Background:The social cognition aspect is today's research focus for improving the integration of patients with schizophrenia into society. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Self-Assessment of Social Cognitive Impairments (ACSo) tool. Methods:A cross-sectional study at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (HPC), Lebanon, enrolled 116 chronic inpatients between July and November 2023. Subjective assessment of social cognitive complaints was done using ACSo. Other clinical and objective measurements were collected to validate the ACSo tool. Results:ACSo factor analysis revealed a 4-factor solution using the Promax rotated matrix. The Cronbach's alpha value for the scale was 0.656. The ACSo total score positively correlated with its items and factors. In the entire patient population, the ACSo was positively correlated with cognitive complaints (r = 0.560; p < 0.0001), achieving concurrent validity. A significant negative correlation was found between facial emotion recognition (TREF) and the total ACSo scale (r = -0.246, p = 0.002). A significant negative correlation was found between the false belief theory of mind (TOM-15) and the total ACSo scale (r = -0.286, p = 0.001). Comprehension beliefs (TOM-15) were not associated with the total ACSo scale and subscales. A negative association was found between the empathy scale and the total ACSo scale. Conclusion:ACSo is a valuable tool for the self-assessment of social cognitive complaints in patients with schizophrenia since it demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and good concurrent and construct validity.
Applications of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in global health are expanding, yet research remains fragmented and often misaligned with the needs of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). To address this misalignment, we conducted a global research priority-setting exercise using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. 155 research ideas were scored by 51 experts based on feasibility, potential impact on disease burden, paradigm shift potential, implementation potential, and equity. Top-ranked priorities focused on epidemic preparedness, including AI-based outbreak prediction, improved diagnostics for infectious diseases, and early-warning systems. Other highly ranked topics included AI-assisted resource allocation, telemedicine, culturally adapted mobile health services, and chronic disease management tools. Experts from LMICs prioritised infectious disease control and diagnostic equity, whereas experts from high-income countries emphasised infrastructure and climate-related analytics. The resulting agenda provides a roadmap for aligning AI and data science research with global health priorities, particularly in LMICs.
Rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV), human astrovirus (HAstV), and sapovirus (SaV) are the main viruses responsible for acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Among them, RVA is generally the most prevalent, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the introduction of RVA vaccines, several epidemiological changes have been reported in cases of viral gastroenteritis, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is essential to understand the current burden and diversity of these viruses in order to guide public health interventions and vaccination strategies in the region. Our objective was to examine changes in prevalence data and circulating genotypes of RVA, NoV, SaV, and HAstV associated with acute gastrointestinal infections in both adults and children in Sub-Saharan Africa, based on studies published between 2010 and 2023. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023, focusing exclusively on Sub-Saharan Africa. No restrictions were applied in terms of language or age group. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed using standardized procedures. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochrane’s Q test and the I² statistic in a random-effects model. Combined prevalence estimates for RVA, NoV, SaV, and HAstV were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. A total of 55 studies from 19 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. The combined prevalence was 31
BACKGROUND:Financial wellbeing and distress have emerged as key social determinants influencing health behaviors, medication adherence, and quality of life. Yet, these constructs remain underexplored in pharmacy and epidemiology research due to the lack of brief, validated, and context-appropriate measurement tools. The widely used InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Wellbeing (IFDFW-8) scale offers strong psychometric evidence but includes items that may not reflect health-related financial strain and may increase respondent burden. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to develop and validate a concise, contextually applicable 6-item version (IFDFW-6) for use in pharmacy and epidemiological research. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults who had recently visited community pharmacies. The questionnaire included validated measures of financial wellbeing (IFDFW-8), medication adherence (SMAS-7), patient experience and satisfaction (MA-PSQ-18), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA) evaluated dimensionality; reliability was examined using Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω; criterion validity was tested against the IFDFW-8 using ROC analysis; and measurement invariance was assessed across gender, health status, and healthcare access groups. RESULTS:Among 501 participants, EFA supported a unidimensional structure explaining 84.3% of variance (factor loadings = 0.878-0.946). CFA confirmed excellent model fit (CFI = 0.997, RMSEA = 0.056, SRMR = 0.008). The IFDFW-6 demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.963; ω = 0.963) and strong criterion validity against the parent IFDFW-8 (AUC = 0.993; cutoff = 29.5, sensitivity = 95.8%, specificity = 95.2%). Higher financial wellbeing correlated with better quality of life, greater satisfaction with pharmacy services, and higher medication adherence. CONCLUSION:The IFDFW-6 is a reliable and valid instrument that efficiently captures financial wellbeing/distress and has been refined for contextual applicability in pharmacy and epidemiology research, supporting the integration of economic determinants into health-related studies.
Background Pyrethroid-piperonyl butoxide (PBO) nets enhance malaria vector control by counteracting metabolic resistance mechanisms in malaria vectors through the synergistic action of PBO. DuraNet® Plus is an alpha-cypermethrin and PBO incorporated net developed Shobikaa Impex Private Limited. This study assessed its entomological efficacy relative to a standard pyrethroid-only net (DuraNet®) and an established pyrethroid-PBO net (Olyset® Plus), in support of WHO prequalification. Methods Experimental hut trials were conducted at three ecologically and entomologically distinct sites with pyrethroid-resistant vector populations: Covè, Benin (Anopheles gambiae s.l.), Mibellon, Cameroon (An. funestus), and M’bé, Côte d’Ivoire (An. gambiae s.l.). Each net type was tested unwashed and after 20 standardized washes. Primary outcomes included 24-hour mosquito mortality and blood-feeding inhibition. DuraNet® Plus was evaluated for non-inferiority to Olyset® Plus and superiority over DuraNet® using combined washed and unwashed data, in line with WHO guidelines. WHO bioassays confirmed pyrethroid resistance and assessed the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Chemical analyses measured pyrethroid and PBO retention after washing. Results DuraNet® Plus consistently induced higher mosquito mortality than Olyset® Plus across all sites (Benin: 29.5% vs. 14.9%, OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 2.34–3.38, NIM = 0.468; Cameroon: 27.8% vs. 22.2%, OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.32–2.49, NIM = 0.619; Côte d’Ivoire: 19.5% vs. 12.0%, OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.85–2.80, NIM = 0.373), with all odds ratios exceeding the WHO-defined non-inferiority margins. DuraNet® Plus also met non-inferiority criteria for blood-feeding inhibition compared to Olyset® Plus (Benin: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.18–0.28, NIM = 1.345; Cameroon: OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50–0.87, NIM = 1.324; Côte d’Ivoire: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.48–0.69, NIM = 1.404). In addition, DuraNet® Plus was superior to DuraNet® in both mosquito mortality and blood-feeding inhibition across all study sites (p < 0.05). Susceptibility bioassays confirmed high frequencies of pyrethroid resistance across all three sites, with varying levels of P450 enzyme involvement. Chemical analysis showed higher retention of alpha-cypermethrin and PBO in DuraNet® Plus after 20 washes compared to Olyset® Plus. Conclusion DuraNet® Plus showed strong entomological efficacy and wash durability against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors across varied settings in West and Central Africa. It met WHO non-inferiority criteria compared to Olyset® Plus and was superior to a pyrethroid-only ITN, supporting its inclusion among WHO-prequalified products. These findings underscore its potential role in vector control strategies in areas affected by metabolic pyrethroid resistance.
