scholarly journals Neck circumference as an indicator of elevated central adiposity in children

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1755-1761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Valencia-Sosa ◽  
Clío Chávez-Palencia ◽  
Enrique Romero-Velarde ◽  
Alfredo Larrosa-Haro ◽  
Edgar Manuel Vásquez-Garibay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neck Circumference ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Central Adiposity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Western Mexico ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Rural Settings

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to study the correlation between neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric adiposity indicators, and to determine cut-off points of NC for both sexes to identify elevated central adiposity in schoolchildren in western Mexico.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingRural settings in western México.ParticipantsChildren from a convenience sample of six schools in Acatlán, Jalisco, Mexico (n 1802).ResultsNC showed a strong positive correlation with all anthropometric adiposity indicators in both sexes, which were notably higher in boys regardless of age. Noteworthy, waist circumference displayed the highest significant correlation when analysed by both age and sex. As age increased, NC cut-off points to identify elevated central adiposity ranged from 25·7 to 30·1 cm for girls and from 27·5 to 31·7 cm for boys.ConclusionsNC could be used as a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive indicator for central obesity assessment in Mexican schoolchildren.

scholarly journals Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

scholarly journals Awareness and outcomes of the fruits and veggies (FNV) campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among targeted audiences in California and Virginia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa R. Englund ◽  
Valisa E. Hedrick ◽  
Sofía Rincón-Gallardo Patiño ◽  
Lauren E. Kennedy ◽  
Kathryn W. Hosig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

Abstract Background In 2015, the Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign to apply a unique industry-inspired marketing approach to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two US pilot markets: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among FNV Campaign target audiences in the California and Virginia market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in fruit- and vegetable-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n = 1604; February–July 2017) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n = 860) in the two pilot markets. Descriptive statistics were computed and outcomes compared between unaware and aware respondents, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to assess whether fruit- and vegetable-related attitude, belief, and encouragement outcomes differed by FNV Campaign awareness; logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables (fruit- and vegetable-related behavioral intentions, trying new fruits and vegetables); and ANCOVA was used to assess associations with daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency. Results Approximately 20% (n = 315/1604) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 167, 22.4%) had higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 148, 17.2%) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than mothers unaware of the Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness. Conclusions FNV Campaign awareness was associated with limited but positive short- and intermediate-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use and Sexual Violence among Nursing Students in Catalonia, Spain: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6036
Author(s):  
Concepció Fuentes-Pumarola ◽  
Zaira Reyes-Amargant ◽  
Alba Berenguer-Simon ◽  
David Ballester-Ferrando ◽  
Maria Dolors Burjalés-Martí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Estimate Prevalence

(1) Background: Sexual violence (SV) has become common in universities for reasons related to unwanted social/peer pressures regarding alcohol/drug use and sexual activities. Objectives: To identify perceptions of SV and alcohol use and estimate prevalence among nursing students in Catalonia, Spain. (2) Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of nursing students attending public universities. (3) Results: We recruited 686 students (86.11% women), who reported as follows: 68.7% had consumed alcohol, 65.6% had been drunk at least once in the previous year, 62.65% had experienced blackouts and 25.55% had felt pressured to consume alcohol. Drunkenness and blackouts were related (p < 0.000). Of the 15.6% of respondents who had experienced SV, 47.7% experienced SV while under the influence of alcohol and were insufficiently alert to stop what was happening, while 3.06% reported rape. SV was more likely to be experienced by women (OR: 2.770; CI 95%: 1.229–6.242; p = 0.014), individuals reporting a drunk episode in the previous year (OR: 2.839; 95% CI: 1.551–5.197; p = 0.001) and individuals pressured to consume alcohol (OR: 2.091; 95% CI: 1.332–3.281; p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Nursing instructors need to raise student awareness of both the effects of alcohol use and SV, so as to equip these future health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with SV among young people.

scholarly journals Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Stefania Costi ◽  
Sara Paltrinieri ◽  
Barbara Bressi ◽  
Stefania Fugazzaro ◽  
Paolo Giorgi Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems.

scholarly journals Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7652
Author(s):  
Margit Steinholt ◽  
Shanshan Xu ◽  
Sam Ol Ha ◽  
Duong Trong Phi ◽  
Maria Lisa Odland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural Settings

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p’-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p’-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: −2.51 to −0.07), 138 (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.32), and 153 (95% CI: −1.06 to −0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p’-DDE. Moreover, o,p’-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p’-DDD and o,p’-DDE were positively associated with the baby’s ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.

Differences in Disaster Preparedness Among Dog and Other Pet Owners in Oporto, Portugal

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Zélia Pereira ◽  
Luís Cardoso ◽  
Ana Cláudia Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
County Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices related to disaster preparedness among pet owners in North Portugal. The present research provides an evaluation of differences among pet owners regarding preparedness in the event of disasters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 155 pet owners between September and November 2018. Subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with items addressing sociodemographic characteristics and questions related to owners’ emergency preparedness and practices. Results: In this study, 53.5% of the respondents thought about the possibility of a disaster. Only 21.3% of respondents reported having knowledge on the existence of a disaster kit for pets in case of an emergency. The majority (94.8%) of respondents said they were not aware of the preparedness county-level organization plans. Knowledge and preparedness were found to be significantly higher among dog owners compared with owners of other pet species. Conclusions: The results suggest that Portuguese pet owners have inadequate knowledge on how to prepare for inclusion of their pets in a disaster.

