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Socioeconomic Factors

SSRIs & ADHD Prescriptions in CYP: Variation by Location & Socioeconomic Factors

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 26, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

North West London Study Reveals Disparities in Psychotropic ‍Drug Prescriptions for Children

A new population-based study of nearly 763,000 children⁤ and ‍young ⁢people (CYP) in North West London has revealed critically important variations in⁤ the prescription rates⁢ of SSRIs and ADHD medications linked to sociodemographic factors and ⁣geographical location. The findings, published⁣ [publication details not provided in source], ⁢highlight potential mental health inequalities and underscore the need for more comprehensive data collection to address these disparities.

The study, analyzing prescription data from 2020-2022, found‌ that 2.20% ⁢of CYP were prescribed an SSRI (95% CI 2.17% to 2.24%) and ‌0.50%‍ an ADHD‍ medication (95% ‌CI ‌0.49% to 0.52%). notably, higher socioeconomic deprivation correlated wiht increased SSRI prescriptions (2.5% in⁤ the most deprived areas), ⁢while lower deprivation was associated with ⁤higher ADHD medication prescriptions ⁢(0.70%). ‍This ⁣pattern ⁤wasn’t consistent across all⁣ London⁣ boroughs, and sociodemographic factors explained limited⁣ variation in prescription rates – 18% for SSRIs and 6%⁤ for ADHD medications (Pseudo R² 0.18 and 0.06 respectively).

Researchers examined associations between prescription‌ rates and factors including age, gender, ‌geographical⁣ area (local authority),‌ ethnicity, and socioeconomic deprivation, measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation. The⁣ divergent prescribing patterns observed suggest that access to, or appropriateness of, mental health services may‍ differ based on where⁤ a child lives and their socioeconomic background.

The study concludes that these⁣ variations could exacerbate existing mental health inequalities. Researchers advocate for ⁤expanded⁤ use of linked electronic health records, specifically including data ‍on mental health diagnoses and service utilization, to better understand⁣ the ⁢relationship between⁢ diagnosis and treatment over time and to effectively monitor and‍ address these inequities.

Keywords: Attention Deficit disorder with Hyperactivity; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Electronic Health Records; Health Equity; MENTAL HEALTH; Prescriptions.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Health

Inequalities in IPTp-SP Coverage in Sierra Leone, 2008-2019

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 26, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Sierra⁣ Leone Sees Gains in ‍Malaria Prevention for pregnant Women,⁣ But Regional Disparities Widen

Freetown, Sierra ⁣Leone – Intermittent preventive ⁢treatment in pregnancy (IPTp)⁣ with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) coverage among pregnant women in⁤ Sierra Leone rose substantially between 2008 and ‍2019, but a new study reveals increasing‌ inequalities in access based on geographic location, raising⁢ concerns about ⁢equitable maternal health outcomes. While national coverage ⁣climbed from 5.2% to 35.7% over the ⁣11-year period, disparities between provinces have grown, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

The research, utilizing data from the Sierra‍ Leone Demographic Health survey in 2008, 2013, and 2019, underscores a complex picture of progress and persistent challenges. IPTp-SP is a crucial intervention for preventing malaria during pregnancy, a major contributor to ⁢maternal and infant mortality. Understanding⁤ the factors driving uneven uptake is ‍vital for maximizing the impact of this preventative measure. The study employed inequality measures – including‌ simple difference, ratio, population-attributable‌ risk, and population-attributable fraction – to assess disparities across economic status, education level, place of residence, and sub-national province.

Key findings indicate that ⁢economic inequalities ⁤widened, with ‌a gap of -5.2 ‌percentage points in 2019⁤ between the richest (Quintile 5) and poorest (Quintile 1)‍ pregnant women, compared to -1.4 percentage points in 2008. Though, inequalities related to education and place of residence decreased; the difference between women with secondary or higher education and those with no education fell from 4.4 to -3.8 percentage points, while ⁣the⁣ urban-rural ⁣gap narrowed from 1.4 to -6.3 percentage points. Conversely, provincial inequalities increased substantially, from a‌ 4.1 percentage point difference in 2008 to 18.4‍ percentage points in 2019.

Researchers conclude that while overall IPTp-SP coverage is improving and some inequalities are lessening, the growing disparities at the provincial level demand tailored strategies. The study recommends a multifaceted approach encompassing health system strengthening, targeted behaviour change communication, and addressing underlying ⁤social determinants⁤ of health to ⁣achieve global and equitable coverage of IPTp-SP in Sierra Leone.

Keywords: Intermittent preventive treatment in ⁤pregnancy (IPTp); Malaria prevention; Maternal health; Sierra Leone; Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP).

November 26, 2025 0 comments

World

Parental Vaccine Hesitancy in Brazil: Factors and Prevalence

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 23, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Parental Vaccine Hesitancy a Growing Concern in Campo Grande, Brazil

Campo Grande, Brazil – A important public health challenge is emerging as vaccine-hesitant parents increasingly delay or refuse childhood immunizations. A recent study conducted in campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, aimed to quantify this parental hesitancy and identify its contributing factors.

Teh cross-sectional study, which ran from September 2022 to October 2023, employed a household survey methodology aligned with the World health Organization’s two-stage cluster sampling approach for estimating vaccination coverage.Researchers interviewed 158 parents of children under 12 years old, utilizing the SAGE Working Group questionnaire to assess vaccine hesitancy. The reasons behind hesitancy were categorized using the 3C conceptual model.

Findings revealed that 39.2% of parents surveyed expressed hesitancy regarding their children’s vaccinations. Notably, COVID-19 vaccines elicited the highest level of hesitancy, at 77.4%. The primary reason cited for this reluctance was a lack of confidence, reported by 85.5% of hesitant parents.

The study identified several key associations with parental vaccine hesitancy. Parents residing in larger households were more likely to be hesitant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02; 1.72). Moreover, parents who believed there were valid reasons not to immunize their children exhibited higher hesitancy (aOR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.41; 12.77), as did those who hesitated to receive vaccines themselves (aOR = 3.74; 95% CI: 1.80; 8.16).

These results underscore a connection between parental hesitancy and socioeconomic and behavioral factors, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

Vaccine hesitancy has been a recognized global health issue, with factors influencing decisions varying across cultures and time periods. Understanding the specific drivers within a community,such as those identified in Campo Grande,is crucial for developing effective communication strategies and building trust in vaccination programs.