bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to using eHealth/mHealth platforms and perceived beneficial eHealth/mHealth platform features among informal carers of persons living with dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Samari Ellaisha , Yuan Qi , Zhang YunJue , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Subramaniam Mythily 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
New technologies have brought about a new age of technology-enabled aids that can equip informal carers with the relevant resources for better care. These include but are not limited to facilitating access to healthcare providers, knowledge of caring for persons living with dementia, and sources of support for carers’ well-being. This qualitative study explores barriers to using eHealth/mHealth platforms and perceived beneficial eHealth/mHealth platform features among informal carers of persons living with dementia.

Methods
An exploratory qualitative study design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 29 informal carers of persons living with dementia in Singapore recruited via convenience and snowball sampling. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results
The participants in this study identified several barriers to using eHealth/mHealth platforms, including personal preference, apprehension, poor user experience and lack of skills. On the other hand, knowledge of dementia, caring for persons living with dementia and self-care, a list of resources, social support, location monitoring and alert systems, and the ability to manage appointments and transactions were valuable features for eHealth/mHealth platforms.

Conclusions
Despite the underutilisation of eHealth/mHealth platforms, carers expressed a keen interest in using them if they are functional and capable of reducing their care burden. The findings from this study can contribute to developing content and features for eHealth/mHealth interventions aimed at lightening carers’ burden in their day-to-day caring routine.
Prevalence of misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission and associated factors among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a nationwide study
Authors: Yimer Ali , Kebede Kassaw Abdul-Aziz , Surur Sebwedin , Mussa Endris 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Misconceptions and myths are still the bottlenecks for the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of misconception about HIV transmission among reproductive age groups using the most recently available Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveydata.

Methods
A cross-sectional study design was done using the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data set. The data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors of misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission. A p-value of < 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered to confirm a statistically significant association.

Results
From the sample of 11,425 reproductive-age women, the prevalence of misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia was 27.47%. Women residing in rural area [AOR:1.24; 95% CI: 1.03–1.75] compared to urban resident participants, attended primary education [AOR:0.58;95%CI: 0.49–0.68], attended secondary education [AOR:0.36;95%CI:0.29–0.46], attended higher education [AOR:0.24;95%CI: 0.18–0.32] compared to those participants without education, had history of HIV test [AOR:0.77; 95%CI: 0.67–0.88] compared to their counterpart, respondents living in Amhara region [AOR:0.44:95% CI:0.35–0.54], Benishangul [AOR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.25–0.46], SNNPR [AOR:0.50; 95% CI: 0.38–0.67], Gambela [AOR:0.57; 95% CI: 0.42–0.79], Harari [AOR:0.62; 95% CI: 0.46–0.82], Addis Ababa [AOR:0.63; 95% CI: 0.49–0.81] compared to those living in Tigray and having richest wealth status[AOR:0.57;95% CI: 1.457–4.078] compared to those whose wealth index was poorest were significantly associated with the misconception about HIV transmission.

Conclusion
Over all the prevalence of misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia was high. Residence, educational level, wealth index, region, and respondents who ever tested for HIV were significantly associated with the misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission. This high misconception could affect HIV/AIDS transmission and its prevention strategies unless timely and appropriate intervention should be taken. Strengthening strategies aimed at maximizing HIV/AIDS testing, scaling up educational status, and emphasizing regional-wide interventions might have a substantial contribution.
Identification of associated risk factors for serological distribution of hepatitis B virus via machine learning models
Authors: Yao Ning , Liu Yang , Xu Jiawei , Wang Qing , Zhou Quanhua , Wang Yue , Yi Dong , Wu Yazhou 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The provincial-level sero-survey was launched to learn the updated seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general population aged 1–69 years in Chongqing and to assess the risk factors for HBV infection to effectively screen persons with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods
A total of 1828 individuals aged 1–69 years were investigated, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBsAg (HBsAb), and antibody to B core antigen (HBcAb) were detected. Logistic regression and three machine learning (ML) algorithms, including random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and stochastic gradient boosting (SGB), were developed for analysis.

Results
The HBsAg prevalence of the total population was 3.83%, and among persons aged 1–14 years and 15–69 years, it was 0.24% and 4.89%, respectively. A large figure of 95.18% (770/809) of adults was unaware of their occult HBV infection. Age, region, and immunization history were found to be statistically associated with HBcAb prevalence with a logistic regression model. The prediction accuracies were 0.717, 0.727, and 0.725 for the proposed RF, SVM, and SGB models, respectively.

