Impact of COVID-19 vaccination status on hospitalization and disease severity: A descriptive study in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was extraordinarily harmful, with high rates of infection and hospitalization. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination status and other factors on hospitalization and disease severity, using data from Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection with vaccination status were included and the differences in characteristics between different vaccination statuses, hospitalization or not, and patients with varying levels of disease severity were analyzed. Furthermore, logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the association of various factors with hospitalization and disease severity. From March 14, 2020 to August 31, 2022, 23,139 patients were unvaccinated 13,668 vaccinated the primary program with one or two doses, and 4,575 completed the booster. Vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization with an odd ratio of 0.759 (95% CI: 0.654-0.881) and the protective effect of completed booster vaccination was more pronounced (OR: 0.261, 95% CI: 0.207-0.328). Similarly, vaccination significantly reduced the risk of disease severity (vaccinated primary program: OR: 0.191, 95% CI: 0.160-0.228; completed booster vaccination: OR: 0.129, 95% CI: 0.099-0.169). Overall, unvaccinated, male, elderly, immunocompromised, obese, and patients with other severe illness factors were all risk factors for COVID-19-related hospitalization and disease severity. Vaccination was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization and disease severity, and highlighted the benefits of completing booster.

Role of cell-free DNA levels in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis and bacteremia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis remains a major cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Prompt diagnosis and effective management are imperative for better outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we explore the potential of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as a promising tool for early sepsis detection and prognosis assessment, aiming to address limitations associated with traditional diagnostic methods.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we collected relevant literature from thirteen databases. Studies were included if they analyzed quantitative diagnostic or prognostic cfDNA levels in humans in case of sepsis. We collected data on basic study characteristics, baseline patient demographics (e.g. age and sex), and cfDNA levels across different stages of sepsis. Pooled SMD with 95%-CI was calculated, and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software facilitated meta-analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess cfDNA's combined sensitivity and specificity in diagnostics and prognostics.

RESULTS

We included a final of 44 studies, of which, only 32 with 2950 participants were included in the meta-analysis. cfDNA levels were higher in septic patients compared to healthy controls (SMD = 3.303; 95%-CI [2.461-4.145], p<0.01). Furthermore, cfDNA levels were higher in non-survivors than survivors (SMD = 1.554; 95%-CI [0.905-2.202], p<0.01). Prognostic studies demonstrated a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.78, while diagnostic studies showed a sensitivity of 0.81 and a specificity of 0.87.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that cfDNA levels are significantly higher in sepsis patients compared to control groups and non-survivors in comparison to survivors among both adult and pediatric populations.

New biomarkers for liver involvement by dengue infection in adult Vietnamese patients: a case-control study

Liver injury with marked elevation of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (AST) is commonly observed in dengue infection. To understand the pathogenesis of this liver damage, we compared the plasma levels of hepatic specific, centrilobular predominant enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, GLDH; glutathione S transferase-α, αGST), periportal enriched 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), periportal predominant arginase-1 (ARG-1), and other non-specific biomarkers (paraoxonase-1, PON-1) in patients with different outcomes of dengue infection. This hospital-based study enrolled 87 adult dengue patients, stratified into three groups based on plasma AST levels (< 80, 80-400, > 400 U/L) in a 1:1:1 ratio (n = 40, n = 40, n = 40, respectively. The new liver enzymes in the blood samples from the 4th to 6th days of their illness were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or colorimetric kits. Based on the diagnosis at discharge days, our patients were classified as 40 (46%) dengue without warning signs (D), 35 (40.2%) dengue with warning signs (DWS), and 11 (12.6%) severe dengue (SD) with either shock (two patients) or AST level over 1000 U/L (nine patients), using the 2009 WHO classification. The group of high AST (> 400 U/L) also had higher ALT, GLDH, ARG-1, and HPPD than the other groups, while the high (> 400 U/L) and moderate (80-400 U/L) AST groups had higher ALT, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD than the low AST group (< 80 U/L). There was a good correlation between AST, alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), and the new liver biomarkers such as GLDH, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD. Our findings suggest that dengue-induced liver damage initiates predominantly in the centrilobular area toward the portal area during the dengue progression. Moreover, these new biomarkers should be investigated further to explain the pathogenesis of dengue and to validate their prognostic utility.

