gynecologists and midwives. This can be done by providing non-financial incentives, in addition to encouraging their participation in the decision-making process. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of a lack of motivation among gynecologists and midwives on maternal health in Somalia.

The demand for PV on roof installations in the household sector is increasing. In this paper, an investigation on optimizing the energy performance of PV on housing roofs is conducted. Three housing roof designs found in Gorontalo city are selected as the mounting planes for PV on roofs. The designs represent stacked gable roofs, complex gable roofs, and complex hip roofs. The purpose of the research is to find which roof shape is better for PV mounting in terms of sun radiation gain and access, mountable spaces, and orientation flexibility. This research employs Rhinoceros 3D to model the three roofs. The models are designed to face 12 directions, from 0° to 330°. Radiation analysis using Ladybug is utilized to study the roof’s performance in obtaining solar radiation in all 12 directions. It was found that the complex hip roof has more evenly distributed solar radiation on the roof planes, is flexible for PV mounting in any orientation, but has few mountable spaces. The stacked gable roof has two out of four suitable planes to gain solar radiation, but they are spacious. The complex gable roof has only one out of five suitable planes since they are narrow and prone to self-shading. Overall, a stacked gable roof provides a better option for PV installation compared to the other roof shapes.

Negative life events are unpleasant, stressful, and uncontrollable experiences found to be risk factors for increased psychological distress and decreased life satisfaction in college students. In addition, distress and life satisfaction are closely related to college students' quality of life and academic performance. Conversely, positive psychological states have been hypothesized to buffer the effects of negative life events. Data from 738 college students in the U.S. were analyzed to examine the moderating effects of three positive psychological variables on negative life events: optimism, hope, and gratitude. The results showed that negative life events positively predicted distress and negatively predicted life satisfaction. The results also revealed that optimism, hope, and gratitude moderated the effects of negative life events. The authors conclude that the evidence supports positive psychology interventions in college counseling to combat the effects of negative life events through the positive psychological states of optimism, hope, and gratitude. The specific clinical implications for practicing counselors and educational settings are suggested.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pregnancy and associated factors among adolescent girls in Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp.Design Cross-sectional study was employed to conduct this study.Setting A community-based cross-sectional study was done in Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp.Participants Four hundred and fourteen adolescent girls participated in this study. The systematic random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a well-structured and pretested questionnaire. Pregnancy test was done using the human chorionic gonadotropin test. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was run to identify factors associated with adolescent pregnancy.Results The prevalence of pregnancy among adolescent girls in the Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp was 21.7% (95% CI: 17.6% to 25.6%). Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy were age (17–19 years) (AOR): 2.79; 95% CI: 1.55 to 5.05; educational status: primary education (AOR: 7.69; 95% CI: 3.55 to 16.68) and no formal education (AOR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.59 to 7.36); and household living arrangement: living with none of the biological parents (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.02 to 4.49) and living with either of the biological parent (AOR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.76 to 7.81).Conclusions and recommendations This study showed that there is a high prevalence of pregnancy among adolescent girls in the study setting. Age (17–19 years), educational status and household living arrangement (living with none of the biological parents and living with either of the biological parents) were among the factors significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. Hence, health workers and other stakeholders in the camps should focus on strengthening adolescent sexual health education giving special attention to late adolescents, uneducated and living without biological family.

Even though COVID-19 vaccine has been proved effective, vaccine uptake and coverage has been and still is a great concern across different immigrant groups. Vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to accept the vaccine among immigrants across the globe—including Norway—despite higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths. This study aimed to explore the opinions and suggestions of immigrants on how to lower the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among immigrants in Norway. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 88 persons with different immigrant background. Data was analyzed using framework analysis, utilizing “3Cs model of vaccine hesitancy” as a theoretical framework. The analysis yielded five main themes related to factors that may lower the vaccine hesitancy among immigrants in Norway: (1) Effective cultural communication, (2) Vaccine advocacy through community engagement, (3) Motivating factors, (4) Collaborative efforts via government and healthcare, and (5) Incentives for vaccination. This study enhanced our understanding of factors that according to immigrants themselves may lower the vaccine hesitancy. The insights obtained in this study can contribute to a better understanding of the current status of vaccine uptake among immigrants and can further give directions on how to improve vaccine uptake in these groups in Norway.

Abstract Background Norway implemented a regular cervical cancer screening program based on triennial screening in 1995, recommending participation of all women between 25 and 69 years of age. Somali and Pakistani women have the lowest participation in cervical cancer screening in Norway. This study evaluates the effect of a community-based intervention aimed at increasing participation in the screening program among women from these two groups. Methods The intervention consisted of an oral 20–25 min presentation in Urdu and Somali on cervical cancer and screening and practical information on how to make an appointment and payment for the test. The participants were invited to pose questions related to the topic after the presentation. This study was carried out in four geographical areas surrounding the capital Oslo between February and October 2017, among women aged 25–69 years from Pakistan and Somalia. We recruited women in the intervention group directly from different community institutions, households, and religious sites. Women from Pakistan and Somalia residing in Oslo were the controls. The absolute intervention effect was measured as difference in absolute proportion of women screened and estimated as the interaction between time and group allocation in a generalized estimation equation model with binomial distribution and identity link function. Results The percentage of women screened in the intervention group increased, from 46 to 51%. The corresponding increase in proportion in the control group was from 44 to 45.5%. After adjustment for potential confounders the intervention group showed a significant larger increase in participation in the screening program as compared to the control group with an absolute difference in change in proportion screened of 0.03 (95% CI; 0.02- 0.06). Conclusions Our findings suggest that theory-based, culturally and linguistically sensitive educational interventions can raise awareness and motivate immigrant women to participate in cervical cancer screening program. In addition, approaching health professionals as well as immigrant women, might improve participation even more. Trial registration NCT03155581 . Retrospectively registered, on 16 May 2017.

