Tạp chí Y học Dự phòng

Prevalence and risk factors of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in a central province, Vietnam

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) causing Opisthorchiasis is a biological carcinogen of group 1, according to the World Health Organization. This study aims to investigate the apparent prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the community of Tuy An district, Phu Yen province and its associated risk factors. A total of 696 stool samples were collected and examined using the Kato Katz technique. Risk factors were studied by using a structured questionnaire and the association with infection was evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the study population determined by stool examination was 8.2%. Males (OR=2.52; 95%CI: 1.37-4.64), the age group of above 60 years (OR=2.16; 95%CI: 1.37-4.54), no education (OR=13.16; 95%CI: 1.34- 129.08), and consumption of raw fish dishes (OR=4.61; 95%CI: 2.12-10.02) were found to be significantly associated with Opisthorchiasis in the area. These findings confirm the presence of O. viverrini in central Vietnam and the infection related to the consumption of raw fish dishes. Intergrated awareness campaigns and control programs should be implemented in the region to combat this potential fatal fluke infection.

Integrated One Health Perspective on facility responses in Hue city’s food supply chains during the COVID-19 crisis

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis and can has led to disruptions in the food supply chain. This study examines the responses of food supply chain facilities in Hue City during the COVID-19 crisis through an integrated One Health perspective, focusing on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of workers, as well as the adaptive strategies of workplaces. A cross-sectional survey was performed to investigate the food supply chain participants related to the Hue City, Vietnam markets. Data was collected from a direct interview and rapid assessment among 300 workers and 28 facilities in the chain. The results indicated that the COVID 19 pandemic disrupted the chain, with 12 out of 28 workplaces closed and half of the sites experiencing infection. Almost of workers had understood knowledge and strongly agreed with the COVID-19 preventive strategy. The mean attitude item score ranged from 4.15 to 4.37. Regarding individual responses, all workers (100%) wore masks, and 88.7% indicated that their workplaces had maskwearing regulations in place. The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of 56.3% of participants and caused delays in health examinations for 44% of them. This study highlights the urgent need for implementing effective measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission within the food supply chain. An integrated One Health approach is crucial in mitigating the disease’s impacts and potential future crises. We can ensure food security through coordinated efforts between public health authorities, agricultural stakeholders, and other relevant sectors.

Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Hypertensive Outpatients at Thuong Tin General Hospital, Ha Noi, in 2023

Pham Bich Diep, Phan Thi Anh Thu — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The study’s objective was to describe some factors associated with the physical activity (PA) level of hypertensive outpatients in Thuong Tin General Hospital, Ha Noi, in 2023, according to the social ecological model. The crosssectional study was carried out by interviewing face-to-face 352 hypertensive outpatients. The results showed that age (OR=0.95: 95%CI: 0.91-0.99) and interpersonal factor (OR=0.76: 95%CI: 0.60-0.95) were negatively correlated with meeting WHO’s PA recommendations while perceived benefits and barriers of PA (OR=1.87: 95%CI: 1.04- 3.34), and environmental factor (physical environment) (OR=3.22: 95%CI: 1.99-5.20) were positively correlated. In conclusion, the status of meeting PA recommendations in hypertensive patients was associated with some intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors; among those, the environmental factors had the most significant correlation. Health professionals are recommended to provide information on PA frequently to both patients and their families to help them clearly understand the age-appropriate PA and the benefits and barriers of PA. The state should continue to build, improve, and maintain a living environment to promote PA in the community.

Forecasting HIV Treatment loss of follow up rate Using Deep Learning and Survival Analysis in Ho Chi Minh City

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Maintaining antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for improving treatment outcomes and preventing the
transmission of HIV. However, dropout rates remain a significant challenge, particularly in urban centers like Ho
Chi Minh City, which has the largest population of ART patients in Vietnam. This study aimed to predict ART
dropout rates using deep learning methods, specifically a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN),
in combination with survival analysis to identify factors affecting treatment retention. This approach leverages
advanced machine learning techniques to analyze time-to-event data, offering deeper insights into patient retention
dynamics. The results demonstrate that the 1D CNN model significantly outperformed traditional methods, achieving
an F1-score of 0.847 and a ROC AUC of 0.890, compared to significantly lower scores form traditional models. This highlights the model’s ability to efficiently process complex, high-dimensional datasets and identify high-risk patients for timely intervention. The model’s findings indicate retention rates of 52.09% after one year and 27.74% after 1.5 years, with factors such as treatment enrollment type and the presence of comorbidities being identified as significant factors reducing dropout rates. We recommend comprehensive care for patients at treatment facilities as a strategy to retain them in ART services, emphasizing the importance of addressing not only HIV treatment but also coexisting health conditions to enhance overall retention.

