Vangu Vangu Roland, R. Tozin, M. M. Roger, Mbuyi Muamba Jean Marie, Mokondjimobe Etienne, M. Christophe, Vangu Ngoma Dieudonné, Tsimba Vangu Andrien, Makoso Nimi Blaise, M. Simon, N. Aliocha, L. Benjamin
{"title":"Short-term Evaluation of Survival Newborns Having Spent a Day in Neonatology at the University Clinics of Kinshasa During Severe Preeclampsia: Prospective Cohort Survey","authors":"Vangu Vangu Roland, R. Tozin, M. M. Roger, Mbuyi Muamba Jean Marie, Mokondjimobe Etienne, M. Christophe, Vangu Ngoma Dieudonné, Tsimba Vangu Andrien, Makoso Nimi Blaise, M. Simon, N. Aliocha, L. Benjamin","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.14","url":null,"abstract":"Background and aims: neonatal mortality in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia remains a concern in our environment and several factors, including those related to complications of pre-eclampsia, contribute to it in our settings where the care is inadequate. The aims of our study is to determine the frequency of transfer to describe the survival of babies born to preeclampsia mothers admitted to the Pediatric Neonatology Department of University Clinics of Kinshasa over a consecutive period of approximately 30 days. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study carried out over a period from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015 targeting all babies born to preeclampsia mothers followed in the neonatal service of the University Clinics of Kinshasa. Maternal, perpartal, neonatal and evolutionary characteristics (cure or death) were studied. Survival was described by the Kaplan Meier method at the 5% significance level. Results: the recorded death rate was 26.5%. Gestational age between 28-36 weeks of amenorrhea conferred a risk of death in children 3 times, compared with APGAR <7 at the 1st, 5th and 10th which conferred a risk of 2, 3 and 3 times respectively. The overweight-obese mothers had a risk doubled of causing the death of newborns. Conclusion: The toll of neonatal mortality during preeclampsia is heavy in developing countries where newborns continue to die from often preventable causes. The reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality requires an improvement in the system of care for newborns in our environment.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127106173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Physical Fitness and Its Association with Sympathetic Activation Among the Students of Pokhara University, Nepal","authors":"Bijay Subedi, Bishwas Subedi, Sapana Bhandari, S. Poudel, Khem Raj Joshi","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.15","url":null,"abstract":"A 3-minute step test provides a feasible, low cost procedure with minimal risk to the participant for assessing physical fitness compared to maximal exercise testing. Test assessing the autonomic function (sympathetic wing) evaluates the cardiovascular reflex like increased blood pressure triggered by performing specific stimulating maneuvers such as Isometric Hand Grip Test (IHGT). We assessed & categorized the fitness level using a 3 min step test and its association with sympathetic activation during IHGT in university level students with sound health. There is increasing evidence of an association between Physical Fitness and academic performance. Two hundred consenting healthy students studying at Pokhara University (largest in western region of Nepal) aged 17-25 years underwent sub-maximal exercise as per the protocol of 3 min-step test given by Young Man’s Christian Associations (YMCA) to categorize as good & poor being based on recovery heart rate. Each groups undertook IHGT & changes in Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) were noted. About two third of the study participants were female and 70% of total students were of poor fitness level. Fitness level and sex was significantly associated (P=0.041, OR=1.92, CI=1.024- 3.606). More of the male participants had good fitness in comparison to that of the female participants (38.9% vs 24.8%). Differences in Diastolic Blood Pressure during IHGT and at rest (assess sympathetic activation during stress) was significantly associated with fitness level (P<0.001, OR=1.32, CI=1.201-1.446). Majority of university level students had poor fitness with high proportion in female. Students with good fitness level had good sympathetic activation to physical stress as compared to those with poor fitness level. Physical fitness (Cardiorespiratory fitness) is proven to induce angiogenesis in the motor cortex and increases blood flow, improving brain vascularization which could affect cognitive performance. So measuring physical fitness of university students at the time of admission or during the study period could help to predict their academic achievements through their reasoning function and ability of coping various stresses that they might encounter during academic journey. Those with poor physical fitness would be advised to improve the fitness by promoting physical activity.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134305584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Learning Organization Practice and Disciplines in Case of Sire District Public Health Office, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2018:Qualitative Case Study","authors":"B. Hailu","doi":"10.1101/2020.10.02.20205807","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.02.20205807","url":null,"abstract":"Learning Organizations are organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspirations are set free and where people are continually learning how to learn together. The aim of this study was to assess Learning organization practice and disciplines in case of Sire District Public health office. Learning organization if implemented in the health institutions it enables ignition of newly created more another s learning organization units moreover, learning organization concept if implemented in the organization it can enables organization to achieve their goal systematically besides