scholarly journals Association between quality of life and prognosis of candidate patients for heart transplantation: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Silveira Faria ◽  
Ligia Neres Matos ◽  
Liana Amorim Correa Trotte ◽  
Helena Cramer Veiga Rey ◽  
Tereza Cristina Felippe Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Heart Transplantation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Prognostic Scores ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the association between the prognostic scores and the quality of life of candidates for heart transplantation. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 32 outpatients applying to heart transplantation. The prognosis was rated by the Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) and the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM); and the quality of life by the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The Pearson correlation test was applied. Results: the correlations found between general quality of life scores and prognostic scores were (HFSS/MLHFQ r = 0.21), (SHFM/MLHFQ r = 0.09), (HFSS/KCCQ r = -0.02), (SHFM/KCCQ r = -0.20). Conclusion: the weak correlation between the prognostic and quality of life scores suggests a lack of association between the measures, i.e., worse prognosis does not mean worse quality of life and the same statement is true in the opposite direction.

scholarly journals Serotype Distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae Carriage ‎in Six-Month-Old Infants: A Cross-sectional Study During 2017-18, Tehran, ‎Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirin Sayyahfar ◽  
Abdoulreza Esteghamati ◽  
Seyed Alireza Fahimzad ◽  
Safura Hajisadeghi Isfahani ◽  
Ali Nazari Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Multiplex Pcr ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Serotype Distribution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Healthy Infants ◽  
Invasive Infections

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is recognized as one of the main pathogens inducing several invasive and non-invasive infections in children. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae in six–month–old carriers. Methods: This study encompassed 600 six-month-old healthy infants whose pharyngeal swap samples were collected and then cultured to isolate S. pneumoniae. Twenty- five different serotypes were defined on positive culture samples by multiplex PCR. Results: In this study, 13 cases (2.2%) were positive S. pneumonia. The most common isolated serotypes of S. pneumoniae were serotypes 23F (n = 6, 1%) and 3 (n = 3, 0.5%), respectively. Notably, the most frequent serotype in formula-fed infants (n = 300) was Serotype 23F (n = 5, 1.7%); however, Serotype 3 (n = 3, 1%) was the most frequent one in breastfed participants (n = 300). According to the findings, the overall coverage of PCV10, PCV13, and PPSV23 on the S. pneumoniae serotypes at the age of six months was 50%, 73%, and 85%, respectively. Conclusions: At this age, the type of feeding could not significantly affect the frequency rate of S. pneumoniae colonization, while the serotype distributions in the two breastfed and formula-fed groups were different.

scholarly journals Neck circumference as a risk indicator for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a community based cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 4624
Author(s):  
Balaji Arumugam ◽  
Aadarshna R. ◽  
Suganya E.
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neck Circumference ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sign Rank Test ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome due to insulin deficiency, characterized by hyperglycaemia. Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS) is the most commonly used one to determine the risk status. However there is lot of inconvenience and possible errors in measuring the waist circumference to determine the IDRS, hence the study was planned to evaluate if neck circumference could replace waist circumference in determining the diabetes risk.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 300 study participants fulfilling the eligible criteria. Socio-demographic variables, parameters required for determining the IDRS was assessed, in addition, neck circumference (NC) was measured using standard protocol. Another risk score was calculated by replacing waist circumference (WC) with neck circumference and scoring was named as IDRS-NC. Pearson correlation and Wilcoxan sign rank test was done to find out the relationship between WC and NC and also to determine if IDRS-NC could replace IDRS.Results: Out of 300 study population, majority of the participants are in the age group of <35 years 129 (43%) and around 2/3rd of the participants were females. Among the study participants proportion of participants belonging to low risk, medium risk and high risk assessed using IDRS and IDRS-NC was 18.7%, 41%, 40.3% and 31.7%, 38%, 30.3% respectively. There was a strong positive correlation (r=0.837) between the neck circumference and waist circumference. Wilcoxan sign rank test was significant between the 2 scores having a p value of <0.05.Conclusions: In our study there was a positive correlation between neck circumference and waist circumference.

scholarly journals Exhaled volatile substances in children suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus: results from a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Trefz ◽  
Juliane Obermeier ◽  
Ruth Lehbrink ◽  
Jochen K. Schubert ◽  
Wolfram Miekisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Metabolic Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Invasive

Abstract Monitoring metabolic adaptation to type 1 diabetes mellitus in children is challenging. Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath is non-invasive and appears as a promising tool. However, data on breath VOC profiles in pediatric patients are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study and applied quantitative analysis of exhaled VOCs in children suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (n = 53) and healthy controls (n = 60). Both groups were matched for sex and age. For breath gas analysis, a very sensitive direct mass spectrometric technique (PTR-TOF) was applied. The duration of disease, the mode of insulin application (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs. multiple daily insulin injection) and long-term metabolic control were considered as classifiers in patients. The concentration of exhaled VOCs differed between T1DM patients and healthy children. In particular, T1DM patients exhaled significantly higher amounts of ethanol, isopropanol, dimethylsulfid, isoprene and pentanal compared to healthy controls (171, 1223, 19.6, 112 and 13.5 ppbV vs. 82.4, 784, 11.3, 49.6, and 5.30 ppbV). The most remarkable differences in concentrations were found in patients with poor metabolic control, i.e. those with a mean HbA1c above 8%. In conclusion, non-invasive breath testing may support the discovery of basic metabolic mechanisms and adaptation early in the progress of T1DM.

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