Iran, America and Iranian American Community in Firoozeh Jazayeri Dumas\u27 Funny in Farsi

Post 9/11 the United States of America concerns the reconstruction of already demonized identities of Arabs and Middle-eastern cultures. Postcolonial works reside in their rendering a tragic or serious image of Middle Easterners to bring the Western (American) audience into sympathizing with the Middle Eastern ethnicities. Could it be the case that a fundamentally humorous (not derogatory) depiction might contribute to easing such cultural tensions? Firoozeh Jazayeri Dumas\u27 works stand out as critically acclaimed and successful works familiarizing the American audience with the more humane, likeable, sweet and funny aspects of the Iranians and Iranian culture, and the hardships of being an Iranian immigrant and becoming a hybrid individual. This article explores the already-hybridized self and psyche of Firoozeh as an Iranian American. She writes about her mother land and her residence country and comparing the way she has written about them can help readers understand how one can make peace between different parts of her identity

Association between maternal stature and household-level double burden of malnutrition : findings from a comprehensive analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Undernutrition among under-five children is one of the intractable public health problems in Ethiopia. More recently, Ethiopia faced a rising problem of the double burden of malnutrition—where a mother may be overweight/obese, and a child is stated as having undernutrition (i.e., stunting, wasting, or underweight) under the same roof. The burden of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and its association with maternal height are not yet fully understood in low-income countries including Ethiopia. The current analysis sought: (a) to determine the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition (i.e., overweight/obese mother paired with her child having one form of undernutrition) and (b) to examine the associations between the double burden of malnutrition and maternal height among mother–child pairs in Ethiopia. Methods: We used population-representative cross-sectional pooled data from four rounds of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), conducted between 2000 and 2016. In our analysis, we included children aged 0–59 months born to mothers aged 15–49 years. A total of 33,454 mother–child pairs from four waves of EDHS were included in this study. The burden of DBM was the primary outcome, while the maternal stature was the exposure of interest. Anthropometric data were collected from children and their mothers. Height-for-age (HFA), weight-for-height (WFH), and weight-for-age (WFA) z-scores < − 2 SD were calculated and classified as stunted, wasting, and underweight, respectively. The association between the double burden of malnutrition and maternal stature was examined using hierarchical multilevel modeling. Results: Overall, the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition was 1.52% (95% CI 1.39–1.65). The prevalence of overweight/obese mothers and stunted children was 1.31% (95% CI 1.19–1.44), for overweight/obese mothers and wasted children, it was 0.23% (95% CI 0.18–0.28), and for overweight/obese mothers and underweight children, it was 0.58% (95% CI 0.51–0.66). Children whose mothers had tall stature (height ≥ 155.0 cm) were more likely to be in the double burden of malnutrition dyads than children whose mothers’ height ranged from 145 to 155 cm (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.04–1.80). Similarly, the odds of the double burden of malnutrition was 2.98 times higher for children whose mothers had short stature (height < 145.0 cm) (AOR: 2.98, 95% CI 1.52–5.86) compared to those whose mothers had tall stature. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of double burden of malnutrition among mother–child pairs in Ethiopia was less than 2%. Mothers with short stature were more likely to suffer from the double burden of malnutrition. As a result, nutrition interventions targeting households’ level double burden of malnutrition should focus on mothers with short stature to address the nutritional problem of mother and their children, which also has long-term and intergenerational benefits

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and prevention towards HIV/AIDS among adults 15-49 years in Mizoram, North East India : a cross-sectional study

Despite a campaign of effective educational interventions targeting knowledge, attitudes, and prevention, Human Immunodeficiency-Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to be a significant public health issue in India, with Mizoram reporting the highest HIV/AIDS cases in 2018–2019. In this study, we extracted Mizoram state from the National Family Health Survey Fourth Series (NFHS-4) 2015–2016 datasets and investigated factors associated with respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and prevention towards HIV/AIDS. The sample included 3555 adults aged 15–49 years residing in Mizoram, North-east India. Respondents who reported having ever heard of HIV/AIDS was 98%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the probability of having inadequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS was higher among those with no schooling, who were illiterate, of non-Christian faiths, belonging to backward tribes or caste, from poor households, and those who lived in rural areas, not exposed to media. The odds of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS transmission was high among females (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI 2.34–4.16), respondents aged 35–39 years (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.05–2.87) and those belonging to other backward class. The HIV/AIDS knowledge of respondents was found to be encouraging as the majority (98%) were considered to have a good level of understanding of the condition. An educational intervention to reduce the number of adults 15–49 years infected with HIV/AIDS in Mizoram should target those from low socioeconomic groups, those from non-Christian religions, and those from other backward classes

