scholarly journals Sequence of cigarette and e-cigarette initiations and daily smoking in adolescents (HBSC 2018)

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Dujeu ◽  
T Lebacq ◽  
C Pedroni ◽  
V Desnouck ◽  
E Holmberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Electronic cigarette may help adults quit smoking. For adolescents, the concern is whether e-cigarette initiation is a gateway to subsequent smoking. Our objectives were to describe the sequence of conventional cigarette and e-cigarette initiations among adolescents who had already used both products, and to analyse the current smoking behaviour according to the first experienced product. Methods Analyses were based on a two-stage random sample of 9,937 12-20-year-old adolescents included in the French-speaking Belgian 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross-sectional survey. Cigarette and e-cigarette initiations and its sequence, current daily smoking and other characteristics were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Associations, adjusted for demographic data, were estimated using logistic regression and weighted. Sampling design was considered in analyses. Results In 2018, 66.0% of adolescents reported never having tried a cigarette and e-cigarette, 8.1% having experimented cigarettes only, 9.2% e-cigarette only and 16.6% having experimented both. Among adolescents who tried both products, eight out of ten smoked cigarettes before trying the e-cigarette (78.2%). In the whole sample, 6.8% of adolescents were smoking every day. Daily smoking was observed in 19.8% of adolescents who initiated e-cigarette and cigarettes and in 6.4% of those who initiated cigarettes only. Adolescents who first smoked cigarettes were more likely to further smoke daily (aOR: 2.48 [1.69-3.64]) than those who first used e-cigarette. The risk of daily smoking was not different between adolescents who first used e-cigarette compared with those who tried cigarettes only (aOR: 1.23 [0.76-2.00]). Conclusions In French-speaking Belgium, conventional cigarette was the first step in the initiation and continuation of tobacco smoking. These findings help understand smoking patterns among adolescents and will support the development of smoking prevention strategies. Key messages Our findings suggest that health promotion interventions should remain focused on conventional cigarette. Based on a cross-sectional study, they should however be confirmed by prospective studies.

Author(s):  
Hashim A. Mahdi ◽  
Hamza M. Assaggaf ◽  
Mohammad Alfelali ◽  
Omar B. Ahmed ◽  
Radi Alsafi ◽  
...  

This study aimed to assess hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among domestic residents, who visited the mosque between 31 July and 3 August 2020. Participants’ demographic data, hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices were collected. Four hundred participants aged 18–65 (median 36) years completed the survey, of which 215 (53.8%) were female. The visitors’ mean knowledge score about hand hygiene was 6.4 (± standard deviation (SD) 1.35) of total 12. Most participants (392, 98%) were aware of the role of hand hygiene in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); nevertheless, 384 (96%) said hand hygiene lowers body immunity and 316 (79%) thought <60% alcohol is sufficient for hand disinfection. Males had a higher knowledge score than females (6.46 (±1.41) vs. 6.14 (±1.27), p = 0.02) and, visitors who had no formal education scored higher than those with post-graduate education (6.88 (±1.45) vs 5.73 (±1.12), p = 0.01). Washing hands with soap and water was the predominant method practiced after a meal (365, 91.7%), after toilet visit (354, 88.5%), after touching a surface (262, 65.7%), after waste disposal (332, 83.2%), and when hands were visibly dirty (357, 89.5%). Al Madinah visitors had moderate knowledge about hand hygiene, but demonstrated some knowledge gaps and negligence in practice that are crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 00155-2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hansen ◽  
Reiner Hanewinkel ◽  
Matthis Morgenstern

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) advertisements and use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes and hookahs.A cross-sectional survey of 6902 German students (mean age 13.1 years, 51.3% male) recruited in six German states was performed. Exposure to e-cigarette advertisements was measured with self-rated contact frequency to three advertising images. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to assess associations between exposure to e-cigarette advertisement and use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes and hookahs (ever and past 30 days).Overall, 38.8% of the students were exposed to e-cigarette advertisements; ever-use of e-cigarettes was 21.7%, of combustible cigarettes was 21.8% and of hookahs was 23.2%, and poly-use of all three products was 12.4%. Exposure to e-cigarette advertisements was positively related to ever and past 30-day use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes, hookahs and combined use.We concluded that a considerable number of German teenagers are exposed to e-cigarette advertisement. There was a clear exposure–behaviour link, indicating that advertising contact was associated with different kinds of “vaping” and also smoking behaviour. Although causal interpretation is not possible due to the cross-sectional design, findings raise concerns about the current tobacco control policies.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Hashem Hashempur ◽  
Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat ◽  
Mojtaba Heydari ◽  
Mesbah Shams