Point Mutations in the Helicobacter pylori gyrA gene in Patients with peptic ulcer disease and suspected gastric cancer

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is commonly used in H. pylori treatment regimens. However, the increasing resistance of H. pylori to levofloxacin in Vietnam has compromised treatment efficacy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of point mutations in the gyrA gene and investigate their associated factors. A total of 164 H. pylori strains were isolated from patients with peptic ulcer disease or suspected gastric cancer at the 108 Military Central Hospital between 2019 and 2022. The gyrA gene was sequenced using the Sanger method to identify mutations conferring levofloxacin (LVX) resistance. The overall LVX resistance rate was 29.9% (49/164). Eighteen distinct gyrA mutations were identified, including M191I, G208E/K/R, N87K/I, V199A/I, R130K, R140K, D91G/Y/N, A66T, I194T, D161N, V172I, V65I, A88P, D155G, D192G, D210N, T132A, and V150A. Among these, M191I (92.7%) and G208E/K/R (30.5%) were the most prevalent. Etest results showed a significant association between the N87K/I mutation and LVX resistance (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis further revealed that the mutation combinations D91G/Y/N+M191I and N87K/ I+M191I were significantly associated with LVX resistance. These novel findings contribute to a deeper understanding of fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms in H. pylori. Continuous monitoring and the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies are essential for controlling H. pylori infection.

Epidemiology of acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus in sentinel surveillance sites of Vietnam, 2016-2023

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study was conducted in four sentinel surveillance hospitals to describe the epidemiology of acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus and the molecular epidemiology among children under 5 years old in Vietnam. From 2016 to2023, a total of 14,647 stool specimens were collected for testing. 4,893 cases (33.4%) tested positive for rotavirus, in which 2,660 positive specimens were tested for genotype. The positive rate decreased gradually from 46.6% (2016) to 17.3% (2023). Although rotavirus was detected year-round, peak incidence occurred during the period from October to March. Positivity rates varied by age, highest in children aged 12–23 months (41.3%) and 24–59 months (36.5%). Rotavirus-positive children experienced an average of 7.8 episodes (95% CI: 7.7–7.9) diarrhea episodes within 24 hours and a higher rate of severe dehydration (4.7%) than rotavirus-negative children (7.4 episodes, 95% CI: 7.3–7.5; and 3.1%). Rotavirus infection and severe dehydration rates in the unvaccinated group were 35.2% and 5.1% higher than those in the vaccinated group (20.9% and 0.5%). The genotyping data revealed changes in variation of genotype distribution and in prevalent genotypes circulating over time: the co-dominance of variety of prevalent genotypes G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G8P[8], G9P[8] (2016–2021) was replaced by the predominance of G3P[8] (98%) (2022–2023). In conclusion, rotavirus infection remains a leading cause of acute diarrhea and severe dehydration among hospitalized children in Vietnam. Infection rate and variation in the genotype distribution of rotavirus tended to decrease. The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into EPI could significantly reduce the burden of this disease.

Neonatal jaundice due to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in Tra Vinh province, Viet Nam: a Hospital-based retrospective cohort study

Pham Thi Kim Yen, Nguyen Thien Minh, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ngoan, Le Thi Ngoc Lan — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of neonatal jaundice caused by unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in Vietnam. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Tra Vinh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023. The cohort included 298 neonates who underwent bilirubin and complete blood count tests. The overall incidence of neonatal jaundice was 15.10%. Neonates with infections had a notably higher likelihood of developing jaundice, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.594 compared to their non-infected counterparts. Premature neonates also exhibited a higher incidence of jaundice, with an OR of 3.579 compared to full-term neonates. Our study has uncovered significant findings that shed light on neonatal jaundice’s incidence and risk factors. We found that neonates with infections, premature neonates, and those experiencing respiratory distress are at a higher risk of developing jaundice. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring of neonatal jaundice and the need for tailored preventive strategies, particularly for at-risk groups. For instance, the higher incidence of jaundice among premature neonates suggests the need for more intensive monitoring and early intervention in this population. This study highlights the necessity of addressing neonatal jaundice with appropriate care interventions to mitigate health disparities and improve neonatal outcomes.

Perceptions of local governments, health facilities, and communities on child marriage: A qualitative study in Son La province, 2022

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Child marriage remains an issue worldwide, impacting the lives of millions of children, especially young girls, in economically poor and developing countries, including Vietnam, particularly in ethnic minority areas, where education and cultural awareness are still limited. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of local governments, healthcare providers, and community members regarding child marriage in Son La province, Vietnam, and to identify potential interventions to address this issue. A qualitative approach with thematic analysis was adopted to collect data from 18 parents from both the Kinh and ‘H’Mong ethnic minority groups in Son La Province from March to May 2022. The results showed four main themes: (1) persistence of child marriage despite decreasing trends, (2) causes of child marriage, (3) awareness of health consequences, and (4) proposed interventions for education and economic empowerment. The underreporting of cases and gaps between legal frameworks and community practices were identified as the key challenges. This study has provided valuable insights into the situation of child marriage in Son La province, Vietnam, highlighting the interplay of socioeconomic factors, traditional norms, and limited education in its persistence.

