Smoking and Quitting Smoking: Crucial Issues for Women

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Stillman

It is undeniable that tobacco use by women and girls continues to limit the real improvements in quality of life and longevity that we might expect, as it does for men and boys. Smoking is the main cause of preventable death and disease in our country. Women's smoking is not an emerging health issue; it is a health concern that has been with us for decades. Smoking rates for women were at their highest in the 1970s and we are now reaping the results of this in the peaking of disease rates that have taken twenty years to emerge. It is hoped we will not see a repeat of this pattern, but we cannot afford to be complacent. The challenge now is to bring the smoking rates for women down even further, as quickly as possible.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Jenny Paola Cervera Quintero

Esta investigación muestra las características y estrategias socioeconómicas identificadas en un grupo de famiempresas de confección en Ciudad Bolívar, localidad de Bogotá, con las cuales logran la permanencia de sus negocios y así la reproducción de la vida y la subsistencia de sus familias. Este primer elemento se contrasta con las políticas de consecución de ingresos desarrolladas por los gobiernos distritales en el período 2000-2013, con el fin de encontrar los elementos comunes y el real aporte con el que las políticas sociales y económicas del Distrito benefician la economía popular de la ciudad, teniendo como referencia el grupo de famiempresas con el que se trabajó. Después de obtener un paralelo entre las políticas socioeconómicas del Distrito y las necesidades reales de las famiempresas, se desarrolla un ejercicio práctico aplicando la metodología de Vester como base para la formulación de recomendaciones dirigidas hacia los gobiernos distritales, en las que se manifiestan las prioridades que esta población objetivo espera de la acción institucional para mejorar el desempeño de sus famiempresas y, por ende, el de su consecución de ingresos para mejor su calidad de vida y la de sus familias.ABSTRACTThis research examines the socio-economic characteristics and strategies pertaining to a group of family business in the apparel sector in Ciudad Bolivar (Bogota), which ensures some stability in the business itself and in their families´ livelihood. This first element is contrasted with the policies of resource allocation pursued by Bogota local administrations in the period 2000-2013, in order to identify the real governmental contributions to thelocal economy. Next, a practical exercise is conducted by applying the methodology of Vester as a basis for the formulation of recommendations addressed to the city government; those recommendations depict the priorities that the targeted population expects from the institutional action to improve the performance of their business and to enhance their income to better their quality of life and that of their families. Fecha de recepción: 23 agosto 2016Fecha de aprobación: 15 noviembre de 2016Fecha de publicación: 6 de enero de 2017


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah F. Christensen ◽  
Robyn M. Scherber ◽  
Gina L. Mazza ◽  
Amylou C. Dueck ◽  
Nana Brochmann ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with Philadelphia-negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) suffer from numerous symptoms and decreased quality of life. Smoking is associated with an increased symptom burden in several malignancies. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between smoking and MPN-related symptom burden and explore MPN patients’ opinions on smoking. Methods A total of 435 patients with MPN participated in a cross-sectional internet-based survey developed by the Mayo Clinic and the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Quality of Life Group. Patients reported their demographics, disease characteristics, tobacco use, and opinions on tobacco use. In addition, MPN-related symptoms were reported via the validated 10-item version of the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Symptom Assessment Form. Results Current/former smokers reported worse fatigue (mean severity 5.6 vs. 5.0, p = 0.02) and inactivity (mean severity 4.0 vs. 3.4, p = 0.03) than never smokers. Moreover, current/former smokers more frequently experienced early satiety (68.5% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.03), inactivity (79.9% vs. 71.1%, p = 0.04), and concentration difficulties (82.1% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.04). Although not significant, a higher total symptom burden was observed for current/former smokers (mean 30.4 vs. 27.0, p = 0.07). Accordingly, overall quality of life was significantly better among never smokers than current/former smokers (mean 3.5 vs. 3.9, p = 0.03). Only 43.2% of the current/former smokers reported having discussed tobacco use with their physician, and 17.5% did not believe smoking increased the risk of thrombosis. Conclusion The current study suggests that smoking may be associated with increased prevalence and severity of MPN symptoms and underscores the need to enhance patient education and address tobacco use in the care of MPN patients.


Author(s):  
Rena Maimaiti ◽  
Zhang Yuexin ◽  
Pan Kejun ◽  
Maimaitaili Wubili ◽  
Christophe Lalanne ◽  
...  

