Ali Davod Parsa

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health and human rights issue globally, with a particularly high burden in sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite this, evidence on the predictors of IPV in Mozambique remains limited. This study aimed to identify predictors of IPV among women of reproductive age in Mozambique using nationally representative data. Methods: This study utilised secondary data from the 2022 to 2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). A total of 4454 women aged 15–49 years who responded to the domestic violence module were included. IPV was defined as experiencing at least one act of physical, sexual or emotional violence by a current or former intimate partner in the 12 months preceding the survey. Logistic regression, accounting for sampling weights, clustering and stratification, was used to identify independent predictors of IPV. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: The prevalence of IPV among reproductive‐age women in Mozambique was 24.8% (1103/4454). In the adjusted model, higher education was associated with significantly reduced odds of IPV (AOR = 0.420, 95% CI: 0.243–0.725). Employment was associated with increased odds of IPV (AOR = 1.192, 95% CI: 1.022–1.390). Partner alcohol use was the strongest predictor (AOR = 2.078, 95% CI: 1.781–2.425), followed by a history of father‐to‐mother violence (AOR = 2.022, 95% CI: 1.681–2.432). Women in the richest wealth quintile had significantly lower odds of IPV (AOR = 0.631, 95% CI: 0.462–0.862). Conclusion: IPV remains highly prevalent among women in Mozambique and is strongly influenced by relational and intergenerational factors. Partner alcohol consumption and exposure to parental violence significantly increase the risk, whereas higher education offers protection. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing alcohol use, intergenerational violence and gender norms, alongside efforts to promote women's education and empowerment.

Meta-analysis is a quantitative statistical method used to synthesise findings from multiple independent studies addressing the same research question. It improves statistical power, increases precision, and supports evidence-based decision-making. This manuscript provides a practical, step-by-step guide for conducting meta-analysis using Stata version 17. Three common applications are demonstrated: (1) meta-analysis of binary outcomes using risk ratios, (2) meta-analysis of continuous outcomes using standardised mean differences (Hedges’ g), and (3) meta-analysis of prevalence data using the Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. For each example, detailed instructions are provided for data preparation, computation of effect sizes, assessment of heterogeneity (Q statistic, I², τ²), generation of forest and funnel plots, and evaluation of publication bias using Egger’s test. Results from the worked examples illustrate key concepts including interpretation of pooled estimates, weighting of studies, and implications of heterogeneity. The guide is designed for clinicians, public health researchers, and graduate students seeking a clear and reproducible framework for performing meta-analysis in Stata. By combining conceptual explanations with practical commands, this manuscript serves as a comprehensive introductory resource for applied meta-analysis.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects over one‐third of women in Nigeria. Risk factors include low education, poverty, place of residence and cultural acceptance of abuse. This study examines perspectives toward IPV in Nigeria and the background characteristics influencing these views in males and females. Methods: This secondary analysis used data from the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a nationally representative cross‐sectional survey conducted by UNICEF. Data were collected from 38,806 women and 17,347 men aged 15–49 using structured questionnaires. Associations between background characteristics and perspectives were examined using chi‐square tests and logistic regression, with a significance of p < 0.05. Results: About 53.4% of female and 44.1% of male respondents justified wife beating in at least one scenario. The most justified scenario was a wife having sex with another man (women 49.9% and men 38.5%), followed by a wife refusing sex with her husband. Logistic regression showed that lower education, rural residence, lower wealth and certain ethnic groups were associated with greater odds of justifying IPV ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Justification of IPV in Nigeria is shaped by gender, education, wealth, location and culture highlighting the importance of targeted interventions which engage men, challenge negative gender norms and focus on high‐risk groups (particularly those with lower education and in rural areas). This study highlights the importance of considering risk factors for justifying IPV in both men and women.

