Haniya Zehra Syed

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: Scoping reviews systematically map the breadth of evidence on a particular topic, providing a comprehensive overview of the available research. This paper aims to outline the key steps involved in conducting a scoping review and to provide practical guidance for public health and allied health students and researchers. Methods: Formulating a research question using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework to develop a clear research question or objective. Setting inclusion and exclusion criteria to guide the selection of studies for inclusion in the review. Conducting a thorough search across relevant databases and sources, including both academic and grey literature. Using a PRISMA flow diagram to document the search and selection process. Extracting and charting relevant data from included studies. Analysing synthesizing data using descriptive analysis or basic qualitative content analysis. Summarizing and presenting findings in a clear and meaningful way. Results: The paper provides a detailed guide for conducting scoping reviews, emphasizing the differences between scoping reviews and systematic reviews. It highlights that scoping reviews address broader research questions and typically do not assess study quality. Practical guidance is provided on developing search strategies and creating data extraction forms. Conclusions: This paper serves as a comprehensive guide for public health and allied health students and researchers undertaking scoping reviews, covering key methodological considerations and best practices throughout the review process.

Systematic review and meta-analysis and other forms of evidence syntheses are critical to inform guideline development and healthcare decision-making. Various software is available now a days to conduct meta-analysis. Some of them are code-based, few are not freely available, and some others have obvious limitations. SPSS is the most commonly used statistical package and has a graphical user interface making it user friendly. A recent version (v29) of SPSS has introduced the functionality for meta-analysis. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and clear guide to public health, clinicians, and allied health professionals to perform and report a meta-analysis using SPSS. We have first briefly explained few key statistical concepts relevant to meta-analysis. Then, we have provided three solved examples for meta-analysis using attached example datasets. We have also provided the interpretation and reporting for these three cases. Next, we have discussed about ancillary cases, and how meta-analysts can deal with other scenarios. Finally, we have provided the developers of SPSS with some suggestions for improvements and enhancement for incorporation in the future versions of this software.

Background: The widespread use of mobile phones and technologies in Nigeria presents a unique opportunity that the country can take advantage of in improving access to healthcare. However, evidence on digital health utilization among Nigerians is limited. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework, under the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, in which a systematic mapping of available evidence on digital health utilization by patients and healthcare professionals in Nigeria was carried out. Methods: The databases PubMed, CINAHL and MEDLINE with full text via EBSCOhost were thoroughly searched for relevant peer-reviewed articles from the inception of digital health technology until October 2023. Using the eligibility criteria as reference, abstracts and full-texts of 170 articles were screened and 13 records were ultimately selected for the review. Results: Of the 13 included articles, six provided evidences on digital health utilization by health professionals and seven provided evidences on digital health utilization by patients. Patients were enthusiastic about digital health use but the cost of owning a mobile phone was an important barrier. Health professionals had mixed feelings about digital health utilization; whereas perceived usefulness of the technology was an important motivator, lack of computer literacy was an important barrier. Conclusion: The study shows that there is limited published research on digital health utilization in Nigeria. Crucially, very little has been studied about what impact concerns about patient data privacy and safety have on digital health utilization in Nigeria. Further primary research on the motivators of and barriers to digital health utilization by healthcare workers and patients in Nigeria is recommended.

Background: The term "oral health" describes the state of the mouth's defence against ailments that affect the oral cavity, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, cancer of the mouth and throat, facial discomfort, and ulcers. Oral cleanliness, tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, and general diet are the main contributors to oral health issues and illnesses. The most significant advantage of maintaining proper dental hygiene is the prevention of diseases. In Pakistan, dental health is not given much priority. The aim of this systematic review is to thoroughly examine and summaries the body of research on Pakistani people's attitudes, practices, and knowledge on oral health. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps, offer a thorough review of the existing situation regarding oral health awareness, habits, and attitudes, and indicate possible areas for development. Methods: This thorough systematic review, which adheres closely to PRISMA principles, examines all cross-sectional studies examining the gaps in oral health knowledge, practice, and attitude in Pakistan. Several databases such as Medline, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, and Scopus were used and past and current reviews on the same subject were looked in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Selected papers were meta-synthesized to produce results that were both statistically sound and strong. Results: The findings reveal that there are differences in the population's knowledge about oral health, certain groups with low socio-economic status showing less understanding of preventive and good oral hygiene habits. Conclusion: This review highlights the need for all-encompassing strategies that account for differences in geography, culture, and socioeconomic disparities by placing the findings in a broader literary context. To improve oral health outcomes across the country, specific public health campaigns, educational programmes, and policy measures are crucial given the knowledge gaps and practice discrepancies that have been discovered. By addressing these problems, we can improve people's general health and lessen the prevalence of oral disorders in Pakistan.

Journal of Primary Care Dentistry and Oral Health, Institute of Family Medicine and Primary Care, (A Unit of DOC24 Wellness Pvt Ltd)