In total, 679 HIV-positive patients from 4 clinics in Urumqi city were given structured questionnaires by the doctors or nurses treating them. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed using the Chinese Patient-Reported Outcome Quality of Life-HIV questionnaire versions in Mandarin and Uyghur. This tool has been used in other parts of China and several countries. Compared to France, Australia, United States, Brazil, Thailand, Cambodia, Senegal, and Central-Southern China (CS China), the HRQL was significantly lower among HIV-positive patients in Xinjiang, with regard to the dimension of treatment impact and general health score. The health concern was similar to Brazil and Cambodia but lower than other countries and CS China. Our findings showed high stigmatization: 86% of the patients were afraid to tell others they were HIV positive and 69% often felt or always felt depressed. Only 1% of the patients were on antidepressant treatment.


Dental Update ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 907-913
Author(s):  
Kasim Butt ◽  
Razia Butt ◽  
Praveen Sharma

Periodontal disease is the most common chronic inflammatory disease seen in humans. It is a major public health concern, and in its severe form affects approximately 10.8% or 743 million people aged 15−99 worldwide. Trends such as the rise of smoking in developing countries, the obesity and diabetes epidemic, coupled with an ageing population with greater tooth retention, are all likely to increase the burden of periodontitis still further in the UK and worldwide. Consequences of periodontitis include hypermobility of teeth, tooth migration, drifting and eventual tooth loss. Tooth loss can directly affect the quality of life of a person in terms of reduced functional capacity, self-esteem and social relationships. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article reports the prevalence of periodontal disease in the UK and worldwide, along with the consequences of periodontitis. The importance of timely diagnosis to avoid litigation is discussed, as is the importance of effective management of periodontitis in order to improve patients' oral health-related quality of life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Basu ◽  
Jace Schell ◽  
R. Hal Scofield

Arthritis is a global health concern affecting a significant proportion of the population and associated with reduced quality of life.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Horne ◽  
Maryan Hardy ◽  
Trevor Murrells ◽  
Hassan Ugail ◽  
Andrew Hill

BACKGROUND Obesity is a global public health concern. Interventions rely predominantly on managing dietary intake and/or increasing physical activity but sustained adherence to behavioural regimens is often poor. As with all interventions, the lack of sustained motivation, self-efficacy and poor adherence to behavioural regimens are recognized barriers to successful weight loss. Avatar-based interventions have been found to achieve better patient outcomes in the management of chronic conditions by promoting more active engagement and the virtual representations of ‘self’ have been shown to impact real-world behaviour, acting as a catalyst for sustained weight loss behaviour. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether a personalised avatar, offered as an adjunct to an established weight loss programme, could increase participant motivation and sustain engagement, optimise service delivery, and improve participant health outcomes. METHODS A feasibility randomised design was used to determine the case for future development and evaluation of avatar-based technology in a randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited from GP referrals to a 12-week NHS weight improvement programme. The main outcome measure was weight loss. Secondary outcome measures were quality-of-life and self-efficacy. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical tests and exploratory comparison between intervention and control arms. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through interviews analysed using the framework approach. HRA ethical approval was granted. RESULTS 10 males (7 intervention; 3 routine care) and 33 females (23 intervention; 10 routine care) were recruited. Initial mean weight of participants was greater in the intervention than routine care arm (126.3 kg vs 122.9 kg); pattern of weight loss was similar across both arms of the study in period T0-T1 but accelerated in period T1-T2 for intervention participants, suggesting that access to the self-resembling avatar may promote greater engagement with weight loss initiatives in the short to medium term. Mean change in weight of participants from T0 to T2 was 4.5kg (95% CI: 2.7-6.3) in routine care arm and 5.3kg (95% CI: 3.9-6.8) in the intervention arm. Quality-of-life and self-efficacy measures demonstrated greater improvement in the intervention arm at both T1 (105.5 routine care; 99.7 intervention arm) and T2 (100.1 routine care; 81.2 intervention arm). 13 participants (11 Female, 2 Male) and two healthcare professionals were interviewed about their experience of using the avatar programme. CONCLUSIONS Overall, participants found using the personalised avatar acceptable and feedback reiterated that seeing a future ‘self’ helped reinforce motivation to change behaviour. This feasibility study demonstrated that avatar-based technology may successfully promote engagement and motivation in weight loss programmes, enabling participants to achieve greater weight loss gains and build self-confidence and belief. CLINICALTRIAL 17953876


