Health Science Reports最新文献

{"title":"Molecular Prevalence of Human Astrovirus Among Children Under Five Years of Age With Gastroenteritis in Ilorin Metropolis, North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Pius Omoruyi Omosigho, Toluwalope Serah Famuwagun, Eunice Korede Ogunleye, Adeleke Adewumi, Olalekan John Okesanya","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73388","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a recognized cause of viral gastroenteritis, however, data from north-central Nigeria remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of classic HAstV RNA and explore associated factors among children under 5 years presenting with gastroenteritis in Ilorin, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2025 to September 2025 among 200 children aged 13-59 months attending selected hospitals in Ilorin who presented consecutively. Stool samples were collected and analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for classic HAstV RNA. Data were analyzed using R software. Participant characteristics were summarized descriptively, prevalence estimates were calculated with exact 95% confidence intervals, and associations with astrovirus detection were evaluated using Fisher's exact test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Firth penalized logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Classic HAstV RNA was detected in 4 of 200 children under 5 years with acute gastroenteritis, giving an overall prevalence of 2.0% (4/200; 95% CI: 0.55%-5.04%). Prevalence was highest among children aged 49-60 months (2.94%), males (2.50%), rural residents (2.33%), users of borehole/well water (2.86%), and children attending daycare (4.0%). All astrovirus-positive children presented with vomiting, moderate dehydration, resided in rural communities, had animal contact, used borehole/well water, and received oral rehydration solution. No other characteristics were significantly associated with HAstV. Feeding method was the only factor significantly associated with detection (<i>p</i> = 0.03), with the highest prevalence among exclusively breastfed children (33.3%; 2/6). However, wide confidence intervals around both the raw prevalence and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00-0.29) indicate this finding is exploratory rather than confirmed, warranting confirmation in larger studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Astrovirus in this population is relatively low; however, it remains epidemiologically important, particularly as prevalence may vary with season. Continued surveillance and further molecular characterization are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Skin-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Apalutamide Versus Enzalutamide for Prostate Cancer: A Japanese Real-World Database Study (A Retrospective Cohort Study).","authors":"Akihito Hashizume, Takashi Kawahara, Masanobu Yamazaki, Daiji Takamoto, Teppei Takeshima, Shinnosuke Kuroda, Hiroji Uemura, Kazuhide Makiyama, Jun-Ichi Teranishi","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73376","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73376","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Apalutamide (APA) and enzalutamide (ENZ) are androgen receptor pathway inhibitors widely used for prostate cancer. Skin rash is a characteristic adverse event of APA, but how often it occurs in real-world practice, the factors related to it, and possible differences by disease stage are not well understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a Japanese nationwide claims database (Medical Data Vision), we identified patients with prostate cancer treated with APA (240 mg/day) or ENZ (160 mg/day) between April 2008 and August 2021. A skin-related adverse event was defined as a case with both a skin-related diagnosis and treatment for the skin event during therapy. Patients were classified as mCSPC or CRPC. We compared the rate and timing of skin rash between the two drugs and between disease stages, and examined associated clinical factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 5524 patients were included (1264 APA and 4260 ENZ). The rate of skin rash was higher in the APA group than in the ENZ group (25.3% vs. 9.95%; <i>p</i> < 0.001), confirmed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Within each drug, the rate did not differ significantly between mCSPC and CRPC. Most events occurred within the first month (median 29 days for APA and 22 days for ENZ). Age, body weight, BMI, and BSA were not associated with skin rash. After adjustment for age, body weight, BMI, and BSA, the risk remained about 2.6-fold higher with APA (adjusted HR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.18-3.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Skin-related adverse events requiring treatment were more common with APA than with ENZ, but they did not differ by disease stage for either drug and were not predicted by body size. Careful skin monitoring and early intervention are important for all patients from the start of APA or ENZ treatment, regardless of disease stage.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73376"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular, Cytogenetic, and Immunophenotypic Biomarkers in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Evidence and Future Directions-A Narrative Review.","authors":"Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy with variable clinical behavior and outcomes. Conventional morphology-based classification is insufficient to capture this complexity, necessitating the use of molecular, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic biomarkers for accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic guidance.