Journal articles on the topic 'Public and population health, n.e.c'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Public and population health, n.e.c.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Public and population health, n.e.c.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Somayaji, R., C. Naugler, M. Guo, and D. Church. "Examining Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae rates between 2010 and 2015: a population-based observational study." International Journal of STD & AIDS 28, no. 8 (October 5, 2016): 822–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0956462416674427.
Full textAbstract:
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae remain an important public health concern. We aimed to assess the population-based incidence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in an age-standardized cohort over time. A retrospective study of a large Canadian health region was undertaken between 2010 and 2015 using linked census and digital laboratory data. C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae tests were linked to patient data. Sex and age-standardized incidence rates (IR) and ratios (IRR) were calculated for cases and testing rates. The annual mean population was 1,150,556 individuals (50.1% female). A total of 15,109 cases of chlamydia and 981 cases of gonorrhoea occurred. The overall IR for chlamydia ranged from 18.81 to 25.63 cases per 10,000 person-years. The IRR was 1.27 (95% CI 1.20–1.34, p < 0.001) for the comparison of 2015 and 2010 rates. For gonorrhoea, overall rates ranged from 0.92 to 1.86 cases per 10,000 person-years. The IRR for gonorrhoea was 2.02 (95% CI 1.56–2.59, p < 0.001) for 2015 and 2010 rates. In our large population-based study spanning six years, we observed increasing rates of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae with low testing rates.
2
TARIQ, FAQIR MUHAMMAD, IRSHAD AHMAD, HABIB SUBHANI, and Irshad Ul Haq. "HEPATITIS C." Professional Medical Journal 16, no. 02 (June 10, 2009): 169–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.29309/tpmj/2009.16.02.2890.
Full textAbstract:
I n t r o d u c t i o n : Hepatitis C is a RNA virus isolated in 1988 but still not cultured in the laboratory. Hepatitis-C infection is aserious global public health issue, WHO estimates worlds 3 % population is HCV positive. Pakistan is also facing the huge burden of thisdisease. Accurate prevalence information for hepatitis C infection is scant in Pakistan. Few population based studies are available, the mostcomprehensive being that of Luby et al which after testing a representative sample from a population of 150,000 in Hafizabad, Pakistanfound an overall sero-prevalence of 6%. This increased to 30% with increasing age. They also found sero-prevalence of 16% in householdmembers of HCV infected cases. Aslam et al reported a population prevalence of 16% from Lahore and 23.8% in Gujranwala. In our studypublished in Medical Forum showed prevalence of HCV antibodies in population attending our department of ophthalmology is 27.06%.There is no data from Pakistan about prevalence of hepatitis C in Paramedical staff. It appears that paramedical staff is at higher risk ofcontracting this infection as they are exposed to multiple risk factors like needle stick injuries. Little is known about the prevalence of HepatitisC in this group of population. The objective of our study was to assess the perceived increased incidence of Hepatitis C in this group ofpopulation. M e t h o d s & Materials:This is a retrospective audit of the data from the records kept by clinical laboratory of University MedicalCollege, Faisalabad. All paramedical staff members were invited for HCV antibody test on 13.1.2007 to 20.1.2007.Any staff member workingin those days was included in the study. Persons on holidays or did not give free informed consent was excluded from the study. Serumof blood samples were analyzed by EXCEL a one step test device for the qualitative detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus in serumor plasma by trained professional. This test has a relative sensitivity of 96.8%, relative specificity 99% and accuracy 98.9% as comparedto HCV EIA test. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS system.Results: A total 80 staff members were working in the hospital at thattime, 61 attended for the test (F: 31, M: 30). We found 7 (11.4%) were HCV positive and 54 (88.52%) were HCV negative including 2 weeklypositive. Among HCV positive 4 (6.55%) were male and 3 (4.91 %) were females. Age distribution was 17 - 75 years with mean age 32.51years. Among HCV positive 3 were analyzed by ELISA technique. 2 weekly positive by EXCEL were negative by ELISA and 1 positive byEXCEL was positive by ELISA. C o n c l u s i o n : Paramedical staff is perhaps not at higher risk of contracting HCV infection. However morestudies are required to further assess this finding.
3
Alfthan, Georg, Jouko Sundvall, Laura Råman, Kari Kuulasmaa, and Hanna Tolonen. "Standardisation of laboratories engaged in lipid analyses of population health examination surveys." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 72, no. 7 (April 10, 2018): 653–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2018-210763.
Full textAbstract:
BackgroundReliable data on clinical biomarkers are necessary in order to assess the health risks of populations and especially in assessing long-term trends related to disease incidence.MethodsTen European laboratories participated in a two-phase quality control exercise of total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) analysis. The European Health Examination Survey Reference Laboratory prepared plasma batches for analysis, and provided target values for them. Two criteria were set for the precision and the systematic error (bias). Three plasma samples were analysed in duplicate on separate days (n=12).ResultsIn Round 1, all laboratories met the acceptable criterion (3%) for precision of TC. The mean bias of all laboratories was 0.99% (95% CI 0.03% to 1.95%). Six laboratories measured samples from Round 2. Five laboratories met the goal criterion of 3%; one failed to meet the acceptable criterion of 5%. The mean bias for HDL-C of the three batches of six laboratories was within goal limits (±5% from target) and that of all 10 within acceptable (±10%). The mean bias of all laboratories was 1.1% (95% CI −0.18 to 2.32). In Round 2 four laboratories met the goal criterion and one the acceptable criterion.ConclusionThe quality control exercise demonstrated that although the majority of the laboratories met the strict criteria for systematic error for TC and HDL-C, standardisation of methods is still needed to improve the accuracy of biomarker measurements of laboratories engaged in population health surveys. A protocol is recommended for obtaining reliable and comparable biomarker data between countries.
4
Kozhabek, L. "The relationship between the structure of nutrition and chronic non-communicable diseases." Manager Zdravoochranenia, no. 4 (April 1, 2022): 39–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.21045/1811-0185-2022-4-39-44.
Full textAbstract:
I n t r o d u c t i o n . The article analyzes modern literary sources and scientific ideas devoted to the study of the role of healthy nutrition and the influence of nutrition factors on health. Proper and healthy nutrition is the basis of a high-quality human life, affects health, longevity and performance. Modern nutrition should not only satisfy the physiological needs of a person for nutrients and energy, but also perform preventive and therapeutic functions. Diets based entirely on the consumption of plant products are becoming increasingly popular due to the many claimed health benefits. Numerous studies conducted in recent years indicate that a plant-based diet with a restriction of animal products is accompanied by a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, and in some nosologies contributes to disease control. The goals and objectives of the prevention of healthy eating are to preserve and strengthen the health of the population, prevent diseases caused by inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . A review of the literature on the control of food safety, the fullness and balance of nutrition, compliance with dietary regimes. R e s u l t s . With eating disorders, the ability to withstand adverse environmental influences, stress, increased mental and physical exertion sharply decreases. An imbalance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the composition of food leads to metabolic disorders and subsequently to disease. D i s c u s s i o n . Rational nutrition is considered as one of the components of “lifestyle medicine”. At the same time, most researchers emphasize the need for large-scale population-based research in this area in accordance with modern principles of evidence-based medicine. C o n c l u s i o n . The results of numerous studies indicate the significant role of nutrition in the development of various diseases, their prevention and treatment. Nutrition is the basis for all metabolic processes of the human body, therefore, a violation of nutrition contributes to the occurrence of the disease. A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle are the basis of disease prevention.
5
Gottesman, Tamar, Orit Yossepowitch, Zmira Samra, Shoshana Rosenberg, and Michael Dan. "Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in men with urethritis and in high risk asymptomatic males in Tel Aviv: a prospective study." International Journal of STD & AIDS 28, no. 2 (July 10, 2016): 127–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0956462416630675.
Full textAbstract:
We sought to investigate the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis in men presenting to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic, with special attention to M. genitalium, its occurrence in Israeli patients, coinfections, and risk factors. In a cross-sectional study, 259 men were successively enrolled in the Tel Aviv Levinsky Clinic for STIs between November 2008 and November 2010. There were 118 men with urethritis and 141 high-risk men without symptoms. M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. vaginalis were detected using nucleic acid amplification tests. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were documented. The overall prevalence of infection with M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. vaginalis, were 6.6%, 12.7%, 23.1%, and 0%, respectively. Prevalences in men with urethritis were 11.9%, 22%, and 49%, for M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae, respectively. Prevalences in men without symptoms were 2.1%, 5.0%, and 1.4%, for M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae, respectively. Co-infections were found only in symptomatic individuals, in whom 5.9% were infected concomitantly with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, and 2.5% had dual infection with M. genitalium and N. gonorrhoeae. N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and M. genitalium were significantly more prevalent in patients with urethritis. M. genitalium was significantly more prevalent in the heterosexual population than in homosexual males. To conclude, we have found that M. genitalium infection is associated with urethritis in Israeli men, and more so in the heterosexual population. Testing men for M. genitalium as a cause of non-gonococcal urethritis is warranted, particularly because of its poor response to doxycycline and possible failure of azithromycin.
6
Muniz, Pascoal Torres, Teresa Gontijo de Castro, Thiago Santos de Araújo, Nara Barros Nunes, Mônica da Silva-Nunes, Erika Hellena Esther Hoffmann, Marcelo Urbano Ferreira, and Marly Augusto Cardoso. "Child health and nutrition in the Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two counties in Acre State." Cadernos de Saúde Pública 23, no. 6 (June 2007): 1283–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0102-311x2007000600004.
Full textAbstract:
The article presents prevalence rates for malnutrition, intestinal parasitic infections, anemia, and iron deficiency in under-five children in a population-based cross-sectional survey performed in the urban area of two counties in the Western Brazilian Amazon, Assis Brasil (n = 200) and Acrelandia (n = 477). Available data included: (a) weight and height measurements, standardized as z-scores using the 1977 NCHS reference population, (b) diagnosis of current intestinal parasitic infection, (c) blood hemoglobin levels, and (d) plasma ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor levels. Overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age, and low height-for-age were 3.7%, 8.7%, and 7.5%, respectively, with similar figures in the two towns. Intestinal parasites were detected in 32.5% children; helminths were uncommon. Anemia and iron deficiency were diagnosed in 30.6% and 43.5% of the children, respectively. Evidence of anemia was found in only 47.6% of the children with depleted iron reserves, indicating that hemoglobin measurement alone would severely underestimate the magnitude of iron deficiency in this population. In both towns, anemia and malnutrition were significantly more prevalent among children in the lowest socioeconomic stratum.
7
Tapia, Teresa, María Fernanda Olivares, John Stenos, Rodrigo Iglesias, Nora Díaz, Natalia Vergara, Viviana Sotomayor, et al. "National Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Chile, 2016–2017." Pathogens 10, no. 5 (April 28, 2021): 531. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10050531.
Full textAbstract:
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium and the cause of the zoonotic infection, Q fever. National surveillance data on C. burnetii seroprevalence is currently not available for any South American country, making efforts of public health to implement strategies to mitigate infections in different at-risk groups within the population extremely challenging. In the current study, we used two commercial anti-C. burnetii immunoassays to screen sera collected from a sample of the Chilean population as part of a 2016–2017 national health survey (n = 5166), nationwide and age-standardized. The seroprevalence for C. burnetii for persons ≥ 15 years was estimated to be 3.0% (95% CI 2.2–4.0), a level similar to national surveys from The Netherlands (2.4%) and USA (3.1%), but lower than Australia (5.6%). A linear increase of C. burnetii seropositivity was associated with an individual’s age, with the peak seroprevalence 5.6% (95% CI 3.6–8.6) observed in the ≥65 years’ group. C. burnetii seropositivity was significantly higher in the southern macro-zone 6.0% (95% CI 3.3–10.6) compared to metropolitan region 1.8% (95% CI 0.9–3.3), the former region being home to significant livestock industries, particularly dairy farming. These data will be useful to inform targeted strategies for the prevention of Q fever in at-risk populations in Chile.
