Qatar Journal of Public Health - العدد الحالي

Background: The physical performance of any occupation depends on an individual’s nutrition and health, which is directly linked to good dietary practices. The objective of the present study is to explore the impact of diet and nutrient consumption on the nutritional status of fishermen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 fishermen and 51 non-fishermen aged 25–60 years in the selected coast of Purba (East) Medinipur district, West Bengal. Anthropometric measurements and a diet survey were carried out using a standard protocol. Data analysis was done using statistical software.

Results: The prevalence of overweight and obese fishermen in the present study is 21.46% and 28.29%. Correlation analysis suggested that there is a significant association of different anthropometric variables like body mass index, mid upper arm circumference, Waist circumference, Hip circumference, waist hip ratio, Body fat (%), Fat weight, and Lean body mass with calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake in both fishermen and non-fishermen.

Conclusion: Based on results, it is concluded that energy, protein, vitamin C, and fat consumption are higher in fishermen than in non-fishermen, whereas iron consumption is lower in both participants compared to the recommended dietary allowance (2010). Statistical analysis indicated that the number of overweight and obese fishermen was significantly (p < 0.000) high.

Background: Despite the growing amount of evidence on COVID-19, there remains a paucity of data on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of people in the community towards this disease. Such data can prove to be valuable in any national or international efforts to control and prevent further spread of COVID-19. The present study investigated the KAP of the community towards COVID-19 in Qatar during 2020.

Methods: The study was conducted among adult clients (≥18 years old) who attend primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Qatar during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten PHC centers were selected based on a random cluster sampling (probability) technique. The clients of these health centers were selected randomly and interviewed through telephone calls using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate.

Results: The mean knowledge score of the participants was 12 (SD = 2.29, range: 0–18), indicating inadequate knowledge. The mean score for attitude was 18.42 (SD = 2.02, range: 7–21), indicating optimistic attitudes. The mean score for practices was 7.10 (SD = 1.58, range: 0–13), indicating poor practices. A statistically significant association was found between the knowledge of participants and their age, level of education, and employment status. In addition, the attitude was significantly associated with their level of education. Finally, better practice was associated with being non-Qatari as well as having a comorbidity.

Conclusion: Overall, our study found that despite a positive attitude among the participants, the knowledge and practices for COVID-19 disease control and prevention are still poor among the public attending primary care in Qatar. Further public health awareness campaigns and interventions should be implemented in the country.

Language and communication play a critical yet often overlooked role in shaping mental health outcomes, particularly among ethnically diverse young populations. This letter explores the complex relationship between language, communication, and mental health equity in children and adolescents in multicultural contexts, such as those prevalent in the Gulf countries. It highlights the impact of language-related disparities on the utilization of mental health care services. Drawing from recent research, this letter underscores the urgent need for strategies to bridge these gaps, promote inclusivity, and ensure equal access to mental health services. It also suggests potential directions for future research to better comprehend and address these challenges.

Background: Anemia is a preventable medical condition that Pakistan has been facing for decades, particularly among children. It is a primary risk factor contributing to the disease burden in this population.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate anemia and its determinants in children at the Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore. Blood samples were collected from children aged 1–11 years (n = 271) who visited the outpatient department and nutrition clinic of the hospital. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were tested in the hospital’s pathology laboratory to determine the occurrence of anemia (defined as Hb levels <11.5 g/dL) and to categorize the severity of the condition as follows: mild anemia (11.0–11.4 g/dL), moderate anemia (7.0–10.99 g/dL), and severe anemia (<7.0 g/dL). Data on potential risk factors associated with anemia, as well as anthropometric measurements, were also collected.

Results: The median Hb level was 10.1 g/dL (interquartile range: 8.6–11.4 g/dL) with levels ranging from 4.2 to 14.5 g/dL. A high proportion of children (66.8%, 181/271) were anemic, with severity classified as mild (54.1%, 98/181), moderate (32.6%, 59/181), and severe (13.3%, 24/181). The most prevalent type of anemia was microcytic (94.4%, 171/181), followed by normocytic (3.9%, 7/181) and macrocytic (1.7%, 3/181) cases. Additionally, malnutrition was observed in a significant number of children (51.7%, 140/271). In multivariable regression analysis, age was identified as a significant contributor to anemia. Children aged two years or younger had nearly three times the odds (2.97 times) of developing anemia compared to older age groups.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of anemia and malnutrition compromises the quality of life for children, negatively affecting their long-term productivity, intellectual capacity, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a major health challenge in Qatar, prompting the integration of screening programs within primary health care (PHC) settings. This review article aims to explore key national initiatives, including annual health checkups, cancer screening, and mental health assessments in Qatar.

Annual health checkups have revealed high prevalence rates of prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity, highlighting the importance of early detection and facilitating timely, personalized interventions.

Cancer screening programs for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers have played a vital role in the early detection in Qatar. Although participation rates declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, recent data indicate a gradual recovery. For example, coverage rates in the breast cancer screening program have rebounded, reflecting renewed public engagement and enhanced service delivery.

Mental health screening has also expanded in response to growing concerns about psychological well-being. The integration of tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 assessments into routine care has enabled earlier diagnosis and treatment, contributing to improved mental health outcomes.

Despite these advancements, several challenges persist. Participation rates across programs need further improvement, and ensuring continuity of care through streamlined referral pathways is essential. Expanding public awareness campaigns and enhancing access to digital health tools can further strengthen these initiatives.

Qatar’s experience highlights the importance of integrating NCDs screening into PHC settings, emphasizing early detection and continuous monitoring. Future efforts should focus on sustaining program growth, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring equitable access to care – ultimately reducing the national NCDs burden and improving health outcomes.