Conclusions
The logistic regression integrated with ML models could helpfully screen the risk factors for HBV infection and identify high-risk populations with CHB.
Characteristics, outcome, duration of hospitalization, and cycle threshold of patients with COVID-19 referred to four hospitals in Babol City: a multicenter retrospective observational study on the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves
Authors: Sadeghi Farzin , Halaji Mehrdad , Shirafkan Hoda , Pournajaf Abazar , Ghorbani Hossein , Babazadeh Sara , Ezami Nafiseh , Fallhpour Kobra , Fakhraie Fatemeh , Gorjinejad Shahrbano , Amoli Saghar Saber , Amiri Fatemeh Hejazi , Baghershiroodi Mahnaz , Ahmadnia Zahra , Salehi Maryam , Tourani Mehdi , Jafarzadeh Jalal , Tabari Farzane Shanehbandpour , Ahmadian Seyed Raheleh , Mohammadi Abandansari Rouzbeh , Jafarian Farzaneh , Rouhi Samaneh , Zabihollahi Arezoo , Mostafanezhad Sarina , Saeedi Fatemeh , Ebrahimian Arefeh , Deldar Zeinab , Zavareh Mahmoud Sadeghi Haddad , Bayani Masoumeh , Broun Mana Bazi , Shirzad Moein , Sabbaghi Siamak , Mohammadi Mohsen , Rahmani Rabeae , Yahyapour Yousef 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiological patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and duration of hospitalization during the fourth, fifth and sixth epidemic waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iran.

Methods
A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on hospitalized patients in four hospitals in the Babol district of northern Iran. The study periods were during the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves of the epidemic in Iran, (March 2021 to March 2022). A total of 13,312 patients with suspected COVID-19 were included. Patient demographics, medical history, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the hospital information system. Data on the cycle threshold (Ct) and SARS-CoV2 variant were collected for SARS-CoV2-positive cases.

Results
The highest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the fifth (Delta) wave (5231; 39.3%), while the lowest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the sixth (Omicron) wave (2143; 16.1%). In total, 6459 (48.5%) out of 13,312 hospitalized patients with suspected COVID-19 had a positive rRT-PCR result. The fifth (Delta) wave had the highest number of SARS-CoV2 rRT-PCR-positive hospitalized patients (3573, 55.3%), while the sixth (Omicron) wave had the lowest number (835, 12.9%). Moreover, 238 (3.7%) patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 died. The hospital mortality rate was 6.8% in the fourth (Alpha) wave, which reduced to 2.7 and 3.5% in the fifth (Delta) and sixth (Omicron) waves, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This is the most comprehensive study evaluating the epidemiologic characteristics of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV2 cases in Iran during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron waves. The highest number of SARS-CoV2-positive hospitalized patients was in the fifth wave of COVID-19 (dominance of the Delta variant), while the sixth wave (dominance of the Omicron variant) had the lowest number. Comorbidities were similar, and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension were the main risk factors in all waves.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: assessing the prevalence, predictors, and effectiveness of a community pharmacy based counseling intervention
Authors: Kiptoo Joshua , Isiiko John , Yadesa Tadele Mekuriya , Rhodah Tumugumye , Alele Paul E. , Mulogo Edgar Mugema 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy is a global challenge. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the problem has persisted despite vaccine availability and decreasing infections. In Uganda, there is still limited information on the extent and predictors of vaccine hesitancy. This study sought to assess the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and the effectiveness of an intervention that involved community pharmacy counseling in combating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Methods
A total of 394 participants were enrolled in a 4-week prospective cohort interventional study. The study was conducted across eight community pharmacies in Mbarara City, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. The study personnel ascertained the vaccination status of all clients seeking community pharmacy services. All unvaccinated clients were consecutively assessed for eligibility, and eligible clients were systematically enrolled after receiving the community pharmacy services for which they requested. The study intervention involved structured participant counseling (within the pharmacy premise), follow-up short message service (weekly), and telephone calls (bi-weekly). Only participants who did not accept to receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite counseling were followed up for four weeks, or until they accepted to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The effectiveness of the community pharmacy counseling intervention was determined as an increase in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and desirable attitudinal change towards COVID-19 disease, vaccination exercise, and vaccines. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data, and multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Out of 394 participants, 221 (56%) were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Participants expressed several reasons (mean 2±1) for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, mostly concerning vaccine safety (N=160, 47.3%). The overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate increased by 25.4 percent points (43.9 – 69.3 percent points) after the study intervention. Age, religion, level of education, distance from the nearest public health facility, having a friend/family diagnosed with COVID-19, and personal suspicion of contracting COVID-19 were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusion
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a big challenge in Uganda. A mix of sociodemographic and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions are the key predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Although COVID-19 vaccines were not available at the time of the study, this study found that structured counseling interventions can improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates. Larger prospective studies should evaluate the effectiveness of similar interventions in community pharmacies and other healthcare settings.
Police-reported family violence victimisation or perpetration and mental health-related emergency department presentations: an Australian data-linkage study
Authors: Papalia Nina , Simmons Melanie , Trood Michael , McEwan Troy , Spivak Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Family violence is a leading social determinant of mental ill-health but its link to mental health-related emergency department presentations is poorly understood. Existing research has largely used retrospective designs with a focus on victimisation, typically among women. We examined whether police-reported family violence victimisation and perpetration were prospectively associated with mental health emergency department presentations in women and men. We also identified family violence risk and vulnerability characteristics associated with such presentations.

