Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to estimate myopia prevalence rates for persons in the United States between the ages of 12 and 54 years.When persons were classified by the refractive status of their right eye, 25% were myopic. Significantly lower prevalence rates were found for male subjects than for female subjects and for blacks than for whites. Myopia prevalence rose with family income and educational level. The importance of income and educational level may result from their association with near work, a factor that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myopia.

Data from the second National Health Nutrition Examination Survey showed that 22 per cent of persons six months through 75 years old had blood lead levels under 10 micrograms per deciliter; 1.9 per cent had elevated levels (greater than or equal to 30 micrograms per deciliter [greater than or equal to 1.45 mumol per liter]). Among children six months through five years old the prevalence of elevated levels was significantly higher (4 per cent) than previously predicted on the basis of fewer data. The prevalence of elevated lead levels was 12.2 per cent in black children and 2.0 per cent in white children. Mean levels of blood lead were higher in blacks than white among children and adults, among young children living in urban and rural areas, and among members of low-income, moderate-income, and higher-income families. These racial contrasts may reflect different lead exposure or absorption (or both). Young children from families (both white and black) whose incomes were under $6,000 had a significantly higher prevalence of elevated lead levels than those from households with incomes of $6,000 or more.

Cultural beliefs play an integral role in the decision-making process of antenatal care. Specifically, the belief and practice of when to disclose pregnancy prohibits women from seeking antenatal care in the first trimester.

Background In post-stroke patients, impairment of quality of life (QOL) has been associated with functional impairment, age, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Good social support, higher education, and better socioeconomic status are associated with better QOL among stroke survivors. In Africa, studies from Nigeria and Tanzania have reported on post-stroke QOL.Background Approximately 90% of Malawian women attend antenatal care at least once during their pregnancies; however, most mothers first present during months five and six and do not adhere to the World Health Organization’s recommended four visits. The objective of this study was to explore the role the patient-provider relationship has on antenatal care uptake.Methods A qualitative study, consisting of interviews with 20 urban pregnant mothers and eight health workers, was conducted from September to December 2014. Two large tertiary care hospitals in the Central and Southern regions of Malawi were selected as study sites.Results Several factors influenced antenatal care attendance. Significant barriers reported included the patient-provider relationship, clinic wait times, family and friend support, distance from home to the clinic, transportation, cost, and number of visits. The patient-provider relationship appears to have a large impact on antenatal clinic participation. Mothers indicated that health workers often mistreat or demean them during visits. Additionally, health workers revealed that, due to staff shortages, patients often do notreceive the care they deserve.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that, in addition to other factors, healthcare provider attitudes influence antenatal clinic attendance. Improving the patient-provider relationship may increase antenatal clinic attendance and decrease pregnancy complications during pregnancy. Professional development opportunities and quality improvement programmes are would help improve patient care and health outcomes while the continued staff shortages in the country are addressed.

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