scholarly journals Trends in thinness prevalence among adolescents in ten European countries and the USA (1998–2006): a cross-sectional survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 2207-2215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Lazzeri ◽  
Stefania Rossi ◽  
Colette Kelly ◽  
Carine Vereecken ◽  
Namanjeet Ahluwalia ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of ‘graded thinness’ in children aged 11, 13 and 15 years in eleven developed countries and to identify trends in the prevalence of ‘thinness’ (BMI < 17 kg/m2 at age 18 years) by age and gender.DesignCross-sectional study using data collected through self-reported questionnaires.SettingData were taken from the 1997/1998, 2001/2002 and 2005/2006 surveys of the Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study.SubjectsChildren and adolescents from ten European countries and the USA (n 158 000).ResultsPrevalence of grades 1, 2 and 3 of thinness was higher among 11-year-old students compared with the 13- and 15-year-olds in all countries. A higher prevalence of thinness was observed in girls than in boys. Since 1998 the prevalence of thinness decreased steadily in Czech boys and girls, while it increased for French girls. In the total European sample of females, thinness decreased from 1998 to 2006 (χ2 for trend, P < 0·01). Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that Czech boys and girls, and Flemish and American girls were less likely to be thin in 2006 than in 1998; while a noteworthy increment, even if borderline significant, was observed for French girls with a 41 % increase in the likelihood to be thin.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that thinness is an important overlooked phenomenon with wide variation in prevalence and trends across developed countries. It deserves further longitudinal studies in a multinational context that could increase the understanding of the factors associated with thinness and contribute to developing preventive and nutritional programmes targeted at controlling obesity and chronic diseases, while monitoring thinness.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e043421
Author(s):  
Rae Thomas ◽  
Hannah Greenwood ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Eman Abukmail ◽  
Tammy C Hoffmann ◽  
...  

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1146-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Luo ◽  
Zunyou Wu ◽  
Zihuang Chen ◽  
Yue Ma ◽  
Guodong Mi ◽  
...  

Gay dating applications (apps) are popular among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This study examined the relationship between gay dating app use frequency and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of MSM in Beijing. In October 2017, a web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM from Beijing, China. Demographics, frequency of app use, and sexual behaviors were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the association between app use frequency and CAI. Of the 9280 participants, the proportion of CAI within one month prior to the survey was 43.3%, and 43.7% logged onto the app ≥11 times per week. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, logging onto the app 6–10 times per week and ≥11 times per week were inversely associated with CAI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.88 [95%CI, 0.78–0.99]; AOR = 0.88 [95%CI, 0.82–0.97], respectively). Among those 40 years of age or older, logging onto the app ≥11 times per week was associated with lower rates of CAI (AOR = 0.57 [95%CI, 0.40–0.81]). Results indicate that frequent app use was associated with lower odds of CAI among MSM in Beijing, China. Innovative interventions, which take advantage of this popular media platform, should be developed as such apps have been found to reduce the odds of CAI in Beijing.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. e18-e25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atheendar S Venkataramani ◽  
Rachel Brigell ◽  
Rourke O'Brien ◽  
Paula Chatterjee ◽  
Ichiro Kawachi ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1701
Author(s):  
Bonnie R. Chivers ◽  
Jacqueline A. Boyle ◽  
Adina Y. Lang ◽  
Helena J. Teede ◽  
Lisa J. Moran ◽  
...  

Preconception care and lifestyle behaviours significantly influence health outcomes of women and future generations. A cross-sectional survey of Australian women in preconception, stratified by pregnancy planning stage (active planners (currently trying to conceive) vs. non-active planners (pregnancy planned within 1–5 years)), assessed health behaviours and their alignment to preconception care guidelines. Overall, 294 women with a mean (SD) age of 30.7 (4.3) years were recruited and 38.9% were overweight or obese. Approximately half of women (54.4%) reported weight gain within the previous 12 months, of which 69.5% gained ≥ 3kg. The vast majority of women (90.2%) were unaware of reproductive life plans, and 16.8% over the age of 25 had not undertaken cervical screening. Of active planners (n = 121), 47.1% had sought medical/health advice in preparation for pregnancy and 81.0% had commenced supplementation with folic acid, iodine or a preconception multivitamin. High-risk lifestyle behaviours including cigarette smoking (7.3%), consumption of alcohol (85.3%) and excessive alcohol consumption within three months (56.3%), were frequently reported in women who were actively trying to conceive. Results indicate that women who are actively planning a pregnancy require support to optimise health and lifestyle in preparation for pregnancy to improve alignment with current preconception care recommendations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1376-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin N Glozah ◽  
David J Pevalin

Little is known about the role of age and gender in the association between psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness in Ghanaian adolescents. This cross-sectional study examined age and gender as moderators between psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness using data from a school-based survey ( N = 770). Males reported higher psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness, while younger adolescents reported higher common mental illness only. Psychosomatic symptoms were positively associated with common mental illness, but age and gender did not moderate this association. Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence rate in psychosomatic symptoms are crucial in decreasing common mental illness in Ghanaian adolescents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e001028
Author(s):  
Hannah Uhlig-Reche ◽  
Allison R Larson ◽  
Julie K Silver ◽  
Adam Tenforde ◽  
Alisa McQueen ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo investigate which factors, from demographics to work–life integration, are associated with burnout symptoms among self-declared active women physicians practising in the USA.MethodsCross-sectional study of those actively engaged in a social media group for women physician runners. Electronically surveyed using 60 questions covering demographics, compensation, debt and domestic responsibilities with burnout assessed by the Mini-Z Burnout Survey.ResultsOf the 369 women meeting inclusion criteria as attending physicians practising in the USA, the majority reported being White (74.5%) and at least 6 years out from training (85.9%). There was a significant association of increased burnout level with working more hours per week and being responsible for a greater percentage of domestic duties (p<0.0001 and p=0.003, respectively). Both factors remained significant in a multivariable model (p<0.0001).ConclusionBy exploring burnout in the physically active, we are better able to investigate contributors to burnout despite healthy exercise habits. Increased burnout was significantly associated with greater domestic responsibility and hours working. These findings in women physician runners suggest that exercise alone may not control burnout. Poor work–life integration deserves attention as a burnout contributor in women physicians, potentially serving as a target for burnout prevention strategies.


