Determinants of Incomplete Childhood Vaccination among Children Aged 12–23 Months in Gambela Region,Southwest Ethiopia: A Case Control Study

BackgroundChildhood vaccination is considered as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. With an increasing dropout rate from vaccination, the factors for incomplete vaccination are not well explored. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination.MethodCommunity based case-control study was conducted from March 1–30, 2018. Cases were children who missed at least one dose of routine vaccine while controls were children who completed all recommended doses. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Multivariable logistic regression was performed in order to identify determinants with 95% CI and a p-value of <0.05.ResultA total of 93 cases and 185 controls were participated in the study. Not attending postnatal care [AOR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.08–4.28], household not visited by health workers [AOR=3.99, 95% CI: 2.13–7.48], postponing vaccination schedules [AOR = 6.15, 95% CI: 3.08–12.27], caretakers who had misconception of vaccination [AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.53–5.52], unsatisfied care takers [AOR=1.970, 95% CI:1.04–3.74] and poor knowledge about vaccines [AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.19–4.59] were determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination.ConclusionFailure to attend postnatal care, postponing vaccination schedules, having misconception for vaccine contraindication, households not visited by health workers, caretakers who had poor knowledge about vaccines and unsatisfied caretakers were determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination. Based on the finding, it is recommended that health education should be improved to decrease caretakers'' misconception, poor knowledge and postponement of the vaccine schedule. It is also recommended to increase health workers household visit.     

Determinants of Delayed Treatment-seeking for Diarrheal Diseases among Mothers with under-five Children in North Western Ethiopia, 2020: A case-control Study

BackgroundDelays in seeking timely proper care pay a large number of deaths from diarrhea in children. Timely and appropriate health care seeking in under-five children with diarrhea reduces life-threatening complications. This study aimed to investigate determinants of delayed treatment-seeking for diarrheal diseases among mothers with under-five children.MethodIn Debre Markos public health facilities, a facility-based case-control study was conducted among 412 mothers ((137 cases and 274 controls) from September 1 to October 15, 2020. Consecutive sampling was employed to select cases and controls. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi- Data version 4.2.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Predictors with P-value <0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression model were candidates for multivariable logistic regression. Pvalue <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Finally, results were presented in the form of texts and tables.ResultFrom 412 selected participants, 408 mothers (136 cases and 272 controls) were included. Female children [AOR 1.85(95% CI 1.15–2.98)], Child age < 24 months [AOR 1.64 (95% CI 1.01–2.65)], mothers''/caregivers without formal education [AOR 4.61 (95% CI 2.03–10.44)], poorest wealth index category [AOR 4.24 (95% CI 1.90–9.48)], absence of health insurance [AOR 3.04 (95% CI 1.60–5.78)], and self-medication [AOR 3.6 (95% CI 1.75–7.4)] were determinants of delayed treatment-seeking.ConclusionBeing female, young age, educational status of the mother, lowest wealth index category, self-medication, and absence of health insurance were determinants of delayed treatment-seeking for diarrheal diseases. Preventive care programs should target age, low socioeconomic status, and a low educational class of the mother     

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Children Aged 6–17 Years in North Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the public neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impulsivity and restlessness or hyperactivity. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 17 years in Shewa Robit town, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2020.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 children aged 6–17 years from Feb 1-March 30, 2020, at Shewa Robit town. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants. Data were collected by interview using structured and pretested questionnaires. Finally, data was entered using Epi-data 4.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated, and variables having a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultThe prevalence of ADHD among children aged 6 to 17 years was 13%. Financial crises [AOR 4.76(95% CI 1.51–15.05)], children a previous history of the mental problem [AOR 8.45(95% CI 1.24–57.43)], C/S delivery [AOR 6.38(95% CI 1.26–32.26)] and substance use in life [AOR 2.43(95% CI 1.09–5.43)] were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.ConclusionThe prevalence of ADHD in children 6 to 17 years old was high (13%). Financial crises, children''s history of mental disorders, C/S delivery, and lifetime substance use were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, particular attention should be given to mothers and children with significant factors.     

