bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARRANJOS FLEXÍVEIS DE TRABALHO E SEUS EFEITOS NO EQUILÍBRIO TRABALHO-LAR, ESTRESSE TECNOLÓGICO E SATISFAÇÃO COM O TRABALHO DURANTE A PANDEMIA DO COVID-19
Authors: De Oliveira Rapozo Flávia , Vianna Brugni Talles
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar a influência dos arranjos flexíveis de trabalho (AFT) no equilíbrio trabalho-lar (ETL), estresse tecnológico (ET) e na satisfação com o trabalho (ST) dos contadores, funcionários de empresas contábeis e de auditoria no Brasil.

Método: O estudo contou com 394 respondentes, sendo a amostra final de 276 pessoas cujas respostas foram analisadas por meio de equações estruturais (PLS-SEM).

Resultados: Os resultados demonstram que o AFT tem efeito positivo sobre o ET, e este impacta negativamente na ST. Porém, não se mostrou estatisticamente significativo quanto ao impacto sobre o ETL.  Por fim, os achados apontam para uma relação positiva do ETL na ST.

Contribuições: Do ponto de vista teórico contribui com as discussões dos impactos da tecnologia e do AFT no universo das empresas de contabilidade e auditoria no Brasil. Autores têm pesquisado esse efeito em outros países, porém, o tema não foi pesquisado no Brasil, e num contexto de pandemia. Quanto aos aspectos práticos, o trabalho foi pioneiro ao discutir a realidade de empresas brasileiras que utilizaram o AFT durante a pandemia, considerando a necessidade de adaptação compulsória por parte de empregadores e empregados.
Issues and Suggestions on RMB Internationalization
Authors: Meng Xiangfu , Mohd Zulkifli Muhammad  , Abdullah Ahmad Ridhuwan , Nordin Nurhaiza
Published: October 2023

Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency of China, issued and controlled by the People's Bank of China (PBOC). This study analyzes the current problems of RMB internationalization and puts forward suggestions through the status statement of RMB internationalization. This study finds that RMB internationalization has issues of a low level of internationalization, an underdeveloped financial system, and a need for supporting policies for RMB internationalization. In response to the above problems, the research suggests improving China's financial market and increasing openness, increasing policy support to promote RMB internationalization, and developing RMB internationalization cooperation projects.
A Preliminary Study on Examining the Determinants of Cloud Accounting Adoption for SMEs in Sungai Petani, Kedah
Authors: Sin Tan Suang , Fathi Wan Nor Iffah Hafiza Wan Mohd , Xin Joel Ong Tze
Published: October 2023

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the variables affecting SME business adoption of cloud accounting. A convenience purposive sample was used in this study to choose the targeted SME companies in Sungai Petani, Kedah. From May to June 2021, data was collected online using a Google form. A total of 77 respondents were noted out of the 100 Google forms that were disseminated. Pearson’s correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed on the data. The results of this study demonstrated that adoption of cloud accounting among SME enterprises was significantly influenced by cost and security. According to the findings, SME enterprises should be targeted for intense cloud accounting promotion in order to take advantage of the system’s cost saving and optimum security. This will increase awareness of the benefits of cloud accounting in transforming a traditional business into a digital business. Due to the nature of this study, the findings are not generalizable. It is suggested that a more comprehensive study in Malaysia on cloud adoption should be conducted in the future.
A.P. Derevianko’s Multivolume Three Global Human Migrations in Eurasia and Its Place in Paleolithic Studies
Authors: Suleimanov R. H.
Published: October 2023

Academician A.P. Derevianko’s longterm studies are summarized in the fi rst four volumes of his monograph on three global human migrations in Eurasia. The routes whereby early humans dispersed from Africa and eventually spread over nearly entire Eurasia are reconstructed, and numerous empirical and theoretical problems stemming from these reconstructions are convincingly resolved. Derevianko headed the excavations of Paleolithic sites scattered across vast territories of Asia. Especially important are the discoveries in the Altai. This work has raised a number of questions of key importance, for which no universally accepted answers have been given so far. Based on the hominin fossil record and having critically examined the principal hypotheses and proposals concerning both biological and cultural aspects of human evolution, A.P. Derevianko has come up with his own theory of the origin of the genus Homo, originating from Australopithecines. Some groups of the latter are believed to have been mentally predisposed for developing cumulative knowledge relating to lithic technologies and other aspects of culture. One of these aspects is the behavior relating to the interment of the dead—the fi rst specifi cally human cultural trait, documented since the fi nal Acheulean. Human migrations involve a plexus of issues: properties of the raw material affecting lithic industries, and the extreme environmental variability peculiar to the largest continent. Despite the exponential growth of publications addressing human evolution, Derevianko’s conclusions, both empirical and theoretical, outlined in the fi rst volumes of his summarizing work, retain a key importance.
Early-Middle Acheulean Occupation of the Northern Transcaucasian Highland
Authors: Belyaeva E. V.
Published: October 2023