Author(s):  
Xiaoxv Yin ◽  
Ketao Mu ◽  
Heping Yang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Zhenyuan Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Self-medication is one of the most common forms of inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in China and evaluate the related factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhan, Hubei, China from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019. Participants were recruited in public places to answer a structured questionnaire. The information of participants’ social demographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs were collected. Binary Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors of SMA. Results Of the 3206 participants, 10.32% reported SMA in the past 6 months. Participants who with middle or high perceived barriers to seek health care services showed a higher likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Participants who with middle or high perceived threats of self-medication, and who with middle or high self-efficacy to overcome obstacles showed a lower likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with developed countries, the prevalence of SMA in China is still higher. Measures to conduct public health education and improve the accessibility of health services are crucial to decrease the overall self-medication rate in China.


Author(s):  
Rae Thomas ◽  
Hannah Greenwood ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Eman Abukmail ◽  
Tammy Hoffmann ◽  
...  

Objective: Public cooperation to practice preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies. Design: An online cross-sectional survey conducted May 8 to May 11 2020. Participants: A national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by online panel provider. Main outcome measure: Proportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions. Results: Of the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 were excluded, 13 declined, and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified washing your hands regularly with soap and water (92%) and staying at least 1.5m away from others (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that regular use of antibiotics would not prevent COVID-19. Most participants (90%) identified fever, fatigue and cough as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to hold your breath for 10 seconds without coughing was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%), and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%). Conclusions: Public messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appear to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long-term. Currently these non-drug interventions are our only effective strategy to combat this pandemic. Ensuring ongoing adherence to is critical.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19327-e19327
Author(s):  
Bradley Smith ◽  
Jeffrey Hodge ◽  
Caroline Anger ◽  
Fil Manuguid ◽  
Kriti Jindal

e19327 Background: Micro-Satellite Instability (MSI) or DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) is an established prognostic test associated with response to chemotherapies in Lynch Syndrome, colorectal cancer and other indications. Recently, MSI/MMR status has been shown to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). Pembrolizumab has been approved in the USA for MSI-high or mismatch repair deficient patients for all indications. A similar approval has not been obtained in the EU. This data research project examined MSI/MMR testing in Europe and its possible association with use of CPI therapies. Methods: This study was conducted using Oncology Dynamics, an IQVIA oncology cross-sectional survey, collecting anonymized real-world patient-level data. 97,807 and 96,111 drug treated patients for solid tumors in 2018 & 2019, respectively, were collected across 5 European countries (France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain). Data included number of patients tested for MSI/MMR, results of the test, site and funding type, and the drug(s) prescribed. Results: European MSI/MMR test rates ranged from 3% in Italy in 2018 to 12% in France in 2019. Testing rates increased modestly in all countries over the period. Testing rates were determined in 25 specific indications plus all other indications. As expected, rates were highest in colorectal and stomach cancer. Testing was observed in other indications including Esophageal, Brain and Melanoma all with rates of 10% or higher. The percentage of MSI-High patients ranged from a low of 13% in Italy in 2019 to 26% in France in 2019. Finally, 17% of MSI-High patients are treated with CPIs compared to 5% of MSI-Low patients across all countries in 2019. Conclusions: The results over two years and almost 200,000 patients present insights into the use of MSI testing in 5 European countries. MSI testing is performed in many indications in addition to those typically associated with the biomarker. The increase in CPI use in MSI-High patients suggest that test results may impact use of checkpoint inhibitors although causation may not be inferred from the current analysis. However, the correlation suggests that further analysis is warranted.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Cardoso ◽  
Feng Guo ◽  
Thomas Heisser ◽  
Michael Hoffmeister ◽  
Hermann Brenner

In the past two decades, an extensive rollout of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes has been initiated in European countries with a large heterogeneity of screening offers. Using data from a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted between 2013 and 2016 in all European Union countries, we analysed the utilisation of faecal tests and colonoscopy among people aged 50–74 years and the factors associated with uptake by type of screening offer. We observed the highest utilisation of either test for countries with fully rolled out organised programmes with faecal tests (ranging from 29.7% in Croatia to 66.7% in the UK) and countries offering both faecal tests and colonoscopy (from 22.7% in Greece to 70.9% in Germany). Utilisation was very low for countries with no programme (from 6.3% in Romania to 30.5% in Norway). Younger age (50–54 years), longer time since last consultation with a doctor and a lifestyle score associated with increased CRC risk were significantly associated with lower test use, a pattern observed across all types of screening offers. Our results suggest that more countries should implement organised programmes with faecal immunochemical tests, in combination with alternative endoscopy offers where resources allow. Furthermore, there is a large potential for increasing screening use in Europe by better reaching the younger eligible individuals, those who have not been to the doctor recently and those at increased risk for CRC.


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