this, it also enhance employees their job commitment whereas, the organization not implemented learning organization concept might be opposite of this or vice versa. The study employed qualitative case-study design in sire District public health office. Document review, in depth interview and Focus group discussion with flexible probing techniques were employed to collect the data from 3 key informants and 2 FGD from January 1, 2018 to January 11, 2018. A semi structured interview guide was prepared to explore key informants idea about current situation and efforts made to enable organization to be a learning organization and also thematic analyses were used to analyze the findings of the study. The study result revealed that the organization assessed in both parameter of learning organization (five disciplines Peter Senge and Pedler et al criteria of practice of learning organization) the organization was practiced preponderance of learning organization concept was practiced within five disciplines of learning organizations there were implemented in their office. The finding of the study revealed that sire district public health office was practiced learning organization and disciplines in there organization that was exercised as good and the organization also participate entire employees and stakeholders to carry out organizational plan that were align with national strategies of the country moreover, the organization had created enabling learning opportunities to enhance a learning organization among themselves and others.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121145370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anum Sultan, Mariam Hassan, Durr-e-shahwar Hayat, Muhammad Ali
{"title":"Psychological Impact of COVID-19 in Health Care Workers in Early Days of COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"Anum Sultan, Mariam Hassan, Durr-e-shahwar Hayat, Muhammad Ali","doi":"10.11648/j.ejpm.20200805.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20200805.13","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: With the end of year 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as the largest pandemic since 2003, rapidly spreading worldwide. COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan province in China, it is now declared as public health emergency of international concern by World Health Organization (WHO) on 30 January 2020. The evaluation of psychological impact and status of overburdened HCWs is of immense importance in regard to planning preventive strategies, dealing and coping with upcoming challenges in COVID-19 pandemic. To date, research on immediate psychological effect in HCWs working in hospitals, treating suspected or diagnosed patients with the 2019-nCoV (SARs-CoV-2) in Pakistan in early phases of COVID-19 outbreak is still deficient. We therefore, aimed to investigate the psychological status of HCWs in early phases of COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This study was multicentre, cross-sectional survey conducted in multiple tertiary care hospitals performing diagnostic test, treating and managing patients with signs and symptoms of COVID -19 disease. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire Performa. HCWs working in all clinical departments including doctors, nursing staff, technicians and supporting staff were included in the study. HCWs not consenting for participation in study were excluded. Results: Total of 517 HCWs were included in the study of whom 267 (51.6%) were males and 250 (48.6%) were females. Mean age was 30.4 years (Standard deviation, SD: 7.2, age ranges from19-70 years). Regarding the risk of self-infection, 193 (37.3%) HCWs were worried and 156 (30.2%) were strongly worried. Female HCWs (31.2%) were more concerned than males (29.2%). Most of HCWs were apprehensive about their family members being infected from them. 58.4% of females were strongly worried and 29.2% of females were worried. Medical violence was also concern for HCWs. 39.2% of females and 40.8% of males were worried. Most of HCWs were strongly worried about the health of their colleagues treating and managing the COVID -19 patients on the front line. Prevention strategy for COVID-19 such as social distancing and lockdown was also a concern for all HCWs. Majority of HCWs (48.4%) were hopeful that this pandemic will end within 3 months. Conclusion: We have concluded that there is strong psychological impact among HCWs with special focus on doctors and nurses regarding COVID-19 pandemic making their mental health more vulnerable. Therefore, more attention should be paid on HCWs with allocation of medical and human resources and providing incentives to efficiently manage COVID-19 outbreak.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"115 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131655018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vangu Vangu Roland, R. Tozin, Mbuyi Muamba Jean Marie, Mokondjimobe Etienne, M. Christophe, V. Dieudonné, Tsimba Vangu Andrien, Makoso Nimi Blaise, M. Simon, N. Aliocha, L. Benjamin
{"title":"Factors Associated with the Progression of Preeclampsia at Kinshasa University Clinics in Democratic Republic of Congo","authors":"Vangu Vangu Roland, R. Tozin, Mbuyi Muamba Jean Marie, Mokondjimobe Etienne, M. Christophe, V. Dieudonné, Tsimba Vangu Andrien, Makoso Nimi Blaise, M. Simon, N. Aliocha, L. Benjamin","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.12","url":null,"abstract":"Background and aims: the progression of preeclampsia continues to increase in sub-Saharan Africa where care is inadequate. The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with the progression of preeclampsia at University Clinics of Kinshasa. Methods: This is a prospective and analytical study of 265 patients hospitalized at the Gynecology Service of the University Clinics of Kinshasa between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. The clinical, biological, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics were the parameters of 'interest. Cox regression in multivariate analyzes was generated to identify risk factors for progression to the p 35 years (aRR: 2.57 95% CI: 1.89-4.75), in female employees (aRR: 2.83 95% CI: 1.97-4.46); this risk was 2 times respectively among academics, PAS and PAD elevated. Treatment under scheme 3, on the other hand, reduced the risk of progression 2 (aRR: 0.43 95% CI: 0.28-0.63). Conclusion: the progression of pre-eclampsia could be linked to certain socio-demographic and clinical factors. The role played by the treatment regimen of αmethyl Dopa + Nifedipine + Diazepam remains to be defined in this subgroup.