Medicine
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Observational Study
Depression and suicidal ideation among adolescent girls in refugee settlements in northern Uganda.
Depression is a leading cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality among adolescent girls in Africa, with varying prevalence across different populations. However, there is paucity of data on the burden of depression among priority groups in unique settings like adolescent girls living in refugee settlements, where access to mental health services including psychosocial support and psychiatric consultation is scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study among adolescent girls from 4 selected refugee settlements in Obongi and Yumbe districts, Uganda. ⋯ Participants who experienced pregnancy (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.00-5.94, P = .049), sexual abuse (aPR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.19-3.76, P = .011), and physical abuse (aPR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01-2.74, P = .044) were independently associated with depression. In this study, we found about one in every 6 adolescents living in refugee settlements of northern Uganda to suffer from depression, particularly among those who experienced adolescent pregnancy and various forms of abuses. Incorporating mental health care in the existing health and social structures within the refugee settlements, exploring legal options against perpetrators of sexual abuse and encouraging education is recommended in this vulnerable population.
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Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience not only a detrimental impact on their physical health but also a significant influence on their psychological well-being. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IBS among university students, investigating the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors influencing its onset. Furthermore, it explored the potential impact of psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and overall well-being on the prevalence of IBS. ⋯ In multivariate analysis, having a family history of IBS [OR = 1.75 (95% CI, 1.06-2.87), P = .029] having borderline anxiety [OR = 7.58, 95% CI (2.12-27.06), P = .012] and anxiety [OR = 16.07, 95% CI (4.57-56.52), P < .001], and depression [OR = 2.97, 95% CI (1.13-7.83), P = .010] were the main significant predictors of IBS among university students. The high prevalence of IBS among university students was associated with a family history of IBS as well as depression and anxiety. Increasing awareness, multidisciplinary support, and access to mental health services is required to ensure university students' well-being.
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Observational Study
Edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side in unilateral breast cancer patients.
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) occurs usually on the affected side, and its cause and pathophysiology are well known. However, the cause of edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side is barely known. It is often considered to be chemotherapy-induced general edema, and clinical evaluation is rarely performed in these patients. ⋯ One patient had DVT and accompanying lymphatic flow dysfunction. Lymphedema and DVT were diagnosed in a number of patients with edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side, and lymphedema can occur without direct injury to the lymphatic flow system. Therefore, clinicians should not overlook the fact that diseases that require early diagnosis and treatment can occur in patients with edema of the unaffected upper extremity.
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Core decompression of the femoral head is a standard surgical procedure used in the early stages of the femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) (Steinberg I to III). This study aimed to determine whether the advantages of osseoscopy-assisted core decompression using a standard arthroscopic set up in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Twelve hips of 12 patients who underwent osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement with the diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. ⋯ However, 3 patients (25%) culminated in total hip arthroplasty in a 1-year follow-up. Using an arthroscopic set up during osseoscopy-assisted core decompression surgery of the femoral head AVN has the benefits of direct visualization and accurate debridement of the involved area. The osseoscopy-assisted core decompression technique avoids excessive debridement of the healthy bone tissue adjacent to the necrotic area.
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Observational Study
Primary colon lymphomas: An analysis of our experience over the last 18 years.
Colon lymphoma is a rare type of gastrointestinal lymphoma and represents 0.2% to -1.2% of all primary colon cancers. This study aimed to retrospectively examine the general characteristics, treatment methods, and survival characteristics of patients with colon lymphoma who were followed-up at our center. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with colon lymphoma who were followed up at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between December 2005 and June 2023. ⋯ Primary colon lymphoma is a rare disease and its optimal treatment is not clearly defined. The primary treatment for primary colon lymphoma is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. A clear consensus on the treatment can be established through prospective studies.