bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Dissociative (Conversion) Disorder in Adolescents: A Theoretical Exploration of Dissociation in Response to Developmental Stress
Authors: Humtsoe Marinella M. , Deuri Sonia P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Dissociative (Conversion) disorder (hereafter, DCD) in adolescents manifests as a complex interplay between psychological distress and physical symptoms, such as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, episodes of unresponsiveness, tremors, and other unexplained physical symptoms. These physical presentations, without a clear medical basis, often signal underlying psychological distress and have drawn growing interest, particularly concerning how developmental stressors may trigger dissociative responses in adolescents. Adolescence is marked by profound physical, emotional, and social transitions. For some adolescents, the cumulative pressures from these developmental demands can exceed their coping capacities, leading them to employ dissociation as a defense mechanism. This article employs a systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant literature on the theoretical frameworks that link developmental stress, adolescent psychological challenges, and the emergence of dissociative responses. It offers a cohesive understanding of DCD in the context of adolescent stress and coping dynamics.
Study of Family Functioning as a Predictor of Quality of Life in Caregivers of Individuals with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Authors: Kalra Hunny , Tung Suninder 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Caring for Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) patients significantly impacts caregivers’ quality of life (QOL). This study, rooted in Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model, explores the pivotal role of family functioning (FF) in navigating caregiving stressors.

Materials and Methods:
A sample of 128 primary caregivers for ADS patients were collected from two psychiatric hospitals in Amritsar, Punjab. Data were collected using assessment tools such as the World Health Organization QOL–BREF and Family Assessment Device and were analyzed through Pearson product-moment correlation and regression analysis.

Results:
Negative correlations across various FF domains in caregivers were observed, emphasizing the pervasive impact of family dynamics on well-being. The overall FF score demonstrated significant negative associations with specific QOL dimensions, indicating the multifaceted influence of FF. In addition, the linear regression analysis highlighted the robust predictive capacity of the overall FF score in influencing caregivers’ QOL (β = −0.603). FF contributed significantly, explaining 36% of the variance in QOL among ADS caregivers.

Conclusions:
Addressing challenges in specific FF domains, such as problem-solving and communication, can enhance overall QOL. The robust predictive capacity of the overall FF score emphasizes the need for holistic approaches, urging clinicians to integrate family-focused interventions into ADS treatment plans.
Health-related quality of life association with sociodemographic characteristics among children under-five with Down syndrome in Western Region Secondary Care Hospitals, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Shrouq R. , Alotaibi Amjad W. , Albalawi Asheqah M. , Aloufi Malak E. , El-Fatah Nesrin K. Abd 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of children with Down syndrome (DS) can be significantly affected by various physical, social, and cognitive elements. There is a scarcity of research on the HRQoL of Saudi children and its correlation with sociodemographic factors. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the HRQoL of children under the age of 5 years with DS in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
The study included children under 5 years with DS who were receiving care at secondary care hospitals in Taif, Mecca, and Jeddah. The children were accompanied by their parents or caregivers, who provided sociodemographic and child-specific data as well as medical information. They completed a validated TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire. The association between HRQoL and respondents’ characteristics was assessed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the TAPQOL scores and sociodemographic characteristics in children under the age of 5 years children with DS.

Results:
A total of 460 responded to the questionnaire. The overall HRQoL score was high. The scores for physical functioning were relatively high, particularly for motor functioning (mean = 86.64) and skin health (mean = 85.68). In addition, social functioning exhibited a lower level, with a significant difference (mean = 25.29). The cognitive functioning scores exhibited variability, with communication scoring relatively high (mean = 76.68), while positive mood (mean = 19.51) and liveliness (mean = 21.25) were significantly low. There was a significant correlation between the educational level and occupation of both fathers and mothers and their HRQoL. Specifically, individuals with higher education and stable employment had better HRQoL scores. Parents’ health also has an impact on HRQoL, with children of parents without comorbidities scoring higher. Furthermore, there was a significant association between higher sociodemographic levels of parents and improved HRQoL of the patients.