Abstract Background Despite growing demand for medicinal plants, there is little data about their use by patients with dyslipidemia. We aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors for the use of medicinal plants among patients with dyslipidemia. Methods A 17-item semi-structured questionnaire was filled out by 195 patients with dyslipidemia in a cross-sectional study carried out in two academic endocrinology clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire comprised of three main domains of demographic data (6 questions), clinical data (2 of them), and data related to the use of medicinal plants (totally 9 questions). Results A total of 77.4% of patients took medicinal plants. The most common medicinal herbs used by dyslipidemic patients were Zataria multiflora, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Zingiber officinale. Duration of dyslipidemia was significantly longer in herbal users than non-herbal users (p=0.04). Patients believing that concomitant use of conventional drugs and herbal preparations had synergic positive effects in addition to those persuaded that herbal preparations possessed less side effects, were significantly more likely to use medicinal plants (p=0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Additionally, most of the medicinal herb users (87.4%) changed neither the pattern nor the dosage of their medications all during herbal preparations use. Conclusions This study demonstrated a high prevalence of medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia, which was associated with the duration of dyslipidemia, patients’ viewpoints about herbal preparations’ synergic positive effects, and their fewer side effects.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-375
Author(s):  
Anthonia A. Ikpeme*,Nchiewe E. Ani, Edoise M. Isiwele, Andrew E. Ekpenyong,Emmanuel E. Ekanem

Introduction: Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low and middle incomecountries. These cardiovascular deaths are caused by modifiable risk factors. Evidenceis emerging that some of these factors maybe even more prevalent in rural areas whichare generally underserved.Aim: The aim of this study was to record risk factors for cardiovascular disease inrural communities in south southern Nigeria and review some related literature.Methods: A cross sectional study during clinical outreach activities that took placein 2016 to 2018 in several rural and few urban communities in Cross River State,Nigeria. Participating individuals gave full consent and ethical clearance obtained.Socio-demographic data, Anthropometric data and Blood sugar measurements wereobtained. Data extracted was transferred into EXCEL thereafter analysis was doneusing SPSS version 21. p values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant.Tests of significance included Anova, chi square and student t- tests.Results: Total population investigated over the 3 year period was 504. (2016-33.1%),(2017 -37.9%), (2018 – 28%) with a Female: Male distribution of 1:1.Most participants tended to be overweight across the years 59.7%, 59.1%, 73.7%,2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. The prevalence of Hypertension was 10.71%. Nosignificant gender difference in the prevalence of Hypertension (6.94% males to 3.77%females, p=0.097). The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 10.67%. There was nosignificant gender prevalence (6.67% males to 4.00% females, p =0.431)Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease remains relatively uncommon in Sub-SaharanAfrica, despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, but it’s incidence is rising.Steps should be taken in Sub-Saharan Africa to prevent an epidemic. This involvesdetailed and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities.Key words: RISK FACTORS, Cardio vascular disease, South South Nigeria.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
kristin graham ◽  
Lisa Matricciani ◽  
Helen Banwell ◽  
Saravana Kumar ◽  
Ryan Causby ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundNon-medical prescribing is one healthcare reform strategy that has the potential to create savings in the health system as well as offer equitable and timely access to scheduled medicines. Currently there is a lack of information about prescribing practices of Australian podiatrists, making it difficult to assess if endorsement for scheduled medicines (endorsement) for podiatrists provides health system efficiencies or improved patient access and outcomes. Further, the uptake for endorsement remains low among Australian podiatrists. The aim of this research was to investigate the prescribing practices among Australian podiatrists as well as to explore barriers and facilitators that influence participation in endorsement. MethodsParticipants in this quantitative, cross-sectional study were registered and practicing Australian podiatrists and podiatric surgeons who were recruited through a combination of professional networks, social media, and personal contacts. Respondents were invited to complete a customised self-reported online survey. The survey was developed using previously published research, research team’s expertise and piloted with podiatrists. The survey contained three sections: demographic data including clinical experience, questions pertaining to prescribing practices, and barriers and facilitators of the endorsement pathway. ResultsRespondents (n = 225) were predominantly female, aged 25-45, working in the private sector. Approximately one quarter were endorsed (15%) or in training to become endorsed (11%). Of the 168 non-endorsed respondents, 66% reported that they would like to undertake training to become an endorsed prescriber. The medications most frequently prescribed include local anaesthetics, antimycotics, antibacterial agents, and analgesia. The most common indications reported for prescribing these medications include nail surgery (71%), foot infections and ulcerations (88%), post-operative pain (67%), and mycosis (95%). The most prescribed Schedule 2 medications were ibuprofen, paracetamol, and topical terbinafine. The most prescribed Schedule 4 medicines among endorsed podiatrists included lignocaine (84%), Cephalexin (68%), Flucloxacillin (68%), and Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid (61%). ConclusionWhile podiatrists predominantly prescribe to assist pain, inflammatory, or infectious conditions, lack of public funding and pathology testing access limit podiatrists’ ability to maximise prescribing opportunities. Many barriers exist in the current endorsement for podiatrists, particularly related to training processes, including mentor access and supervised practice opportunities, requiring targeted enabling strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-29
Author(s):  
Nehemia Kilongo ◽  
Francis F. Furia