Background: Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a re-emerging viral disease. Vaccine acceptance is crucial for preventing its spread. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the acceptance of the Mpox vaccine among student populations. Methods: We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, up to 14 September 2024. The studies included were observational, such as cross-sectional and cohort studies, and specifically assessed vaccine acceptance for Mpox vaccines among students. R version 4.4 was used to perform the meta-analysis, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. The publication bias was evaluated using Doi plots. Results: Of the 143 studies initially identified, eight studies were included in the final analysis, comprising a total of 16,129 participants. The overall vaccine acceptance rate was 58.6%, with considerable variability across studies (I² = 100%). The sensitivity analyses indicated that acceptance rates ranged between 45% and 70%. The Doi plot demonstrated the presence of moderate publication bias. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows moderate acceptance of the Mpox vaccine among students. Future studies should investigate the factors influencing vaccine acceptance and design targeted strategies to improve coverage, which will be essential for controlling Mpox and ensuring successful vaccination campaigns.

Background: Type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is a well-known medical condition that increasingly affects the young generation. This paper looks at the role of genetic and ethnic background on food choices and obesity, among UK's Generation Z and their predisposition to T2D. Methods: This study aimed to determine the dietary patterns, body weight indices, and T2D status of Generation Z people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Self-administered questionnaires and medical records were used to assess the subjects' genetic and ethnic-culinary backgrounds. Results: The study shows that genetic and ethnic factors have a strong relation to diet and weight gain, which in turn increases the probability of T2D. Hence, South Asians and Africans exhibited higher T2D prevalence attributable to their high-carbohydrate diets and insulin-resistance genes. Unhealthy foods and their unhealthy patterns were linked with obesity and high T2D risk mainly owing to the consumption of processed foods and high sugar. Such a situation with T2D if left uncontrolled, particularly in youths will result in long-term disastrous complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, and cognitive dysfunction. Conclusion: The intervention for T2D using live modalities and other public health strategies is necessary for preventing complication-related ailments. The recommendations consequently adopt health promotion activities such as healthy nutrition, routine check-ups on health, and appropriate public health interventions that are culturally competent.

Background: Menstruation, a natural and vital aspect of women's health, affects millions worldwide. Yet, 30% experience abnormal uterine bleeding and related symptoms like pain, anxiety, and fatigue, profoundly impacting their lives. Cultural stigmas and inadequate menstrual hygiene management further isolate girls and restrict their daily activities. Methods: Using a multistage sampling design, UNICEF's 2022-23 Afghanistan MICS survey analysed 23,568 households. The study used IBM SPSS version 29.0 to examine women's absenteeism due to menstruation, focusing on age, residence, education, and wealth index. Chi-square tests and odds ratios determined statistical significance. Results: The study revealed that menstruation greatly affected women's daily routines in Afghanistan. Many women said they had missed social events, work, or school because of their period. The study also established that absenteeism was significantly associated with demography, age, place of residence, education level and wealth index using chi-square tests and odds ratios. The findings revealed that younger women, women from rural settings, and women with low education or low wealth index were more likely to have missed activities due to menstruation. The present study highlights the importance of intervention focused on MHH and reducing school absenteeism among Afghan women. Conclusion: This study shows that menstruation has a major effect on women and girls' engagement in social, working, and learning activities in Afghanistan. Menstrual health concerns are not just a one-stop issue but involve education, environments, products, and policies. Interventions effectively improve women's quality of life, decrease absenteeism and increase access to education and employment opportunities.

Background: Afghanistan has been experiencing constant political instability and financial issues, which have led to widespread poverty and severe child malnutrition, with high rates of stunting and wasting. Breastfeeding practices, essential for child survival, vary based on region, wealth, and maternal education. This study aims to assess the demographic factors that affect breastfeeding practices in Afghanistan. Methods: This study uses secondary data from Afghanistan from MICS 2022-2023. About 33 thousand children and more than 32 thousand Mothers or caretakers were approached and selected, and 98% was the response rate. Results: Both chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression were performed using SPSS software. The results show 87% of children were breastfed, and the child has ever been breastfed is associated with the gender and mother's education level. Females were 1.09 times more likely to be breastfed than males, and women with secondary education were more likely to be breastfed than the primary level (95% CI: 0.65-0.91, p-value = 0.003). Breastfeeding was also statistically significant in provinces like Parwan, Takhar, Kunduz, Faryab and Baghdis. Conclusion: The government, policymakers, researchers, and professionals should make localized and area-focused initiatives and run campaigns to encourage mothers to breastfeed.