American Journal of Public Health Research

Despite of the controversy of antidepressant use during the gestational period, the reported antidepressant use at any time during pregnancy has increased. Our study assessed antidepressant prescription medication use patterns during pregnancy among insured, low-income women in the United States. This retrospective study used South Carolina Medicaid claims data (2004-2009). Included were pregnant women (≥ 18 years) with single or multiparous live birth(s) with a diagnosis for major depression or reported pharmacy claims for antidepressant prescriptions 1 year before becoming pregnant or while pregnant. Antidepressant prevalence prior to and during pregnancy, type of antidepressant, and trimester when the antidepressant use started, characterized antidepressant prescription use patterns. Among 24,077 pregnant women with live births, the prevalence of antidepressant use before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy was 5.5% and 6% respectively. A total of 3,237 pregnant women met inclusion criteria. Of the 1,456 women prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy, 16% showed a history of major depression predating their pregnancy and 67% initiated antidepressant medications after becoming pregnant. Nearly 80% took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, and 32% initiated antidepressants during the first trimester. Age, race, and preexisting depression were associated with antidepressant use. In pregnant, insured low-income women, the majority prescribed antidepressants were new users. Pharmacologic treatment for pregnant women with depressive symptoms, particularly in newly diagnosed major depression remains challenging.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2013, 1(3), 72-77. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-3-3
Pub. Date: May 05, 2013

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Student Demographics and Their Effects on Risky Sexual Behaviors and Poor Condom Use Pattern in Two Departments of a Nigerian University

by Matthew J Okonta, Chukwuemeka M Ubaka and Nnana O Arukwe

Original Research

This study was conducted to assess the level and association of demographic factors on risky sexual behaviors and pattern of condom use among students of a Nigerian university. Final and penultimate year students in University of Nigeria were recruited and purposively sampled. Using a well structured and pre-validated questionnaire, questions on HIV awareness, sexual experiences and condom use were asked and responses collected. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Exactly 524 students (mean age, 24 years; mean sexual debut age 19 years) participated. More females than male students had bisexual or homosexual partners (4.8% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.01); did not use a condom in the most recent sex (48.3% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.01) and in the last twelve months (31.5% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.05); had been forced for sex (23.2% vs. 18.7%, p < 0.05). More male students did not know their status (37.1% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.05); had oral and anal sex (41.3% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.01). As regards age at first sex, students who debuted earlier (≤ 19 years) performed oral/anal sex (53.6% vs. 40.1%, p < 0.05), did not use a condom during that first sex (70.1% vs. 45.4%, p < 0.01) and have had more than five sexual partners since then (38.5% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.01). This study showed that being male was associated with poor awareness of the virus and risky sexual behaviors and being female was associated with poor/inconsistent condom use. Also having started sex at an early age and being single was linked with risky behaviors. Such behaviors could be cautiously put in check by re-introducing HIV/AIDS prevention awareness strategies in universities.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2013, 1(3), 65-71. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-3-2
Pub. Date: May 04, 2013

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Evaluation of Power Distance and Its Consequences on Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

by Sima Rafiei, Abolghasem Pourreza, Reza Baradaran Kazemzadeh and Farzad Firouzi Jahantigh

Original Research

Many organizations have realized the importance of human resources for their competitive advantage. Empowering employees is therefore a principle necessity for organizational effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate hospital employees' attitude toward existing power distance in their organization and examine its effects. This was a cross sectional study with a descriptive-analytical research design conducted in Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Tehran, Iran. A sample of 306 managers and employees has been participated in the study according to the sample size. Separate questionnaires which were developed by Francesco and Chen (2000) were used to collect data from each group of them. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. In confidence interval of 95%, there was a statistically significant relationship between employees' attitude towards power distance and their job satisfaction, organizational commitment, perception of discriminatory in organization, and readiness to accept working responsibilities (p < 0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between managers’ attitude toward power distance and the way of dealing with their employees, considering employees’ competency and qualification, giving them work independence also providing them with necessary supports. Disseminating the culture of low power distance in the organization makes employees perceive justice and equality in their organization and consequently be engaged more effectively in the work responsibilities in line with organizational goals.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2013, 1(3), 59-64. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-3-1
Pub. Date: April 23, 2013

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