{"title":"Burden of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Addis Eyeberu, Yadeta Dessie, Nega Assefa","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae041","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Overweight and obesity continue to escalate, despite the regulations and interventions that have been put in place. To support further policy directions, it is necessary to have pooled data that illustrate the burden of overweight and obesity among adolescents nowadays. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the burden of overweight and obesity among Ethiopian adolescents.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Embase, Science Direct, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science were the databases used in the search for publications that ran from inception until 25 October 2023. STATA version 18 was used to analyze data on overweight and obesity in adolescents. Using the random effect model, the pooled estimates with 95% CIs were calculated. Using the Galbraith plot, I2 statistics and Cochrane Q statistics, heterogeneity was investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 20145 adolescents aged 10-19 years were included in this meta-analysis study. The pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Ethiopia was 10% (95% CI 9 to 12%; I2=94.03%). There was a substantial correlation between being female (OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.15), attending private schools (OR=1.78, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.26), having a family size of ≥4 (OR=1.86, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.58) and being of middle economic status (OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.10).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In Ethiopia, one in 10 adolescents is overweight/obese. The study's findings clearly show that a large number of adolescents are dealing with this emerging public health issue. Moreover, characteristics related to physical activity, nutrition and sociodemographics were discovered to be associated with overweight and obesity. To lessen the burden of overweight and obesity, the government and other parties should work together to support gender-specific nutritional interventions, encourage healthy lifestyle choices among teenagers and facilitate these efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"133-152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141288835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Education and non-communicable diseases in India: an exploration of gendered heterogeneous relationships.","authors":"Jhumki Kundu, Srinivas Goli, K S James","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae037","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While the association between education and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is well established, it remains unclear whether this association varies by gender. The aim of this study was to examine two critical research questions: whether the association of education and NCDs is conditioned by gender and, if so, what are the factors contributing to this?</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India Wave 1 (2017-2018) was used for the empirical analysis. The study employs bivariate, binary logistic regression and Oaxaca decomposition analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results reveal that the net likelihood of having at least one chronic NCD increases with an increase in education level for men (<5 y of schooling: odds ratio [OR] 1.18 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.09 to 1.28]; ≥10 y of schooling: OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.33 to 1.53]). However, for women, the result showed a contrasting pattern. The decomposition analysis revealed that the distinctive roles of marital status and working status in the diagnosis of morbidity for men and women are the key factors behind the gendered heterogeneous relationship of education and NCDs in India.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study found that it is important to acknowledge the potential impact of self-reporting bias in morbidity data while examining the relationship between education and NCDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"168-178"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141089116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in areas with a moderate tuberculosis burden.","authors":"Noormohamad Mansoori, Bagher Pahlavanzadeh, Masoumeh Atarjalali","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae039","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) TB poses a significant challenge for TB control initiatives on a global scale. This study's aim was to estimate the incidence of MDR-/RR-TB and identify the risk factors associated with their incidence in four provinces in northern Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Drug susceptibility testing was conducted using the proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen media. The demographic and clinical data were collected from the Iranian TB registry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 1083 individuals diagnosed with TB, 27 (2.5%) were identified as having MDR-/RR-TB, while 73 cases (6.7%) were any drug resistant (ADR). The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between marital status and MDR-/RR-TB (p=0.003). In addition, significant associations were observed between ADR-TB and gender (p=0.035) and previous treatment for TB (p=0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings provide important information on the drug resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, as well as risk factors in northern Iran. Given the identified risk factors, creative approaches to promote treatment adherence in TB patients, particularly divorced/widowed women and individuals with a previous history of TB treatment, are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"186-194"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141318672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Knowledge and utilization of iodized salt among expectant mothers in Harar City's public health facilities: a multicenter study in Eastern Ethiopia.","authors":"Hanan Mohammed, Dawit Abebe, Fisseha Yetwale, Worku Mekuannint, Sinetibeb Mesfin","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae045","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can result in abortion, stillbirths, neonatal mortality, cretinism and permanent cognitive impairment. Even although iodized salt is widely accessible in Ethiopia, pregnant women still experience persistent problems related to iodine deficiency disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 573 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care services at public health facilities. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used, and independent predictors were determined based on adjusted ORs with 95% CIs and p<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Knowledge and practice of pregnant women on iodized utilization were 35.6% (95% CI 31.8 to 39.6%) and 37.7% (95% CI 32.1 to 42.9%), respectively. Living in urban areas (adjusted OR [AOR]=1.976, 95% CI 1.136 to 3.435) and having a higher level of education (AOR=2.018, 95% CI 1.037 to 3.930) were associated with having adequate knowledge. Having a diploma or higher education (AOR=2.684, 95% CI 1.137 to 6.340) and adequate knowledge about iodized salt utilization (AOR=2.095, 95% CI 1.273 to 3.447) were significantly associated with good practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The current study highlights the level of knowledge and practices of pregnant women on iodized salt. It emphasizes the necessity for targeted programs about the benefits of iodized salt and how to use it correctly, particularly for those with low literacy levels and those living in rural areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"221-228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141332333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Active surveillance of immunization adverse effects: a multicentre, open-label, three-arm randomized uncontrolled trial in Ethiopia.","authors":"Dawit Getachew Assefa, Tizalegn Tesefaye, Etaferaw Bekele, Genet Geberemickeal, Andualem Mebratu, Aschalew Gossaye Ejigu, Tariku Nigatu, Eden Dagnachew Zeleke","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae040","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Participant-centred active adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance can offer real-time vaccine safety data and help in signal detection. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of participant-centred active adverse events (AEs) surveillance following measles immunization in Gedeo Zone health facilities in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An open-label, multicentred, three-arm randomized uncontrolled trial was conducted from 1 June to 21 October 2023. After assessing enrolment eligibility, the study participants were randomized into three groups (short message service [SMS], telephone interview, and diary card). They were expected to report AEs in children 1 week after receiving immunization. Binary and multivariable logistic regression and χ2 tests were used to analyse the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 396 participants randomized into the three groups, 80.8% (320 participants) reported back about their children's AE status. Participants in the telephone interview group exhibited a substantially superior response rate (93.2% of 132 participants; p<0.00001) compared with the SMS (71.2%) and diary card (78%) groups. The likelihood of reporting the status of AEs experienced by children was lower by 77% (adjusted odds ratio 0.23 [95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.52], p-value <0.00001) in the diary card group compared with the telephone interview group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this study, a telephone interview was found to be the best method for AEFI reporting. Participant-centred active AE surveillance could potentially permit more rapid identification of emerging safety signals. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05803538.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"195-204"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11925019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Disclosure of diagnosis by parents and caregivers to children infected with HIV in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia: a multicentre, cross-sectional study.","authors":"Kejela Tari, Merga Dheresa, Lemesa Abdisa, Dawit Abebe, Desalegn Admassu, Sinetibeb Mesfin","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae044","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In recent years, the life expectancy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children has increased with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). Regardless of the clinical recommendations encouraging HIV status disclosure, the practice of caregiver disclosure is frequently challenging due to many constraints associated with caregivers and healthcare personnel. As studies suggest, disclosure of the HIV-positive status of children is low, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of infected children reside. Thus the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HIV-positive status disclosure to infected children and the pertinent factors associated with caregivers of these children. Moreover, unlike previous studies conducted in Ethiopia, this study included children residing in orphanages.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed HIV-positive status disclosure and associated factors among infected children in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia, from 25 May to 20 July 2021. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six public health facilities that provide HIV treatment and care. Data were collected from 355 randomly selected caregivers using interviewer-administered questionnaires and record reviews. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between independent variables and the outcome. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the strength of the association and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 355 children, 132 (37.2%) were informed about their HIV-positive status. Being of young age (≤12 y) (aOR 0.52 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.98]), having caregivers who were not familiar with anyone who disclosed children's HIV status (aOR 0.28 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.49]), children with a family that had a primary education (aOR 0.46 [95% CI 0.23 to 0.89]) and being a child who has taken ART for <5 y (aOR 0.47 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.80]) had a significant association with non-disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings show that disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children is low. This suggests the need to provide support and education to caregivers, facilitate experience-sharing sessions between caregivers who disclosed the HIV status to infected children and implement age-specific disclosure interventions for young children. In addition, it is important to provide support and counselling to the children when their HIV status is disclosed.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"214-220"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141312104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Premjit Amornchai, Vanaporn Wuthiekanun, Sayan Langla, Gumphol Wongsuvan, Panatda Aramrueang, Nicholas P J Day, Direk Limmathurotsakul