8
Moore, Miranda S., Angelica Bocour, Fabienne Laraque, and Ann Winters. "A Surveillance-Based Hepatitis C Care Cascade, New York City, 2017." Public Health Reports 133, no. 4 (June 14, 2018): 497–501. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0033354918776641.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives: The care cascade, a method for tracking population-level progression from diagnosis to cure, is an important tool in addressing and monitoring the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. However, little agreement exists on appropriate care cascade steps or how best to measure them. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) sought to construct a care cascade by using laboratory surveillance data with clinically relevant categories that can be readily updated over time. Methods: We identified all NYC residents ever reported to the DOHMH surveillance registry with HCV through June 30, 2017 (n = 175 896). To account for outmigration, death, or treatment before negative RNA results became reportable to the health department, we limited the population to people with any test reported since July 1, 2014. Of these residents, we identified the proportion with a reported positive RNA test and estimated the proportion treated and cured since July 2014 by using DOHMH-developed surveillance-based algorithms. Results: Of 78 886 NYC residents ever receiving a diagnosis of HCV and tested since July 1, 2014, a total of 70 397 (89.2%) had ever been reported as RNA positive through June 30, 2017; 36 875 (46.7%) had initiated treatment since July 1, 2014, and 23 766 (30.1%) appeared cured during the same period. Conclusion: A substantial gap exists between confirming HCV infection and initiating treatment, even in the era of direct-acting antivirals. Using this cascade, we will monitor progress in improved treatment and cure of HCV in NYC.
9
Krieger, Nancy, Pamela D. Waterman, Jarvis T. Chen, Mah-Jabeen Soobader, and SV Subramanian. "Monitoring Socioeconomic Inequalities in Sexually Transmitted Infections, Tuberculosis, and Violence: Geocoding and Choice of Area-Based Socioeconomic Measures—The Public Health Disparities Geocoding Project (US)." Public Health Reports 118, no. 3 (May 2003): 240–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/phr/118.3.240.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives. To determine which area-based socioeconomic measures, at which level of geography, are suitable for monitoring socioeconomic inequalities in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), and violence in the United States. Methods. Cross-sectional analysis of public health surveillance data, geocoded and linked to area-based socioeconomic measures generated from 1990 census tract, block group, and ZIP Code data. We included all incident cases among residents of either Massachusetts (MA; 1990 population = 6,016,425) or Rhode Island (RI; 1990 population = 1,003,464) for: STIs (MA: 1994–1998, n = 26,535 chlamydia, 7,464 gonorrhea, 2,619 syphilis; RI: 1994–1996, n = 4,473 chlamydia, 1,256 gonorrhea, 305 syphilis); TB (MA: 1993–1998, n = 1,793; RI: 1985–1994, n = 576), and non-fatal weapons related injuries (MA: 1995–1997, n = 6,628). Results. Analyses indicated that: ( a) block group and tract socioeconomic measures performed similarly within and across both states, with results more variable for the ZIP Code level measures; ( b) measures of economic deprivation consistently detected the steepest socioeconomic gradients, considered across all outcomes (incidence rate ratios on the order of 10 or higher for syphilis, gonorrhea, and non-fatal intentional weapons-related injuries, and 7 or higher for chlamydia and TB); and ( c) results were similar for categories generated by quintiles and by a priori categorical cut-points. Conclusions. Supplementing U.S. public health surveillance systems with census tract or block group area-based socioeconomic measures of economic deprivation could greatly enhance monitoring and analysis of social inequalities in health in the United States.
10
Dombrowski, Rachael D., and Michele A. Kelley. "Corner Store Owners as Health Promotion Agents in Low-Income Communities." Health Education & Behavior 46, no. 6 (September 6, 2019): 905–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1090198119867735.
Full textAbstract:
Reports of small business owner motivations for participation in health promotion interventions are rarely reported in the literature, particularly in relation to healthy eating interventions. This study explicates and defines the development of healthy corner stores as community-based enterprises (CBEs) within eight low-income, suburban communities. CBEs are defined as community-oriented small businesses with a common goal to improve population health. The corner stores assessed in this study were participants in Healthy HotSpot (HH), a corner store initiative of the Cook County Department of Public Health. To determine store alignment with the CBE construct, a case study design was used for qualitative inquiry. Participant narratives from store owners ( n = 21), community-based organizations (CBOs; n = 8) and consumer focus groups ( n = 51) were analyzed using an iterative process to determine how store owners aligned with the CBE construct, and how this influenced continuation of health promotion activities. Several key factors influenced the strength of store owners’ alignment with the CBE construct. They included the following: (a) shared ethno-cultural identities and residential area as consumers; (b) positive, trustworthy relationships with consumers; (c) store owners valuing and prioritizing community health, often over profits; and (d) collaboration with a highly engaged CBO in the HH project. Results can assist in theory development and intervention design in working with corner store owners, and other small business owners, as health promotion agents to improve and sustain health outcomes and help ensure the economic vitality of low-income communities.
11
Mikhailov, M. I., M. A. Gomberg, N. A. Dolzhanskaya, and A. A. Koubanova. "Significance of sexual route of transmission of hepatitis B and C in Russia." International Journal of STD & AIDS 13, no. 1_suppl (December 2002): 9–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/095646202762226083.
Full textAbstract:
It is generally understood that hepatitis B and hepatitis C may be sexually transmitted. During the last decade there was a sharp growth of hepatitis B and C in Russia. In comparison to 1992 the incidence of hepatitis B in Russia rose two-fold and in 1999 there were 43.31 cases per 100,000 of population (in some cities up to 150/100,000 and even more). The incidence of hepatitis C in 1999 (19.31 per 100,000 of population) rose to six times more than in 1994. At the same time there was a dramatic growth in syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Russia. The proportion of sexual transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with other routes of transmission increased. According to the data from Moscow City Centre of Epidemiology during the last two years, up to 40% cases of HCV and HBV were sexually transmitted. The most dramatic growth of registered cases of hepatitis was seen among the sexually active population aged 14-29. Confirmation of the sexual route of transmission of HBV and HCV in teenagers was seen when the results of the study showed various markers of HBV and HCV to be significantly more common among sexually active (n=45) than sexually inactive (n=341) teenagers (13.33% vs. 4.39% for HBsAg; 46.67% vs. 12.61% for HBsAg+anti-HBs+anti-HBc; 9.47% vs. 3.95% for anti-HCV, respectively).
12
Andrews, Katie L., Laleh Jamshidi, Jolan Nisbet, Taylor A. Teckchandani, Jill A. B. Price, Rosemary Ricciardelli, Gregory S. Anderson, and R. Nicholas Carleton. "Mental Health Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 23 (November 25, 2022): 15696. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315696.
Full textAbstract:
Canadian public safety personnel (PSP) screen positive for one or more mental health disorders, based on self-reported symptoms, at a prevalence much greater (i.e., 44.5%) than the diagnostic prevalence for the general public (10.1%). Potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) exposures and occupational stressors increase the risks of developing symptoms of mental health disorders. The current study was designed to estimate the mental health disorder symptoms among Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Conservation and Protection (C&P) Officers. The participants (n = 412; 56.1% male, 37.4% female) completed an online survey assessing their current mental health disorder symptoms using screening measures and sociodemographic information. The participants screened positive for one or more current mental health disorders (42.0%; e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder) more frequently than in the general population diagnostic prevalence (10.1%; p < 0.001). The current results provide the first information describing the prevalence of current mental health disorder symptoms and subsequent positive screenings of CCG and C&P Officers. The results evidence a higher prevalence of positive screenings for mental health disorders than in the general population, and differences among the disorder-screening prevalence relative to other Canadian PSP. The current results provide insightful information into the mental health challenges facing CCG and C&P PSP and inform efforts to mitigate and manage PTSI among PSP. Ongoing efforts are needed to protect CCG and C&P Officers’ mental health by mitigating the impacts of risk factors and operational and organizational stressors through interventions and training, thus reducing the prevalence of occupational stress injuries.
13
Verkooyen, R. P., M. F. Peeters, J. H. Van Rijsoort-Vos, W. I. Van Der Meijden, and J. W. Mouton. "Sensitivity and specificity of three new commercially available Chlamydia trachomatis tests." International Journal of STD & AIDS 13, no. 1_suppl (December 2002): 23–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/095646202762226119.
Full textAbstract:
In order to determine the value of new Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) specific tests for routine serological diagnosis of Ct infections, we evaluated several commercially available assays (C. trachomatis enzyme immunoassay (EIA), Labsystems (CtL); SeroCT, Savyon (CtS); pELISA, Medac (CtMp)) in various study populations. The prevalence of C. trachomatis-specific IgA antibodies in a blood donor population (n=443) as determined by the peptide based tests CtL, the CtS and the CtMp was 5%, while for IgG antibodies this was 6% (CtL and CtS) and 12% (CtMp) respectively. Prevalence was negatively correlated with age, concording with C. trachomatis specificity. None of the three tests showed significant titre rises in serum samples taken from patients with a proven infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae (n=22), indicating species-specificity for all three tests. In patients with a polymerase chain reaction proven (n = 324) Ct infection, 75%, 70% and 68% were positive for IgG and 45%, 38% and 47% positive for IgA as determined by the CtMp, CtL and CtS respectively. We conclude that the new synthetic peptide-based EIA tests are able to detect species-specific Ct antibodies, which are strongly correlated to (active) infection.
14
Neznanov, N. G., A. V. Vasilyeva, and O. O. Salagay. "The role of psychotherapy as a medical specialty in public health." Public Health 2, no. 2 (August 11, 2022): 40–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.21045/2782-1676-2022-2-2-40-57.
Full textAbstract:
I n t r o d u c t i o n . Non-psychotic mental disorders are most prevalent mental disorders with the high relapse rate and onset in the early adulthood the most active period of life, psychosocial factors play essential role in their ethiopathogenesis. Psychotherapy as method influencing one’s mind and through the mind affecting ones organism is considered to play an essential role in the treatment system of this patients group as well as in medico-psychological support of the patients with somatic illnesses.Obj e c t i v e definition of the modern psychotherapy content as independent medical specialty based on the modern data base of its efficacy research systematization, evaluation of its further perspectives development for the provision of the healthcare for the targeted population of the patients with non-psychotic mental disorders as well as organization of the medico-psychological support for the patients with somatic illnesses, taking into account the possibilities offered by digital technologiesМ e t h o d s . WHO, PubMed, Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science, Russian Science citation index Science Citation Index search was conducted on non-psychotic mental disorders epidemiology, COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health, psychotherapy efficacy and psychotherapeutic treatment settings, possibilities of digital technologies implementation in modern psychotherapy.R e s u l t s . The prevalence of non-psychotic mental disorders is constantly growing in the las years, they make a serious impact in the non-communicable diseases burden, with the increase of the treatment costs. The COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by decrease of mental health well-being, growth of the anxiety and depressive disturbances, also because of the somatogenic disorders included in the post-covid syndrome.The recent studies persuasively demonstrated the efficacy of psychotherapy in the non-psychotic mental disorders treatment, combination of psycho- and pharmacotherapy is defined as the golden standard treatment, the ratio of them should be determined personalized in each individual case. Digital technologies active development, computerized psychotherapeutic programs implementation open new possibilities for the research of the psychotherapeutic treatment mechanisms as well as make psychotherapy more available for the different population groups and can substantially decrease treatment costs in the future.Mental health care provision optimization should be aimed at the greater psychotherapists involvement as the main specialists for diagnostic and complex treatment of non-psychotic mental disorders treatment, development of psychotherapeutic offices network, they could be a center of this patient group healthcare system, as well as for patients recovering from novel coronavirus infection with psychoneurological complains, and can be used for the medico-psychological support of the patients with somatic illnesses.Conclusion. Psychotherapy today is recognized as an effective non-psychotic mental disorders treatment method, in the future it can be used as an epigenetic modulator in the personalized medicine framework, it can be considered as an essential part of the medical-psychological support of the patients with somatic illnesses.