Weight Misperception and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors Among Sexual Minorities in the General Adolescent Population

PurposeGay, lesbian, and bisexual youth may experience significant body dissatisfaction. We examined sexual orientation differences in self-perceived weight status and the prevalence of potentially dangerous weight control behaviors in a representative sample of adolescents.MethodsData were obtained from 12,984 youth between 2003 and 2009 over four cycles of the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a statewide survey of ninth- through 12th-grade students. Self-perceived weight status and past-month unhealthy weight control behaviors (fasting >24 hours, using diet pills, and vomiting or using laxatives) were compared among gay/lesbian, bisexual, or self-identified heterosexual youth with same-sex partners, unsure youth, and exclusively heterosexual youth using logistic regression, adjusting for age and race/ethnicity.ResultsCompared with exclusively heterosexual males, heterosexual males with prior same-sex partners and bisexual males were more likely to self-perceive as overweight despite being of healthy weight or underweight (respectively, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–4.05; and AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.64–4.00). Compared with exclusively heterosexual females, lesbians and bisexual females were more likely to self-perceive as being of healthy weight or underweight despite being overweight or obese (respectively, AOR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.15–8.71; and AOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.20–3.33). Unhealthy weight control behaviors were significantly more prevalent among sexual minority males (32.5%; AOR, 4.38; 95% CI, 3.38–5.67) and females (34.7%; AOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.85–2.78) when considered together relative to exclusively heterosexual males (9.7%) and females (18.8%).ConclusionsOne third of sexual minority youth engage in hazardous weight control behaviors. Future research should investigate underlying mechanisms and determine whether clinicians should routinely screen for these behaviors.     

Magnitude of Preeclampsia and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Delivery Service in Debre Tabor Specialized Hospital

BackgroundPreeclampsia is among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and it continues as a global health concern. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of pre-eclampsia and its determinant factors among women attending delivery services in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 women from January 1– 30, 2021. A systematic sampling technique was applied. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The collected data were entered using Epi-data version 4.2 and analyzed by statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23. A significant association was declared at a p-value of < 0.05 with a 95% Confidence interval.ResultsOverall 15,7% of women had preeclampsia. Age at menarche (10–15 years) (AOR=4.79; 95% CI: 2.07–15.27), unwanted pregnancy (AOR:1.29; 95% CI: 1.59–8.44), history of chronic hypertension (AOR:2.93; 95% CI: 1.00–6.20), BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m² (AOR:1.79; 95% CI: 1.06–3.65), and alcohol consumption (AOR:2.12; 95% CI: 4.00–14.14) were significantly associated with preeclampsia.ConclusionThis study showed that the magnitude of preeclampsia was significantly high compared with previous national reports. Early menarche age, the status of current pregnancies, history of chronic hypertension, BMI, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Therefore, the government and respective stakeholders should be strengthening antenatal care services to early identify and manage women with preeclampsia. Besides, health education and promotion should be strengthened regarding the maintenance of appropriate body weight and alcohol intake before pregnancy.     

Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Factors among Diabetic Patients at the Diabetic Clinic in a Police Hospital,Addis Ababa