Radiological Features of Herpetic Encephalitis in Children

BACKGROUND

Nonspecific clinical manifestations and unclear radiological features may delay treatment initiation in pediatric patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiological features of the disease.

METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained retrospectively from a group of 37 hospitalized pediatric patients older than two months and with a polymerase chain reaction-confirmed HSE diagnosis. Clinical severity (i.e., mechanical ventilatory support) and outcome at discharge (i.e., pediatric modified Rankin Scale [ped-mRS]) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Median age was 14 months (interquartile range: 10-36). All patients survived, 15 (41%) had complete recovery (i.e., ped-mRS = 0), and 10 (27%) had significant residual disability at discharge (i.e., ped-mRS ≥3). Brain MRI was obtained in 31 patients. T2-hyperintense lesions were usually bilateral (28, 90%) and multifocal (30, 97%). Hemorrhage and mass effect were observed in 13 (42%) and 15 (48%) patients, respectively. Parenchymal lesions involved the temporal lobes (94%), insula (90%), parietal lobes (84%), and frontal lobes (61%). Occipital lesions were rare. In multivariable binary logistic regression models the presence of altered consciousness was associated with mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR] = 8.2, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.22), whereas the involvement of the occipital lobes (OR = 7.8) and the administration of vasopressors (OR = 12.1) were independent predictors of poor outcome (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain MRI is useful for diagnosis and outcome assessment in pediatric HSE. Radiological patterns with common frontotemporal involvement overlap adults, but multifocal and parietal lobe abnormalities are observed as well.

Antimalarial activities of benzothiazole analogs: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Benzothiazole derivatives have been reported to possess a wide range of biological activities, including antimalarial activity. This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate the antimalarial activities of benzothiazole analogs.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic search using nine databases in October 2017 and subsequently updated in September 2022. We included all original in vitro and in vivo studies that documented the antimalarial activities of compounds containing benzothiazole analogs with no restriction. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed by ToxRTool.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight articles were included in our study, which are in vitro, in vivo, or both. Of these, 232 substances were identified to have potent antiplasmodial activity against various strains of the malaria parasite. Benzothiazole analogs show different antimalarial mechanisms, including inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum enzymes in in vitro studies and inhibition of blood parasites in in vivo studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Benzothiazole derivatives are promising substances for treating malaria. The structure-activity relationship studies suggest that the substitution pattern of the benzothiazole scaffold plays a crucial role in determining the antimalarial activity of the analog.

The prevalence of Pfk13 polymorphism in malaria patients treated with artemisinin-based therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Artemisinin (ART) combination therapy is the main treatment for malaria. Pfk13 mutations (or K13 mutations, Kelch 13) are associated with ART resistance. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of K13 mutations with ART resistance in malaria-endemic countries. An electronic search of studies in 2018 and a manual search in 2020 were performed to identify relevant studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Data analysis was performed using R 4.1.0. Heterogeneity was estimated using the statistic I2 and Cochran Q test. A total of 170 studies were included in our review. Of these, 55 studies investigated the prevalence of K13 mutations in Southeast Asia. The meta-analysis showed that Southeast Asia had the highest prevalence of K13 mutations, whereas Africa, South America, Oceania, and other Asian countries outside Southeast Asia had a low prevalence of K13 mutations. The C580Y mutation was the most common in Southeast Asia with 35.5% (95%CI: 25.4-46.4%), whereas the dominant mutation in Africa was K189T (22.8%, 95%CI: 7.6-43.2%). This study revealed the emergence of ART resistance associated with K13 mutations in Southeast Asia. The diversity of each type of K13 mutation in other regions was also reported.