Methods
Demographics, prior police involvement, and individual and relationship vulnerabilities were provided by Victoria Police for 1520 affected family members (i.e., primary victims) and 1470 respondents (i.e., persons alleged to have perpetrated family violence) from family violence reports in 2016–17. Emergency mental health presentations 22–30 months post-family-violence report were determined through linkage with the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset and compared to statewide presentations.

Results
Emergency mental health presentations during follow-up were identified in 14.3% of the family violence sample, with 1.9% presenting for self-harm. Mental health presentation rates per 1,000 people were markedly higher among affected family members and respondents of both sexes and all ages than in the general population, except for male affected family members aged 45 + . Adjusting for age and sex, the mental health presentation rate was 6 and 11 times higher among affected family members and respondents, respectively, than in the general population. Individual vulnerabilities were more closely related to risk of emergency mental health presentations than relationship characteristics.

Conclusions
Police-recorded family violence is associated with increased mental health-related emergency department presentations over the short-to-medium term. Strengthened cross-sector collaboration is needed to identify, address, and refer individuals with overlapping family violence and mental health needs and to improve victims’ and perpetrators’ access to community mental health and related services. This should help prevent individuals from reaching a crisis point in their mental health.
Association of phase angle with sarcopenia and muscle function in patients with COPD: a case-control study
Authors: Valisoltani Neda , Mohammadi Hamed , Aliannejad Rasoul , Naeini Fatemeh , Harsini Asma Rajabi , Sadeghi Erfan , Mirzaee Pouya , Imani Hossein 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
The predictive value of phase angle for sarcopenia diagnosis has been discussed for years. The present investigation was conducted to determine the association between phase angle and sarcopenia in patients with COPD.

Methods
In this case-control study, 222 smoker men were divided into healthy and COPD groups. COPD was diagnosed by a pulmonologist through spirometry. Anthropometric indices, phase angle, muscle function, sarcopenia, and dietary intake were assessed.

Results
A significant inverse association was observed between phase angle and sarcopenia after adjustment for age and energy intake (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18–0.52) and after adjustment for BMI (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18–0.52). A significant decrease was detected in anthropometric indices and indicators of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD cases compared to the healthy controls.

Conclusions
Although further studies are suggested, phase angle might be considered an indicator of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD patients.
Systematic review of the significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in anastomotic leak after gastrointestinal surgeries
Authors: Haghi Sarvin Es , Khanzadeh Monireh , Sarejloo Shirin , Mirakhori Fariba , Hernandez Jairo , Dioso Emma , Goutnik Michael , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Ghaedi Arshin , Khanzadeh Shokoufeh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The inflammatory response is thought to be a critical initiator of epigenetic alterations. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a biomarker of inflammation, is computed by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes. The primary goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the pre-operative NLR of gastrointestinal surgery patients who had an anastomotic leak (AL) in comparison to those who did not AL.

Methods
We performed a comprehensive search for relevant papers published before May 4, 2022, using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled in meta-analysis to yield a summary estimate. We utilized the random-effects model to create pooled effects since we discovered a substantial heterogeneity level. For evaluating quality, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was implemented.