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on molecular, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic biomarkers in AML and to highlight their clinical relevance and emerging future directions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of the literature was conducted, focusing on key molecular mutations, cytogenetic abnormalities, and immunophenotypic profiles with established or emerging diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value in AML.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Molecular biomarkers such as <i>FLT3</i>, <i>NPM1</i>, <i>CEBPA</i>, <i>IDH1/2</i>, and <i>TP53</i> mutations play central roles in AML pathogenesis and prognostication. Cytogenetic abnormalities remain critical for risk classification, with favorable, intermediate, and adverse karyotypic profiles strongly influencing outcomes. Immunophenotypic biomarkers, assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry, are essential for diagnosis and minimal residual disease monitoring, providing powerful prognostic information. Integration of these biomarkers has significantly advanced precision medicine in AML.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Molecular, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic biomarkers collectively underpin modern AML management. Continued integration of multi-omics data and MRD-guided strategies is expected to further refine personalized therapy and improve clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73393"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive Performance and Psychological Characteristics in Patients With Clinically Isolated Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Sahar Jamshidi, Nastaran Majdinasab, Ebrahim Behzad, Sayed Ali Marashi, Shooka Mohammadi","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73391","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may represent the earliest clinical manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive and psychological impairments may appear during the early phase of CIS, even in the absence of significant neurological disability. This study evaluated cognitive performance and psychological characteristics in patients with CIS and healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This case-control study enrolled 80 patients with CIS and 80 healthy controls matched for age and sex (mean age 34 years; 48 women per group) at Golestan Hospital (Ahvaz, Iran). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Psychological characteristics were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 (OBQ-44), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Nonverbal intelligence was assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM). Demographic and clinical data, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, were also collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with CIS had mild neurological disability (mean EDSS: 1.18 ± 0.7). Mean scores for depression, anxiety, and obsessive beliefs were significantly higher in patients with CIS than in controls (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Nonverbal intelligence differed significantly between groups, with very high RPM scores observed only among controls (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Patients with CIS also had a significantly lower total MoCA score than controls, as well as a higher rate of mild cognitive impairment and poorer performance on delayed recall, naming, and attention (<i>p</i> < 0.05). CANTAB revealed significantly reduced cognitive performance in patients with CIS compared with controls across motor, attention, memory, and executive function domains (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with CIS exhibited mild but statistically significant cognitive and psychological impairments despite minimal neurological disability. These findings highlight the importance of early cognitive and psychological evaluation in patients with CIS to support timely clinical monitoring and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659393/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Performance of Color Doppler Ultrasound for Detecting Nuchal Cord and Associated Immediate Neonatal Outcomes at Term in Uganda: A Prospective Diagnostic-Accuracy Cohort Study.","authors":"Fiona Asiimwe, Theoneste Hakizimana, Marie Pascaline Sabine Ishimwe, Kato Paul Kalyebara, Leevan Tibaijuka, Joseph Ngonzi, Henry Lugobe, Godfrey Twesigomwe, Kahimakazi Irene, Jjuuko Mark, Musa Kayondo, Julius Mugisha, Rogers Kajabwangu","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Evidence on the diagnostic performance of color Doppler ultrasound for detecting nuchal cord and its association with immediate neonatal outcomes remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated ultrasound detection of nuchal cord and compared immediate neonatal outcomes according to nuchal-cord status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study included 246 women with singleton pregnancies at ≥ 37 weeks who were enrolled in early labor at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda, from February to July 2021. Two-dimensional and color Doppler ultrasound was performed at enrollment, and direct examination of the umbilical cord at delivery was the reference standard. Diagnostic-performance measures and unadjusted risk ratios (RRs) were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nuchal cord was confirmed at delivery in 88/246 participants in the sampled cohort. Ultrasound identified 76/88 participants with and 152/158 without a nuchal cord. Sensitivity was 86.4% (95% CI: 77.4-92.8), specificity 96.2% (95% CI: 91.9-98.6), positive predictive value 92.7% (95% CI: 84.8-97.3) and negative predictive value 92.7% (95% CI: 87.6-96.2). Overall accuracy was 92.7% (228/246), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.913. The composite immediate adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 18/88 neonates with a nuchal cord and 8/158 without one (20.5% vs. 5.1%; RR: 4.04, 95% CI: 1.83-8.91).