In the northern part of the Transcaucasian Highland (Lori Depression, Armenia), three stratifi ed sites dating to the Early-Middle Acheulean—Karakhach, Kurtan I, and Muradovo—have long been subject to archaeological studies. On the basis of absolute dates and paleomagnetic records relating to the fi rst two sites, their age falls in the interval between the mid-Early and initial Middle Pleistocene. All three sites yielded a uniform industry with a peculiar toolset (various choppers, picks including chisel-ended ones, handaxes, large scrapers, macro-chisels, and macro-knives), manufactured mostly on natural tabular fragments of local volcanic rocks. Certain indicators of this industry, such as subrectangular and fan-shaped choppers, slab-like chisels, etc., are described. Information on 28 other localities with Acheulean artifacts, including 11 stratifi ed ones, recently discovered in various parts of the Lori Depression and in adjacent areas of the Shirak Depression and the Debed River valley, is provided. It is demonstrated that the lithics from all these sites belong to the Karakhach tradition. Data are cited suggesting that three sites (Yagdan, Agvi-canyon, and Agvorik) are over 2 mln years old, and two more (Kurtan II and Dzhradzor) are at least 1.5 mln years old. It is concluded that people associated with the Karakhach Acheulean tradition had appeared in the northern Transcaucasian Highland ~2.0 Ma BP, then settled widely in this area, and remained there for several hundred thousand years. In my view, this may be explained by the very favorable environmental conditions of the region during the Early Pleistocene, and by the abundance of large rock fragments suitable for tool manufacture.
Nikolaevo-Otradnoye II—A New Early and Middle Paleolithic Site in the Northeastern Azov Region
Authors: Kolesnik A. V. , Zorov Y. N. , Danilchenko A. Y. , Titov V. V. , Konstantinov E. A. , Frolov P. D. , Sychev N. V.
Published: October 2023

We describe materials from a new Paleolithic site, discovered in 2020 on the right bank of Mius estuary, near its confl uence with the Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov, in the southern outskirts of the village of Nikolaevo-Otradnoye, which is in the Neklinovksky District of the Rostov Region. The clearing of a 10-meter-high river-bluff revealed a complex stratigraphy of subaqueous and subaerial Late and Middle Pleistocene rocks. Horizons with lithics and faunal remains were identifi ed. Cultural remains found in the coastal exposure and in the stratigraphic section belong to the Early and Middle Paleolithic. The early stage in the peopling of the Northeastern Azov and the Lower Don regions is documented by Early Paleolithic artifacts found in the subaqueous deposits of layers 5 and 6 (MIS 9–11, ~420– 270 ka BP). Heavil y waterworn patinated lithics include a core-shaped artifact, variou s types of side-scrapers, a scaled piece, fl akes, and chips. This complex is an informative addition to known complexes from the region, including contemporaneous ones. The most interesting is the Middle Paleolithic industry of layer 4 under the Kamenka (?) soil— layer 3, MIS 7. The toolkit consists of a diagonal side-scraper and a chip found in the section, as well as radial and Levallois cores, various side-scrapers, a par tly bifacial tool, spalls , and chips found in the denudation. Technological and typological criteria (primarily the Levallois technology) and the tentative date of non-waterworn patinated lithics make it possible to attribute them to the Early Middle Paleolithic of the southern Russian Plain. It is concluded that cultural remains of the Early Middle Paleolithic, dating to ~243–191 ka BP, have been found in the region for the fi rst time, fi lling the gap in the local Early Middle Paleolithic sequence. In adjacent regions, similar industries have been known since the late 1900s.
Spatial Structures of the Initial/Early Upper Paleolithic at Tolbor-21, Northern Mongolia
Authors: Marchenko D. V. , Khatsenovich A. M. , Bolorbat T. , Gunchinsuren B. , Zwyns N. , Paine C. , Rybin E. P.
Published: October 2023

This article describes the spatial structures of archaeological horizon 4 at Tolbor-21 in northern Mongolia, on the basis of data from 2015–2017. The presence of non-utilitarian items, faunal remains with traces of human impact, and the use of fi re render this site near outcrops of raw materials promising for the reconstruction of the spatial organization of Early Upper Paleolithic sites in northern Mongolia. Spatial analysis included visual observations and statistical procedures (clustering with two algorithms) aimed at identifying patterns in the distribution of fi nds in various areas. The infl uence of natural processes on the distribution of artifacts was evaluated with fabric analysis based on the positions of the long axes of fi nds. As a result, it was found that solifl uction variously affected the archaeological horizon in different parts of the slope. The effect was strongest in excavation 2, where two possibly overlapping episodes of fi rerelated activity have been reconstructed. Nevertheless, it is possible to separate two complexes differing in terms of fi nds, including signifi cantly modifi ed tools and bones with traces of human impact (“fi replace 1”) and a concentration of small artifacts (“fi replace 2”). In the upper part of the slope (excavation 4), near the stone structure, an accumulation of cores at the advanced reduction stages is reconstructed, as well as an area where ungulate carcasses were butchered. An area associated with primary reduction has been separated in excavation 1. The differential use of the camp area by its inhabitants seems to be an important feature of the subsistence strategy of the population of northern Mongolia during the initial stages of the Upper Paleolithic.
Impact of Zweymüller Stem Modification on Clinical and Radiological Outcomes
Authors: Shubnyakov Igor I. , Riahi Aymen , Sereda Andrei P. , Cherkasov Mahomed A. , Khujanazarov Ilhom E. , Tikhilov Rashid M.
Published: October 2023