Foliar fertilization is one of the crucial ways for continued cultivation of date palm, obtaining the best results of growth and production, in addition to the possibility to reduce damage from abiotic stress. Although subjected date palm to an annual fertilization program, it faces some challenges, including low soil availability for nutrients, dryness of the soil surface, low root activity in the breeding period, soil alkalinity, as well as water scarcity in areas of cultivation, and symptoms of deficiency of some elements. This review attempts to shed light on the importance of using leaf fertilization, demonstrating the successful technique and positive results, and proving the ability of date palm cells to absorb nutrients, similar to other trees, and interact with chemical and biological fertilizers. Besides, the leaflet’s possibility of absorbing various nutrients, chelated iron, biostimulants, antioxidants, and nano-fertilization, are presented.

BackgroundA pessimistic view of the impact of Covid-19 on immigrants has generated an interest in exploring the role of socio-economic and cultural factors on excess infection, hospitalization and death among immigrants. Nowhere in the world is such interest more palpable than in Western countries, including Norway. An expanding amount of literature has demonstrated that preexisting socio-economic inequalities have affected Covid-19 control programs through a disruption of immigrants' uptake to preventive measures. Nonetheless, until very recently, no qualitative research has been conducted to address the impact of socio-economic and socio-cultural factors on immigrants' uptake on preventive measures of Covid-19 in Norway.MethodsAn interview-based qualitative study consisting of 88 participants (49 women and 39 men) from 10 immigrant ethnic groups were carried out. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and snowballing. In-depth interviews were held through telephone or online for those who have experience in the use of zoom or teams. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe found that participants' attitudes toward the pandemic in general, and more specifically their adherence to preventive measures, have increased over time. However, the number of barriers that hinder immigrants from adhering to preventive measures were identified and classified more broadly into three main subthemes: (1) socio-economic barriers; (2) socio-cultural barriers, and (3) other barriers. Socio-economic barriers include overcrowded households, working in first-line jobs, education and language. Socio-cultural barriers include collectivist culture, religious fatalism and risk perception toward the pandemic.ConclusionTo reduce the health inequality that arises from overcrowded housing, there is a need for a long-term strategy to help improve the housing situation of low-income immigrant families that live in overcrowded households. In addition, increasing health literacy and more generally, the integration of immigrants, may also reduce the effect of socio-cultural factors on an immigrant's uptake of preventive measures.

ABSTRAK. Indonesia dengan banyaknya suku dan budayanya kaya akan keragaman arsitekturnya. Tradisi dan budaya di tiap daerah, meskipun berbeda-beda tapi menghasilkan karya arsitekur tradisional yang ternyata memiliki benang merah antara satu dengan yang lainnya. Rumah panggung di berbagai daerah memiliki pagar pembatas pada teras atau serambi yang memiliki nilai makna, fungsi, dan keindahannya. Salah satu pagar pembatas tersebut adalah jalamba dari daerah Gorontalo yang umumnya digunakan pada upacara adat pernikahan, kedukaan, dan lain-lain. Jalamba ini juga menjadi pagar penciri identitas adat daerah-daerah di Gorontalo. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji lebih dalam tentang jalamba, jenis dan makna dari jalamba melalui kajian literatur, wawancara, dan pengamatan terhadap rumah panggung tempat jalamba yang digunakan saat ini. Setelah dianalisis melalui teropong sejarah dan kebudayaan, hasil penelitian menunjukkan dua dari enam jenis jalamba saat ini telah menjadi penciri identitas daerah Gorontalo. Kata kunci: Rumah panggung, Pagar pembatas, Pola dan Ragam ABSTRACT. Indonesia, with its many ethnic groups and cultures, is rich in architectural diversity. The traditions and culture in each region, although different, have resulted in the work of traditional architects, which have a common thread with one another. Stilt houses in various areas have a guardrail on the terrace or porch, which has a value of meaning, function, and beauty. One of the guardrails is a Jalamba from the Gorontalo area, which is generally used in traditional wedding ceremonies, grief, and others. This Jalamba is also a fence that identifies the traditional identity of areas in Gorontalo. This study aims to examine the Jalamba's types and meaning of Jalamba through literature review, interviews, and observations of the house on stilts where the Jalamba is currently used. After analyzing historical and cultural binoculars, the results showed that two of the six types of Jalamba now had become the characteristics of Gorontalo's regional identity. Keywords: Stilt house, Railing, Pattern and Style

Increasing world temperatures are bringing about climate changes creating abiotic stress in plants. Date palm offshoot leaves (Khadrawi cv.) were analyzed for chlorophyll Chl a, Chl b, Total Chl, Chl a/b ratio, anthocyanin and carotenoid subject to salinity, drought and temperature stress under field conditions. Results demonstrated that drought and salinity stress accompanied by high temperatures in July and August significantly reduced the Chl a, Chl b, and Total Chl relative to the control. Anthocyanins, carotenoids, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde were markedly higher in July and August (45 ºC), whereas September showed lower values in these substances. Temperature reduction to 35 °C accompanied by drought or salinity stress, brought about a critical increment in relative water content and a decrease in electrolyte leakage. Although the impact of drought and salinity stress continued, the reduced temperatures in September resulted in a reduction of abscisic acid and proline concentration. Cluster analysis showed the two groups. In this first group, the significant similarity between the treatments is illustrated by the influence of the high temperature of 43–45 ºC. Recovery of photosynthesis following low-temperature, for the most part, determines plant flexibility to water deficiencies and salinity. Thermal stress, associated with salinity or drought stress is more damaging to the photosynthetic pigments than any single factor.