Changes in and predictors of HIV among people who inject drugs in Mizoram, Northeast India, from 2007 to 2021

This study aimed to examine the changes in and predictors of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Mizoram, Northeast India, over a period of 15 years (2007–2021). A sample of 14783 PWID was extracted from the Targeted Intervention (TI) services under the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS). A chi-square test was used to compare the differences in HIV prevalence across the three 5-year periods, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors after adjusting for sociodemographic, injecting and sexual behaviours. The results showed that compared to 2007–2011, HIV prevalence was almost three times higher in 2012–2016 (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66) and almost two times higher in 2017–2021 (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.24–1.59). The results suggest that participants who were females (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66), married (AOR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00–1.27), separated/divorced/widowed (AOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.54–1.96), of middle school level education (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.06–1.44), sharing needles/syringes (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.61–1.98) and receiving a regular monthly income were positively associated with HIV infection. Condom use with a regular partner (AOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70–0.85) was high among PWID. Despite targeted interventions under MSACS to reduce HIV in Mizoram, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among PWID remained high between 2007 and 2021. Policymakers and stakeholders should tailor future interventions based on the factors identified in this study that are associated with HIV infection. Our findings highlight the importance of socio-cultural factors in HIV epidemiology among PWID in Mizoram

Past drivers of and priorities for child undernutrition in South Asia : a mixed methods systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: South Asia has one of the largest proportions of undernourished children in the world, especially stunting, wasting, and underweight as well as micronutrient deficiencies such as the deficiency of iron, vitamin A, and zinc. Undernutrition continues to pose a major threat to this region's economic and social growth. This systematic review aims to assess the drivers and identify priorities for child undernutrition in South Asia. It aims to appraise, synthesise, and summarise literature to create an evidence base that looks at multiple faces of macro and micro child undernutrition in South Asia. METHODS: A systematic review of published and grey literature on child undernutrition, including macro and micronutrient deficiencies, in South Asia covering the period January 2000 to September 2019 will be undertaken. Studies with all relevant study designs and those published in English will be considered for inclusion. Five academic databases will be searched: CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, in addition to various grey literature sources. The analysis will incorporate a narrative synthesis, meta-ethnography or a meta-analysis as appropriate, depending on the nature of the retrieved data. Quality of the included studies will be assessed by validated tools. The UNICEF conceptual framework on child undernutrition will be used to frame findings. DISCUSSION: This protocol is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The protocol gives an insight into the scope and parameters for the systematic review to be carried out. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered by the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews, reference CRD42018112696

Factors associated with stunting among children under 5 years in five South Asian countries (2014-2018) : analysis of Demographic Health Surveys

South Asia continues to be the global hub for child undernutrition with 35% of children still stunted in 2017. This paper aimed to identify factors associated with stunting among children aged 0–23 months, 24–59 months, and 0–59 months in South Asia. A weighted sample of 564,518 children aged 0–59 months from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2014–2018) was combined of five countries in South Asia. Multiple logistic regression analyses that adjusted for clustering and sampling weights were used to examine associated factors. The common factors associated with stunting in three age groups were mothers with no schooling ([adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for 0–23 months = 1.65; 95% CI: (1.29, 2.13)]; [AOR for 24–59 months = AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.27, 1.69)] and [AOR for 0–59 months = AOR = 1.59; 95% CI: (1.34, 1. 88)]) and maternal short stature (height < 150 cm) ([AOR for 0–23 months = 2.00; 95% CI: (1.51, 2.65)]; [AOR for 24–59 months = 3.63; 95% CI: (2.87, 4.60)] and [AOR for 0–59 months = 2.87; 95% CI: (2.37, 3.48)]). Study findings suggest the need for a balanced and integrated nutrition strategy that incorporates nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions with an increased focus on interventions for children aged 24–59 months

Wasting and associated factors among children under 5 years in five South Asian countries (2014-2018) : analysis of demographic health surveys