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus remains the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in most countries in the world. In Ethiopia, renal complications of diabetes may remain unrecognized due to limited diagnostic resources. As a result, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among adult diabetics in Ethiopia has not been well described. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among diabetic patients who attended the federal police hospital diabetic clinic in Addis AbabaMethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 Diabetes Mellitus. Data were collected using face-to-face interviewing questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.ResultsThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease diagnosed by Cockcroft-Gault equation and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was 14.6% and 7.7% respectively. This finding shows the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Diabetic patients was low. Age 50–59 years [(AOR= 4.0; 95% CI:(1.2, 13)] by Cockroft-Gault equation (CG), age 60–69 years [(AOR=5.8 95% CI:(1.5,21.0)] by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and (AOR;22.9 95%CI:7.1,74.2) by CG, age 70 years and above (AOR=4.7; 95 CI: 1.1, 19.7) by MDRD and (AOR= 22.9; 95%CI:7.1,74.2) by CG, BMI (AOR=0.2; 95% CI:0.1,0.4) by CG, and previous kidney disease (AOR=6.2 95%CI:2.0,8.4) by MDRD and (AOR;4.6 95%CI:1.9,10.8) C-G equation have a significant association with chronic kidney disease after an adjustment done.ConclusionThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Diabetic patients in this study was lower. Age, BMI, and previous recurrent kidney disease were associated with chronic kidney disease. Preventive measures like giving health education and screening of patients with risk factors should get more attention.     

Eating away from home is associated with overweight and obesity among Ugandan adults: the 2014 Uganda non-communicable disease risk factor survey

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESWe investigated the associations between eating away from home (EAFH) and overweight and obesity among Ugandan adults using the 2014 Uganda non-communicable disease risk factor survey.SUBJECTS/METHODSIn total, 3,025 participants aged 18–69 years were included in the analysis. The frequency of EAFH was assessed by asking participants the number of meals eaten per week that were not prepared at a home. EAFH frequency was categorized as; less than once/week, 1-2 times/week, or ≥ 3 times/week. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between overweight, obesity, and EAFH. We also tested whether sex and age modified these associations.RESULTSParticipants that ate away from home ≥ 3 times/week were 2.13 times more likely to be obese than those that ate away from home less than once/week (odds ratio [OR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–3.54). However, when the analysis was stratified by sex, women that ate away from home ≥ 3 times/week were 42% less likely to be overweight than those that ate away from home less than once/week (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.94). Men that ate away from home ≥ 3 times a week were 3.89 times and 2.23 times more likely to be obese and overweight, respectively, than those that ate away from home less than once/week (obesity: OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.50–10.09; overweight: OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.42–3.51). Age-stratified analysis showed that among participants aged 31–50 years, those that ate away from home ≥ 3 times a week were 3.53 times more likely to be obese than those that ate away from home less than once/week (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.69–7.37).CONCLUSIONSFrequent EAFH was positively associated with overweight and obesity among men, and obesity among young/middle-aged adults, but negatively associated with overweight in women. Nutritional interventions for obesity reduction in Uganda should include strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of eating meals prepared away from home, and specifically target men and young/middle-aged adults.     

Households' Food Insecurity and Its Association with Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors in Gaza Strip,Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundThis sudy aimed to identify the prevalence of household''s food insecurity and its association with demographic and socioeconomic factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 among a representative sample of households in the Gaza strip governorates. A total of 1167 households randomly selected from all five governorates and were included in the study. The Radimer/Cornell food security scale was used to determine the prevalence and levels of household food insecurity. The household''s demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were obtained using an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.ResultsThe overall prevalence of household''s food insecurity was 71.5%. The prevalence by governorates was highest in Gaza (30.8%), followed by Khanyounis (23.0%), North-Gaza (18.6%), Middle-Area (15.2%) and Rafah (12.4%). Regarding the food insecurity levels, 333 (28.5%) of the households were food secure, 422 (36.2%) had mild food insecurity, 161 (13.8%) had moderate food insecurity, and 251 (21.5%) had severe food insecurity. Significant associations were found between governorates, monthly income, homeownership, work status with the household''s food insecurity, (Crude OR [COR] = 2.02, 95% CI = [1.02–3.98], P value < 0.05), (COR = 2.00, 95% CI = [1.04–2.75], P value < 0.05), (COR = 2.36, 95% CI = [1.39–3.99], P value < 0.05), and (COR = 1.14, 95% CI = [0.66–1.97], P value < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that food insecurity is highly prevalent in the Gaza strip and is associated with poor living conditions. Therefore, this high prevalence should be seriously discussed and urgently considered.     

