Abstract:Active and passive surveillance data from health facilities in the Yungas region were analyzed to characterize cutaneous leishmaniasis epidemiology between 2020-2025. A total of 1,847 confirmed cases were identified, with annual incidence rates ranging from 185 to 312 per 100,000 population. Peak transmission occurred during rainy season months, with agricultural workers and children showing highest attack rates. Leishmania braziliensis was identified in 89% of characterized samples, informing treatment guidelines and prevention strategies.
Abstract:A cross-sectional survey assessed self-medication practices and knowledge about antibiotic resistance among 628 university students in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Self-medication was reported by 72% of respondents, with antibiotics being the most commonly self-administered drugs (34%). Only 38% of students correctly identified antimicrobial resistance as a public health threat. Pharmacy students showed significantly better knowledge compared to non-health science students, suggesting need for public health education on appropriate antibiotic use.
Abstract:Water quality assessments and diarrheal disease surveillance were conducted in 24 rural indigenous communities in the departments of Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Microbiological testing revealed E. coli contamination in 78% of household water samples, with fecal coliform counts exceeding WHO guidelines in 65% of community water sources. Annual diarrheal incidence was 3.2 episodes per child under five, strongly correlated with water contamination levels and distance to improved water sources.
Abstract:Growth parameters and developmental milestones were assessed in 186 children with congenital heart disease compared to 200 age-matched controls in pediatric cardiology clinics across Punjab province, Pakistan. Children with CHD showed significantly higher rates of stunting (42% vs 18%), wasting (35% vs 12%), and developmental delays (48% vs 15%). Cyanotic CHD and delayed surgical intervention were associated with worse nutritional and developmental outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care including nutritional support.
Abstract:This cross-sectional study assessed mental health outcomes among 524 healthcare workers across 12 hospitals in Central Java province using validated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 instruments. Moderate to severe depression symptoms were reported by 28% of participants, while 31% showed moderate to severe anxiety. Significant predictors included working in COVID-19 units, inadequate personal protective equipment during the pandemic, and lack of psychological support services. Implementation of workplace mental health programs is urgently recommended.
Abstract:This observational study evaluated the relationship between vitamin D status and glycemic control in 340 type 2 diabetes patients attending diabetes clinics in Assiut and Sohag governorates, Egypt. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was present in 67% of patients and was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels (8.4% vs 7.2%, p<0.001), increased insulin resistance, and poorer lipid profiles. Vitamin D supplementation trials are warranted to assess potential benefits for diabetes management in this population.
Abstract:A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among 420 women delivering in rural health facilities across Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. Significant risk factors included prolonged labor (OR=3.2), previous history of PPH (OR=4.8), multiple pregnancy (OR=2.9), and anemia (OR=2.1). Active management of the third stage of labor reduced PPH incidence by 62%, supporting expanded training for skilled birth attendants in low-resource settings.
Abstract:This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among 856 HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral clinics in Kano and Kaduna states, Nigeria. Results showed HBV co-infection rate of 11.2% and HCV co-infection rate of 4.7%, with 1.3% triple infection. Risk factors associated with co-infection included history of blood transfusion, scarification marks, and multiple sexual partners, highlighting the need for integrated screening programs.
Abstract:Healthcare workers play critical roles in both disease transmission prevention and vaccination promotion, yet their own immunization coverage often remains suboptimal. This cross-sectional survey assessed vaccination status and attitudes among 2,845 healthcare workers across 18 public hospitals in Venezuela. Self-reported influenza vaccination coverage was 45%, hepatitis B 72%, and COVID-19 primary series 89%. Significant gaps existed for tetanus boosters (58%) and MMR verification (34%). Vaccine hesitancy, measured using validated scales, was present in 18% of respondents, with concerns about side effects and efficacy being primary drivers. Physicians showed higher vaccination rates than nursing staff (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3). Barriers included vaccine unavailability (reported by 67%), inconvenient vaccination times (45%), and lack of institutional policies (38%). Hospitals with dedicated occupational health programs achieved 25% higher coverage rates. Mandatory vaccination policies combined with convenient on-site services and educational interventions are recommended to optimize healthcare worker immunization.
Abstract:Congenital Zika syndrome encompasses a spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, yet long-term outcomes remain incompletely characterized. This prospective cohort study followed 156 children with confirmed congenital Zika virus infection from birth through age three years. Microcephaly was present in 34% at birth, with an additional 18% developing postnatal microcephaly. Neuroimaging abnormalities included brain calcifications (72%), ventriculomegaly (58%), and cortical malformations (45%). Neurodevelopmental assessment revealed motor delays in 78%, language delays in 82%, and cognitive impairment in 65%. Epilepsy developed in 42%, with infantile spasms being the most common seizure type. Visual impairment affected 56% and hearing loss 12%. Zika virus RNA persisted in cerebrospinal fluid beyond 12 months in 23% of severely affected children. Early intervention services improved developmental trajectories, with children receiving intensive therapy showing 40% better outcomes on standardized assessments. These findings inform long-term care planning and resource allocation for affected families.