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Health‐Related Quality of Life of Adults With Long COVID: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Primary Care

ABSTRACT

Aims

To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adults with Long COVID 2 years and beyond after COVID-19 illness.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Health status was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L instrument among 226 adults diagnosed in primary care with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 during the 2021 pandemic. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using a standardized questionnaire with a set of validated clinical outcomes for Long COVID. The sample consisted of adults aged ≥ 18 years who attended the specified ambulatory settings, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and agreed to be interviewed; the response rate was 70%. Health utility scores were compared between adults with and without Long COVID. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to investigate the relationship between Long COVID and health-related quality of life outcomes.

Data Sources

Primary data were collected from six public Family Health Care Units in João Pessoa, Brazil, between May 2023 and July 2024.

Results

Adults with Long COVID had statistically significantly lower median utility scores (0.784, IQR: 0.633–0.902) than those without persistent symptoms (1.0, IQR: 0.877–1.0). Poorer HRQOL was more evident among women, older adults, non-White individuals, participants with pre-existing chronic diseases, and those with lower educational attainment. Long COVID was associated with impairments in anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort and usual activities.

Conclusion

Adults with Long COVID experienced poorer HRQOL 2 years or longer after mild-to-moderate infection compared with those without persistent symptoms, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, education level or comorbidities. These findings support the implementation of targeted interventions and rehabilitation services in primary care for individuals experiencing long-term health problems following COVID-19 illness.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Identifying adults at greater risk of persistent health impairments following COVID-19 may help health professionals, caregivers and policymakers better address the aspects of patients' lives that lack quality and develop a multidisciplinary approach in primary care to managing this condition.

Impact

What problem did the study address? ○

This study examined the association between persistent symptoms 2 years or longer after non-severe COVID-19 illness and health-related quality of life.

What were the main findings? ○

Long COVID was associated with poorer health-related quality of life, particularly in the domains of anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort and usual activities.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? ○

The findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary management of long-term health problems among adult COVID-19 survivors in primary care.

Reporting Methods

The STROBE checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Community awareness of climate change and its public health impacts in the North Bank Region, The Gambia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Por: Kinteh · B. · Darboe · L. · Badjie · M. · Gaye · M. S. · Ceesay · S. · Kongira · A. · Sillah · S. O. · Barrow · A.
Objectives

Climate change poses significant public health challenges globally, particularly in vulnerable regions such as The Gambia. Despite growing recognition of environmental impacts, limited research has examined community-level awareness of climate change health effects in West African settings. This study aimed to assess household awareness and perceptions of climate change impacts on public health among vulnerable communities in the North Bank Region, The Gambia and identify socio-demographic determinants of climate change awareness.

Design and setting

In this study, we conducted a community-based cross-sectional study. Using multistage sampling, we selected 35 communities across seven districts. Data were collected via structured questionnaires administered in local languages (Mandinka, Wolof, Fula) using KoboToolbox.

Participants

This study was conducted among 868 residents aged ≥18 years in the North Bank Region between January and February 2024.

Results

Overall, 85.7% (n=744) of respondents had heard about climate change, with radio (53.6%) being the primary information source. Participants demonstrated high awareness of certain climate hazards, such as excessive heat (76.4%) and altered rainfall patterns (55.2%), but less so for other hazards, such as flooding (30.3%). Respondents correctly identified multiple health impacts to health and livelihoods, including heat stress (65.8%), dehydration (57.3%), respiratory diseases (73.6%), waterborne diseases (59.0%) and crop failure (86.4%). Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (>39 years: adjusted OR (aOR)=2.50, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.21) and tertiary education (aOR=3.93, 95% CI 1.50 to 10.30) were independent predictors of climate change awareness. Approximately 77% of participants reported experiencing climate change effects in their communities within the past 5 years.

Conclusion

This first comprehensive assessment of climate-health awareness in the North Bank Region of The Gambia reveals substantial community recognition of climate change and its health consequences. Significant disparities in awareness by age and educational attainment indicate that targeted educational interventions focused on younger populations and those with limited formal education are warranted.

Self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors among hair dressers of Debre Berhan City in North Eastern Ethiopia

by Belachew Tekleyohannes Wogayehu

Introduction

The prevalent condition known as hand eczema has been associated with substantial decreased quality of life, as well as considerable social and occupational expenses. Even though hairdressing is a significant source of wealth, it is linked to several kinds of medical problems mainly skin conditions. Limited studies conducted in Ethiopia to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors.

Objective

This study aims to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 hairdressers of Debre Berhan city in North Eastern Ethiopia from January 10 to February 20, 2025. A simple random sampling technique was used to select hair dressers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Nordic occupational skin questionnaire and observational checklist through face to face interview and observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors of hand eczema.

Results

Prevalence of hand eczema among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city was 56.9%. Poor knowledge (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.199–4.963), not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.183–7.012), low hand washing frequency per day (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.399–6.433) and not taking OHS training (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.617–8.709) were identified factors of hand eczema.