Perinatal Outcomes and Associated Factors among women with hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Delivered in Jimma Zone Hospitals,Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy are multisystem diseases that increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes worldwide. It Led to early and late serious health consequence on the baby, with a significant proportion occurring in low-income countries. Hence the objective of this study was to determine perinatal outcomes and associated factors among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy delivered in Jimma zone hospitals.MethodA Facility based cross-sectional study design was employed from March to May 2020 on 211 hypertensive women delivered in the four randomly selected hospitals. The data were collected by reviewing medical record and face to face interview using consecutive sampling technique. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify association.ResultNinety-one (43.1%) of fetuses developed unfavorable perinatal outcome. Inability to read and write (AOR=2.5; 95% CI:1.03–6.17), being primipara (AOR=4.6; 95% CI:1.6–13.2) and multi-para (AOR=3.1; 95% CI:1.09–9.17), Lack of antenatal care visit (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.2–15.01), having preeclampsia (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.1–16.6) and eclampsia (AOR=5.8; 95% CI:1.2–26.2) and late provision of drug (AOR=3.9;95% CI:1.9–7.9) were independent factors.ConclusionPregnancy complicated with hypertensive disorders was associated with increased unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Preeclampsia and eclampsia, inability to read and write, primipara and multipara, lack of antenatal care and late provision of drug were factors associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes.     

Perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine and willingness to receive vaccination among health workers in Nigeria

ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine health workers’ perceptions of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine in Nigeria and their willingness to receive the vaccine when it becomes available.Methods This multi-center cross-sectional study used non-probability convenience sampling to enroll 1,470 hospital workers aged 18 and above from 4 specialized hospitals. A structured and validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data entry and analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 22.0.Results The mean age of respondents was 40±6 years. Only 53.5% of the health workers had positive perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine, and only slightly more than half (55.5%) were willing to receive vaccination. Predictors of willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine included having a positive perception of the vaccine (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.50−5.69), perceiving a risk of contracting COVID-19 (AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.25–3.98), having received tertiary education (AOR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.40−6.86), and being a clinical health worker (AOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01−1.68).Conclusion Perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine and willingness to receive the vaccine were sub-optimal among this group. Educational interventions to improve health workers'' perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine are needed.     

Severe Acute Malnutrition among Unoperated Ethiopian Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Wake-up Call to Reverse the Situation,A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundChildren with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) are at increased risk for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We aimed to determine the magnitude and determinants of SAM among children with CHD in a tertiary hospital.MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among children with CHD between 2016 and 2019. Clinical and anthropometric data were retrieved from medical records. Anthropometric assessment was done by using WHO standard growth curves. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences V22. Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05, and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors.ResultsThere were 2400 pediatric admissions during the study period, CHD accounted for 6.5%(156) of admissions. For review, 141 records were eligible. The gender distribution was comparable, males 51.1% (72). Infants (<12 months) and older children (≥12 months) accounted for 57.4% (81) and 42.6% (60) of study subjects, respectively. SAM was documented in 51.8% (73) of the study subjects, [95% CI: 44.7–60.2]. Infants had higher odds of SAM compared to children aged ≥12 months[adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 4.48, 95%CI:2.07–9.70]. Anemic children had higher odds for SAM[AOR =3.76, 95% CI:1.54–9.18]. Children without acyanotic CHD with heart failure(HF) were 58% less likely to develop SAM[AOR= 0.42, 95% CI:0.19–0.96].ConclusionThe burden of SAM among children with CHD is high. Younger age, anemia and acyanotic CHD with HF predicted SAM. Screening for anemia and targeted anthropometric assessment are recommended for early SAM detection.     