Author(s):  
Shanmuga Sundaram Rajagopal ◽  
Krishnaveni Kandasamy ◽  
Agilan Natarajan ◽  
Joyal Sebastian ◽  
Manikanta Konakalla ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective: Hypertension (HTN) expends a consequential public health concern on cardiovascular health status and health-care systems in India. Theeffectuation of the pharmaceutical care program in the health care is an extremely important need to achieve the optimum therapeutic effect. Theobjective of the study was to assess the impact of pharmacist intervention on patient’s blood pressure (BP) level, quality of life (QOL), and knowledge,attitude, and practice (KAP) of hypertensive patients.Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out for 6 months. The hypertensive patients were randomized into control and interventiongroup based on age, and both the groups were interviewed using KAP and WHO QOL-BREF questionnaires, screened BP, respectively, at baseline andeach follow-up after post counseling section to the intervention group. The effect of pharmacist intervention on QOL and KAP among control andintervention was statistically analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS version 16.Results: The total sample studied was 60, of which 20 (33.33%) were males and 40 (66.67%) were females. In our study, the QOL score for eachdomain of both intervention and control groups were almost poor (p˃0.05) at baseline and for the intervention group, a highly significant improvement(p<0.001) was observed for all domains in final follow-up. KAP score of intervention group also showed a significant improvement (p<0.001) frombaseline to final follow-up. In this study, intervention group showed a significant mean reduction of systolic BP from baseline 150.13±25.670 to finalfollow-up 145.33±12.914.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a significant improvement in the patient’s KAP toward different aspects of HTN and QOL followingpharmacist mediated counseling. Involvement of pharmacy practitioners in the management of HTN significantly improves QOL and KAPs.Keywords: Hypertension, Quality of life, Knowledge, Attitude and practice, Pharmacist intervention, Patient counseling.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie D. Bland

Colic is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, premature deaths, and is the number one health concern in horses. To increase the quality of life for horses, it is vital to understand the causes, signs, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of colic. Horses are hindgut fermenters and their cecal microbiome can easily be altered due to environmental and physiological changes. Colic can be induced from starch overloading, which can have detrimental effects on the cecum microbiome, such as decreasing hindgut pH and altering the production of volatile fatty acids. In addition, if the immune system becomes compromised, causing changes in the hindgut microbiome, this will trigger a proliferation of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, which can cause numerous gastrointestinal diseases, resulting in colic. However, identifying a variety of microorganisms in the cecum is extremely difficult and understudied because difficulties in sampling and not all bacteria strains can be cultured. Therefore, next generation sequencing has helped in identifying microbes found in the gastrointestinal tract. Using the application of metagenomics, allows scientists to be able to sequence thousands of microorganisms simultaneously. In addition, exploring new techniques to help identify and achieve a clearer picture of the microbiome population and how it may change during bouts of colic could revolutionize the way veterinarians diagnose colic and tailoring a treatment specific to the microoganisms that are proliferating. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of colic and next technological advances could increase the quality of life for horses and minimize the mortality rates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuh Leong ◽  
Louis Tong

Dry eye, a visually disabling disease that has been reported to be a major public health issue in many countries, is known to induce a significant decrease in quality of life. In this report, we aim to compile information on the investigators of dry eye that published most frequently in peer reviewed scientific journals and the publications in Asia and Europe.


2022 ◽  
pp. 212-229
Author(s):  
Ashfaq Ahmad Shah ◽  
Sumaira Qayoom ◽  
Amit Gupta ◽  
Aqueel Ur Rehman

Current research on phytochemicals is mainly focused on novel phenolic and polyphenolic compounds expressing their potential as therapeutic agents in various diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, oxidative stress-related diseases, as well as their properties to inhibit the growth and proliferation of infectious agents. Among the human physiological disorders, one of the most severe endocrine metabolic diseases is Diabetes mellitus which is a clinical disease distinguished by a deficit in the production of insulin or resistance to the action of insulin. Globally, diabetes is an increasing health concern which is now emerging as an epidemic. About 700-800 plants are exhibiting anti-diabetic activity that has been studied. As far as nanotechnology in diabetes research is concerned, it has made possible the buildout of novel glucose measurement as well as insulin delivery modalities that possess the potential to excellently enhance the quality of life of the diabetic patient.


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