Menstruation-related school absenteeism significantly affects girls’ academic progress and general wellbeing. This study aimed to assess menstruation-related school absenteeism in an urban population in the Northern Region of Ghana. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of school absenteeism among girls using a structured questionnaire, which was pretested. The data were analyzed using Stata 16. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including cross-tabulation, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression, were performed. The majority (59%) was between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Approximately one fifth of all respondents missed school during menstruation. Reasons assigned to missing school were menstrual pains (57%), stained clothes (43%), heavy bleeding (40%), and self-stigmatization (2%). The majority (95%) of respondents used some form of materials to absorb menstrual blood. About 88% of respondents used sanitary pads, 11% used cloth, and 1% used tissues to absorb their menstrual blood. The multivariable analysis showed that school girls < 15 years old (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: 2.02–6.73), first year of Junior High School (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 2.14–10.22), and public school (AOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.83–6.94) were associated with increased odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Menstruation-related school absenteeism is considered high and could affect girls’ educational attainment. School absenteeism due to menstruation, particularly in public schools, warrants attention by the Ghana Education Service.

BackgroundThis study investigates the rising burden of cancer in India between 1990 and 2021. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) grew by 46.02%, reaching 60.44 per 100,000 population in 2021 compared to 41.39 in 1990. The incidence rate also exhibited a significant increase of 34.94% during this period. We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) to comprehensively analyze trends in four key cancer metrics: incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and ASMR. MethodsJoinpoint regression analysis was employed to reveal temporal trends in these metrics. This method estimates the Annual Percent Change (APC) and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) at potential joinpoints (significant shifts in trend). ResultsA concerning upward shift in cancer incidence, prevalence, DALYs, and ASMR was identified using joinpoint analysis. Notably, both prevalence and incidence rates exhibited a significant jump around 2006-2009, followed by a period of moderation. The DALY rate initially declined until 2004, likely reflecting improvements in healthcare. However, this trend subsequently became more variable. The ASMR displayed a U-shaped trajectory, initially decreasing, then increasing, and finally exhibiting a slight recent decline. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a substantial increase in India's cancer burden. To mitigate this challenge, effective policy programs should prioritize both preventive measures and early detection strategies, with a particular focus on the vulnerable elderly population. Such interventions have the potential to reduce new cancer cases, improve the quality of life for cancer patients, and potentially decrease cancer-related mortality.

Viral hepatitis is defined as a widespread infectious disease involving the inflammation of liver caused by hepatitis virus A, B, C, D and E. The majority of deaths linked to viral hepatitis are caused by HBV, HCV, and HDV, which are transmitted parenterally and induce chronic hepatitis with distant sequelae like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer [1]. According to WHO latest estimates, viral hepatitis is now acknowledged as a serious public health problem in India with over 40 million people chronically infected with HBV and six to twelve million people with HCV. In a study dated in 2014 from Pune, it was shown that the sero-epidemiology of HAV in India was shifting, with the seroprevalence of the virus increasing from 30.3% in children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years to 50.3% underage group of 6 to 10 years. In addition, HEV epidemics are more prone to infect women in the third trimester than men and non-pregnant females [2].

Introduction: Poor adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment, both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant, contributes to unfavourable outcomes and drug resistance. Digital adherence technologies (DATs), including medication event reminder monitors (MERM), have emerged as promising tools to support adherence. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess the impact of MERM on medication adherence, clinical outcomes and satisfaction amongst TB patients and healthcare providers. Studies published up to 16 February 2023 were screened across PubMed, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, Embase and Web of Science. Eligible studies included clinical trials, observational and qualitative designs. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomised controlled trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Results: Eight studies were included (3 trials, 4 prospective and 1 cross-sectional) with 76,811 participants. MERM was found to improve adherence and treatment outcomes. Influencing factors included age, gender, human immunodeficiency virus status, diagnosis type and patient setting. Conclusion: MERM appears effective and acceptable in TB care, although patient experiences vary. Additional research is needed to optimise DATs and tailor strategies for high-burden settings.

A recent tragic incident that recently unfolded at a community health centre in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, starkly highlights the significant gaps in providing compassionate and respectful maternity care in India's public health system. In this case, a newborn tragically lost his life due to a nurse's alleged demand for a "neg" (customary tip), which delayed essential care and left the newborn unattended for 40 minutes. This incident not only exposes corruption within certain healthcare settings but also underscores the need for systemic changes that prioritize respect, dignity, and care for pregnant women and their newborns (Singh).

Amidst the rapid proliferation of mHealth applications, questions persist regarding their efficacy, usability, and integration into oral health practice. This review aims to inform practitioners and stakeholders in the field of oral health about the potential of digital technologies to transform healthcare delivery and promote healthy behaviors. Key terms included “dental”, “dentistry”, “oral health”, “dental treatment”, and “tooth care”. The Google Play Store search identified 130 applications, out of which 18 met our study objectives. Most apps (n = 13) focused on providing dental appointments, oral health education, and promotion. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) quality rating revealed that only 50% of these apps were of high quality. Engagement and information were the lowest scored subscales. This review highlights the many benefits that these digital tools provide, including online appointments, teleconsultations, and access to oral health educational resources. Nevertheless, despite their potential, the current state of dental health applications left substantial room for development, especially in the areas of user involvement and information quality. The lack of reliable and accurate information in many apps may be harmful to users’ health. To fully realize the potential of these digital technologies and to enhance oral health outcomes on a larger scale, coordinated actions involving stakeholders from the technology and dentistry sectors are imperative.