15
Mbuagbaw, Lawrence, Wangari Tharao, Winston Husbands, Laron E. Nelson, Muna Aden, Keresa Arnold, Shamara Baidoobonso, et al. "A/C study protocol: a cross-sectional study of HIV epidemiology among African, Caribbean and Black people in Ontario." BMJ Open 10, no. 7 (July 2020): e036259. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036259.
Full textAbstract:
IntroductionAfrican, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities are disproportionately infected by HIV in Ontario, Canada. They constitute only 5% of the population of Ontario yet account for 25% of new diagnoses of HIV. The aim of this study is to understand underlying factors that augment the HIV risk in ACB communities and to inform policy and practice in Ontario.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a cross-sectional study of first-generation and second-generation ACB adults aged 15–64 in Toronto (n=1000) and Ottawa (n=500) and collect data on sociodemographic information, sexual behaviours, substance use, blood donation, access and use of health services and HIV-related care. We will use dried blood spot testing to determine the incidence and prevalence of HIV infection among ACB people, and link participant data to administrative databases to investigate health service access and use. Factors associated with key outcomes (HIV infection, testing behaviours, knowledge about HIV transmission and acquisition, HIV vulnerability, access and use of health services) will be evaluated using generalised linear mixed models, adjusted for relevant covariates.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been reviewed and approved by the following Research Ethics Boards: Toronto Public Health, Ottawa Public Health, Laurentian University; the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto. Our findings will be disseminated as community reports, fact sheets, digital stories, oral and poster presentations, peer-reviewed manuscripts and social media.
16
Mattioli, Veronica, Maria Elisabetta Zanolin, Lucia Cazzoletti, Roberto Bono, Isa Cerveri, Marcello Ferrari, Pietro Pirina, and Vanessa Garcia-Larsen. "Dietary flavonoids and respiratory diseases: a population-based multi-case–control study in Italian adults." Public Health Nutrition 23, no. 14 (January 30, 2020): 2548–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980019003562.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractObjective:To analyse the associations between chronic respiratory diseases and intakes of total flavonoids and their major subclasses (flavanones, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, polymers and proanthocyanidins).Design:Multi-case–control study.Setting:The analysis was conducted in the frame of the Genes Environment Interaction in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD) study. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition FFQ was used to ascertain dietary intake. Multinomial regression models adjusting for age, sex, centre, BMI, smoking habit, alcohol intake, education, total energy intake, vitamin C intake and total fruit intake were used to examine the associations between dietary exposures and the relative risk ratio (RRR) of being a case.Participants:Individuals (n 990) hierarchically defined as follows: cases with asthma (current, n 159; past, n 78), chronic bronchitis (n 47), rhinitis (allergic rhinitis, n 167; non-allergic rhinitis, n 142) and controls (n 97).Results:An increase of 1 sd in flavanones was associated with a reduced risk of non-allergic rhinitis (adjusted RRR = 0·68, 95 % CI 0·47, 0·97); a similar result was found comparing the highest v. lowest quartile of flavanones intake (adjusted RRR = 0·24, 95 % CI 0·10, 0·59).Conclusions:Flavonoids contained in fruits and vegetables, especially flavanones, might reduce the risk of non-allergic rhinitis. No associations were found between other flavonoids and the considered outcomes.
17
Allan-Blitz, Lao-Tzu, Kelika A. Konda, Gino M. Calvo, Silver K. Vargas, Segundo R. Leon, Eddy R. Segura, Carlos F. Caceres, and Jeffrey D. Klausner. "High incidence of extra-genital gonorrheal and chlamydial infections among high-risk men who have sex with men and transgender women in Peru." International Journal of STD & AIDS 29, no. 6 (November 29, 2017): 568–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0956462417744098.
Full textAbstract:
Extra-genital Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections are associated with antimicrobial resistance and HIV acquisition. We analyzed data from a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women followed quarterly for two years in Peru. Incident cases were defined as positive N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis nucleic acid tests during follow-up. Repeat positive tests were defined as reinfection among those with documented treatment. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs). Of 404 participants, 22% were transgender. Incidence rates of rectal N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infection were 28.1 and 37.3 cases per 100 person-years, respectively. Incidence rates of pharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infection were 21.3 and 9.6 cases per 100 person-years, respectively. Incident HIV infection was associated with incident rectal (aIRR = 2.43; 95% CI 1.66–3.55) N. gonorrhoeae infection. Identifying as transgender versus cisgender MSM was associated with incident pharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae (aIRR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.12–3.07) infection. The incidence of extra-genital N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infections was high in our population. The association with incident HIV infection warrants evaluating the impact of rectal N. gonorrhoeae screening and treatment on HIV transmission.
18
Pašalić, Daria, Slavica Dodig, Naima Čorović, Alica Pizent, Jasna Jurasović, and Mladen Pavlović. "High prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an elderly Croatian population – a multicentre study." Public Health Nutrition 14, no. 9 (December 8, 2010): 1650–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980010003265.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a healthy elderly Croatian population.DesignCross-sectional study consisting of a health check including anthropometric measures and food questionnaires as well as analysis of biochemical parameters related to MetS. The diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) were used for diagnosis of MetS.SettingFour centres in continental (Virovitica and Zagreb) and Adriatic coast (Split and Omiš) regions of Croatia.SubjectsFree-living elderly persons aged 70–90 years (n 320).ResultsSignificantly lower MetS prevalence was found among participants from small urban centres compared with those from large urban centres (59·1 % v. 69·6 %; P = 0·051). Participants without MetS consumed wine more frequently (P = 0·05) than those with MetS. Compared with their peers with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) <1·03 mmol/l, more male participants with HDL-C ≥1·03 mmol/l consumed wine (P = 0·04) or pelagic fish (P = 0·03). The prevalence of participants with TAG ≥1·7 mmol/l was higher in wine non-consumers (P = 0·05) than in wine consumers. Multivariate analysis with age and gender as covariates showed a significant inverse association of wine consumption with total cholesterol (P < 0·001), a positive association with HDL-C (P < 0·001) and a marginally inverse association with TAG (P = 0·06). In the male population, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase activities were higher in participants with MetS (P < 0·05).ConclusionsHigh MetS prevalence was observed in an elderly Croatian population. Data showed that moderate consumption of wine and/or pelagic fish has a protective role against MetS in the population studied.
19
Litaker, John, Carlos Lopez Bray, Naomi Tamez, Wesley Durkalski, and Richard Taylor. "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptors, Refusers, and the Moveable Middle: A Qualitative Study from Central Texas." Vaccines 10, no. 10 (October 18, 2022): 1739. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101739.
Full textAbstract:
COVID-19 has caused excessive morbidity and mortality worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines, including the two mRNA vaccines, were developed to help mitigate COVID-19 and to move society towards herd immunity. Despite the strong efficacy and effectiveness profile of these vaccines, there remains a degree of vaccine hesitancy among the population. To better understand hesitancy associated with COVID-19 vaccines and to delineate between those who are vaccine acceptors, vaccine refusers, and the moveable middle, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand respondents’ decision to receive, or not, a COVID-19 vaccine at the onset of mRNA vaccine availability in Central Texas. A total of 737 individuals responded, with 685 responses classified to one of eight domains: A: End to the Pandemic (n = 48); B: Trust in Medical Community (n = 27); C: Illness-Focused Perceptions (n = 331); D: Social Motivation (n = 54); E: Vaccine-Focused Perceptions (n = 183); F: Knowledge Gap (n = 14); G: Underlying Health Concern (n = 9); and H: Undecided (n = 19). Vaccine acceptors (n = 535) were primarily represented in domains A–E, while vaccine refusers (n = 26) were primarily represented in domains C, E, G, and H. The moveable middle (n = 124) was primarily represented by domains C–H. These findings show clear delineations between vaccine acceptors, vaccine refusers, and the moveable middle across eight domains that can assist public health professionals in addressing vaccine hesitancy.
20
Barré, Tangui, Philippe Sogni, Olivia Zaegel-Faucher, Linda Wittkop, Fabienne Marcellin, Patrizia Carrieri, Anne Gervais, et al. "Cannabis Use as a Protective Factor Against Overweight in HIV-Hepatitis C Virus Co-Infected People (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH Cohort)." AIDS Education and Prevention 34, no. 4 (August 2022): 272–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2022.34.4.272.
Full textAbstract:
Overweight is increasingly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH), and is a high risk factor for metabolic disorders in this population. PLWH co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a higher risk of metabolic disorders than their mono-infected counterparts. The putative relationship between cannabis use and body weight found in the general population has never been documented in HIV-HCV co-infected people. We tested whether cannabis use is associated with body mass index (BMI), overweight, and underweight in HCV co-infected PLWH (N = 992). Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models were used to study the association between cannabis use and the three outcomes over time. After multivariable adjustment, cannabis use was inversely associated with BMI. Cannabis use was associated with a lower and higher risk of overweight and underweight, respectively. Cannabis use should be assessed and taken into account in the clinical management of the HIV-HCV co-infected population.
21
Mader, Sebastian, Malte Rubach, Wolfram Schaecke, Christine Röger, Ina Feldhoffer, and Eva-Magdalena Thalmeier. "Healthy nutrition in Germany: a survey analysis of social causes, obesity and socioeconomic status." Public Health Nutrition 23, no. 12 (April 27, 2020): 2109–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980019004877.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractObjective:The obesity pandemic is an increasing burden for society. Information on key drivers of the nutrition cycle of (a) social causation, (b) biological causation and (c) health selection is vital for effective policies targeted at the reduction of obesity prevalence. However, empirical causal knowledge on (a) the social predictors of diet quality, (b) its impact on corpulence and (c) the socioeconomic consequences of obesity is sparse. We overcome the limitations of previous research and acquire comprehensive causal insight into this cycle.Design:Therefore, we analyse two German socio-epidemiological panel surveys exploiting their longitudinal panel structure utilising hybrid panel regression models.Setting:General population of Germany.Participants:German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS, n 17 640; age 0–24 years) and the German National Nutrition Monitoring (NEMONIT, n 2610; age 15–82 years).Results:The results indicate that (a) interestingly only sex, education and age explain healthy diets; (b) increases in a newly developed Optimised Healthy Eating Index (O-HEI-NVSII) and in nuts intake reduce BMI, while growing overall energy intake, lemonade, beer and meat (products) intake drive corpulence; (c) in turn, developing obesity decreases socioeconomic status.Conclusions:These results suggest that policies targeted at the reduction of obesity prevalence may be well advised to focus on boys and men, people with low education, the promotion of a healthy diet and nuts intake, and the limitation of lemonade, beer and meat (products) intake. Therefore, future research may focus on the replication of our findings utilising longer panels and experimental approaches.