Background. According to the analysis of large arthroplasty registers we have noted the increase in the use of non-cemented implants, because the latter shows the same results of implant survival as well as cemented implants. On the other hand, they can affect the quality of the bone around the implant in different ways. These components differ in shape, length, and surface properties. According to the analysis of the arthroplasty register of the Vreden National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, a significant decrease of the Alloclassic femoral stem using can be noted. In parallel the use of its SL-PLUS MIA modification has increased significantly.
Aims of the study: 1) to determine the influence of changes in the design of the Zweymüller-type femoral stem on midterm and long-term outcomes and its survival; 2) to identify the characteristics of adaptive remodeling of periprosthetic bone tissue around these femoral stems; 3) to determine risk factors for aseptic loosening of these femoral stems.
Methods. 492 cases of hip arthroplasty using the Alloclassic and SL-PLUS MIA femoral stems were observed, with an average follow-up 78.6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of femoral stem. The assessment the hip articulation condition was carried out using the HHS and OHS. The intensity of the pain syndrome was assessed by VAS, and the level of patient’s satisfaction. The dynamic analysis of X-rays was also performed visually.
Results. A significant improvement in clinical and functional results was observed according to the HHS and OHS in both groups of patients, regardless of the type of femoral stem. Analysis of X-rays over time showed differences in the behavior of these two femoral component models. The radiolucent lines around the femoral stem are absent in SL-PLUS MIA group, in Alloclassic stem group radiolucent lines are present even at a minimal period (12 months). We also found that a tight fit of Zweymüller femoral stems in the distal shaft is a risk factor for severe stress-shielding syndrome, especially in the funnel channels. But ceteris paribus, a distal tight fit of SL-PLUS MIA stems despite similar geometry of the distal part does not lead to such frequent manifestation of severe stress shielding.
Conclusion. The change in Zweymüller stem design from Alloclassic to SL-PLUS MIA improved the nature of adaptive remodeling in the periprosthetic area of the femur. It may improve the long-term results of primary hip arthroplasty, but these differences require closer observation.
Editorial Comment on the Article by M.S. Ryazantsev et al. “Influence of Posterior Tibial Slope on the Risk of Recurrence After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction”
Authors: Kornilov Nikolai N.
Published: October 2023

The failure of ACL reconstruction may occur not only due to repeated injury but also technical errors or biological reasons. The individual patterns of knee morphology addressed in the study of M.S. Ryasantsev et al., particularly tibial slope. Statistically significant difference does not necessarily mean that it leads to clinical impact on the patient. Therefore, all findings should be discussed from the point of minimal clinically relevant difference, especially if the study is underpowered.
Progressive vision loss as part of Munchausen’s syndrom on the example of the clinical case
Authors: Kuzmina Svetlana V. , Galimov Azat R. , Pozdeeva Nadezhda A. , Ovchinnikova Valeriya N. , Aleksandrova Kseniya A.
Published: October 2023

The article presents a case of Munchausens syndrome featuring complaints of progressive vision loss not previously reported in Russian literature. Within the research scope, we performed psychopathological enquiry, analysed the medical examination records of the involved specialists, as well as review of modern literature. Existing obstacles in the diagnostics of the syndrome in question were investigated including particularities of ophthalmological practice and it is concluded that alertness of doctors of all specialties in respect of feigned symptoms cases should be increased to properly manage such patients and prevent prescription of unnecessary potentially harmful medical interventions.
The concept of a second opinion in psychiatry
Authors: Mendelevich Vladimir D.
Published: October 2023

The article analyses the second opinion strategy, which involves providing patients with the opportunity to obtain a second (different) opinion from a qualified specialist in cases where patients are not sure of the correctness of their diagnosis or want to consider other treatment options. The use of second opinion in general medicine and in psychiatry is compared. It is pointed out that it is rare to get a second opinion in psychiatry, and there is very little scientific research on this issue in both general and forensic psychiatry. It is concluded that the lack of demand for the concept of second opinion on the part of psychiatrists is associated with many factors, in particular with the prevalence of diagnostic and therapeutic relativism. It is argued that psychiatrists should reconsider their attitude to the concept of second opinion, gain communication skills with patients on the topics of substantiating the correctness of their own diagnostic conclusion and create criteria for an objective assessment of the qualifications of doctors.
The evolution of psychiatry as the disappearance of cysts (Response to the article by V.D. Mendelevich “Semantic void” of a number of psychiatric terms used in the diagnosis of schizophrenia)
Authors: Sivolap Yury P.
Published: October 2023