A large cheek lipoma misdiagnosed as a dental infection: a rare case report

The most frequent benign tumor is lipoma. About 1-4% of people have intraoral lipomas. This uncommon case report shows a large cheek lipoma misinterpreted as dental infection. A 14-year-old girl with a right cheek tumor was diagnosed and treated for a dental infection. Multiple imaging examinations complete the diagnosis. A benign lipoma, common in subcutaneous tissues but unusual in the mouth, created the lesion. A histological investigation confirmed lipoma after extraoral excision under general anesthesia utilizing an external flap. The edema did not return after surgery, which restored face symmetry. This case study shows that diagnosing and treating oral and maxillofacial edema requires extensive clinical and radiographic testing. Lipomas should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis of mouth swelling even without usual risk markers to prevent excessive treatments and delays. Surgery is recommended for lipomas since it has a low recurrence and fewer risks.

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice toward Covid-19 and associated factors among outpatients in a rural hospital in Vietnam

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the critical role of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in disease containment. Understanding these aspects can guide health promotion initiatives and policy decisions.

Design and methods

This cross-sectional study examined the KAP concerning COVID-19 prevention in Vietnam. Participants' sociodemographic data, along with KAP toward COVID-19, were collected in a survey utilizing a standardized questionnaire. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with poor level of KAP.

Results

Of 335 participants, 97 (28.9%) had poor knowledge, 52 (15.5%) poor attitude, and 48 (14.3%) poor practices. Older age (OR = 2.23; p = 0.024), minority non-Kinh ethnicity (OR = 3.05; p = 0.03), education below high school (OR = 8.80; p < 0.001), limited social media access (OR = 2.86; p = 0.002), and limited mobile phone usage (OR = 3.08; p = 0.001) increased poor knowledge risks. Non-Kinh ethnicity (OR = 5.00; p = 0.005) and lower education (OR = 14.79; p < 0.001) were linked to poor attitude. Older age (OR = 2.26; p = 0.035), lower education (OR = 5.74; p = 0.003), and poor knowledge (OR = 3.33; p = 0.005) were associated with poor practices.

Conclusions

Elderly individuals, those with low education, and limited media access had elevated risks of poor KAP. Emphasizing public health media and targeted education, especially for underserved groups, is vital for effective epidemic management and future strategy planning.

Efficacy and safety of fenofibrate in combination with phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Phototherapy is the standard treatment for neonatal jaundice. We aimed to review the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate as an adjunct therapy. Twelve databases were searched and a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Mean change (MC), mean difference (MD), and risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the evidence's certainty. Nine randomized trials were included. The MC of total serum bilirubin (mg/dL) was significant at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h with respective MC (95% CI) values of -0.46 (-0.61, -0.310), -1.10 (-1.68, -0.52), -2.06 (-2.20, -1.91), -2.15 (-2.74, -1.56), and -1.13 (-1.71, -0.55). The FEN + PT group had a shorter duration of phototherapy (MD: -14.36 h; 95% CI: -23.67, -5.06) and a shorter hospital stay (MD: -1.40 days; 95% CI: -2.14, -0.66). There was no significant difference in the risk of complications (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.46) or the need for exchange transfusion (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.12, 2.81). The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes. In conclusion, fenofibrate might be a safe adjunct to neonatal phototherapy. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed for the confirmation of these results.

Outcomes of balloon angioplasty and stent placement for iliac artery lesions classified as TASC II A, B: a single-center study

Background

Iliac artery stenosis or occlusion is a critical condition that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. The effectiveness of balloon angioplasty and intraluminal stenting for the treatment of iliac artery lesions classified as TASC II A and B was evaluated in this single-center prospective study.

Methods

Conducted between October 2016 and September 2020 at Cho Ray Hospital's Vascular Surgery Department, this prospective study involved PAD patients categorized by TASC II A and B classifications who underwent endovascular intervention. Intervention outcomes were assessed peri-procedure and during short-term and mid-term follow-ups.