22
Ashiru-Oredope, D., T. Harrison, E. Wright, R. Osman, C. Narh, U. Okereke, E. Harvey, et al. "Barriers and facilitators to pharmacy professionals’ specialist public health roles: a mixed methods UK-wide pharmaceutical public health evidence review." International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 30, Supplement_2 (November 30, 2022): ii2—ii3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riac089.001.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Introduction Pharmaceutical Public Health (PPH) is defined as “the application of pharmaceutical knowledge, skills and resources to the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, promoting, protecting and improving health for all through organised efforts of society”.1 In the UK (and globally) pharmacy professionals (PPs) contribute to the delivery of local and national public/population health (PH) interventions.2,3 However, little is known to what extent PPs have specialist/advanced roles within PH practice. Aim The mixed methods review, commissioned by the UK Chief Pharmaceutical Officers in 2020, aimed to explore PPs’ specialist PH contributions including barriers and opportunities. Methods Databases available through PubMed were searched to retrieve articles published in English (2011- 2021) on seven topics including: emergency preparedness resilience and response (EPRR); integrating pharmacy to better support public health protection and improvement goals; public health skills and mitigating health inequalities. Two independent electronic surveys were developed, piloted and deployed for pharmacy and public health specialists via email cascade and social media. The surveys explored the extent to which PPs are involved in PH roles including the barriers and opportunities. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, and open-ended responses were themed. The NHS Health Research Authority tool identified this project did not require ethical approval as the surveys were service evaluation. Results Rapid Evidence reviews: Following assessment of 2,542 articles, 448 evidence statements were extracted from 135 relevant articles. They were predominantly from USA (39%) and UK (29%), with fewer high-quality reviews (17) or guidance (12), than moderate/low-quality reviews (42), single studies (33), or quantitative research (33). Common themes of PPs’ contributions included: surveillance and intelligence gathering; advocacy for their communities; signposting; delivery of health improvement and protection services; supporting people with long-term-conditions; and EPRR. Barriers identified included: limited public and professional awareness of pharmacy’s contribution to public health and under-resourced PH training. Pharmacy and PH professionals Surveys: There were UK-wide responses from 128 PPs and 37 PH specialists. Opportunities identified by PPs included: PH areas they directly contribute to (45%); qualifications, knowledge and skills (27%); strategic position in the community (19%), recent changing health landscape (4%). Barriers included lack of defined career pathway (20%); poor professional recognition (18%); limited resources (16%); lack of training and support (15%) and organisational and structural barriers (10%). PH specialists identified at least 12 areas from the Faculty of PH’s functions and standards, they believed additional benefits would be realised by PPs working directly within PH teams. Although only 40% PH specialists had PPs working within their teams, 83% stated that it would be beneficial or very beneficial to have PPs specialising in PH. Discussion/Conclusion Dedicated PPH training and system-wide leadership are required to fully realise population-level benefits. Low responses to the surveys present a study limitation, however, there was consensus from the themes emerging from both surveys and rapid evidence reviews findings. Pharmacy professionals make specialist contributions to PH despite barriers. Further investigation is required to identify how best to deploy advanced PPH resources. Future qualitative studies should be considered. References 1. Walker, R. Pharmaceutical public health: the end of pharmaceutical care? The Pharmaceutical Journal 2000;264:340–1. 2. PHE (2017). Pharmacy: A Way Forward for Public Health https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-pharmacy-public-health-interventions (accessed 31 July 2021) 3. Thomson K, Hillier-Brown F, Walton N, Bilaj M, Bambra C, Todd A. The effects of community pharmacy-delivered public health interventions on population health and health inequalities: A review of reviews. Prev Med. 2019 Jul;124:98-109.
23
ALMEIDA, Paulo R. L., Carla Bortolin FONSECA, Vivian W. KOCH, Amanda M. SOUZA, Alberi A. FELTRIN, and Cristiane Valle TOVO. "TRIPLE THERAPY IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C: initial series in a public health program in the South of Brazil." Arquivos de Gastroenterologia 52, no. 1 (March 2015): 14–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0004-28032015000100004.
Full textAbstract:
Background Chronic hepatitis C has great impact on world’s health. Current therapy for genotype 1 hepatitis C virus includes protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir, associated to standard therapy - peginterferon alfa + ribavirin. There are no published data in Brazil on the results of this new therapy, and it is interesting an evaluation of what was accomplished up to this moment. Objectives To evaluate virologic response to triple therapy, as well as the safety profile and tolerability. Method This study is a clinical series of patients receiving triple therapy for C hepatitis in a single center of a Public Health System of South Brasil. Out of the 121 patients that initiated the triple therapy, the first patients that finished the treatment and evaluated the sustained virological response (24 weeks after the end of treatment) were included. Results Twenty four genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C monoinfected patients were included. Nineteen (79.2%) patients had been previously treated. Thirteen (54.2%) patients were cirrhotic. Nineteen (79.2%) patients completed the planned therapy. By the end of the treatment, 14 (58.3%) out of 24 patients had undetectable viral load. Sustained virologic response occurred in 12 (50.0%) out of 24 patients, 07 (58.3%) in telaprevir group and 05 (41.7%) in boceprevir group. Out of 24 patients under triple therapy, 58% (n=14) presented anemia. Conclusions In conclusion, despite the small number of patients treated with triple therapy evaluated in the current study, it possibly reflects the population under this therapy in real-life.
24
Kwon, Eunjoo, Eun-Hee Nah, Suyoung Kim, and Seon Cho. "Relative Lean Body Mass and Waist Circumference for the Identification of Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean General Population." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 24 (December 14, 2021): 13186. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413186.
Full textAbstract:
Lean body mass (LBM) comprises organs and muscle, which are the primary determinants of energy expenditure and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Excessive abdominal fat is associated with metabolic abnormality. Little is known about the relationship between metabolic abnormality and LBM and waist circumference (WC), especially in the Asian general population. The aim of this study was to clarify this relationship. We performed a cross-sectional study with 499,648 subjects who received health check-ups at 16 health promotion centers in 13 Korean cities between January 2018 and October 2019. The subjects were categorized into four groups: (a) High (H)-RLBM (relative lean body mass)/Normal (N)-WC, (b) High-RLBM/Abnormal (A)-WC, (c) Low (L)-RLBM/Normal-WC, and (d) Low-RLBM/Abnormal-WC. RLBM was calculated using fat mass data that were estimated via bioelectrical impedance analysis. L-RLBM/A-WC was significantly associated with metabolically unhealthy status (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 4.326–4.475) compared to H-RLBM/N-WC. L-RLBM/N-WC (OR: 2.170, 95% CI: 2.122–2.218) and H-RLBM/A-WC (OR: 2.713, 95% CI: 2.659–2.769) were also significantly related to metabolic unhealthy status. The cut-offs of RLBM for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) were 74.9 in males and 66.4 in females (p < 0.001). L-RLBM and A-WC are associated with metabolic abnormality in the Korean general population. RLBM is an anthropometric index that can be used to predict MetS in primary health care.
25
Price, Jill A. B., Caeleigh A. Landry, Jeff Sych, Malcolm McNeill, Andrea M. Stelnicki, Aleiia J. N. Asmundson, and R. Nicholas Carleton. "Assessing the Perceptions and Impact of Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support among Firefighters and Paramedics in Canada." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 9 (April 20, 2022): 4976. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094976.
Full textAbstract:
Relative to the general population, public safety personnel (PSP) appear at an increased risk of developing mental health challenges as a result of repeated exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). To help mitigate the impact of PPTEs on PSP mental health, many PSP agencies have implemented diverse peer support despite limited empirical evidence. The current study was designed to expand the empirical evidence surrounding peer support by investigating one of the most widely used and structured peer support resources: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Specifically, the current study with integrated firefighters and paramedics assessed (a) the prevalence of mental disorders; (b) perceptions of high fidelity CISM peer support; and (c) the comparative associations of CISM with high fidelity (n = 91) versus unknown fidelity (n = 60) versus no CISM (n = 64) and mental health. Results indicated that (a) mental disorders are prevalent among PSP irrespective of gender, age, and years of service; (b) participants perceived CISM peer support as offering beneficial and valuable tools (e.g., skills and coping strategies); and (c) high fidelity CISM environments offer some mental health benefits to individuals who screen positive for alcohol use disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Overall, the current study offers novel information that can inform future directions for evidence-based peer support and policy decisions designed to support the mental health of PSP.
26
Hill, Warren D., Gail Butt, Maria Alvarez, and Mel Krajden. "Capacity Enhancement of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment through Integrated, Community-Based Care." Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology 22, no. 1 (2008): 27–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2008/369827.
Full textAbstract:
BACKGROUND: An estimated 250,000 Canadians are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present study describes a cohort of individuals with HCV referred to community-based, integrated prevention and care projects developed in British Columbia. Treatment outcomes are reported for a subset of individuals undergoing antiviral therapy at four project sites.METHODS: Four demonstration projects based on a public health nurse and physician partnership were established in rural and small urban centres in British Columbia. Comprehensive medical assessments determined whether individuals received treatment, or counselling and education. Outcomes of the treatment group were compared with published randomized controlled trials. Client demographics were mapped using geographical information systems applications.RESULTS: A total of 1795 individuals were referred to the clinics for medical assessment between Septmber 2001 and December 2005. After assessment, 26% were eligible for therapy, while 74% received counselling and education. Wait times decreased annually, with one-half of all referrals assessed within 30 days. Combination antiviral therapy was initiated in 363 clients with interferon plus ribavirin (n=36) or pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (n=327). Treatment outcomes were available for 205 individuals. The overall rate of sustained virological response was 61% (126 of 205 individuals). The number of individuals assessed at each site represented, on average, 20% of the total cumulative reported HCV cases in the catchment areas.DISCUSSION: The study findings illustrate how a public health nurse and physician partnership can service a population with complex medical needs while simultaneously increasing local capacity. Treatment outcomes were comparable with published clinical trials.
27
Chauhan, Ravendra P., and Michelle L. Gordon. "A Systematic Review Analyzing the Prevalence and Circulation of Influenza Viruses in Swine Population Worldwide." Pathogens 9, no. 5 (May 8, 2020): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9050355.
Full textAbstract:
The global anxiety and a significant threat to public health due to the current COVID-19 pandemic reiterate the need for active surveillance for the zoonotic virus diseases of pandemic potential. Influenza virus due to its wide host range and zoonotic potential poses such a significant threat to public health. Swine serve as a “mixing vessel” for influenza virus reassortment and evolution which as a result may facilitate the emergence of new strains or subtypes of zoonotic potential. In this context, the currently available scientific data hold a high significance to unravel influenza virus epidemiology and evolution. With this objective, the current systematic review summarizes the original research articles and case reports of all the four types of influenza viruses reported in swine populations worldwide. A total of 281 articles were found eligible through screening of PubMed and Google Scholar databases and hence were included in this systematic review. The highest number of research articles (n = 107) were reported from Asia, followed by Americas (n = 97), Europe (n = 55), Africa (n = 18), and Australia (n = 4). The H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were the most common influenza A virus subtypes reported in swine in most countries across the globe, however, few strains of influenza B, C, and D viruses were also reported in certain countries. Multiple reports of the avian influenza virus strains documented in the last two decades in swine in China, the United States, Canada, South Korea, Nigeria, and Egypt provided the evidence of interspecies transmission of influenza viruses from birds to swine. Inter-species transmission of equine influenza virus H3N8 from horse to swine in China expanded the genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses. Additionally, numerous reports of the double and triple-reassortant strains which emerged due to reassortments among avian, human, and swine strains within swine further increased the genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses. These findings are alarming hence active surveillance should be in place to prevent future influenza pandemics.