Current diagnosis in psychiatry is primarily based on formalised criteria used in diagnostic classifiers ICD and DSM. Diagnostic classifiers, as well as related professional terminology, change periodically. The updating of the medical (including psychiatric) lexicon is driven both by the accumulation of new scientific data and by increasing ethical requirements that do not allow the use of stigmatising terms. V.D. Mendelevich in his article, the commentary of which is the present publication, justifiably questions the appropriateness of the traditional use of archaic and meaningless terms from psychiatry of the rather distant past in the diagnosis of schizophrenia. According to the author of this comment, the diagnostic approaches criticised by V.D. Mendelevich are not only irrational, but also ethically unacceptable.
Coping strategies for residents of the Republic of Karelia with autonomic nervous system
Authors: Mikhailov Vladimir A. , Hyanikyaynen Igor V. , Rzheutskaya Nina A.
Published: October 2023

AIM. To analyse thе coping strategies leading to psychological maladjustment and the occurrence of autonomic nervous system disorders (ANSD) in residents of the Republic of Karelia (RK).
METHODS. Heart rate variability (cardiointervalography, rhythmography, spectral analysis) and coping strategies (adapted Lazarus coping test) were studied in 104 residents of RK suffering from ANSD (main group MG; sex index 1:1; mean age 36.810.7 years) and in healthy control subjects (CG; n=30; sex index 1:1; mean age 36.15.5 years; p=0.761).
RESULTS. It was found that the residents of RK with ANSD are statistically significantly (p 0,05) characterised by sympathicotonia in combination with high tension of such emotionally oriented coping strategies as escape-avoidance (in men 47,527,05/40,275,04%; in women 47,469,47/46,138,68% in persons of the MG/CG, respectively) without gender differences (p 0,05). Women used more often (p 0,05) use distancing (50,6710,09/43,077,56%; p=0,009) and taking responsibility (46,657,8/40,275,04%; p=0,002); whereas men underestimated (p 0,05) the coping strategy planning (49,888,2/56,46,31% in MG and CG; p=0,004).
CONCLUSIONS. For the primary and secondary prevention of ANSD in RK residents, it is advisable to take into account the specifics of heart rate variability (sympathicotonia) and coping strategies (emotionally oriented), which will optimise psychological adaptation to the disease through personalised rehabilitation programmes based on a biopsychosocial approach (a combination of pharmacological and psychological psychotherapeutic correction).
Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in orthopaedic inpatient: a hospital based cross-sectional study
Authors: Dawadi Aswin Kumar , Adhikari Shailendra Raj , Regmi Anand Raj
Published: October 2023

Background: Identification of a psychiatric problem should be a necessity part of treatment planning in orthopedic practice, and prompt referral for diagnosis and treatment should be made for better outcome. There have been very few studies in Nepal that has assessed the presence of psychiatric disorders in injured inpatients. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with injury admitted to the orthopedic ward of CMC teaching hospital.
Methods: The study was carried out among 150 randomly selected patients of age group 18-60 years from the orthopedic ward suffering from any orthopedic injury. The study design is a hospital based cross sectional descriptive study. Diagnosis of psychiatric Disorders were made using ICD10 criteria. Data entry and analysis was done using the SPSS software version 21.0.
Results: The prevalence of psychiatric disorder in patients with orthopedic injury was found to be 32% with depressive disorders being the most common diagnosis (12.1%) followed by anxiety disorder (8%) and somatoform disorder(6%). Psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with age, age group and gender. Psychiatric disorders were the most commonly found in those with patients with road traffic accident (52.1%) and those with lower limb injury (47.9%).
Conclusions: Since, there is presence of psychopathology in orthopedic injured patients, early referral by the orthopedic surgeons to the psychiatric department is necessary for early evaluation and treatment.
Assessment of job satisfaction and retention among medical doctors and nurses in a developing country setting: a survey in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Orhungul Ushahemba , Onugu Mba , Udo Victoria , Udoh Chinenye , Omoronyia Ogban
Published: October 2023