Results

Of the total of 133 patients, 34.6% underwent balloon angioplasty, while 65.4% received stenting. The immediate technical success rate was 97.7%, while the clinical success rate was 62.4%. Complications were minimal, with major limb amputation reported in 1.5% of the cases. There was a significant improvement in Rutherford classification and ABI at short-term follow-up, with a patency rate of 90.2%. The mid-term post-intervention follow-up yielded similar results with an 86.1% patency rate. The mortality rates associated with arterial occlusion were 2.3% during short-term follow-up and 1.7% during mid-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Balloon angioplasty and stent placement are effective and safe interventions for TASC II A and B iliac artery occlusions with favorable short and mid-term outcomes. Further, multi-center studies with larger sample sizes are recommended for more comprehensive conclusions, including long-term follow-up assessment.

Anxiety and its risk factors among non-Japanese residents living in Japan undergoing COVID-19 situation: A cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION

In the context of collective efforts taken in Japan to control the spread of COVID-19, the state of emergency and social distancing have caused a negative impact on the mental health of all residents, including foreign communities in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the level of anxiety and its associated factors among non-Japanese residents residing in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A web-based survey in 13 languages was conducted among non-Japanese residents living in Japan during the COVID-19 situation. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory assessed the level of anxiety-State (STAI-S) scores prorated from its six-item version. The multivariable logistic regression using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was performed to identify the associated factors of anxiety among participants.

RESULTS

From January to March 2021, we collected 392 responses. A total of 357 valid responses were analyzed. 54.6% of participants suffered from clinically significant anxiety (CSA). In multivariable logistic model analysis, the CSA status or the high level of anxiety was associated with three factors, including having troubles/difficulties in learning or working, decreased sleep duration, and decreased overall physical health (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests several possible risk factors of anxiety among non-Japanese residents living in Japan undergoing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the troubles or difficulties in learning or working, the decrease in sleep duration, and the decrease in overall physical health.

Disaster after disaster: the outbreak of infectious diseases in Pakistan in the wake of 2022 floods

In June 2022, Pakistan witnessed catastrophic floods, affecting millions of people. The ensuing epidemics of cholera, cryptosporidiosis, rotavirus infections, generalized diarrhoea, typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, as well as the frequency of vector-borne diseases including malaria and dengue fever, are studied in this investigation. It also explores the latest outbreak of poliomyelitis and the frequency of respiratory diseases such COVID-19, diphtheria, and tuberculosis, as well as how floods have contributed to skin and eye problems. The report also describes the obstacles governments must overcome in order to manage these health emergencies and offers possible solutions for reducing the effects of ongoing and anticipated epidemics. This flood emphasizes the pressing need for international action and acts as an alarming indicator of the significant impact of climate change. It emphasizes how crucial it is to have effective flood response and preparation strategies in developing nations that are vulnerable to natural disasters.

A comprehensive review of Langya virus and framework for future zoonotic disease control

First reported in August 2022, the Langya virus (LayV) has emerged as a potential global health threat in the post-COVID-19 era. Preliminary reports show that 35 patients near Shandong and Henan, China experienced a febrile acute LayV infection. We conducted this review following the PRISMA protocol to synthesise current knowledge on LayV's characteristics in terms of molecular, clinical, and public health perspectives. This virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and carries a non-segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome. Shrews may be the natural reservoir of the virus. Clinical symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe manifestations involving pneumonia, haematological disorders, and organ dysfunction. Diagnostic methods include PCR and ELISA assays. Despite the absence of established treatments, antiviral drugs such as ribavirin and chloroquine may be useful in some cases. In light of prevention, a comprehensive approach that emphasises multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for early surveillance and response. Urgent global efforts are needed for vaccine development and preparedness against this potential pandemic threat. As the viral dynamics remain uncertain, a proactive approach is vital to mitigate the impact of not only LayV but also future threats on a large scale in long term.