Knowledge and Associated Factors of Medical Students Regarding Radiation Exposure from Common Diagnostic Imaging Procedures at the University of Gondar,Ethiopia

BackgroundPhysicians’ knowledge about radiation exposure and risks was previously reported as inadequate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge and associated factors regarding radiation exposure among medical students from common diagnostic imaging procedures at the University of Gondar.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge and associated factors regarding radiation exposure among medical students. A total of 473 medical students (first through sixth years of study) completed a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multi-variable binary logistic regression was used to see the factors associated with knowledge of medical students on radiation sources, exposure and risks. Variables with p-value <0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression were tested in the multivariable binary logistic regression. P-value<0.05 was used to declare significant association at the final model.ResultResponse rate was 100%. Two hundred fifteen (45.5% 95% confidence interval (CI )(41.0%–50.3%)) participants had good knowledge regarding radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging procedures. Only 177(37.4%) participants correctly knew that Computer Tomography (CT) use X-ray. However, subjects incorrectly named magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as if it used x-ray (12.1%) and source of ionizing radiation (19.5%). Being female [Adjusted-odds-ratio (AOR)=1.57,95% CI(1.05,2.36)], 18-20 years of age [AOR=2.18, 95% CI(1.26, 3.76)], and 1^st to 3^rd year of study [AOR=3.64, 95% CI(2.23,5.95)] were predictors of knowledge identified.ConclusionThe results highlight that medical students need to be trained well with sufficient radiological education that enable them later to adhere to safe practices.     

Illness Representation and Associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Central Ethiopia

BackgroundIllness representation is an implicit belief system about an illness constructed by an individual to give meaning to their illness. An individual''s belief about his/her illness, treatment, and own control are known to influence an individual''s ability to cope with the illness and sustain the health-related quality of life. However, how Ethiopians perceive hypertension has not been studied well. This study aimed to assess illness representation and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Central Ethiopia.MethodA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four public hospitals in Central Ethiopia. A total of 989 patients participated in the study. The revised Illness Representation Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Data were analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equation with an ordinal logistic regression model and exchangeable working correlation matrix. A P-Value of less than 0.05 was indicated statistical significance.ResultsOverall, 64.3% (95% CI: 61.3, 67.4) of the respondents reported low to moderate Illness representation about their hypertension. Respondents who were housewife [AOR: 1.48, 95% CI= 1.05, 2.08], in older age category 50–64 years [AOR: 1.92, 95% CI= 1.19, 3.09] and ≥ 65 years [AOR: 2.38, 95% CI= 1.43, 3.96], and had no family support [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI= 1.44, 2.73] showed a significant association with Illness Representation.ConclusionThis study revealed that about two-thirds of hypertensive patients in Central Ethiopia perceived hypertension as a low to moderately threatening illness. Such low illness representation undermines initiation of treatment and effective control of blood pressure. Health care providers need to strengthen strategies that increase their patient''s illness representation.     

Delay in Reaching Institutional Delivery Service Utilization among Mothers Attending Jimma Medical Center,Ethiopia

BackgroundMaternal delay in the utilization of delivery services is one of the contributing factors for high maternal mortality in developing countries. However, it is preventable by timely arrival for obstetric care. The difference between life and death in obstetrics might be a matter of timely arrival and management. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with maternal delay in reaching institutional delivery service utilization among mothers attending Jimma Medical Center.MethodFacility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size was determined by a single population proportion formula and entered into epi data version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 23. The data was presented using texts and tables. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis with 95% CI for odds ratio (OR) was used to assess the factors.ResultThe prevalence of maternal delay in reaching institutional delivery service utilization was 163(40.2%). Low husbands'' educational levels were significantly associated with delay in reaching: illiterate (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.10–16.19), primary (AOR=3.88, 95% CI: 1.24–12.1). Mothers who live in rural areas have been delayed 2 times more than mothers who live in urban areas (AOR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.044–4.73). Likewise, mothers who live a long distance from health facilities are 13 times more likely to delay than mothers who live ≤ 10 kilometers (AOR= 12.89,95%CI:6.66–24.94).ConclusionDelay in reaching institutional delivery service was high. Factors such as husband''s education, distance of health facility, and living area were significant factors with delay in reaching.     