28
Smith, Jessica D., Neha Jain, and Regan L. Bailey. "Ready-to-eat cereal fortification: a modelling study on the impact of changing ready-to-eat cereal fortification levels on population intake of nutrients." Public Health Nutrition 23, no. 12 (January 20, 2020): 2165–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980019003690.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractObjective:Ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal is an important source of nutrients in the American diet. Recent regulatory changes to labelling requirements may impact the fortification of RTE cereal. We used an evidence-based approach to optimize the fortification of RTE cereal considering current dietary patterns and nutrition policy.Design:A US modelling study of cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014. The percentage of the population below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and above the Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL) was modelled under three scenarios: baseline, zero fortification and optimized fortification.Setting:USA.Participants:Toddlers aged 1–3 years, n 559; children aged 4–12 years, n 1540; adolescents aged 13–18 years, n 992; and adults aged ≥19 years, n 576.Results:Comparing current with optimized fortification, nutrient/100 g RTE cereal decreased for vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, Ca and Fe (by 2–82 %). The amount of vitamins C and D increased (by 13 and 50 %, respectively). Among RTE cereal eaters, these changes resulted in modest increases in the percentage of the population aged ≥1 year below the EAR (+0·5 to +11·5 percentage points). Decreases were observed in the percentage of the population above the UL.Conclusions:Fortification of RTE cereal can be optimized to provide key nutrients and minimize the percentage of the population below the EAR and above the UL. Dietary intake modelling is useful to ensure that RTE cereal continues to help the population meet their nutrient needs.
29
Truccollo, Brendha, Paul Whyte, Catherine Burgess, and Declan Bolton. "Genetic characterisation of a subset of Campylobacter jejuni isolates from clinical and poultry sources in Ireland." PLOS ONE 16, no. 3 (March 9, 2021): e0246843. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246843.
Full textAbstract:
Campylobacter spp. is a significant and prevalent public health hazard globally. Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequently recovered species from human cases and poultry are considered the most important reservoir for its transmission to humans. In this study, 30 Campylobacter jejuni isolates were selected from clinical (n = 15) and broiler (n = 15) sources from a larger cohort, based on source, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The objective of this study was to further characterise the genomes of these isolates including MLST types, population structure, pan-genome, as well as virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants. A total of 18 sequence types and 12 clonal complexes were identified. The most common clonal complex was ST-45, which was found in both clinical and broiler samples. We characterised the biological functions that were associated with the core and accessory genomes of the isolates in this study. No significant difference in the prevalence of virulence or antimicrobial resistance determinants was observed between clinical and broiler isolates, although genes associated with severe illness such as neuABC, wlaN and cstIII were only detected in clinical isolates. The ubiquity of virulence factors associated with motility, invasion and cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) synthesis in both clinical and broiler C. jejuni genomes and genetic similarities between groups of broiler and clinical C. jejuni reaffirm that C. jejuni from poultry remains a significant threat to public health.
30
Nieto-Guevara, Javier, Kathia Luciani, Abian Montesdeoca-Melían, and Mercedes Mateos-Durán. "Epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the Panamanian pediatric population, 1998-2008." Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 5, no. 05 (November 22, 2010): 318–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.3855/jidc.1518.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: Worldwide public health authorities report 500,000 cases of invasive meningococcal disease with 50,000 deaths per year and 10-15% of sequelae in people affected. This study describes the epidemiology, microbiology, and clinical presentation of this disease in the Panamanian pediatric population. Methodology: The discharge of patients with a meningococcal invasive disease diagnosis was reviewed in the statistical database and archives of the Hospital del Niño. Results: A total of 32 discharges with a meningococcal disease diagnosis were reported during the study period (1998-2008). Ninety-one percent (n/N = 29/32) were confirmed as meningitis. The mean age of patients was 4.1 ± 4.6 years. The incidence in the period of the study was 0.25/100,000. Infants younger than one year old presented the highest incidence rate and number of cases. Four deaths were reported, three of which occurred in the group of 10-14 years and one in the group of 1-4 years. The overall fatality rate was 12.5%. The serogroup of the causative agent, Neisseria meningitidis, was documented in 30 of the 32 cases, with serogroup B the most frequent (66.7%). Ninety-percent (18/20) of serogroup B were isolated in the first five years of study. Serogroup C was identified in 8 of the 12 cases during the period 2004-2008. Conclusions: The present study showed a change in the epidemiological circulation pattern from serogroup B to serogroup C during the study period. Such epidemiological surveillance data is important in the implementation of preventive measures such as vaccination.
31
Messiah, Sarah E., Luyu Xie, M. Sunil Mathew, Sumbul Shaikh, Apurva Veeraswamy, Angela Rabi, Jackson Francis, et al. "Comparison of Long-Term Complications of COVID-19 Illness among a Diverse Sample of Children by MIS-C Status." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 20 (October 17, 2022): 13382. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013382.
Full textAbstract:
Most pediatric COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic; however, a small number of children are diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe condition that is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Persistent symptoms of COVID-19 illness in children diagnosed with/without MIS-C is largely unknown. A retrospective EHR review of patients with COVID-19 illness from one pediatric healthcare system to assess the presence of acute (<30 days) and chronic (≥30, 60–120, and >120 days) long-term COVID symptoms was conducted. Patients/caregivers completed a follow-up survey from March 2021 to January 2022 to assess the presence of long COVID. Results showed that non-MIS-C children (n = 286; 54.49% Hispanic; 19.23% non-Hispanic Black; 5.77% other ethnicity; 79.49% government insurance) were younger (mean age 6.43 years [SD 5.95]) versus MIS-C (n = 26) children (mean age 9.08 years, [SD 4.86]) (p = 0.032). A share of 11.5% of children with MIS-C and 37.8% without MIS-C reported acute long COVID while 26.9% and 15.3% reported chronic long COVID, respectively. Females were almost twice as likely to report long symptoms versus males and those with private insurance were 66% less likely to report long symptoms versus those with government insurance. In conclusion, a substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low resource backgrounds with severe COVID illness are reporting long-term impacts. Findings can inform pediatric professionals about this vulnerable population in post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
32
Alves, Priscila Werton, Maria de Lourdes Albuquerque de Queiroga, Ingrácin Lima Diniz Basílio, Marília Marques Pereira Lira, and Damião Flávio dos Santos. "Evaluation of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus through rapid test in public health services users in Campina Grande-PB." Research, Society and Development 12, no. 1 (January 3, 2023): e9812139499. http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v12i1.39499.
Full textAbstract:
Chronic hepatitis C is a silent evolution disease that can lead to outcomes such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a public health problem due to high universal morbidity. It is transmitted by single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, discovered in 1989 through studies of contaminated chimpanzees. Unsafe health practices, use of illegal intravenous drugs and tattoos are among the major risk factors for the transmission of this virus. Currently, it is estimated that 71 million people are infected worldwide, in Brazil, the prevalence of 0.7% indicates that 1.032.000 individuals are contaminated. With quick execution and rapid results availability, Rapid Tests (RT) facilitate epidemiological studies and early diagnosis of hepatic impairment, allowing the modification of the natural history of the disease. To evaluate the presence of Anti-HCV antibodies and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in users of health services in Campina Grande-PB. A prospective cross-sectional observational study, from February 2015 to July 2018. Individuals born between 1945 and 1970 who sought health services voluntarily underwent structured questionnaires and the Bioeasy® Rapid Anti-HCV Test. A total of 385 individuals were studied, with a prevalence of Anti-HCV antibodies of 1.84% (n = 7). Of the interviewees, the majority (29.7%) were in the age group between 45 and 50 years and 67.7% were female. Intravenous illicit drug use, tattooing and male sex presented the highest statistical relevance as a risk factor in the study population. A prevalence higher than that estimated for the country was found, which highlights the need to implement strategies aimed at the early detection of virus carriers.
33
Rahman, S., S. Garland, M. Currie, S. N. Tabrizi, M. Rahman, K. Nessa, and F. J. Bowden. "Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in health clinic attendees complaining of vaginal discharge in Bangladesh." International Journal of STD & AIDS 19, no. 11 (November 2008): 772–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/ijsa.2008.008164.
Full textAbstract:
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in a sample of health clinic attendees complaining of vaginal discharge. A subsample of 399 vaginal and cervical swabs was randomly selected from 2579 samples collected during a study to determine the causes of vaginal discharge in women attending primary health-care clinics in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Cervical samples were tested for M. genitalium by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the samples were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis and candida. M. genitalium was detected in three samples (0.8%; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–1.6). The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae T. vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis and candida was 1.3, 3.8, 8, 23.25 and 32.5%, respectively. Two women with M. genitalium were co-infected with T. vaginalis or candida. This is the first study to document the existence of M. genitalium in Bangladesh. Although the prevalence of this infection is low in the population tested, further research into this pathogen in other Bangladeshi populations is justified.
34
Rigamonti, Antonello E., Sabrina Cicolini, Sofia Tamini, Diana Caroli, Silvano G. Cella, and Alessandro Sartorio. "The Age-Dependent Increase of Metabolic Syndrome Requires More Extensive and Aggressive Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Italian Cohort of Obese Women." International Journal of Endocrinology 2021 (April 23, 2021): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/5576286.
Full textAbstract:
Background. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance, and hypertension), which entails critical issues in terms of medical management and public health. Methods. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the age-related changes of the single IDF (International Diabetes Federation) diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, WC; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; triglycerides; glucose; systolic and diastolic blood pressure, SBP and DBP) in a large population of (Italian) obese women (n = 1.000; body mass index, BMI >30 kg/m2; age: 18–83 yrs), subdivided into two subgroups depending on the presence (n = 630) or absence (n = 370) of metabolic syndrome. Parallelly, the percentages of treatment with hypolipidaemic drugs, hypoglycaemics, and antihypertensives and, among the treated subjects, of control of the underlying condition in accordance with the cut-offs of IDF criteria for dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and hypertension were determined over six age ranges (i.e., 18–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, and > 70 yrs). Results. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased with advancing age. In the subgroup with metabolic syndrome, an age-dependent increase in HDL-C, glycaemia, and SBP occurred, while the visceral adiposity was stable. In the same subgroup, triglycerides and DBP decreased age-dependently. In the subgroup without metabolic syndrome, an age-dependent increase in WC, HDL-C, glycaemia, SBP, and DBP was observed. A progressive age-dependent increase in the percentage of patients pharmacologically treated for the cardiometabolic abnormalities was detected in patients with metabolic syndrome, a similar trend being also observed in patients without metabolic syndrome only for the antihypertensives. A clear-cut disproportion between treated versus adequately controlled women (with pharmacotherapy) was detected in the whole population. Conclusions. At least in an Italian context of obese females, the age-dependent worsening of glycaemia and BP exerts a fundamental pathophysiological role in the progressive increase of metabolic syndrome with advancing age, which appears to be not adequately treated in a large part of obese subjects. The results of the present study might be useful for public health decision-makers for programming future more extensive and aggressive non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in the obese population.