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"98 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125874065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Parental Smoking on Occurrence of Childhood Acute Leukemia","authors":"F. Bessho, M. Tanimura","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200805.11","url":null,"abstract":"We herein determined the effects of parental smoking on occurrence of childhood acute leukemia using the large volume of data accumulated in the Japan Children's Cancer Registry. Information on the smoking statuses of fathers was available for 4,802 acute leukemia cases diagnosed between 1985 and 2006 and that of mothers was available for 5,536 cases diagnosed between 1978 and 2006. We compared the smoking rates of parents whose children were diagnosed with leukemia with a control group of parents whose children were diagnosed with benign tumors or cancer-related diseases. The smoking rate of fathers was significantly larger than the control. The odds ratios were 1.284 for 1-9 cigarettes/day (c/d) before conception (p=0.127), 1.265 for 10-19 c/d (p=0.029), and 1.345 for more than 20 c/d (p=0.000). A logistic regression analysis controlling for sex, birth weight, paternal age at birth, and maternal smoking showed that the smoking rate of fathers whose children had acute leukemia was still significantly higher (OR 1.012, p=0.004). The difference of the smoking rate between mothers whose children had acute leukemia and the control mothers was not significant (OR 1.161, p=0.447).","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"2011 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130294294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Home Based Physical Exercise for Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Pandemic and for Its Associated Consequences","authors":"Getu Teferi","doi":"10.12691/AJSSM-8-2-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/AJSSM-8-2-3","url":null,"abstract":"Corona viruses are sort of viruses that are phenotypically and genotypically diverse. The outbreak of COVID-19 starts in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The research method of this article is a systematic review based on search strategy by used terms in relation with physical activity and Covid-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people around the world to stay at home and self-isolate for a long period of time. These leads to psychological outcomes such as depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, panic, confusion, anger, fear, and substance misuse and develops Sedentary Death Syndrome and reduce individuals’ functional ability. Increased physical activity levels and fitness help alleviate or relieve Covid-19 associated health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress (mental health) and at this time if an individual follows a physically active lifestyle or participate regularly in home based physical activity, it has been found to be an effective way of improving fitness and overall health of individual. The effect of regular home based exercise training has a significant positive effect on overall health of individuals. Mental and physical well-being are negatively affected by sedentary habits and positively affected by active lifestyle.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"70 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116611602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna-Maria Borissovа, B. Trifonova, L. Dakovska, E. Mihailova, M. Vukov
{"title":"Vitamin D Supplementation for Pregnant Women in Bulgaria","authors":"Anna-Maria Borissovа, B. Trifonova, L. Dakovska, E. Mihailova, M. Vukov","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.14","url":null,"abstract":"The aim: of our study was to evaluate the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25 (OH) D] in pregnant Bulgarian women with and without vitamin D supplementation. Material and methods: We investigated 547 pregnant Bulgarian women, mean age 30±5 years, median 30 (18-47). All pregnant women filled in a specially designed standard questionnaire. The cohort consisted of 547 unselected pregnant women, 278/547 (50.82%) taking vitamins at the time of the investigation, as a monotherapy or in combination with other medications. We introduced four category level of vitamin D: Severe deficiency: 30 ng / ml. The peripheral levels of 25(OH)D were investigated using a standard Electro Chemyluminescence Immuno Assay (Competition principle) in a central laboratory on the day of the sampling. Results: For the whole group (547 pregnant women), the mean 25(OH)D level was 25.86±9.46 ng / ml; median 24.51 (7.96 - 70.00), corresponding to mild insufficiency. Sufficient vitamin D (≥ 30 ng / ml) had a significantly higher percentage of pregnant women supplemented with vitamin D compared to the non-supplementеd group - 87 (31.29%) versus 61 (22.68%), P < 0.05. At the same time, vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) was significantly higher in pregnant women without supplementation with vitamin D - 86 (31.98%) versus those with supplementation - 61 (21.94%), P < 0.01. In conclusion: the levels of vitamin D among pregnant Bulgarian women are within the span of mild insufficiency, probably due to the intake of combined vitamin supplements by approximately half of the studied women during the pregnancy.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121452432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ebenezer Daniel, P. Abiodun, O. Popoola, Kabir Yunusa Amari, A. Bello, Oluwole Victor Oluwalomola, CHRISTIE OMOLOLA ADAMS, O. Ojo, I. Popoola