Background: Globally, there is a rising shortage of healthcare workers, especially among doctors and nurses, potentially impairing quality of care provision. In Nigeria, this deficient workforce is further worsened by job dissatisfaction and brain drain. This study was aimed at assessing the determinants of job satisfaction and retention among medical doctors and nurses in public hospitals.
Methods: Cross-sectional study design and systematic random sampling was conducted among medical doctors and nurses working in the two main public hospitals in Calabar Southern Nigeria. Data was entered and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Chi-square and independent t-test were employed as inferential statistics, with p value set at 0.05.
Results: Two hundred and eighty-seven (287) subjects were studied. The mean age was 36.12±7.7 years ranging from 22 to 59 years. The overall level of job dissatisfaction was 49.5%, comprising 60.2% and 42.0% for doctors and nurses, respectively. Approximately a quarter of respondents (23.3%) were considered to be high retention risk. Younger age, male gender, having less than 10 years of employment duration, suboptimal remunerations and poor occupational environment, were associated with job dissatisfaction and higher retention risk (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Approximately half of medical doctors and nurses are dissatisfied with their job, with attendant high retention risk. Improved funding of the public health sector is recommended, towards containing this challenge, within the context of worsening brain drain of skilled workers from developing to more developed countries. Further studies among private sector, non-urban settings and lower level of health facilities is recommended.
Enhancing the detection of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a study of emergency medical system in Thailand
Authors: Tippayanate Nantawan , Phonkanya Patchalee , Nuangkantee Kanokwan , Nuangkantee Kamonchanok , Raksapakdee Kwansiri , Boonnop Watcharaporn , Jitsuwan Natlada
Published: October 2023

Background: Globally, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain low. Implementing a dispatch-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol in evolving emergency medical services systems has shown potential for improving OHCA detection and reducing the time to initiate chest compressions.
Methods: In this study, audio recordings of OHCA emergency calls from different regions of Thailand were analyzed from January 2021 to December 2021. The study aimed to assess OHCA detection efficiency and provide CPR recommendations, including OHCA discrimination rates, time from call initiation to OHCA identification, and time to start CPR following dispatcher guidance.
Results: There were 280 OHCA cases, with 170 (60.7%) successfully identified and excluded by dispatchers. OHCA detection took an average of 39 seconds (compared to a benchmark of 60 seconds), while the mean time from notification to chest compression initiation was 298 seconds (compared to a benchmark of 220 seconds). However, OHCA discrimination and phone-based resuscitation advice were highly sensitive (81.18%), accurate (85.72%), and specific (92.73%).
Conclusions: OHCA presents challenges, with the need for faster CPR initiation. Improving reporting processes, enhancing caller understanding, and refining dispatcher skills are crucial to enhance OHCA detection and DA-CPR, ultimately improving survival rates.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus among applicants for recruitment into Nigeria police force in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adagbasa Ehimare , James Atolagbe , Tajudeen Waliu A.
Published: October 2023

Background: Police officers are likely to have blood-borne virus exposure like hepatitis B virus, while on duty. It is important to know the hepatitis B status of applicants at entry point of recruitment into the force to avoid employing applicants that can spread the virus to the citizens. This study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among applicants for recruitment into the Nigerian police force in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 applicants from 30 LGAs in Osun State, selected using a multistage sampling technique, research data was aloof from the recruitments’ exercise registers and records, univariate, bivariate and multivariate were done using IBM SPSS version 25.0 and statistical level of significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.08±2.428. The Prevalence of HBV was 43.6%. There was a statistically significant association between the applicants' HBV status and their socio-demographic status p=0.014. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that: applicants from Ila, Ede north and Irewole LGAs are eight times less likely to have hepatitis B virus (OR: 0.124 and 0.120), those from Ejigbo and Isokan LGAs are seven times less likely to have HBV (OR: 0.135 and 0.132) and applicants from Odo-Otin LGA of Osun state are eleven times less likely to have HBV (OR: 0.088) compared to other local governments areas.
Conclusions: More than two-fifths of the applicants were tested positive for HBV, this proportion cannot be overlooked as they could exposed colleague, or citizen to the infection.
The influence of enhanced vegetation index, proximity to national borders, proximity to protected areas, and proximity to water on malaria case prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2000-2020
Authors: Dzokoto Maxwell Kwame , Mensah Benjamin Tetteh , Osei-Owusu William , Adam Ibrahim , Kwashie Solomon D. Y.
Published: October 2023

Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of enhanced vegetation index, proximity to national borders, proximity to protected areas, and water on malaria morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: Data were pooled from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 32 Sub-Saharan African countries spanning 2000 to 2020. Women's standard weights were denormalized and bivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential confounders. Two models were fitted; model 1 involved primary exposure variables and model 2 involved primary exposure variables adjusted for significant confounders. The final interpretation of the results was based on model 2.
Results: The prevalence of malaria cases was 23.1%, The risk of children suffering malaria in households that belong to the 3rd quantile of the vegetation index is 27% less compared to children that belong to the households in the 1st quantile of the vegetation index [aOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.55-0.99; p-value<0.05]. Children belonging to households in the 4th quantile of proximity to water have a 33% higher risk of suffering from malaria compared to households that are closer to water [aOR=1.33, 95%CI:1.08-1.63; p-value<0.01].
Conclusions: Environmental factors have been found to influence malaria morbidity among children in SSA. Intervention should be targeted at households especially those that are closer to water with more children under five to ensure full access and use of ITNs among all children under five as part of the overall goal of achieving the health-related SDGs.
Guardian willingness to vaccinate adolescent daughters against human papillomavirus for cervical cancer prevention in hard-to-reach communities in Mandera County, Kenya
Authors: Mohamed Ifrah S. , Muchiri Joseph M. , Makokha Francis W.
Published: October 2023