Physical Activity and Occupational Sitting among Employees in a Research Institute in Vietnam

Tran Van Dinh, Nguyen Thi Thi Tho, Tran My Huong — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

There has been an increasing burden of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases in Vietnam in recent years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted to assess the occupational sitting and physical activity habits among employees in a research institute in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was performed with 292 staff (113 males, and 179 females) currently working in a research institute in Hanoi, Vietnam. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess physical activity habits of the employees in the previous typical week, and the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ) was applied to measure physical activities in the workplace during a typical working week. The study found that more than one-third of staff and researchers at the research institute did not meet the minimum physical activity level recommended by the World Health Organization. In terms of occupational sitting and physical activity, they spent 60% of their working hours on sitting, 20% standing, 16% walking, and 4% heavy labor. There were no statistically significant differences between males and females regarding occupational sitting and physical activity (p>0.05). The study found that the staff of the research institute spent their majority of working time sitting. These findings have important implications for workplace interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity, highlighting the need for policies and initiatives to encourage more standing, and walking in the workplace.

Treatment outcomes in ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutations at K Hospital

Le Thi Yen, Dinh Thi Lan Anh, Le Hong Thai, Nguyen Thi Duong Duong — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

BRCA1/2 mutations are associated with various aspects of ovarian cancer, including the age of onset, histopathology, response to treatment, and prognosis. Patients with BRCA1/2 mutations often have rapid disease progression, resulting in a shorter survival time. In modern medicine, detecting and personalizing treatment for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations is crucial, not only to improve prognosis but also to increase the overall survival time. This retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 35 patients with ovarian epithelial cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations treated at K Hospital from April 2022 to April 2023. Most patients were over 50 years old (60%). There were three patients with a history of breast cancer and three patients with a family history of sisters diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. Most of the initial diagnoses were at stage III (74.2%), with high-grade serous carcinoma accounting for the highest percentage (94.4%). BRCA1 mutations were predominant, accounting for 71.4%, with common mutations including 185delAG and 5382insC in BRCA1 and 6174delT in BRCA2. The most common treatment approach was surgery, followed by chemotherapy (37.2%). The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 14.6 months. Patients receiving maintenance therapy with angiogenesis inhibitors or PARP inhibitors tended to have improved DFS. Patients with BRCA1/2 mutations respond better to systemic treatment than those without mutations, particularly with targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors. The application of personalized treatment strategies for ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations is a promising and necessary approach.

Effectiveness of Communication Interventions for Toxocariasis Prevention Among the Khmer Population in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

Tao Gia Phu, Tao Gia Hung, Ta Van Tram, Nguyen Tran Hien — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Zoonotic diseases, such as toxocariasis, remain a public health concern, particularly in marginalized communities. Effective prevention requires a multi-sectoral approach, with an emphasis on community-based health education. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a communication intervention in improving knowledge and preventive practices related to toxocariasis among the Khmer population in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam. A community-based pre- and post-intervention design was employed. Following the intervention, the proportion of individuals with good knowledge increased from 32.8% to 67.2% (OR = 6.04; 95% CI: 3.43-10.62), while the proportion demonstrating good practices rose from 27.7% to 72.3% (OR = 122.44; 95% CI: 27.44-546.45). The intervention also significantly improved specific behaviors, including regular deworming of pet dogs and cats (p< 0.001), and reduced risky practices such as no regular hand washing before meals (-17.68%), no regular clean up pet feces (-25.08%), and improper disposal of feces (-24.72%). However, no significant change was observed in attitudes. These findings demonstrate that community-based communication strategies, supported by local leadership, can substantially enhance knowledge and practices for toxocariasis prevention. The results highlight the importance of sustained implementation and scale-up of such interventions across the province.

Correlation between Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Cases, Vector Indices, and Climatic Factors in Khanh Hoa Province from 2000 to 2019

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the state of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and examined the correlation between DHF cases and vector and climatic factors in Khanh Hoa over a 20-year period (2000–2019). The results revealed that dengue fever was a highly endemic disease in Khanh Hoa, with an increasing trend annually and a clear seasonal cycle. Aedes aegypti was identified as the primary mosquito vector in the area. The Breteau index and mosquito density index increased from May to December each year, and vector indices peaked about one month before the epidemic reached its height. Cases with a one-month delay were more strongly correlated with vector and climatic factors than cases without a lag. The Breteau index was moderately positively correlated with dengue cases. Specifically, an increase of 1 in the average monthly BI resulted in a 16-case increase with a one-month lag and a probability of 13%. However, a weak correlation was found between dengue cases and the mosquito density index, average temperature, and average rainfall. Cohort studies are deemed necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between vector and environmental factors and the increase and transmission of dengue cases.