Conclusions

Prevalence of hand eczema among hair dressers in Debre Berhan city was high. Poor knowledge, not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years, low hand washing frequency per day and not taking OHS training were identified factors. Hair dressers should utilize proper type of personal protective equipment before starting any activities in the work place. Inclusion of hand eczema education in Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) or policy-level interventions would enhance occupational health awareness, early prevention strategies and long-term skin protection practices among hairdressers.

Development and validation of a risk prediction model for preterm premature rupture of membranes: a cross-sectional study at North Wollo Zone governmental hospitals, Northern Ethiopia

Por: Emagneneh · T. · Mulugeta · C. · Yimer · N. B. · Ejigu · B. · Alamrew · A. · Tsegaye · D. · Nega · A. T. · Yetwale · A.
Objectives

To develop and validate a risk prediction model for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) to enable early identification of at-risk women and support clinical decision-making in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

Design

A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Six public hospitals in the North Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 1098 pregnant women were included in the study using systematic random sampling.

Primary outcome measures

Occurrence of PPROM.

Methods

Data were collected between 20 November 2023 and 20 March 2024, using structured interviews and medical record reviews. A risk prediction model was developed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and logistic regression. Model performance was assessed through area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Internal validation was conducted via bootstrap resampling. A simplified risk score was created to categorise women into high-risk and low-risk groups, and its clinical utility was evaluated using decision curve analysis.

Results

Among the 1098 participants (100% response rate), the mean age was 21.54 years (IQR: 18–26), with 57.2% aged 20–34 years. The prevalence of PPROM was 10.75% (95% CI 9.01% to 12.77%). Seven significant predictors were identified: maternal age

Conclusions

PPROM remains a significant obstetric complication in the study area. The validated risk prediction model showed moderate to good performance and can be used to support early screening and risk-based management in antenatal care (ANC). Integrating the tool into routine ANC services, along with health education and management of modifiable risk factors, may help reduce PPROM-related adverse outcomes. Further external validation is recommended.

Comparison of nutritional status and dietary intake among khat (Catha edulis) chewer and non-chewer women of reproductive age in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Por: Wogayehu · B. · Demissie · T. · Wolka · E. · Alemayehu · M.
Objective

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status and dietary intake between khat chewer and non-chewer women of reproductive age in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia.

Design

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

The study was conducted in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 792 (396 khat chewers and 396 non-chewers) women of reproductive age were selected by a simple random sampling technique from 20 June 2023 to 26 August 2023.

Outcome measures

Dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-hour recall method. The nutrient adequacy ratio and mean adequacy ratio were applied to estimate the adequacy of micronutrients. Standing height was measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer to the nearest 0.1 cm, and weight of the women was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg on a battery-powered digital scale (Seca Gmbh & Co. KG, Germany). A linear regression model was fitted to determine the relationship between nutritional status and khat chewing. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of nutrient intake inadequacy among the two study groups. A p value of

Results

Women who chewed khat had a higher prevalence of underweight (36.6%) than those who did not (9.4%). The mean (SD) body mass index for khat chewer women was 48.66±5.39 kg, while that of non-chewer women was 55.29±6.75 kg. Women who chewed khat were significantly more likely to be underweight than those who had never chewed khat (β = –1.91, 95% CI –2.30 to –1.53; p12 (AOR=2.79 (95% CI 1.79 to 4.36), p

Conclusions

Women who chewed khat were significantly more likely to be underweight compared with those who had never chewed khat. Khat chewers were more likely than non-chewers to have inadequate carbohydrate, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc and calcium intake. Public health interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of women of reproductive age should develop strategies to address the spread of khat-chewing habits.

Trends over time in age-standardised prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in Senegal between 1975 and 2021 by sex: an ecological study from the WHO Inequality Data Repository

Por: Ka · M. M. · Gaye · N. D. · Tukakira · J. · Kyem · D. · Gary-Webb · T. · Sattler · L. · Jobe · M. · Gaye · B.
Objective

We aimed to analyse the time trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in Senegal from 1975 to 2021.

Design

Ecological study of publicly available data from the WHO Health Inequality Data Repository.

Setting

Disaggregated datasets from publicly available sources.

Primary outcome

Trends of age-standardised prevalence rates, stratified by sex for tobacco use, obesity, diabetes and hypertension, were analysed for significance.

Participants

Only data from Senegal were included in this study.

Results

Tobacco use decreased in both sexes between 2000 and 2021, from 1.7% to 0.7% (p value 0.04) in females and from 28.1% to 12.8% (p value 0.04) in males. Obesity and overweight increased in both sexes between 1975 and 2016, from 14.2% to 35.9% (p value

Conclusion

Our findings highlight changes in cardiometabolic risk factors in Senegal between 1975 and 2020 by sex. While tobacco use declined, rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension increased. These findings underscore the need for strategies to mitigate this increase in cardiometabolic risk factors and a consequential rise in non-communicable diseases.

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