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent disease in women, and in 2020, there was an estimated 604,127 new cases and 342,831 fatalities worldwide. Despite the fact that cervical cancer can be easily treated if detected early, Sub-Saharan Africa suffers the greatest incidence of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to ascertain parents' readiness to protect teenage girls from Human Papillomavirus.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive strategy conducted among guardians of adolescent girls in rural area in Mandera. A simple random sampling technique was adopted and data was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires.
Results: The study's findings demonstrated that while parental understanding of the HPV vaccine was low in our study area, parental awareness was high. This resulted in low parental acceptance of the HPV vaccine, which in turn resulted in low uptake. The study participants' degree of vaccination acceptance was low (30%), with the majority showing hesitation (54%). Socio-cultural factors and religion were identified as the main barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance among the participants.
Conclusions: The findings of our study demonstrate that although guardians in the research area had a high level of awareness of the HPV vaccine, there was poor uptake of the vaccine due to low knowledge and sociocultural reasons. Despite the fact that these services were both ample and accessible.
Impact of essential newborn care education on knowledge and practice of new-born care among nurses in rural primary health centres in Ebonyi state of Nigeria
Authors: Eze Clementina N. , Elusoji Christiana I. , Okafor Christiana N. , Emeh Augusta N. , Obi Ihuoma A. , Odira Chika C. H. , Onyeabor Juliana O. , Nwafor Amuchechukwu V. , Ohanme Eugene O.
Published: October 2023

Background: This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge and the extent of practice of the components of essential new-born care (ENC), and the effects of a training programme on the knowledge and practice of ENC among nurses in rural primary health cares (PHCs) in Ebonyi state Nigeria.
Methods: This study was a one group pre-test and post-test intervention design. The components of ENC considered were: New-born initiation of breastfeeding, thermoregulation, new-born cord care, newborn eye care, initiation of breathing and administration of vitamin K. A neonatal care knowledge and practice assessment (NCKPA) questionnaire tested for validity and reliability, with a Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.81, was used for data collection among the (48) available nurses (All female).
Results: There was significant improvement in the level of knowledge and extent of practice of the components of ENC following the training programme. Despite the improvement, there were gaps in knowledge and practice of the components of ENC amongst the nurses in rural PHCs and affected were the level of knowledge of eye care 20 (41.6%) pre-intervention, and least knowledge of cord care 35 (72.9%) and eye care 45 (93.8%)-post-intervention.
Conclusions: Increase in knowledge corresponded with increase in good practice of ENC. The concern with knowledge transfer and translation of knowledge into practice could be achieved by pre-service and in-service education, update courses and workshops, and this will empower the nurses, getting them familiar with current trends and practices for improved child survival rate.
Live experience of community health workers on respectful maternity care in rural Odisha, India: a phenomenological study
Authors: Sahu Sujata , Patel Kripalini , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Patro Binod Kumar , Pradhan Sudeshna , Tripathy Sandeep Kumar , Jena Sunita
Published: October 2023

Background: Every woman deserves respectful maternity care, throughout her journey to motherhood. However, disrespectful maternity care is prevalent in various settings. It has an effect on the utilization of services. It can be more explored from the witness of maternity. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of accredited social health activists on respectful maternity care in Odisha, India.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 24 ASHAs with more than two years of experience to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This study was conducted in three distinct Odisha districts, India.
Results: Two main themes emerged: Community health workers’ experiences and perception towards disrespectful care, and Factors contributing to irrational care. Participants explained that verbal abuse was the most common use of health care providers. The consequences of such abusive behavior hinder the effective and efficient performance of their role, especially when it comes to their role in the facility. The study highlighted major gaps in the behavior and attitudes of healthcare providers at the facility level.
Conclusions: Despite the lack of knowledge and training related to RMC, ASHAs acknowledged the abusive and disrespectful behavior of health care providers not only towards the child-bearing women but also towards the accompanying person, i.e., ASHA or a member of the family. Such mistreatment often acts as a barrier to the use of public health services, such as the institutional delivery of child-bearing mothers. A need for orientation and training on RCM among healthcare professionals, along with appropriate monitoring of implementation.
Prevalence of anxiety disorders and its associated factors among adolescents in Arpookara Panchayat
Authors: S. Rani Suhra , A. Sobha , M. Geethadevi , B. Prithiba , Philip Sairu
Published: October 2023