Peer Reviewed: Binge Drinking and Occupation,North Dakota, 2004–2005

Introduction

Binge drinking is a leading cause of preventable death and results in employee absenteeism and lost productivity. Knowledge about the prevalence of binge drinking among employees of different occupations is limited.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of binge drinking (i.e., consuming five or more drinks per occasion during the previous 30 days) by primary occupation using data from the 2004–2005 North Dakota Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used logistic regression to assess the association between binge drinking and primary occupation.

Results

Overall, 24.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.5–25.7) of North Dakota workers reported binge drinking. The prevalence was highest among farm or ranch employees (45.3%; 95% CI, 28.3–63.4), food or drink servers (33.4%; 95% CI, 23.9–44.4), and farm or ranch owners (32.5%; 95% CI, 26.3–39.4). The prevalence was lowest among health care workers (13.2%; 95% CI, 10.3–16.8). Compared with health care workers, the adjusted odds of binge drinking were highest among farm or ranch employees (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.2; 95% CI, 0.9–5.5), food or drink servers (AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.0), and farm or ranch owners (AOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6). Health insurance coverage was lowest among employees in occupations with the highest prevalence of binge drinking.

Conclusion

We found occupational differences in the prevalence of binge drinking among employees in North Dakota. Many occupational categories had a high prevalence of binge drinking. We recommend the implementation of both employer-sponsored and population-based interventions to reduce binge drinking among North Dakota workers, particularly because employees in occupations with the highest rates of binge drinking had the lowest rates of health insurance coverage.     

Generalized anxiety and sleep quality among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary healthcare institution in Eastern India

ObjectivesWith the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare professionals (HCPs) have experienced high levels of stress and anxiety because of the high risk of infection for themselves and their families. This has led to acute sleep problems for HCP. This study was designed to assess the anxiety and sleep quality of HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 370 HCPs employed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna over 3 months, using the standard Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) for suspected GAD and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality. Results were tabulated and multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of poor sleep. Significance was attributed to p<0.05.ResultsOf the 370 HCPs screened, 52 (14.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8%–18.1%) were found to have GAD and 195 (52.7%; 95% CI, 47.5%–57.9%) were found to be poor sleepers. The presence of any addictive habit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.833; 95% CI, 1.12–2.8), unprotected contact with COVID-19 cases (AOR, 1.902; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3), and the presence of GAD (AOR, 5.57; 95% CI, 2.5–12.4) were found to be predictors of poor sleep quality among HCPs.ConclusionA significant proportion of HCPs were found to have suspected GAD and were poor sleepers. This highlights the need for measures to confront this problem.     

Prevalence and Correlates of Overweight,Obesity and Physical Activity in Italian Children and Adolescents from Lombardy,Italy

Investigating pediatric overweight and physical activity correlates is essential to design effective preventive programs. We used regional data (Lombardy, northern Italy) from the 2019 survey “OKKio alla Salute” (3093 children aged 8–9 years with measured anthropometric data), and from the 2018 wave of the “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children” survey (2916 adolescents aged 11–15 years with self-reported anthropometric data). In both the surveys, a cluster sampling methodology was used. Unconditional multiple logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overweight, obesity and poor physical activity. The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was 22.4% for children aged 8–9 years and 14.4% for adolescents aged 11–15 years. A higher prevalence of overweight was observed among males, children with greater birth weight and those with obese parents. Scant physical activity was higher among females and older adolescents. There was a direct relationship between obesity and increased psychological distress (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.12–5.27) or being victims of bullying (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.17–4.34). Increasing physical activity significantly decreased the frequency of mental health outcomes. Prevention campaigns should be promoted to safeguard childhood physical and psychological wellbeing.