The Effect of Diabetes and the Diabetogenic TBC1D4 p.Arg684Ter Variant on Kidney Function in Inuit in Greenland

ObjectiveDiabetes prevalence in Greenland is high and increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of diabetes and the diabetogenic TBC1D4 variant on kidney function in Greenland in a population-based setting.Research Design and MethodsHealth survey data and TBC1D4 genotypes from 5,336 Greenlanders was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of albuminuria (>30 mg/g creatinine) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2), comparing individuals with and without diabetes. Using baseline and follow-up data from individuals who participated in two surveys we examined the effect of diabetes on eGFR and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) at follow-up, stepwise adjusting for baseline confounders including the TBC1D4 variant.ResultsA total of 9.3% had diabetes of the 3,909 participants with complete data. Albuminuria and CKD was found in 27.6% and 9.5% among those with and without diabetes respectively. Diabetes was associated with increased risk of albuminuria (OR(95% CI) = 2.37 (1.69,3.33) p<0.001) and the TBC1D4 variant protected against albuminuria (OR(95% CI) = 0.44 (0.22,0.90) p=0.02) in a multivariable model. Neither diabetes nor the TBC1D4 variant significantly associated with CKD. Diabetes was not associated with changes in eGFR or UACR over a median of 11.3 years.ConclusionDiabetes conferred increased risk of albuminuria and the TBC1D4 variant was associated with decreased risk of albuminuria, but neither were associated with CKD. The presence/absence of diabetes did not predict changes in eGFR and UACR in longitudinal analyses. The potential renoprotective association of the TBC1D4 variant on albuminuria calls for further studies.

Prevalence and Determinants of Anaemia among Reproductive-aged Women in Ethiopia: A Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study

Anaemia in reproductive-aged women is a worldwide health problem. This study was aimed to assess prevalence and determinants of anaemia among reproductive-aged women in Ethiopia. Data for the study were obtained from 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data, which is a national representative cross-sectional data. A Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to identify determinants of anaemia among reproductive-aged women. A total of 14460 women who aged 15 to 49 years were included in the study. Prevalence of anaemia of among reproductive-aged women was 27.08% (95% CI: 22.88, 31.08%). Women living in Afar (AOR=2.439; 95% CI: 2.006, 2.968), Amhara (AOR=1.269; 95% CI: 1.035, 1.556), Somalia (AOR=2.592; 95% CI: 2.142, 3.133), Benshangul-Gumuz (AOR=2.019; 95% CI: 1.666, 2.447), Gambela (AOR=2.465; 95% CI: 2.026, 2.998) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Women with 1 or 2 children (AOR=1.272; 95% CI: 1.103, 1.466), 3 or 4 children (AOR=1.277; 95% CI: 1.059, 1.539) and 5 or more (AOR=1.420; 95% CI: 1.213, 1.662) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Further, pregnant women (AOR=1.408; 95% CI: 1.263, 1.570) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Hence, concerned bodies need to pay special attention to women regarding anaemia based on place of residence and the region.

Cannabis use, attitudes, regulation and health: Survey data from an urban population of users and non-users

Background: Although illegal in most countries, cannabis remains the most common illicit drug in Switzerland and worldwide. While there is growing evidence on adverse effects of cannabis use, most users do not report any problems or negative consequences. In the face of a sustained high prevalence of cannabis use and the recent legalization waves in different parts of the world, it is important to know how cannabis is perceived in the general population and how current users regulate their own use. The present study aims to investigate users’ and non-users’ attitudes towards cannabis regulations and towards current users. Additionally, self-rated health measures as well as protective behavioral strategies and other cannabis related variables were assessed.Design and Method: We collected data from 380 current users and 659 non-users who were recruited by invitation letter or online media platforms. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistical procedures.Results: Results revealed that both groups favor moderate cannabis regulation measures over prohibition and no regulation at all. On average, they report the same subjective health. Protective strategies are often used and are associated with better health and lower severity of dependence in cannabis users.Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate that safe use of cannabis is possible for most users, while there is a group of users at risk of 15-20 %, which may benefit from control by regulatory measures.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Antenatal Care Utilization in Western Regions of Ethiopia: A study Based on Demographic and Health Survey Data

Antenatal care (ANC) service is used to ensure the best health conditions for both mother and baby during pregnancy. There are marked disparities in the utilization of ANC utilization among regions of Ethiopia. Hence, this study was intended to analyze the magnitude and associated factors of ANC utilization in Western Regions of Ethiopia. The study was conducted based on 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey data. A total of 1200 women representing the three regions (Oromiya, Benishangul Gumuz and Gambela), who gave birth two years preceding the survey were included and the analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the net effect of associated factors of ANC utilization. Among the studied participants, 39.9%, 51.0% and 27.8%of women in Oromiya, Benishangul Gumuz and Gambela regions, respectively, received a minimum of four ANC visits from the skilled health personnel. The result from multiple logistic regression depicted that age in 5- year group, region, place of residence, maternal education and wealth index were significantly associated with the utilization of ANC service. The utilization of ANC service was higher among young women than old women while women in Benishangul Gumuz were more likely to receive ANC service than women in Gambela region. Better education attainment increases the likelihood of receiving ANC service from the skilled personnel. Urban women as well as rich women were more likely to receive ANC service than their respective rural and poor counterparts in the studied regions. Providing awareness creation on ANC utilization for women of fertile age is a best instrument to minimize maternal and child mortality.

Female Education and Contraceptives Use in Nigeria

Contraceptive use is considered important for protecting women’s health and rights, influencing fertility and population growth. This study examined the impact of female education on the use of contraceptives and fertility rate in Nigeria using 2013 and 2018 cohorts of Demography and Health Survey Data. The survey covers women ages 15 to 49 years. The study shows that women’s education, income level, and cultural value are important in explaining women’s reproductive behaviour. The results reveal that female education has a positive significant effect on contraceptives use and a significant negative effect on fertility rate. The contraceptives use and fertility models show that the effects become stronger with an increase in the level of education. Notably, the study shows no significant difference in the behavioural pattern of the factors that influenced contraceptive use and fertility rate in the 2013 and 2018 cohorts of demography and health survey data. The study concludes that female education is vital in encouraging the use of contraceptives and controlling the fertility rate. Hence, the government should invest more in women education to increase women's use of contraceptives, control fertility, and population growth, protect women's health and stimulate sustainable economic development.