Background: Adolescents (10 -19 years) constitute 1.3 billion in the world today. According to WHO mental health issues constitute 13% of the global burden of disease in adolescents of which anxiety disorders are the most common. Objective was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents using SCARED tool, to find the association of selected factors with anxiety disorders.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 590 adolescents in Arpookara Panchayat. A semi-structured pretested questionnaire was used for collecting sociodemographic details. Anxiety disorder was assessed using Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorder (SCARED) tool. Data was coded and entered in Microsoft excel and analysed using IBM SPSS software version 20
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 15.04 with SD ±3.013. Prevalence of anxiety disorders using SCARED tool was found to be 21.4%. Factors found to have statistically significant association with anxiety on univariate analysis were female gender (p=0.001), mother’s education more than high school level (p=0.036), time spent with father (p=0.001), time spent with mother(p=0.001), inadequate sleep (p=0.001) and family history of mental illness(p=0.043). On binary logistic regression following factors with p<0.05 were found to be independent predictors of anxiety-female gender (OR=2.037), mother’s education more than high school level (OR=1.469) adequate time spent with father (OR=0.713), inadequate sleep (OR=14.726), family history of mental illness (OR=3.521)
Conclusions: More than one fifth of adolescents are having anxiety disorders. There should be efforts for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of anxiety disorders among adolescents.
Life satisfaction and associated social factors among college students in Kottayam district, Kerala
Authors: Thomas Naveen , Abraham Joe , Johns Felix
Published: October 2023

Background: Fostering youth wellbeing is a pressing concern for educators and mental health professionals. It is generally acknowledged that among many constructs, understanding and promoting social support and life satisfaction are essential to achieving this goal. This study was conducted to assess the level of life satisfaction and social support and to determine the relationship of social support and socio-demographic factors with life satisfaction among students of arts and science colleges in Kottayam district.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 undergraduate students from arts and science colleges of Kottayam district selected through two stage random sampling. Data were collected from the students using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questionnaire, the satisfaction with life scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25.
Results: Among the 464 study participants, majority (74.1%) were having high social support. 51(11%) students were found to be extremely satisfied with life and 96 (20.7%) satisfied with life. The life satisfaction scores among female study participants was found to be statistically significantly higher than males (Z=2.433, p=0.015). Life satisfaction had a statistically significant positive correlation with total perceived social support (Spearman’s rho=0.391, p<0.001) and perceived support from family (Spearman’s rho=0.394, p<0.001), friends (Spearman’s rho=0.187, p<0.001)  and significant others (Spearman’s rho=0.280, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Regular assessment of social support and life satisfaction of college students should be done. Steps should be taken ensure adequate social support to college students.
Nutrition education and counselling by frontline health and nutrition care workers is associated with improved iron adherence among pregnant women: evidence from the National Family Health Surveys, 2015-21
Authors: Raut Manoj Kumar , Reddy J. C. , Warvadekar Kirti , Babre Ameet , Varghese Mini , Jagtap Shailesh , Islam M. Mofijul
Published: October 2023

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health and social and economic development.
Methods: This paper attempted to understand the determinants of iron adherence among women of reproductive age during their last pregnancy in India and states/union territories, the iron deficiency being associated with anaemia, using multiple logistic regression analyses of data from the fourth (2015-16) and fifth (2019-21) rounds of the India National Family Health Survey. The individual unit-level data were analysed using Stata 17 software.
Results: After adjusting for standard covariates, it was found that those who reported receiving counselling by a frontline health worker and/or antenatal care visits were much more likely to consume at least 90 days of iron-containing supplements. Results shows that for NFHS-4 women who had received counselling from a frontline health and nutrition care worker were 1.489 times (95% CI: 1.429-1.553) to adhere to at least 90 days of iron tablets or syrup after adjusting for potential confounders and for NFHS-5 women who had received counselling from a frontline worker were 1.162 times (95% CI :1.124-1.200) more likely to adhere to IFA supplements or syrup for at least 90 days.
Conclusions: Based on insights from these analyses, it appears that counselling seems to be effective in making women aware of the benefits of IFA, thus increasing the likelihood of intake of iron-containing supplements. Counselling seems to be an important predictor of adherence to iron intake in India.
Rabies and its prevention: are our medical students well informed?
Authors: Nair Anisha A. , Thankamoniamma Prathibha M. , L. K. Gayathri , Pinheiro Carol , Shajahan Amala , Eranippurath Alifa Mariyam P. , Asok Aleena , Devasya Amal Jacob , Madhu Amritha T. , Bijo Amal , P. A. Amal Raj , S. Anand Krishna , P. T. Anas Mohamed , P. Amjad Ali
Published: October 2023

Background: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, viral disease. However, once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal. Significantly, India accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths. Recently, in Kerala, a surge in dog bite cases and a consequent rise in the incidence of rabies deaths has been noted, which is a serious public health medical concern. The present study was done to assess the level of knowledge of rabies and its prevention among medical students of Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha to identify lacunae in knowledge if any and to provide sessions on rabies prevention and control.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical students of Government T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha in 2022. Convenient sampling was done, and data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire which was analysed using SPSS software.
Results: Out of the 261 students who took part in the study, 88.13% of the study participants were observed to have medium to sufficient level of knowledge regarding rabies and its prevention, while 11.87% had low level of knowledge. In general, the level of knowledge was noted to be roughly proportional to the year of study of MBBS.
Conclusions: The level of knowledge of the participants with regards to the schedule of vaccination and knowledge of symptoms of rabies, was observed to be less than what would be desirable. Structured training and education of medical students can rectify this lacuna, and thereby bring about significant reduction in fatality rates.
Incidence of diarrhoea and household diarrhoea management among children of integrated child development services in Buldhana district of Maharashtra
Authors: Ingle Sagar , Nagdeve Deveram
Published: October 2023

