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Introduction Low birth weight (LBW) is a well-known contributing factor to neonatal health, emphasizing the importance of maternal health and socio-economic conditions. The birth weight of a newborn is a major public health problem, which is more common in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective The objective of this study is to assess the association of different socio-economic and maternal factors with LBW babies in Lahore. Methods This case-control study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecological Department in Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from September 25, 2023 to December 31, 2023. A total of 186 mothers who delivered in the maternity ward, categorized into two groups (93 cases and 93 controls), were included and data was collected with the help of a self-administered structured tool. A chi-square test was used to identify maternal risk factors significant for LBW babies. The strength of association between maternal risk factors and LBW babies was presented using the odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The study revealed that maternal anemia [OR: 3.378, 95% CI: 1.568, 7.275] and inadequate nutritional status [OR: 1.031, 95% CI: 0.014, 0.071] were more likely to cause delivery of LBW babies. Regarding socio-demographic factors, household income < 25000 [OR: 5.185, 95% CI: 2.770, 9.707] and illiterate mothers [OR: 3.325, 95% CI: 1.820, 6.074] were associated with increased likelihood of LBW babies. Maternal age < 20 had a strong association [OR: 10.920, 95% CI: 2.455,48.575] with delivery of LBW children. Conclusion The study concludes that multiple risk factors including anemia, inadequate nutritional status, household income < 25000, illiterate mother, and maternal age < 20 are strongly associated with LBW babies. It is apparent that a multimodal strategy is necessary to reduce the risk of LBW babies.
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Background Childhood immunization programs in underdeveloped nations can improve children's growth and nutritional status and prevent growth delays while protecting against infectious diseases and meeting growth norms. This study aimed to assess the impact of vaccination status on the anthropometric indices of children aged 12-18 months at an Expanded Programme on Immunization vaccination center and compare the anthropometric indices of growth in children with complete and incomplete vaccination statuses. Methodology This study was conducted at the rural health center in Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan, from November 2023 to December 2023. Children aged 12-18 months were enrolled and their vaccination status was recorded. Height and weight were measured using World Health Organization growth charts. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the 110 children who visited the vaccination site for this study was 16.36 months ± 2.415. There were 28 (25.5%) stunted children. In the study, 17.6 (16%) participants were underweight, and 15.95 (14.5%) were wasted. Of the children, 79% had received all recommended vaccinations. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) association was found between vaccination and nutritional status. Conclusions This study emphasizes the significance of vaccination in promoting child health and nutrition, reducing stunting risk, and ensuring equitable access to vaccination services and comprehensive healthcare interventions. This can help mitigate the malnutrition burden and promote optimal growth, contributing to global health and development goals.
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Psychiatric morbidity commonly coexists with substance abuse and HIV/AIDS around the globe. This review study aimed to determine the available literature on the prevalence of common substance abuse/use and common mental health illnesses among HIV/AIDS patients worldwide to help policymakers design appropriate strategies to limit extensive substance use and prevent common mental and health illnesses. For the comprehensive literature review, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Medline, and PakMediNet biomedical databases were searched for original and reviewed studies published in English, from January 2000 to September 2021. Selections of studies and extraction of data from the studies were performed based on quality and inclusion criteria. MedCalc Meta-analysis Software Package version 20.009 was used for data analysis. Out of 103,024 HIV/AIDS patients inspected in 30 studies, 6430 HIV/AIDS patients had pooled prevalence of depression 30.31% (95%CI: 26.028 to 34.786), and 6927 study participants reported the overall current pooled prevalence of any substance use was 25.13% (95%CI: 11.526 to 41.897), respectively. Current alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking are the most common substance abuse, and depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders among HIV/AIDS patients. There was no significant publication bias, but substantial heterogeneity was observed in the presented studies. The current systematic review and meta-analysis showed a greater prevalence of substance abuse and mental health illnesses among HIV/AIDS patients than the general population at the global level. Key Words: Substances, Substance use, Substance abuse, Alcohol abuse, Tobacco smoking, HIV/AIDS, Depression, Anxiety, Mental health, HIV/AIDS, Worldwide.