Results
The research comprised 12 studies with a total of 2940 individuals who had GI operations, 353 of whom went on to develop AL. We discovered that patients who had GI surgeries and acquired AL had significantly higher NLR levels than those who did not (random-effects model: SMD = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.11–1.38, p = 0.02). Patients with AL showed significantly higher NLR levels than control group in retrospective studies (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.20–1.66, p=0.01) but not in prospective studies (SMD = − 0.11, 95% CI = − 0.65–0.43, p = 0.69), according to the subgroup analysis based on research design. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity yielded that white patients with AL exhibited significantly higher NLR values than the control group (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.01–2.68, p = 0.04) but this result was not applied to East Asian patients (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = -0.13–0.41, p = 0.29).

Conclusion
Our research suggests a potential association between preoperative NLR and postoperative AL. However, it is essential to acknowledge the variability in the findings, with significantly higher NLR levels observed in retrospective studies and among white patients, but not consistently replicated in prospective studies and among East Asian patients. Further investigations with larger and more diverse cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and explore potential factors contributing to the observed discrepancies.
Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study
Authors: Panken Evan , Frydenlund Noah , Mistry Neil , Prabhu Rahul , Wong Jeffrey , Kundu Shilajit , Victorson David , Amarasekera Channa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) face many challenges and biases in healthcare. Within urology there is a need to better understand how prostate cancer impacts MSM given the unique ways in which side effects that accompany treatment may affect this population. The goal of this study is to explore the experience of MSM with prostate cancer to advance the existing literature in this area and inform implementation and delivery of clinical practice and policy guidelines.

Methods
Four focus groups were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach consistent with grounded theory [1] and naturalistic inquiry principles we sought to better understand the direct experiences of MSM with prostate cancer. Audio transcriptions were thematically analyzed to identify themes that impact MSM throughout their prostate cancer journey. An iterative, team-wide classification process was used to identify, organize, and group common codes into higher-order categories and themes.

Results
Patient’s choice of provider and their interactions with the healthcare system were strongly impacted by their sexual identities. Participants commented on navigating the heteronormative healthcare environment and the impact of assumptions they encountered. MSM experienced the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment in unique ways. Issues with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction had significant impacts on patient’s sexual experience, with some describing being forced to explore new modes of sexual expression. Anejaculation was a theme that was distressing for many participants. The emotional impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis was significant in the men interviewed. Common themes included loss of identity and fear for future relationships.

Conclusions
MSM have unique concerns after prostate cancer treatment that differ from men who don’t identify as MSM. It is critical that providers familiarize themselves with the concerns of this patient population regarding prostate cancer treatment. An important step toward reducing heteronormative bias in prostate cancer care is to better understand the goals, identity, and sexual practices of MSM and to provide informed anticipatory guidance.
Self-reported oral health-related quality of life and caries experiences of 5-year-old children in Mandalay, Myanmar
Authors: Min Saw Nay , Duangthip Duangporn , Gao Sherry Shiqian , Detsomboonrat Palinee 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to examine the impact of dental caries and other potential socio-demographic factors on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children from Myanmar. This was done using the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5) as reported by both the children and their parents.

Methods
A structured questionnaire was conducted to collect demographic information about the children and their caregivers, as well as socioeconomic data. The OHRQoL was assessed by interviewing the children and their parents using the Myanmar versions of SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p, respectively. Caries experience was assessed by two calibrated examiners and recorded using the dmft index. The Poisson regression model was adopted to investigate the association between OHRQoL and dental caries including socioeconomic factors.

Results
A total of 454 pairs participated in the study. Among them, 64% of children and 70% of parents reported a negative impact on OHRQoL (with SOHO-5c and SOHO-5p scores exceeding 0). The mean score (SD) of the child self-report and parental version of the SOHO-5 was 1.86 (2.27) and 2.65 (3.13), respectively. Difficulties in eating and sleeping were the most commonly reported by both children and parents. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 87% (mean dmft score:5.59, SD:4.65). The final multivariate-adjusted model revealed that children with higher caries experiences were more likely to have lower OHRQoL for both child self-report (RR 4.38, 95% CI 3.16–6.14, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 6.07, 95% CI 4.38–8.41, p < 0.001), respectively. A lower family income had a negative impact on the children’s OHRQoL in child self-report (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.26–2.04, p < 0.001) and parental report (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19–1.78, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Two-thirds of the study children and their parents perceived the negative impact on children’s OHRQoL. Higher caries experience and lower family income were associated with poorer OHRQoL of 5-year-old Myanmar children.