35
KYRIAKIS (Κ. ΣΠ. ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ), C. S., and K. Van REETH. "Avian influenza: the role of the pig and public health implications." Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society 56, no. 4 (November 30, 2017): 339. http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.15093.
Full textAbstract:
The huge epizootics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (subtype H5N1) in Southeastern Asia over the last two years and especially the transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans have alerted the international scientific community. Many support that the threat of a new influenza pandemic appears greater today than ever before. During the 20th century, humanity has faced three pandemics, including the "Spanish flu" of 1918-19, which claimed over 20 to 40 million lives, and two less dramatic pandemics in 1957-58 and 1968-69. Influenza A viruses are single stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Their genome expresses only 10 proteins, most important of which are the two surface glycoproteins: haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). So far, 16 different types of haemagglutinin (HI to Η16) and 9 of neuraminidase (Nl to N9) have been recognized. Influenza A viruses are grouped into "subtypes", according to the HA and NA surface proteins they bear (for example Η I N I , H5N2). Natural reservoirs of influenza A viruses are the wild aquatic birds (migratory waterfowl), from which all types of HA and NA have been isolated. It is important to mention that migratory waterfowl do not show clinical signs of disease, but shed the virus through their excretions.The host range of flu viruses includes domestic poultry, and mammalian species from aquatic mammals to horses, humans and swine. Because of their segmented single stranded RNA genome, influenza viruses have a very high mutation rate (genetic drift) and the possibility to undergo reassortment. Reassortment may occur when more than one virus co-infect the same cell, exchange genes and as a result, provide a totally new influenza virus (genetic shift). At least two subtypes of influenza A viruses are currendy endemic within the human population (H1N1 and H3N2), causing every year outbreaks of disease with very low mortality, especially in elders. Unlike these endemic viruses, pandemic viruses have a much higher morbidity, affecting people of all ages. Η I N I , H3N2 and H1N2 influenza viruses are currently circulating in the European and American swine population. Some of the swine influenza virus subtypes, namely Η I N I and H3N2, are thus similar to those of humans, but there are still important antigenic differences between them. Only rarely swine influenza viruses may be transmitted or cause disease to humans. Unlike mammalian influenza viruses, influenza viruses of domestic birds are grouped in two "pathotypes": low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, which cause localized infections and remain mild or subclinical, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, which cause severe general infection with mortality up to 100% (fowl plague). The majority of avian influenza viruses are low pathogenic and only some, but not all, viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes are highly pathogenic. Occasionally low pathogenic Η5 or H7 viruses from wild birds transmit to poultry. Such viruses can undergo mutations in poultry as a result of which they may acquire a highly pathogenic phenotype. Until the recent avian influenza epizootics in Asia, the predominant theory for the creation of a pandemic virus supported that the pig was likely to act as an intermediate host for transmission of influenza viruses from birds to humans. The fact that genetic reassortment between human and avian viruses has also been shown to occur in pigs in nature, had led to the hypothesis that the pandemic viruses of 1957 and 1968 may have been generated through the pig. More recent data, however, come to question these theories and hypotheses: (a)the direct transmission of the H5N1 and H7N7 avian influenza viruses from birds to humans in Southeastern Asia and The Netherlands, and (b) the presence of cellular receptors recognized preferentially by the haemagglutinin of avian influenza viruses in the human conjunctiva and ciliated respiratory epithelial cells, which support that avian influenza viruses can be transmitted in toto (without reassortment) to and between humans or that humans can be the mixing vessel themselves. Furthermore, there is no solid scientific evidence to prove that any influenza virus reassortants, that have originated in swine, have posed a risk for humans. There are three criteria (conditions) an influenza virus must fulfill in order to be characterized as a pandemic virus: (a) it must be a new virus against which humans are immunologically naive, (b) it must be able to replicate in humans causing severe disease, and (c) it must be efficiendy transmitted among humans, causing wide outbreaks. So far the H5N1 influenza virus only fulfills the first and second condition, and even though it has been sporadically infecting humans for over two years, it has not yet been able to fully adapt to it's new host. Compared to the human population that may have been exposed to the H5N1 influenza virus in Asia, the number of patients and fatalities due to the H5N1 virus is very small. So far, it appears that swine do not play an important role in the epidemiology of this specific virus. Experimental infections of swine with highly pathogenic H5N1 virus have shown that it does not replicate extensively in pigs. Additionally, extensive serological investigations in the swine population of Viet Nam, indicated that the H5N1 virus merely spread to a very small number (~0.25%) of contact animals within the epizootic regions. Nevertheless, it is critical to continue monitor ring pigs and studying the behavior and spread of influenza viruses in these species.
36
Mukonzo, Jackson K., Allan Kengo, Bisaso Kutesa, Sarah Nanzigu, Anton Pohanka, Timothy D. McHugh, Alimuddin Zumla, and Eleni Aklillu. "Role of pharmacogenetics in rifampicin pharmacokinetics and the potential effect on TB–rifampicin sensitivity among Ugandan patients." Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 114, no. 2 (December 2, 2019): 107–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/trz108.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Background Suboptimal anti-TB drugs exposure may cause multidrug-resistant TB. The role of African predominant SLCO1B1 variant alleles on rifampicin pharmacokinetics and the subsequent effect on the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis–rifampicin sensitivity needs to be defined. We describe the rifampicin population pharmacokinetics profile and investigate the relevance of SLCO1B1 genotypes to rifampicin pharmacokinetics and rifampicin-TB sensitivity status. Methods Fifty patients with TB (n=25 with rifampicin-resistant TB and n=25 with rifampicin-susceptible TB) were genotyped for SLOC1B1 rs4149032 (g.38664C>T), SLOC1B1*1B (c.388A>G) and SLOC1B1*5 (c.521 T>C). Steady state plasma rifampicin levels were determined among patients infected with rifampicin-sensitive TB. Data were analysed using NONMEM to estimate population rifampicin pharmacokinetics as well as the effect of SLOC1B1 genotypes on rifampicin pharmacokinetics and on rifampicin-TB sensitivity status. Results Overall allele frequencies of SLOC1B1 rs4149032, *1B and *5 were 0.66, 0.90 and 0.01, respectively. Median (IQR) Cmax and Tmax were 10.2 (8.1–12.5) mg/L and 1.7 (1.125–2.218) h, respectively. Twenty-four percent of patients exhibited Cmax below the recommended 8–24 mg/L range. SLOC1B1 genotypes, gender and age did not influence rifampicin pharmacokinetics or TB-rifampicin sensitivity. Conclusions Although SLOC1B1 genotype, age and gender do not influence either rifampicin pharmacokinetics or rifampicin-TB sensitivity status, one in every four Ugandan TB patients achieve subtherapeutic plasma rifampicin concentrations.
37
Naeem, Faheel, Angela Karellis, Suma Nair, Jean-Pierre Routy, Cédric Philippe Yansouni, John Kim, and Nitika Pai. "Multiplexed technologies for sexually transmitted infections: global evidence on patient-centered and clinical health outcomes." BMJ Global Health 6, no. 7 (July 2021): e005670. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005670.
Full textAbstract:
IntroductionConventional care packages around screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) entail multiple clinic visits and precipitate losses to follow-up. To prevent these losses, multiplexed technologies for STIs (immunochromatographic tests/devices/assays and molecular assays that can screen multiple pathogens or multiple strains of one STI) can yield same-day results in a single visit. Research evidence of patient-centred (preference, satisfaction) and clinical health outcomes (feasibility, case positivity, uptake, impact) has not been synthesised. We conducted a systematic review to fill this gap.MethodsFor the period 2009–2020, two independent reviewers searched PubMed and Embase, retrieved 4440 citations and abstracted data from 42 relevant studies.ResultsOf 42 studies, 10 (23.8%) evaluated multiplexed immunochromatographic and 32 (76.2%) molecular assays. Outcomes were reported as follows: preference (n=3), satisfaction (n=2), uptake (n=1), feasibility (n=2), case positivity (n=42) and impact (n=11). Screened populations included various at-risk groups. A majority (86.1%–92.4%) of participants preferred (60.2%–97.2%) multiplexed technologies (over conventional testing). Compared with conventional lab-based testing, test uptake improved by 99.4% (hepatitis C), 99.6% (Trichomonas vaginalis), 78.6% (hepatitis B) and 42.0% (HIV). Varying case positivities were documented depending on populations screened: HIV (1.8%–29.3%), hepatitis B (1.1%–23.9%), hepatitis C (0.5%–42.2%), Chlamydia trachomatis (2.8%–30.2%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (0.0%–30.3%) and T. vaginalis (0.0%–32.7%). Regarding impact, 70.0%–100.0% of screened participants were linked to care, with result turnaround times ranging from 14 min (immunochromatographic assays) to 300 min (molecular assays).ConclusionsCompared with conventional lab-based testing, rapid multiplexed technologies were preferred by testees and led to quicker turnaround times for many STIs yielding same-day results thereby allowing to initiate rapid linkages to care. They were further shown to be highly feasible and impactful for detection and treatment facilitation. Based on these promising results, multiplexed technologies offer potential to screen at-risk populations to reduce onward STI transmission worldwide.
38
Canney, Mark, Donal J. Sexton, Neil O’Leary, Martin Healy, Rose Anne Kenny, Mark A. Little, and Conall M. O’Seaghdha. "Examining the utility of cystatin C as a confirmatory test of chronic kidney disease across the age range in middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 72, no. 4 (January 13, 2018): 287–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2017-209864.
Full textAbstract:
BackgroundCystatin C has been proposed as a confirmatory test of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is most applicable to older individuals with CKD, the majority of whom have a creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 3a). We sought to examine the utility of cystatin C as a confirmatory test of CKD across the age range in the general population of older adults.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of 5386 participants from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a cluster-sampled national cohort of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years. Cystatin C and creatinine were measured simultaneously using standardised assays. Using generalised additive models, we modelled the distributions of creatinine and cystatin C per year of age from four distributional parameters: location, dispersion, skewness, kurtosis. Among participants with CKD stage 3a, we estimated the predicted probability of cystatin C eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (‘confirmed CKD’) as a function of age.ResultsMedian age was 62 years, 53% were female and median cystatin C eGFR was 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. We observed progressive variability in cystatin C with increasing age. Compared with creatinine, cystatin C levels rose sharply beyond the age of 65. Among participants with CKD stage 3a (n=463), the predicted probability of ‘confirmed CKD’ increased steadily with age, from 15% at age 50 to 80% at age 80.ConclusionsThe clinical utility of cystatin C may be maximised in middle-aged individuals, in whom the distribution of cystatin C is less variable than older adults, and the pretest probability of confirming CKD is lower.
39
Benjet, Corina, Guilherme Borges, and Maria Elena Medina-Mora. "DSM-IV personality disorders in Mexico: results from a general population survey." Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria 30, no. 3 (September 2008): 227–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1516-44462008000300009.