Conclusions:
The level of HRQoL among children with DS was high, particularly in the physical and cognitive domains. The sociodemographic factors of parents, specifically the level of education and occupation of fathers, have been identified as essential factors influencing HRQoL. Providing increased economic and educational support for families has a significant positive impact on the quality of life for these children.
Role of eye screening camp in detecting systemic diseases and promoting health-seeking behaviour in the rural population – A multi-centre study
Authors: Bhat Archana , Murali Kaushik , Paritekar Prajakta , Fathima Nafees , Gudimetla Jayamadhuri , Thulasidas Mithun , Likhitha K 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The ‘Gift of Vision’, a rural outreach eye programme, is a doorstep-to-doorstep programme that includes identification of curable eye ailments, logistical transport, and surgery at a base hospital. As part of these screening camps, a cursory systemic examination is conducted to identify systemic conditions that could increase morbidity while the patient is undergoing treatment for their eye conditions at the hospital. The purpose of the study was to analyse the benefit of outreach eye screening camps towards the 2030 agenda of promoting health and well-being in rural India.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective observational multi-centric study included patients attending eye camps and declared systemically unfit for cataract surgery, who were subjected to a structured questionnaire via a telephonic interview from April 2023 to December 2023. Patients’ health seeking behaviour and barriers to healthcare were analysed.

Results:
A total of 7906 patients from 35 camps were screened for cataract. A total of 1340 were found to be ‘unfit’ for surgery. A total of 606 patients responded to our telephonic interview. A total of 524 (86.5%) patients visited a primary health care physician for systemic treatment, and 466 (76%) were compliant with the medications. A total of 179 (29.5%) patients were newly detected with systemic comorbidity during outreach screening. Ignorance, time constraints, domestic issues, lack of family support, financial issues, and lack of transport were the common barriers to seeking healthcare.

Conclusion:
Outreach screening not only helps in improving vision in people with visual impairment in rural India but also provides opportunities to enforce health seeking behaviour for systemic comorbidities aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 3.
A prospective study identifying breast-feeding problems in lactating mothers in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Upadhye Jayshree J. , Parate Smita K. , Upadhye Aditi J. , Zade Rasika Dilip 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies and the community. However, many mothers discontinue breastfeeding because of the problems they encounter. The objective of this study was to find out the problems feeding mothers frequently face in the first 6 months after delivery and if feasible, correct them.

Material and Methods:
300 postpartum mothers took part in a prospective study from July to December 2023 at a tertiary care center.

Results:
In the present study, 135 (45%) subjects had delivery by cesarean section, 15 (5%) had an operative vaginal delivery, and 150 (50%) had a vaginal delivery. Sixty-six (22%) subjects initiated breastfeeding the baby within 2 hours of delivery; 213 (71%) subjects did it between 2 and 6 hours after delivery; 18 (6%) subjects did so between 6 and 24 hours after delivery. 216 babies (72%) had improper latching, 99 babies (33%) babies sleep while sucking, 24 babies (8%) had oral thrush, 27 babies (9%) had vomiting after feeding, 60 babies (20%) were low birth weight, while no baby (0%) had cleft lip. Eighteen mothers (6%) had sore nipples, 15 mothers (5%) complained of shooting pain during breastfeeding, 198 mothers (66%) had short or retracted nipples, 21 mothers (7%) had inadequate milk, 9 mothers (3%) had engorged breasts, while 3 mothers (1%) had mastitis.

Conclusion:
Improper latching due to short nipples is the most common problem. Education will minimize most of the feeding problems.
Assessment of goiter and iodine deficiency among school children in North Kashmir: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayoub Shifana , Bashir Khalid , Haq Inaamul , Khan S Muhammad Salim , Qurieshi Mariya Amin , Sumji Ishtiyaq Ahmad , Qadri Syed K. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) remain a significant public health challenge in developing countries, including India, where they contribute to goiter and other health impairments. Despite efforts to fortify salt with iodine, IDDs persist in regions like Kupwara, Kashmir, characterized by unique topography and socio-demographic diversity.

Objectives:
To assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school-aged children in Kupwara district, Kashmir. To evaluate iodine content in household salt samples and urinary iodine concentration as markers of iodine deficiency.

Methods:
A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 22 to March 31, 2022, involving 2,700 children aged 6–12 years selected using population proportionate to size (PPS) sampling from 30 clusters in Kupwara. Clinical examination for goiter was performed following WHO guidelines. Household salt iodine content was assessed through iodometric titration, and urinary iodine concentration was analyzed using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results:
Out of 2,700 children, 255 (9.44%) had Grade 1 goiter, and 17 (0.63%) had Grade 2 goiter, yielding a Total Goiter Rate (TGR) of 10.1%. Goiter prevalence was higher in females (11.2%) than males (9%). The highest TGR was observed in children aged 10 years (14.4%). Salt iodine content: 75% of samples contained 6.3 ppm iodine. Urinary iodine concentration: (1) 10.4% had mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. (2) 12.3% exhibited adequate iodine intake. (3) 31.4% showed excess iodine levels.