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrated good diagnostic performance for detecting nuchal cord at term. Nuchal cord was associated with higher unadjusted risks of immediate adverse neonatal outcomes, although residual confounding cannot be excluded. Sonographic detection may inform delivery-room preparedness but should not, in isolation, determine the mode of delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659392/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pregnancy Loss and Women's Mental Health in Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based and Spatial Analysis Using 2023-2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey Data.","authors":"Md Salek Miah, Md Jamal Uddin","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Pregnancy loss is a significant event for reproductive-age women (15-49 years). However, limited evidence exists on the association between pregnancy loss and adverse mental health symptoms among women in Zambia. This study aims to examine the association between pregnancy loss and mental health symptoms, and to assess regional inequalities across provinces to inform public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used a cross-sectional design and included 13,951 reproductive-age women (15-49 years) from the recent nationally representative Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) 2023-2024. The outcome variables, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression, were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales. Stepwise survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the association, and results were reported with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Descriptive spatial analyses were conducted to assess geographic inequalities across provinces.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among all women, 10% experienced one pregnancy loss and 2.6% experienced two or more pregnancy losses. Overall, 1.3% experienced symptoms of anxiety and 1.6% experienced symptoms of depression. Women with two or more pregnancy losses had significantly higher odds of developing anxiety (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI:1.23-2.21) and depression (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.18-2.22). Descriptive spatial analysis revealed notable context-specific regional disparities, with Lusaka, Central, and Eastern provinces having higher proportions of pregnancy loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pregnancy loss is associated with higher odds of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression among Zambian women, particularly for those with multiple pregnancy losses. The spatial findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support for reproductive-age women, particularly in high-burden regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Care Practices for the Prevention of Puerperal Sepsis and Factors of Self-Care Practices in Peri-Urban Areas of Dessie, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Abdulaziz Assefa, Mohammedjud Mursal, Aynalem Belay, Ayele Sahile Abdo, Mulugeta Animaw, Aberash Beyene Derribow, Fikremariam Endeshaw, Mangistu Abera","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Puerperal sepsis persists as an important global public health concern. It contributes substantially to death among mothers, notably in resource-constrained countries like Ethiopia, posing a significant challenge to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite advances in the accessibility of healthcare, a significant gap exists between knowledge, attitude, and practices, and these issues have received limited literature evidence in Ethiopia, particularly in study settings. Hence, this research focuses on assessing knowledge, attitudes, and self-care practices toward the prevention of puerperal sepsis and factors of self-care practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based survey was conducted among 419 postpartum women residing in peri-urban areas of Dessie from May 1 to June 30, 2025. Participants were recruited through a systematic random sampling technique that was employed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. The magnitude of the association was estimated using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) at a 95% confidence interval.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the present study, the overall prevalence of good knowledge was 198 (47.4%) (95% CI: 44.2, 50.5), favorable attitudes were 183 (43.7%) (95% CI: 42.1, 45.1), and good self-care practice was 179 (42.7%) (95% CI: 38.0, 47.0). Secondary education (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.40), diploma and above (AOR= 2.32; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.49), antenatal contact (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.38), women's knowledge (AOR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.36), and women's attitudes (AOR=2.30; 95% CI: 1.32, 5.25) were significant factors of the self-care practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The overall prevalence of good knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good self-care practices for puerperal sepsis prevention was low. Maternal educational