Full textAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: This paper reports the first population estimates of prevalence and correlates of personality disorders in the Mexican population. METHOD: Personality disorders screening questions from the International Personality Disorder Examination were administered to a representative sample of the Mexican urban adult population (n = 2,362) as part of the Mexican National Comorbidity Survey, validated with clinical evaluations conducted in the United States. A multiple imputation method was then implemented to estimate prevalence and correlates of personality disorder in the Mexican sample. RESULTS: Multiple imputation method prevalence estimates were 4.6% Cluster A, 1.6% Cluster B, 2.4% Cluster C, and 6.1% any personality disorder. All personality disorders clusters were significantly comorbid with DSM-IV Axis I disorders. One in every five persons with an Axis I disorder in Mexico is likely to have a comorbid personality disorder, and almost half of those with a personality disorder are likely to have an Axis I disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Modest associations of personality disorders with impairment and strong associations with treatment utilization were largely accounted for by Axis I comorbidity suggesting that the public health significance of personality disorders lies in their comorbidity with, and perhaps effects upon, Axis I disorders rather than their direct effects on functioning and help seeking.
40
Kuo, Chiu-Huang, Chin-Hung Liu, Ji-Hung Wang, and Bang-Gee Hsu. "Serum Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels Correlate with Metabolic Syndrome in Coronary Artery Disease Patients." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 14 (July 18, 2022): 8710. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148710.
Full textAbstract:
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbial metabolite that affects atherogenesis and glucose dysregulation. The purpose of this study was to look at the link between blood TMAO levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). Blood samples were obtained in fasting status, and serum TMAO level was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. MetS and its components were defined according to the International Diabetes Federation diagnostic criteria. Of 92 enrolled patients, 51 (55.4%) had MetS. Patients with MetS had a greater proportion of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, higher body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and TMAO level. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that TMAO level (odds ratio: 1.036, 95% confidence interval: 1.005–1.067, p = 0.023) could be an effective predictor of MetS among the CAD population. In these patients, the log-TMAO level was positively associated with log-CRP (β = 0.274, p = 0.001) and negatively associated with eGFR (β = −0.235, p = 0.022). In conclusion, our study revealed a positive association between serum TMAO level and MetS among patients with CAD.
41
Metelskaya, Victoria A., Svetlana A. Shalnova, Elena B. Yarovaya, Vladimir A. Kutsenko, Sergey A. Boytsov, Eugeny V. Shlyakhto, and Oxana M. Drapkina. "Lipoprotein Profile in Populations from Regions of the Russian Federation: ESSE-RF Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 2 (January 14, 2022): 931. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020931.
Full textAbstract:
This study aimed to describe the dyslipidemia prevalence and pattern among adult populations from different regions (n = 13) of the Russian Federation (RF). Randomly selected samples (n = 22,258, aged 25–64) were studied according to the ESSE-RF protocol. Lipoprotein parameters were estimated by routine methods. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (v.3.5.1). The overall dyslipidemia prevalence was 76.1% (76.9/75.3% for men/women). In women, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C levels gradually increased with age (from 4.72 to 5.93 and from 2.76 to 3.79 mmol/L, respectively); in men, they reached a maximum by 45–54 (5.55 and 3.55 mmol/L, respectively) and then decreased. No differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C in men of different ages were found, but slight decreases in HDL-C and apo AI were observed in women by 55–64 years. No pronounced associations between education and lipid levels in men were observed; higher-educated women showed significantly better lipoprotein profiles. Similar associations between lipids and income level were detected. Women from rural areas had higher TC and triglycerides than urban residents. Regardless of sex, rural residents had higher HDL-C and apo AI, and reduced apo B/apo AI. Conclusion: Information on the peculiarities of dyslipidemia prevalence and lipoprotein profile depending on sex, age, residential place, and socioeconomic status is useful for assessing the global ASCVD risk, and for risk modeling based on national data.
42
Kalininskaya, A. A., E. A. Bakirova, A. V. Lazarev, S. I. Shlyafer, and M. V. Kizeev. "Analysis of morbidity and staffing of the population of rural areas in the Russian Federation." Manager Zdravoochranenia, no. 7 (July 1, 2022): 42–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.21045/1811-0185-2022-7-42-51.
Full textAbstract:
Rural health care is the most important socio-economic resource in the system of the agrarian economy. Purpose of the study. Based on medical and demographic indicators and analysis of morbidity and staffing of the rural population, develop proposals for improving the organization of medical care for rural residents. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s : analytical, statistical, direct observation. The article used the forms of federal statistical observation of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. R e s u l t s . The mortality rate of the rural population over the 20 years of analysis for all the years has been and remains higher than that of the urban population. In 2020, there was a sharp increase in the mortality of the population: urban – from 11,9 to 14,3‰, rural – from 13,3 to 15,4‰, which is associated with the COVID‑19 pandemic. The indicators of the general and newly diagnosed morbidity of the rural population are lower than those of the urban population, which is associated with the low availability of medical care to the rural population. The ranking of indicators of the general incidence of the rural population in the federal districts of the Russian Federation (2020) showed that the difference in indicators was 1,5 times. The highest indicator was noted in the Volga Federal District – 142220,6‰00, the lowest in the Far Eastern Federal District – 96922,8‰00. In the subjects of the Russian Federation, the difference in indicators is 8 times. Lower rates of primary morbidity in the rural population than in the urban population were noted for all classes of diseases. The incidence of COVID‑19 among rural residents was 2151,9‰00, lower than in urban areas – 4539,5‰00, in the Russian Federation the figure was 3384,5‰00. In 2020, the primary morbidity rate of the rural population decreased for all classes of diseases, except for respiratory diseases. In dynamics (2014–2020), the provision of medical organizations located in rural areas increased with doctors from 12,1 to 14,0‰0, with nurses from 44,4 to 50,3‰0, the number of physical EMS persons decreased by 14,8%, paramedics – by 11,6%, the number of FAPs and AFs decreased by 8,9%. The analysis shows that the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 02.02.2015 No. 151-r “Target indicators of the strategy for sustainable development of rural areas of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030” is not being implemented. C o n c l u s i o n . Proposals for providing medical care to the population of rural areas are presented.
43
Leite, Jean, Jaqueline Pereira, Regina Fisberg, Marcelo Rogero, and Flavia Sarti. "Lipid and Inflammatory Profiles of Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults – The Health Survey of São Paulo With Focus on Nutrition, Brazil (2015 ISA-Nutrition)." Current Developments in Nutrition 6, Supplement_1 (June 2022): 36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzac047.036.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Objectives Dyslipidemia is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases (CD) through several processes such as inflammation. Considering the dearth of knowledge on inflammatory biomarkers and the increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia in Brazil, this study aimed at the identification of lipid and inflammatory profiles across age groups in Sao Paulo municipality. Methods Data on blood samples of 707 healthy individuals aged ≥ 12 years were collected throughout 2015 in the Health Survey of São Paulo with focus on Nutrition (2015 ISA-Nutrition) to obtain plasma lipid (non-HDL-c, LDL-c, HDL-c, HDL-c/LDL-c ratio, total cholesterol, VLDL-c and TAG and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL1-β, IL6 and IL10). Individuals were categorized into three age groups: adolescents (12–19 years old, N = 166), adults (20–59 years old, N = 249), and older adults (≥60 years old, N = 292). Lipid and inflammatory profiles were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using the software R version 4.0.2. Results PCA showed that adolescents, adults and elderly individuals had similar lipid profiles. The 1st and 2nd principal components explained 54.6% and 23.6% of the variance with plasma non-HDL-c and TAG levels being the main contributors, respectively. In addition, PCA of inflammatory markers according to age group showed that relatively small portion of the variance (46.1%) was explained by the first two PCs with TNF-α and IL1-β, and PCR and IL1-β levels being the main contributors for the 1st and 2nd PCs, respectively. Results showed high similarity of lipid and inflammatory biomarkers among different age groups. Conclusions The study showed similarity in lipid and inflammatory profiles among age groups, which raises special concern regarding the high risk for development of CDs among adolescents during adulthood. Public policies should address preventive strategies based on modifiable risk factors to prevent the onset of CDs among younger individuals, considering the substantial impacts on quality of life and life expectancy of the population. Funding Sources São Paulo Municipal Health Department, Research Support Foundation of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES).
44
Keele, Rebecca. "To Role Model or Not? Nurses’ Challenges in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle." Workplace Health & Safety 67, no. 12 (March 2, 2019): 584–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2165079919828738.
Full textAbstract:
Nurses often struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While nurses are often assumed to have the knowledge to participate in health-promoting behaviors, this knowledge may not translate into sustainable change in behavior. The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare nurses’ health behaviors with residents in the community where the nurses were employed. Participants ( N = 166) completed the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile–II survey (HPLP-II) along with a demographic survey. The HPLP-II consists of six dimensions of a health-promoting lifestyle: (a) spiritual growth, (b) health responsibility, (c) physical activity, (d) nutrition, (e) interpersonal relations, and (f) stress management. Both groups scored the highest in spirituality followed by interpersonal relations. However, scores for the other HPLP-II dimensions ranked differently between the two groups. Nurses scored higher in health responsibility while the community participants scored higher on nutrition. Both groups scored the lowest on stress management and physical activity. Significant differences between groups were found only on the health responsibility dimension of the HPLP-II survey with nurses scoring higher. While nurses overall did not do any better than the general population in participating in a healthy lifestyle, patient stakeholders feel strongly that nurses should role model healthy behaviors. Employers need to be better prepared to support nurses to participate in a healthy lifestyle. Success can come from even small incremental changes (e.g., walking groups, team challenges, taking stairs) within the work environment. Furthermore, evidence-based practice teams that include administration, management, and staff are positioned to contribute through education and development of innovative workplace wellness programs.
45
Lemos, Maria-Leonor, Alexandra Nunes, Massimo Ancora, Cesare Cammà, Paulo Martins da Costa, and Mónica Oleastro. "Campylobacter jejuni in Different Canine Populations: Characteristics and Zoonotic Potential." Microorganisms 9, no. 11 (October 26, 2021): 2231. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112231.
Full textAbstract:
With most epidemiological studies focused on poultry, dogs are often overlooked as a reservoir of Campylobacter, even though these animals maintain close daily contact with humans. The present study aimed to obtain a first insight into the presence and characteristics of Campylobacter spp. in different canine populations in Portugal, and to evaluate its zoonotic potential through genomic analysis. From a total of 125 rectal swabs collected from companion (n = 71) and hunting dogs (n = 54) living in two different settings, rural (n = 75) and urban (n = 50), 32 Campylobacter spp. isolates were obtained. Four different Campylobacter species were identified by Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, of which Campylobacter jejuni (n = 14, 44%) was overall the most frequently found species. Relevant resistance phenotypes were detected in C. jejuni, with 93% of the isolates being resistant to ciprofloxacin, 64% to tetracycline, and 57% to ampicillin, and three isolates being multi-drug-resistant. Comparison of the phenotypic and genotypic traits with human isolates from Portuguese patients revealed great similarity between both groups. Particularly relevant, the wgMLST analysis allowed the identification of isolates from human and dogs without any apparent epidemiological relationship, sharing high genetic proximity. Notwithstanding the limited sample size, considering the high genomic diversity of C. jejuni, the genetic overlap between human and dog strains observed in this study confirmed that the occurrence of this species in dogs is of public health concern, reinforcing the call for a One Health approach.
46
McFarlane, Timothy D., Brian E. Dixon, and P. Joseph Gibson. "Using Electronic Health Records for Public Health Hypertension Surveillance." Online Journal of Public Health Informatics 10, no. 1 (May 22, 2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i1.8992.