Conclusion:
The study highlights a moderate prevalence of goiter in Kupwara, with iodine deficiency remaining a significant concern despite fortified salt usage. The findings underscore the need for strengthened monitoring and public health interventions targeting iodine deficiency, especially among school-aged children.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension in rural and urban areas of Punjab: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder , Iqbal Syed A. , Mohammed Tareq I. , Radhavan Prithvi , Rajpal Shreya , Gajula Sahini , Rath Shree 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Context:
Hypertension is a growing concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries. In India, it significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Various states have reported an increasing incidence of hypertension, underscoring the need to assess its prevalence and associated risk factors.

Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension in Punjab, compare urban and rural areas, and identify the associated risk factors.

Settings and Design:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted across Ludhiana, Punjab, involving three urban areas and three villages.

Methods and Materials:
Residents aged 20 years and older were selected, and their blood pressure was measured according to JNC-7 guidelines. Other demographic details and personal histories, including alcohol consumption and hypercholesterolemia, were documented for each participant.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension in Ludhiana was 62%, with an equal distribution between rural and urban areas. However, fewer individuals in rural areas were aware of their hypertensive status, and the number of new cases was higher in these areas. Hypertension was notably more prevalent among males and those with lower educational backgrounds. Identified risk factors included obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high socioeconomic status (SES), salt intake, stress levels, alcohol consumption, hypercholesterolemia, and low literacy rates, which were more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban areas.

Conclusions:
Our study highlights the increasing incidence of hypertension in Punjab, emphasizing that rural populations are more likely to be unaware of their condition. This finding suggests a limited reach of adequate healthcare services in these areas.
Perceptions and practices regarding pesticide exposure among pregnant women in a south Indian teaching institution
Authors: Rajalakshmi M , Devi D. S. Karthika , Mohan Reenaa , Bupathy A 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58% of India’s population. In recent years, there have been pressing public health and food safety concerns related to pesticide residues. Pesticides are a class of man-made environmental chemicals that can affect the body’s development, growth, and hormone balance. Pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to pesticide exposure. Focusing on this population provides crucial data for designing protective interventions. Hence for formulating effective intervention strategy to combat this problem, proper quantification of the root cause was needed, hence the study was being conducted.

Methods:
Hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 pregnant mothers. The questionnaire was administered by the principal investigator in a simple local language. Chi-square test was done to find the association between socio-demographic variables and knowledge of pregnant mothers about fetal complications due to pesticide.

Results:
The overall knowledge about pesticide was through newspaper (44.3%) and social media (24.5%) whereas 84.1% believed pesticide has adverse effects on the fetus. It is shown that age <35 years, third trimester participants, educated participants, higher socio-economic status participants showed adequate knowledge about fetal complications due to pesticides.

Conclusions:
The study concluded that knowledge is adequate about pesticide exposure, but the practice is not. Safe pesticide practices during pregnancy are necessary to protect the developing fetus.
Understanding women’s knowledge and attitudes toward the use of emergency contraceptive methods at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Wali Razaz M. , Alageel Nourah A. , Alghamdi Bushra S. , Assiri Layali I. , Alshehri Wejdan A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective and safe choice for preventing unintended pregnancies if taken within the first 4 to 5 days. The review of existing literature indicates that EC options are often underused globally, primarily due to insufficient awareness among women.

Aim:
To determine the knowledge and attitude toward the use of EC methods among women at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Jeddah.

Materials and Methods:
This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional observational study. It was conducted among women of the reproductive age group (18–55 years) who visited the PHCCs at KAMC-J, Saudi Arabia from 1st of December 2023 to 31st of May 2024.

Statistical Analysis:
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used.

Results:
A total of 378 women took part in the study. The majority (47.6%) were aged between 26 and 35 years and 38.4% reported that they had no knowledge of EC and 61.6% reported they had knowledge about ER. The major source of knowledge was the Internet. (81.0%) reported their physician had not discussed EC with them and only 12.4% (47 participants) reported such a discussion, whereas 6.6% (25 participants) were unsure. Only a small percentage of participants (5.0%) reported having used EC. A significant association was found between knowledge about EC and several factors.