Vaccine acceptance, determinants, and attitudes toward vaccine among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally, with vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH) at higher risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the prevalence and key factors contributing to vaccine acceptance experienced by PEH.

METHODS

The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391659). We included studies that reported relevant information about vaccine acceptance or vaccine hesitant/refusal among PEH. Eight databases were systematically searched in January 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for the prevalence of vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Attitudes toward vaccines were combined into bar charts.

RESULT

A total of 29 papers were included in this systematic review and 19 papers were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PEH was 66% (95%CI: 58%-73%). Our meta-regression showed vaccine acceptance was significantly increased over time. Moreover, subgroup meta-analysis showed that PEH were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine after June 2021 (78%, 95%CI: 65%-86%) compared with earlier period (56%, 95%CI: 54%-59%). Subgroup meta-analysis also revealed that women and participants without underlying medical condition (chronic diseases) were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to men and those with medical conditions, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance among PEH, especially at the early stage of the pandemic, among females, those without underlying medical conditions, being Black (in Canada and the USA), and young people. These interventions should address the common concerns of vaccine safety, adverse effects, effectiveness, and distrust in health care systems. In addition to offering vaccinations in different areas convenient to them, education programs could be established to increase vaccine acceptance among PEH.

Barriers to the hospital treatment among Bede snake charmers in Bangladesh with special reference to venomous snakebite

Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening global public health issue with Bangladesh having one of the highest rates of snakebite cases. The Bede, a nomadic ethnic group in Bangladesh, traditionally engages in snake-related business such as snake charming. The Bede relies on their own ethnomedicinal practitioners for snakebite treatment while there is a lack of concrete evidence on the effectiveness of such ethnomedicinal treatment. To identify the barriers to the utilization of biomedical treatment for snakebite we conducted interviews with 38 Bede snake charmers, who have experienced snakebite, and six family members of those who died of snakebite. Our results show that four critical barriers, Accessibility, Affordability, Availability, and Acceptability (4As), prevented some of the Bede from seeking biomedical treatment. Moreover, we found that a few Bede died of a snakebite every year. There are survivors of snakebite who were able to receive biomedical treatment by overcoming all of the 4As. Our results provide insights into the current state of snakebite treatment in Bangladesh and can inform the development of more effective and accessible treatment options for those affected. Partnership between the public sector and the Bede community has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing snakebite morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh.

Reemergence of Marburgvirus disease: Update on current control and prevention measures and review of the literature

In 1967, the very first case of the Marburgvirus disease (MVD) was detected in Germany and Serbia sequentially. Since then, MVD has been considered one of the most serious and deadly infectious diseases in the world with a case-fatality rate between 23% and 90% and a substantial number of recorded deaths. Marburgvirus belongs to the family of Filoviridae (filoviruses), which causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). Some major risk factors for human infections are close contact with African fruit bats, MVD-infected non-human primates, and MVD-infected individuals. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, which emphasizes the seriousness of this disease. In July 2022, the World Health Organization reported outbreaks of MVD in Ghana after two suspected VHF cases were detected. This was followed in February and March 2023 with the emergence of the virus in two countries new to the virus: Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, respectively. In this review, we aim to highlight the characteristics, etiology, epidemiology, and clinical symptoms of MVD, along with the current prevention measures and the possible treatments to control this virus.

Perceptions of Obstetrics/Gynecology Surgeons on Non-medically Indicated Cesarean Sections: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Numerous factors can influence decisions regarding the type of delivery of human babies. There is an increasing demand for non-medically indicated cesarean sections (CS) (non-miCS) or CS on request (CSor). Therefore, this survey study aimed to identify the factors that may foster the decision of CS among obstetricians.