Full textAbstract:
ObjectiveTo assess the equivalence of hypertension prevalence estimates between longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) data from a community-based health information exchange (HIE) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).IntroductionHypertension (HTN) is a highly prevalent chronic condition and strongly associated with morbidity and mortality. HTN is amenable to prevention and control through public and population health programs and policies. Therefore, public and population health programs require accurate, stable estimates of disease prevalence, and estimating HTN prevalence at the community-level is acutely important for timely detection, intervention, and effective evaluation. Current surveillance methods for HTN rely upon community-based surveys, such as the BRFSS. While BRFSS is the standard at the state- and national-level, they are expensive to collect, released once per year, and their confidence intervals are too wide for precise estimates at the local level. More timely, frequently updated, and locally precise prevalence estimates could greatly improve the timeliness and precision of public health interventions. The current study evaluated EHR data from a large, mature HIE as an alternative to community-based surveys for timely, accurate, and precise HTN prevalence estimation.MethodsTwo years (2014-2015) of EHR data were obtained from the Indiana Network for Patient Care for two major health systems in Marion County, Indiana, representing approximately 75% of the total county population (n=530,244). These data were linked and evaluated for prevalent HTN. Six HTN phenotypes were defined using structured data variables including clinical diagnoses (ICD9/10 codes), blood pressure (BP) measurements (HTN = ≥140mmhg systolic or ≥90mmHg diastolic), and dispensed HTN medications (Table 1). Phenotypes were validated using a random sample of 600 records, comparing EHR phenotype HTN to HTN as determined through manual chart review by a Registered Nurse. Each phenotype was further evaluated against BRFSS estimates for Marion County, and stratified by sex, race, and age to compare EHR-generated HTN prevalence measures to those known and in current use for chronic disease surveillance. Comparisons were made using the two one-sided statistical test (TOST) of equivalence, wherein the null hypothesis is the BRFSS and EHR prevalence estimates are different by +/-5% and the alternative is estimates differ by less than +/-5%. Rejection of the null resulted in the conclusion of equivalence of the estimates for use in population/public health.ResultsIn general, the performance of the EHR phenotypes was characterized by high specificity (>87%) and low to moderate sensitivity (range 25.4%-95.3%). The false positive rate was lowest among the phenotype defining HTN by both clinical diagnosis and BP measurements (0.3%), and sensitivity was greatest for the phenotype combining all three structured data elements (95.2%). The prevalence of HTN in Marion County, Indiana (2014-2015) for the EHR sample (n=530,244) ranged between 13.7% and 36.2%, compared to 28.4% in the BRFSS sample (Table 1). Only one EHR phenotype (≥1 HTN BP measurement) demonstrated equivalence with BRFSS prevalence at the county level (difference 0.9%, 90% CI for difference -2.3%-4.0%). HTN prevalence by sex, race, age, sex and age, and sex and race (n=120 comparisons) failed to demonstrate equivalence between EHR and BRFSS measures in all but two comparisons, both among females aged 18-39 years. Differences between EHR and BRFSS HTN prevalence at the subgroup level varied but were particularly pronounced among older adults. As suspected, HTN prevalence precision was improved in the EHR sample with the largest subgroup 95% CI width of 0.7% for male African Americans compared to the BRFSS sample 95% CI width of 29.6%.ConclusionsThe applicability of the tested HTN phenotypes will vary based upon which EHR structured data elements are available to public health (i.e., ICD10, vitals, medications). We found that HTN surveillance using a community-based HIE was not a valid replacement for the BRFSS, although the HIE-based estimates could be readily generated and had much narrower confidence intervals.ReferencesMozaffarian D, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2016 Update. Circulation. 2016; 133: e38-e360.Yoon S, Fryar C, Carroll M. HTN Prevalence and Control Among Adults: United States, 2011–2014. NCHS Data Brief No. 220. 2015; Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services.
47
Helms, Y. B., N. Hamdiui, R. Eilers, C. J. P. A. Hoebe, N. Dukers, H. van den Kerkhof, A. Timen, and M. L. Stein. "Example C: Using online respondent-driven detection for communicable disease control." European Journal of Public Health 29, Supplement_4 (November 1, 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.534.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Online respondent-driven detection (online-RDD) is a novel method of case-finding that may enhance contact tracing (CT). However, the opportunities and barriers of online-RDD for public health practice have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). Therefore, it is unclear what the potential strengths and limitations of online-RDD for CT are. We conducted a sequential exploratory mixed methods research. First, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs involved in CT. Questions were derived from the diffusion of innovations theory. Second, we distributed an online-questionnaire to 260 Dutch PHPs to study the main findings in a larger population. We used hypothetical scenario’s (scabies, shigella, and mumps) to elicit PHPs’ perceptions of online-RDD. Twelve interviews were held. Response rate to the online-questionnaire was 31% (n = 70). Four themes related to characteristics of online-RDD that influenced PHPs’ intention to adopt online-RDD emerged: advantages over traditional CT, task conflicts and opportunity costs, public health risks, and situational compatibility. PHPs believed online-RDD may enhance CT through increased reach, low-key communication options, and saving time. Limitations were foreseen in the delivery of measures, supporting patients and contacts, missing information and contacts, and causing unrest. Online-RDD may be particularly applicable in situations with digitally skilled and literate target populations, low urgency, low time-pressure, and a simple perspective for action. A majority of PHPs (70%) had a positive adoption intention towards online-RDD. PHPs perceived online-RDD as beneficial to public health practice. Further development of online-RDD should focus on facilitating opportunities for personal contact between PHPs, patients and contacts. A comparative study of ‘traditional’ CT and online-RDD could yield further insights in the potential of online-RDD for public health practice.
48
Wang, Angela Chiunhsien, Jiun-Hung Geng, Chih-Wen Wang, Da-Wei Wu, and Szu-Chia Chen. "Sex difference in the associations among risk factors with hepatitis B and C infections in a large Taiwanese population study." Frontiers in Public Health 10 (November 30, 2022). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1068078.
Full textAbstract:
BackgroundThe prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) infection are high in Taiwan, and both are common causes of chronic liver disease and its related complications. Therefore, the early detection of factors associated with HBV/HCV infection is important. The aim of this study was to explore these factors in a large cohort of Taiwanese participants in the Taiwan Biobank, and also to identify sex differences in these risk factors.MethodsIt was an observational cohort study. The study enrolled 121,421 participants, and divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of HBV or HCV infection. Associations between risk factors with HBV or HCV infection were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the 121,421 enrolled participants (43,636 men and 77,785 women) was 49.9 ± 11.0 years. The participants were stratified into four groups according to those with (n = 13,804; 11.4%) and without HBV infection (n = 107,617; 88.6%), and those with (n = 2,750; 2.3%) and without HCV infection (n = 118,671; 97.7%). Multivariable analysis revealed that male sex [vs. female sex; odds ratio [OR] = 1.346; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.282–1.414; p < 0.001] was significantly associated with HBV infection, whereas female sex (vs. male sex; OR = 0.642; 95% CI = 0.575–0.716; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with HCV infection. Furthermore, there were significant interactions between sex and age (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.002), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.024), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.012) on HBV infection. There were also significant interactions between sex and age (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.010), fasting glucose (p = 0.031), and uric acid (p = 0.001) on HCV infection.ConclusionIn conclusion, sex differences were found among the risk factors for HBV and HCV infections in a large cohort of Taiwanese volunteers. When dealing with hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the physicians may need to pay attention to the differences between men and women to do different treatments.
49
Decallonne, Brigitte, Bérengère Snyers, Nathalie Elaut, Bernard Peene, Julie Verbeeck, Annick Van den Bruel, and Harlinde De Schutter. "Combining data to perform population-based observational studies: know your sources. The case of thyroid cancer in Belgium." Archives of Public Health 80, no. 1 (March 10, 2022). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13690-022-00803-8.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Background Large scale observational studies are crucial to study thyroid cancer incidence and management, known to vary in time and place. Combining cancer registry data with other data sources enables execution of population-based studies, provided data sources are accurate. The objective was to compare thyroid tumour and treatment information between the available data sources in Belgium. Methods We performed a retrospective national population-based cohort study. All patients with thyroid cancer diagnosis in Belgium between 2009 and 2011 (N = 2659 patients) were retrieved from the Belgian Cancer Registry database, containing standard patient and tumour characteristics. Additionally, information was obtained from the following sources: a) detailed pathology reports b) the health insurance company database for reimbursed performed therapeutic acts (both available for N = 2400 patients) c) registration forms for performed and/or planned treatments at the time of the multidisciplinary team meeting (available for N = 1819 patients). More precisely, information was retrieved regarding characteristics of the tumour (histologic subtype, tumour size, lymph node status (source a)) and the treatment (thyroid surgery (a,b,c), lymph node dissection (a,b), postoperative administration of radioactive iodine (b,c)). Results High concordance in histological cancer subtype (> 90%), tumour size (96.2%) and lymph node involvement (89.2%) categories was found between the cancer registry database and the pathology reports. Tumour subcategories (such as microcarcinoma, tumor ≤1 cm diameter) were more specified in the pathology reports. The therapeutic act of thyroid surgery as mentioned in the pathology reports and health insurance company database was concordant in 92.7%, while reports from multidisciplinary team meetings showed 88.5% of concordance with pathology reports and 86.1% with health insurance data. With regard to postoperative radioiodine administration, reports from multidisciplinary teams and health insurance data were concordant in 76.8%. Conclusion Combining registered and/or administrative data results in sufficiently accurate information to perform large scale observational studies on thyroid cancer in Belgium. However, thorough and continuous quality control and insight in strengths and limitations of each cancer data source is crucial.
50
Crowley, Des, Gordana Avramovic, Walter Cullen, Collette Farrell, Anne Halpin, Mary Keevans, Eamon Laird, et al. "New hepatitis C virus infection, re-infection and associated risk behaviour in male Irish prisoners: a cohort study, 2019." Archives of Public Health 79, no. 1 (June 8, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00623-2.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Background Prisoners are recognised as a high-risk population and prisons as high-risk locations for the transmission of hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection. Injecting drug use (IDU) is the main driver of HCV infection in prisoners and harm reduction services are often suboptimal in prison settings. HCV prevalence and incident data in prisoners is incomplete which impacts the public health opportunity that incarceration provides in identifying, treating and preventing HCV infection. The aim of this study is to identify new HCV infection and associated risk factors in an Irish male prison. Methods We conducted a follow up (18-month) cohort study on prisoners who had previously tested negative, self-cleared or had been successfully treated for HCV infection. We conducted the study in a male medium security prison located in Dublin Ireland (Mountjoy Prison) using HCV serology, a review of medical records and a researcher-administered questionnaire. Results 99 prisoners with a mean age of 33.2 yrs. participated in the study and 82(82.8%) completed a research-administered questionnaire. Over half (51%) had a history of drug use from a young age (14.8 yrs.), 49.9% a history of heroin use and 39% a history of IDU. The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus core antibody was 3% and HCV antibody was 22.2%. No new HCV infections were identified in those who had never been infected (n = 77), had self-cleared (n = 9) or achieved sustained virological response (n = 12). Small numbers of prisoners continued to engage in risk-behaviour including, IDU both in the prison (n = 2) and the community (n = 3), sharing syringes (n = 1) and drug taking paraphernalia (n = 6) and receiving non-sterile tattoos (n = 3). Conclusion Despite the high numbers of Irish prisoners with a history of IDU and HCV infection, new HCV infection is low or non-existent in this population. Small numbers of prisoners continue to engage in risk behaviour and larger studies are required to further understand HCV transmission in this cohort in an Irish and international context.