{"title":"Occupational Health and Safety: Provision of Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for Mechanical Welding and Carpentry Workers in Mbala District of Zambia","authors":"Ebenezer Daniel, P. Abiodun, O. Popoola, Kabir Yunusa Amari, A. Bello, Oluwole Victor Oluwalomola, CHRISTIE OMOLOLA ADAMS, O. Ojo, I. Popoola","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.13","url":null,"abstract":"Small-scale enterprises and the informal sector such as mechanical, welding and carpentry workshops constitute the fastest growing economic sectors and represent the most realistic form of employment creation. These occupations are vulnerable and prone to concern themselves with survival rather than improving health and safety and as such health risks remain high in their workplaces. The objectives of this study was to assess the provision of PPEs to employees and level of enforcement of Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010 with other regulations, guidelines and standard operational procedures in mechanical, welding and carpentry workshops in Mbala District of Northern province in the Republic of Zambia. A descriptive survey of 75 employees from small scale industries or workshops was conducted and data was collected using a questionnaire in line with key ILO thematic areas for workplaces. The results showed that the employees in these workshops were generally not complying with requirements for provision of PPEs with 28% of employees reported not being provided with PPEs. Emergency preparedness and prevention in the workplaces was also poor as none of the employees reported being trained or inducted in first aid management and 0% had first aid kit at their workshop as only 8% were inducted. It was also revealed that employees in Mechanical, Welding and Carpentry workshops in Mbala District of Zambia mostly are not complying with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2010 on general provisions including regulation 22 on provision and use of PPEs leading to dangerous and highly risky workplace environment. It was further revealed that all the employees from workshops interviewed have never been inspected or audited by Factory Inspectors from the Ministry of Labor and Social Services or from any other authorized bodies leading to lack of legal enforcement. The findings of this study can be used to update the health and safety conditions at different workplaces, achieving many socio-economic benefits for Zambia. Intervention plans like education, awareness, and regular medical checkups should be advocated which help in prevention and minimizing workplace exposures to occupational hazards. The identification and prevention of work-related health costs could result in substantial savings for the national health system, leading to the more sustainable social system. This study provides the baseline for elaborative studies in the future.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114421573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna-Maria Borissovа, L. Ivanova, B. Trifonova, L. Dakovska, E. Mihailova, M. Vukov
{"title":"Iodine Status of Pregnant Women in Bulgaria","authors":"Anna-Maria Borissovа, L. Ivanova, B. Trifonova, L. Dakovska, E. Mihailova, M. Vukov","doi":"10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.EJPM.20200804.12","url":null,"abstract":"Universal iodization of salt on the whole territory in Bulgaria was introduced in 1994. The external evaluation of an International expert group conducted in 2005, placed the country among those who successfully overcame the problem of iodine deficiency. AIM of the present study is to update the data on iodine intake of pregnant women in Bulgaria, given that there have been no studies in the last 8 years. MATERIAL: A total number of 537 pregnant women were recruited in the study with an average age 30.49±5 y, distributed by gestational weeks and according to the intake of (vitamins and minerals preparations) preparations containing vitamins with minerals. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional, multicenter population-based in 10 regions of Bulgaria (a total of 84 settlements), without pre-selection and 98.3% of the examined pregnant women use Bulgarian iodized salt according to the data from the Questionnaire. METHOD: A spot morning urine samples were collected for determination of urinary iodine concentration. The frozen samples in a special container were transported to the accredited Limbach laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany. The iodine in urine was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The statistical analysis was performed using standard SPSS 13.0 for Windows. RESULTS: The median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) for the whole group of pregnant women (n-537) was 170 µg/L (95% CI 161.00 - 177.00). Normal iodine excretion is present in 39.3%, low – in 41.2% and over-optimal – in 19.6% of pregnant women. Significantly lower levels of iodine in urine were found in the third trimester of pregnancy compared to the first trimester (P < 0.012) and compared to the second trimester (P < 0.001). The median iodine concentration in pregnant women from the group supplemented with combined vitamins with minerals was significantly higher compared to the group without supplementation – 175 (95% CI 166.00 - 199.00) against 149 (95% CI 123.00 - 168.00), P < 0.021. CONCLUSION: During pregnancy, additional supplementation with combined vitamins with minerals containing iodine is required, regardless of the universal iodization of salt, introduced in Bulgaria for more than twenty-five years.","PeriodicalId":342483,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Preventive Medicine","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115649442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}