Background: Adequate water and sanitation facilities are crucial in promoting good child health. Unfortunately, many children lack access to these resources. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of diarrhoea among children and the household-level management of diarrhoea.
Methods: The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, quantitative analysis involved selecting a total of 300 samples using the stratified random sampling method. Twenty key informants were interviewed conducted to  qualitative study.
Results: The study found that, the prevalence of diarrhoea among ICDS children 24.5 percent. However, this prevalence varied depending on several factors, including gender, caste, education, occupation, and wealth. The findings highlighted the importance of a mother's education in preventing and addressing diarrhoea within the household. Additionally, the availability of improved water resources played a crucial role in the prevalence of diarrhoea, as a significant portion of the population had limited access to such resources. Unfortunately, many mothers lacked sufficient knowledge about diarrhoea, negatively impacting their children's health. Mothers commonly relied on traditional methods to manage diarrhoea, which could result in additional health complications for their children.
Conclusions: Providing access to safe drinking water from a single source can help to reduce cases of diarrhoea. Overall, improving education, increasing access to clean water, and promoting better hygiene practices are essential steps to preventing and managing diarrhoea effectively.
A cross-sectional study to assess the epidemiologic profile and complications among chickenpox patients in an infectious disease hospital in a Metropolitan city
Authors: G. Prahatheeswaran , Sai M. B. Abhinand , Sable Pavan Laxman
Published: October 2023

Background: Chickenpox is a highly contagious and acute disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. According to a WHO position paper, varicella has a global disease burden of 140 million infections, 42 million severe sequelae, and 4200 fatalities every year. Chickenpox affects 16 persons per 1,000 people annually in wealthy countries. With a case fatality rate of 3 per 1,000 instances annually, 3% of these cases have problems, and 5% require hospitalization. This cross-sectional study assesses the epidemiological determinants & complications among the patients admitted to infectious disease hospitals.
Methods: It was a descriptive, cross sectional and hospital based study. Total duration of study was 18 months (Jan 2020 -August 2021), conducted in infectious hospital of a metropolitan city. A total of 453 patients with confirmed diagnosis of chickenpox and getting admitted in the infectious disease hospital .were selected as study subjects and interviewed by a validated questionnaire.
Results: A total of 453 chickenpox patients were included in the study and because of covid pandemic situation only 118 samples are interviewed of which 91 (77.1%) were males, remaining 27 (22.9%) were females and all 118 (100%) patients presented with rash which is the diagnostic feature of chickenpox, out of that 106 had fever, 84 had cough, 74 had malaise and 32, 17 patients had shivering and backache respectively.
Conclusions: It was found that about one-quarter of cases recorded were in the age group of 19–40 years. This group most probably comprised those who missed the vaccination when they were children. Health education among the general population is suggested to reduce the secondary cases by early diagnosis and vaccination and isolation to reduce the burden of diseases.
Prevalence of screen addiction and its association with screen use behavior and type of content consumed in the general population of Mumbai metropolitan region
Authors: Rao Shirish , Gupta Vidushi , Ambike Amey , Adarkar Shilpa , Mhatre Pauras , Saraf Prashant , Raul Shreeya , Paranjape Raghav , Dedhia Keval , Inamdar Gayatri , Chavan Pavan , Shinde Purva , Kadam Esha
Published: October 2023

Background: Varied prevalence of internet, gaming and smartphone addiction have been estimated across different regions. Though gaming and internet addiction have already been recognized, the emerging trend of binge-watching also demands attention. There was a need to estimate their prevalence using a uniform scale, compare addiction scores and also assess its association with content consumed and screen use behavior.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 participants who were recruited using stratified random sampling and were interviewed using digital addiction scale and a self-designed questionnaire (CVR>0.65).
Results: The prevalence of screen addiction was found to be 13% and found to be associated with age (p<0.01), sex (p<0.01), type of content consumed (p<0.05), device used (p<0.01), self-reported causes (p<0.01), withdrawal (p<0.01) and screen use specific psychological phenomenon (p<0.01). Addiction scores of gamers, social media users and binge watchers were comparable (p>0.05).
Conclusions: The prevalence of screen addiction is substantially high, particularly in the younger population. This study also highlights the strong association of screen use behavior and type of content consumed and apps used with addictive screen use. The similarity in addiction scores and associated factors also support the use of umbrella term ‘Screen Addiction’ to group all kinds of addictive screen usage.