Conclusion:
This study showed that many participants at PHCCs at KAMC-J had insufficient knowledge of EC, with the Internet being the most common source of information. Demographic factors, such as age, marital status, education level, employment, number of children, income, and being a healthcare worker, were significantly associated with the level of EC knowledge.
Nurturing networks: Connecting the dots between social capital and antenatal care in south Karnataka, India
Authors: Johnson Avita R. , Arasu Sakthi , Rathnakumari S , Story William T. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the pillars of primary healthcare in India. Timely and appropriate ANC can reduce complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Social capital—the collective benefit for an individual when part of a larger society—has the potential to improve the uptake of ANC services.

Objective:
To assess social capital and its association with ANC utilization in a peri-urban area in south India.

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two sub-center areas of Anekal Taluk in Bangalore Urban District, south India. A total of 350 women were interviewed on socio-demography, obstetric history, ANC utilization, and social capital. A composite index for quality ANC was constructed from various ANC services and social capital was measured using a validated 13-item instrument. Bivariate associations with socio-demographic variables, obstetric factors, and social capital were assessed. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between quality ANC and social capital after controlling for covariates.

Results:
Mean age was 24.19 ± 3.56 years and mean education was 9.03 ± 4.98 years. Of all the women, 85% were homemakers and 70% belonged to the lower and middle classes. Quality ANC was achieved by 42.8% of the women. Being from Handenahalli subcentre (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.36–3.60), completing secondary (OR: 4.56; 95% CI: 1.86–11.17) or higher education (OR: 5.95; 95% CI: 2.28–15.51), being gainfully employed (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.06–4.48), belonging to middle class (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.24–4.53), and feeling like one belongs to the village (OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 1.73–40.11.53) were significant predictors of achieving quality ANC.

Conclusion:
Even though individual services of the ANC were achieved by more than 80% of women, quality ANC was accomplished by less than half. Apart from factors like education, occupation, and geographic area; social capital factors, like social cohesion, proved to be a strong predictor of quality ANC. Social capital should be leveraged to empower society to further strengthen access to quality ANC services.
Hybrid Technique with Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy for Accurate Imaging in Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Authors: Shanthi D. Sneha , Das Gautam , Bisu S. Oinam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Caudal epidural steroid injection is commonly given for chronic low back pain with radiculopathy. Ultrasound-guided injection has become a common alternative for fluoroscopy and has demonstrated a high success rate. However, intravascular or intrathecal injections cannot be monitored in ultrasound. In this case report, we encountered partial vascular dye entry despite negative aspiration of a needle. Hence, by using the hybrid technique of both ultrasound and fluoroscopy, we can integrate the advantages of both techniques and avoid major complications.
Pain History and Level of Discomfort Are Associated With Anthropometric Profiles in Young Female Adolescents in Ghana
Authors: King-Konu Beatrice , Andam Gifty Kuukuwa , Asiamah Grace Kesse , Brown Eleazer Kofi Mensah , Deku Prince De-Gualle , Moses Monday Omoniyi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Musculoskeletal disorders are commonly associated with the elderly. Recent studies have however focused on children experiencing musculoskeletal disorder. Further study will necessarily strengthen the argument of musculoskeletal disorders among children. This study establishes the association of pain history and level of discomfort and anthropometric indices among female adolescents in senior high schools.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to examine the pain history and level of discomfort among 146 senior high school female students aged between 14 and 20 years. A standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used for the analysis of musculoskeletal pain history and discomfort. A body discomfort chart was used to subjectively assess pain intensity. Anthropometric indices were measured with a standardized tool.

Results:
Approximately 52.7% of students had chronic and 37.0% had acute neck pain and 52.1% had chronic and 40.4% had acute lower back pain. The female students had chronic pain in all the various parts of their body assessed (neck 77 [52.7], shoulder 53 [36.3], elbow 20 [13.7], wrist/hand 45 [30.8], upper back 68 [46.6], lower back 76 [52.1], hip/thigh 44 [30.1], knee 60 [41.1], and ankle/feet 40 [27.4]). There was a positive association between pain history and level of discomfort and anthropometric indices, body mass index category, and pain history and level of discomfort. Anthropometric indices had a negative association with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusion:
Senior high school female students are living with chronic low back, hip/thigh, and ankle/feet pains associated with anthropometric indices. Regular and longitudinal musculoskeletal disorder assessment and pragmatic exercise interventions would attenuate its prevalence among female senior high school students.