Child wasting continues to be a major public health concern in South Asia, having a prevalence above the emergency threshold. This paper aimed to identify factors associated with wasting among children aged 0–23 months, 24–59 months, and 0–59 months in South Asia. A weighted sample of 564,518 children aged 0–59 months from the most recent demographic and health surveys (2014–2018) of five countries in South Asia was combined. Multiple logistic regression analyses that adjusted for clustering and sampling weights were used to examine associated factors. Wasting prevalence was higher for children aged 0–23 months (25%) as compared to 24–59 months (18%), with variations in prevalence across the South Asian countries. The most common factor associated with child wasting was maternal BMI [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for 0–23 months = 2.02; 95% CI: (1.52, 2.68); AOR for 24–59 months = 2.54; 95% CI: (1.83, 3.54); AOR for 0–59 months = 2.18; 95% CI: (1.72, 2.77)]. Other factors included maternal height and age, household wealth index, birth interval and order, children born at home, and access to antenatal visits. Study findings suggest need for nutrition specific and sensitive interventions focused on women, as well as adolescents and children under 2 years of age

Association between obesity and miscarriage among women of reproductive age in Nepal

Background: Obesity is a major health problem in low and middle income countries (LMICs) and is associated with miscarriage. This study aims to examine the association between obesity and miscarriage among reproductive age women (15–49 years) in Nepal. Methods: The combined 19160 cross-sectional pregnancy data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for the years 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 was utilized. Miscarriage was defined as a spontaneous loss of pregnancy that occurred before the foetus reached 7 months of gestational age. Logistic regression analyses that adjusted for clustering, stratification and sampling weights were used to examine the association between obesity and miscarriage among women of reproductive age. Results: The odds of miscarriage were 1.45 times higher (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.45; 95%Cl: 1.06, 1.98, P = 0.021) among women with obesity. Women who did not use contraception, younger (15–19 years), and older women (35 years or more) were significantly more likely to have miscarriage. Women who smoked tobacco reported higher odds of miscarriage than women who did not smoke tobacco (AOR = 1.27; 95%Cl: 1.07,1.50, P = 0.006). Stratification of maternal smoking status by maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), after adjusting for contraception, mother age and year of survey revealed that tobacco smoking and obesity are associated with miscarriage (AOR = 1.46; 95%Cl: 1.05,2.04, P = 0.025). Conclusions: Findings from this study show that obesity and tobacco smoking are associated with miscarriage. Smoking cessation, pregnancy planning and counselling on healthy weight for women of reproductive age in Nepal may help promote healthy behaviours and decrease the likelihood of miscarriage

Menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent girls in Ethiopia : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. Methods We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Results Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n = 12,330 participants). The pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29, 83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95% CI: 52.87, 71.49, I2 98.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). Conclusion This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed

The association of intimate partner violence and contraceptive use : a multi-country analysis of demographic and health surveys

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of women each year and has been recognized as a leading cause of poor health, disability, and death among women of reproductive age. However, the existing studies about the association between IPV and contraceptive use have been found to be conflicting and relatively less studied, particularly in low and middle income countries, including Eastern Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). This study examines the relationship between IPV and contraceptive use in Eastern SSA countries. Methods The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2014 to 2017 were a multi-stage cluster sample survey of 30,715 ever married (or cohabitating) women of reproductive age from six countries. The six Eastern SSA datasets were pooled and multivariable logistic regression using a hierarchical approach was performed to examine the association between IPV and contraceptive use after adjusting for women, partners, and household and health facility factors. Result Two thirds of women 67% [66.55, 67.88] were not using any modern contraceptive methods and almost half (48%) of the women had experienced at least one form of IPV from their partners. Our analysis showed a strong association with decreased odds of physical violence [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.67, 0 0.78] among women not using any contraceptive methods. Other factors associated with women not using any contraceptive methods were older women (35–49 years), illiterate couples and women from poorest households. Women who had no access to any form of communication [aOR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.36], unemployed partner [aOR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.95] and women who travelled long distances to access health services [aOR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.26] significantly reported increased odds of not using any contraceptive methods. Conclusion Our study indicated that physical violence was negatively associated with not using any contraceptive method among married women in Eastern SSA countries. Tailored intervention messages to reduce IPV including physical violence among women not using contraceptive methods in East Africa should target those from low-socioeconomic groups especially, older women with no access to any form of communication, unemployed partners, and illiterate couples