METHODS

After the sample size calculation returned with 132 needed participants, confidence surveys were sent electronically or disseminated in paper form to nearly all obstetricians (around 200) in the province between mid-August 2021 and mid-February 2022. After signing the consent form, obstetricians were able to provide responses to the four sections of the questionnaire. Data from the copies of the paper were entered into Excel by a local data collector. The data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) and followed the following sequence: summary statistics were done first; then the groups (for and against non-miCS) were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA); and, finally, regression models were conducted to determine the factors that may affect the favorability of doing non-miCS.

RESULTS

A total of 104 obstetricians responded to the survey. Approximately 62.5% of them performed CSor for women who requested it. In addition, more than half (57.7%) agreed that all women had the right and autonomy to choose their mode of delivery. Most providers (65.4) agreed that fear of vaginal delivery (VD) and a bad experience with it are rational reasons for performing a CSor. Unfortunately, some obstetricians (18.3%) faced lawsuits when they refused to perform CSor. As for the factors that may influence the acceptance of obstetricians to non-miCS, it was found that obstetricians who are unsure or refuse to answer (OR=4.30, 95%-CI 1.25-16.29, p=0.025), along with people who do not always perform CSor (OR=4.33, 95%-CI 1.59-12.50, p=0.005) or even refuse it (3.54, 95%-CI 1.05-12.96, p=0.046), are more likely to agree that women have the right to request CSor.

CONCLUSION

The surge in CSor rates was mostly correlated with an attempt to escape the fear of VD. However, given the wide discrepancies in obstetricians' opinions in this survey, we cannot draw firm conclusions about the reasons behind this phenomenon. It is also important to explore possible ways to address the problem, such as through litigation with providers who refuse to perform a CSor and through economic reform to protect women from money-grubbing obstetricians.

The role of nursing leadership in promoting evidence-based nursing practice

Although the undermining of the nursing profession, time constraints, and the lack of inclusive teaching of evidence-based nursing (EBN) in the nursing school's curriculum have long been identified as being some of the main barriers to the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) by nurses, the specific role of nurse leaders in directly influencing and supporting evidence-based nursing is not well demonstrated. This opinion piece discusses potential factors that influence the implementation of EBP into clinical routine practice, as well as how nursing leadership styles can contribute to its promotion in contemporary healthcare settings.

Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life and associated factors in a low-middle income country

BACKGROUND

Although breastfeeding is practiced by 98% of mothers in Vietnam, infant breastfeeding behaviors remain far from World Health Organization recommendations and continues to decline. This study aims to explore the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of an infant's life.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered maternal questionnaire to collect data on 1072 Vietnamese mothers who brought infants aged between 6 and 30 months to a community health centre (CHC) for routine vaccination. Data collection was conducted from March to May 2021 in two cities in Central and North Vietnam. In order to measure exclusive breastfeeding, we asked mothers to recall (yes / no), if the child had received breast milk, formula, colostrum milk powder, water, vitamin / medicine, fruit juice / honey, and complementary foods aged under six months.

RESULTS

In the first six months, 14.2% of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between exclusive infant breastfeeding and the highest maternal education level (university or postgraduate) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10, 5.91); male infants (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.11, 2.68); duration of skin-to-skin contact greater than 90 min (aOR 7.69; 95% CI 1.95, 30.38); receiving first breastfeeding during skin-to-skin contact (aOR 2.31; 95% CI 1.30, 4.10); completely feeding infant directly at the breast (aOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.00, 2.71) and exclusive breastfeeding intention during pregnancy (aOR 2.48; 95% CI 1.53, 4.00). When compared with mothers who were prenatally exposed to infant formula advertising classified as "often", the prevalence of exclusive infant breastfeeding was higher in mothers who classified their prenatal exposure to infant formula advertising as "sometimes" (aOR 2.15; 95% CI 1.13, 4.10), and "seldom" (aOR 2.58; 95% CI 1.25, 5.36).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of mothers who practiced exclusive infant breastfeeding during the first six months in Vietnam was low. Infants should receive early maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact greater than 90 min and complete first breastfeeding during skin-to-skin contact. Further, mothers should be protected against infant formula advertisements to maximise the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding during the child's infancy.