Background: Contraception is essential for reproductive health because it allows for birth spacing, lowers maternal and infant mortality, and empowers women. Due to systemic and sociocultural barriers, the use of contraceptive services is still low in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to contraception among women of childbearing age attending a public gynecology outpatient department (OPD) in rural Balochistan.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the OPD of the Gynecology and Obstetrics department at the District Headquarter Hospital, Dera Allah Yar, Balochistan, from June to August 2021. Using convenience sampling, a total of 125 women of childbearing age (18–44 years) were interviewed with voluntary participation and obtained verbal informed consent. A structured survey tool was developed specifically for this study based on expert input, and pilot testing was done to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding contraception, including sources of information and reasons for non-use.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.5 years. The age of most of the participants was between 18 and 44 years. Among the participants, 48% were educated, and 39% reported having an education below high school level, with the majority identifying as Muslim. While 58% of the participants were aware of contraception methods, only 28% reported practicing any contraceptive form. Among the known methods, the male condom was the most commonly used. Regarding the source of knowledge, TV and media were the primary sources of information (45%), followed by healthcare providers (25%). In case of non-use, fear about side effects was the main cause (54.5%), while the primary reason for contraception use was birth spacing (52.5%). A positive attitude towards contraception was observed in 65.5% of women. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between higher education levels and contraceptive use (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Real contraceptive use was low in practice, despite a moderate level of awareness. Improving the use of contraception and reproductive autonomy in Balochistan requires culturally tailored approaches, thorough health education, and access to trustworthy information.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by persistent synovitis and systemic inflammation. Assessing the knowledge of RA patients about their disease can help address misconceptions and barriers to optimal disease management and identify the need to develop targeted health education programs. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge among RA patients about their disease and to identify the patients’ needs for an education program about their condition.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Basra Teaching Hospital Rheumatology outpatient clinic, Iraq. The study included 400 RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for RA. Data were collected through direct interviews using a modified version of the Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ). The PKQ includes six domains: causes of RA, clinical features, blood tests, medications, exercise, and joint protection.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 41.99 ± 13.34 years, with a female predominance (84.5%). The mean total score of knowledge about RA among the patients was 24.12 ± 4.41 out of a maximum score of 40. The distribution of knowledge levels was 20.0% poor, 39.5% fair, and 40.5% good. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, educational level, employment status, and primary source of information. Age and Education level were significant predictors of knowledge about RA.

Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal gaps in RA patients’ knowledge, particularly in areas related to joint protection and the significance of regular exercise. These highlight the need for educational programs specific to RA patients’ needs.

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder globally, significantly affecting pediatric populations in both developing and developed countries. In Qatar, IDA remains a prevalent health concern among children and adolescents, necessitating optimization of treatment strategies. In addition, there is no specific protocol for pediatric IDA treatment in Qatar, hence the variation in practice. The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of low-dose (2–4 mg/kg/day) versus high-dose (4.1–6 mg/kg/day) elemental iron therapy in achieving anemia resolution among children diagnosed with IDA.

Methods: This observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at a secondary-level hospital in Qatar, and included children aged 1 month to 14 years diagnosed with IDA between January and June 2022. Eligible patients were categorized into low-dose, high-dose, or subtherapeutic iron treatment groups based on prescribed elemental iron dosage. The primary outcome was anemia resolution, defined as normalization of hemoglobin levels post-treatment. The study was approved by the hospital’s ethical review board.

Results: Out of 159 identified patients, 84 had complete follow-up data and were included in the final analysis: 47 received low-dose iron, 25 received high-dose iron, and 12 received subtherapeutic doses. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the low-dose group was 2.82 times more likely to achieve anemia resolution compared to the high-dose group, though this result did not reach statistical significance (95% CI, 0.99–8.05). A similar trend was observed after excluding patients with baseline hemoglobin <7 g/dL. The mean duration of treatment in the study cohort was about 2 months.

Conclusion: While not statistically significant as per logistic regression analysis, findings suggest that lower doses of elemental iron may be more effective than higher doses in achieving anemia resolution in pediatric patients with IDA, potentially due to improved absorption and adherence. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these observations and guide optimal dosing strategies.

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal stage for establishing lifelong eating habits, yet unhealthy dietary behaviors, such as excessive salt consumption, are prevalent worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 g per day; however, many adolescents exceed this limit, thereby increasing their risk of developing non-communicable diseases. In Oman, salt consumption is alarmingly high, yet adolescents lack knowledge about it. Henceforth, the study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding salt consumption among Omani adolescents in Oman.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 273 Omani adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, selected through stratified cluster sampling by governorate. Participants completed an adapted questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on salt consumption. Descriptive statistics, mean (±standard deviation) or frequencies and percentages, respectively, as well as p values, chi-squares, and 95% confidence intervals, accounted for the cluster and stratified sampling.

Results: Knowledge: Most adolescents (88.4%) had a limited understanding of salt’s health risks. Only 23% knew the recommended daily salt intake, and 50.9% were unaware of the difference between salt and sodium. Attitudes: More than a third found it difficult to adjust, even though 57.4% of respondents favored cutting down on salt consumption. Practices: Poor dietary habits were widespread, with 80.1% scoring low on healthy salt-related behaviors. Many consumed high-salt foods, rarely read food labels, and seldom used salt substitutes. Despite their habits, only 24% recognized their risk for hypertension, though some showed interest in adopting low-salt diets and alternatives.

Conclusion: The study discloses substantial deficiencies in Omani adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding salt consumption. This underscores the necessity of comprehensive interventions, such as promoting sodium alternatives, implementing family-oriented programs, implementing engaging educational campaigns, and establishing more transparent food labeling.