status, antenatal care contact, women's knowledge, and women's attitudes were significant factors of the self-care practice. Improving women's education, enhancing antenatal care contact coverage, and fostering knowledge on puerperal sepsis are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73378"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659275/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks for Arteriovenous Fistula Angioplasty: The Choice of Estimand Matters.","authors":"Tuhin Mistry, Abhijit Sukumaran Nair","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73383","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73383"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149165390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Small Molecule Therapeutic Approaches With a Greater Focus on Hearing Loss: A Review.","authors":"Maryam Naghinejad, Farzaneh Motallebi, Elaheh Hasani, Moein Kohkalani, Sepideh Parvizpour, Sima Mansoori Derakhshan","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common sensory impairments worldwide and has substantial effects on quality of life and daily functioning. Although cochlear implants and hearing aids have markedly improved the management of hearing impairment, these devices do not directly address the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of HL. This review aims to summarize the pathophysiology and classification of HL and to discuss the potential therapeutic applications of small molecules (SMs) in its management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review focuses on the major pathological mechanisms involved in different forms of HL and summarizes preclinical and clinically relevant SM-based therapeutic approaches. The reviewed strategies include pharmacological chaperones, transcriptional modulation, ion-channel modulators, neuroprotective compounds, apoptosis inhibitors, and regenerative approaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SMs possess physicochemical properties that make them suitable for targeting specific molecular pathways involved in HL. Current evidence suggests that SM-based interventions may act through diverse mechanisms, including attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis; modulation of ion channels; support of auditory neuron survival and function; and promotion of regenerative signaling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SM-based therapeutic approaches represent promising strategies for addressing the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying HL. These approaches may provide valuable directions for future research and support the development of targeted therapies for individuals with hearing impairment.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73323"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149166539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anaemia Prevalence, Severity and Sex Disparities Among Healthcare-Seeking Adults in Rural Chattogram Division, Bangladesh: Evidence From a Community-Based Portable Health Clinic Programme.","authors":"Md Kaoser Bin Siddique, Maskura Benzir, Shamim Khan, Mohammad Aminul Islam, Md Jiaur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam, Ashir Ahmed, Md Moshiur Rahman, Olav Muurlink","doi":"10.1002/hsr2.73351","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.73351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Anaemia remains a major public health problem in South Asia, disproportionately affecting women. However, evidence on sex disparities in anaemia severity among rural adults in Bangladesh remains limited. This study examined the prevalence and severity of anaemia and sex differences among healthcare-seeking adults in rural Chattogram, Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study used data from adults accessing healthcare services in four rural unions of Chattogram Division between November 2016 and November 2017. Of 2,118 adults, 459 participants (224 males and 235 females) with available haemoglobin measurements were included. Anaemia was classified according to World Health Organisation sex-specific criteria. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations of sex and body mass index (BMI) category with anaemia severity, using normal haemoglobin as the reference category.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 59.3% of participants had anaemia, with higher prevalence among females than males (77.9% vs. 39.7%). Mild, moderate, and severe anaemia affected 27.0%, 29.6%, and 2.6% of participants, respectively. Compared with males, females had higher relative risks of mild (RRR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.56-4.04), moderate (RRR = 11.53, 95% CI: 6.72-19.76), and severe anaemia (RRR = 28.56, 95% CI: 3.60-226.76; all <i>p</i> ≤ 0.002). Underweight status was associated with moderate anaemia compared with normal BMI (RRR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.62-7.21; <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Anaemia was highly prevalent among healthcare-seeking adults in rural Chattogram, with marked sex disparities in moderate and severe anaemia. These findings should be interpreted in the context of the non-representative healthcare-seeking sample and limited information on potential determinants. Population-based studies are needed to investigate the factors underlying these disparities and inform appropriate anaemia prevention and screening strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":36518,"journal":{"name":"Health Science Reports","volume":"9 10","pages":"e73351"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149171319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}