{"title":"Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in edible ice in Thailand.","authors":"Premjit Amornchai, Vanaporn Wuthiekanun, Sayan Langla, Gumphol Wongsuvan, Panatda Aramrueang, Nicholas P J Day, Direk Limmathurotsakul","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae050","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The presence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in edible ice in tropical countries is largely unknown.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluate the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in 100 edible ice samples from drink carts in 20 markets in four provinces (five markets/province) in Thailand. Ten samples of commercially sold edible ice in sealed packages were tested as controls.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 100 samples, 29 (29%) were culture positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, with a median quantitative count of 2 colony-forming units (CFU)/100 mL (range, 1 to 40 CFU/100 mL). All control samples were culture negative for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AMR bacteria is commonly found in edible ice from drink carts.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"232-234"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141789562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk factors and circulation pattern of respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years in Maputo, Mozambique.","authors":"Mirela Pale, Almiro Tivane, Tinne Gils, Adilson Bauhofer, Neuza Nguenha, Loira Machalele, Félix Gundane, Aunésia Marrurele, Judite Salência, Délcio Muteto, Josina Chalufo-Chilundo, Marilda Siqueira, Tufária Mussá","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae033","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inthealth/ihae033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence on risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in low-resource settings is limited. In Mozambican children <2 y of age with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), we explored risk factors for RSV, described its seasonal variation and assessed associations between RSV and a life-threatening condition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively included participants presenting in 2017-2018 in two hospitals in Maputo. RSV was detected and subtyped using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs. We used logistic regression and χ2 tests to assess associations and Spearman's correlation coefficient to assess the correlation between weather measurement and RSV positivity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RSV was detected in 23.1% (n=109) of 472 included children and in 50.0% (20/40) of those <3 months old. Being <3 months (vs >1 y) was associated with RSV (adjusted odds ratio 4.3 [95% confidence interval 2.1-8.5]). RSV status was not associated with experiencing a life-threatening condition. RSV A and B co-circulated during the study period, but one type predominated in each year. In 2017, the RSV positivity rate was correlated with monthly average temperature (r=0.793, p=0.002) and precipitation (r=0.596, p=0.041).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In Mozambican children with SARI, RSV was prevalent, especially in neonates. However, RSV was not associated with a life-threatening condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":"159-167"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140877746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dhruv K Pandey, Jorge Alvar, Margriet den Boer, Saurabh Jain, Naresh Gill, Daniel Argaw, Subhash Salunke, Mobassir Hussain, Nupur Roy
{"title":"Kala-azar elimination in India: reflections on success and sustainability.","authors":"Dhruv K Pandey, Jorge Alvar, Margriet den Boer, Saurabh Jain, Naresh Gill, Daniel Argaw, Subhash Salunke, Mobassir Hussain, Nupur Roy","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The incidence and mortality of kala-azar (KA, visceral leishmaniasis) in India have fallen drastically in the past few years, and in 2023 the reported KA incidence reached the threshold for elimination as a public health problem (<1 case/10 000 of population at subdistrict level). One of the strategies adopted by India's kala-azar elimination program (KAEP) was the regular independent assessment of the program implementation by teams of experts. We present the findings of assessments undertaken in 2019, 2021 and 2023, when the KAEP was in the last mile of elimination. Factors that contributed to its success were political commitment, intensified implementation, a strong network of KA partners and committed donors. Bottlenecks were observed in disease surveillance, data utilization, vector-control operations and program management at implementation. To sustain the gains and achieve validation of elimination, the KAEP should continue the following minimal essential services: optimized active and passive case detection and management of KA, post-KA dermal leishmaniasis, KA-HIV coinfection and relapse supported by vector-control interventions. Long-term measures that will sustain elimination are overall socioeconomic development, including improved living conditions, parallel with efficient surveillance and operational research that is aligned with the changing epidemiology of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143558030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dengue and diabetes comorbidities: an emerging syndemic public health threat.","authors":"Inayat Ali, Merrill Singer","doi":"10.1093/inthealth/ihaf011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf011","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49060,"journal":{"name":"International Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143557686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}