Background: Enuresis is common childhood disorders which affecting quality of life of children and causing significant psychosocial disturbances to children and their families. This condition has been widely reported globally with increasing data from sub-Saharan African region. In Tanzania there is no reports on its magnitude and therefore this study was carried out with the aim of determine the prevalence of this condition among children in Tanzania.Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study conducted among children aged between 5 and 14 years recruited from 12 streets in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. Standardized Swahili questionnaire was used to collect data including socio-demographic details of parents,  children and presence of enuresis. Socio-demographic data included age of the child, sex, level of education of the parents, education of the child, presence of bed wetting, history of enuresis in the family.Results: Five hundred and ten children were recruited into this study out of which 271 (53.1%) were females and mean age of study participants was 9±2.8 years. Enuresis was noted in 19% (97/510) of children, 68% (66/97) and 32% (31/97) had primary and secondary enuresis respectively. Significantly higher prevalence rates of enuresis were noted for children aged below 8 years 26.4% (43/162) and those with family history of enuresis 47% (18/38) with p values of 0.01 and < 0.001 respectively. Forty-one (42.3%) out of 97 respondents whose children had enuresis reported to have punished their children and only 21.4% (20/97) reported to have sought treatment for their children.Conclusions: Enuresis is common among children in Tanzania particularly those with positive family history. Punishment to children with enuresis was noted in this study and only one in five parents/guardians sought treatment for their affected children. Therefore, there is a need for initiatives for raising community awareness about enuresis in Tanzania Key words: Enuresis in children, prevalence of enuresis in Tanzania, factors affecting enuresis in children.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e018736 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Julián Escario ◽  
Anna V Wilkinson

ObjectiveLimited research has examined the association between smoking among schoolteachers and student smoking. This paper seeks to assess whether smoking visibility on school grounds among schoolteachers is associated with student smoking. We examine both smoking behaviour and the number of cigarettes consumed.MethodsWe use a school-based cross-sectional survey carried out by the Spanish Government’s Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs. A total of 27 503 students between 14 and 18 years of age completed an anonymous survey in 2013. Count data regressions were used to assess the association between observed teacher smoking and adolescent smoking behaviour.ResultsHigh levels of visibility of teacher smoking on school grounds increased the odds of being a smoker among students (OR=2.09 and OR=1.64, for the highest levels of visibility), but the impact on the quantity of cigarettes smoked, although positive, was not significant.ConclusionTeacher smoking on school grounds is associated with student smoking behaviour. Consequently, smoking policies designed to prevent adolescent smoking should address this important social environment.


Author(s):  
Avinash Pandey ◽  
Richa Mishra ◽  
Neeraj Markandeywar

Background: In India, long term data regarding professional outcomes and geographical distribution of enrolled medical graduates is lacking. This adversely impacts policy for efficient healthcare delivery. Methods: A cross sectional survey of students enrolled as medical graduates in year 2001 was done at single point follow up after 17 years. Along with demographic data, gender, seat quota, post-graduate qualification, type of practice, discipline of choice and current geographic locations were collected. Logistical regression model with odds ratio was used to analyse association between variables. Results: 192/200 medical graduates were analysed. Male: female ratio was 119: 73. 109 (56%) had post-graduate degree, 35 (18%) had post-graduate diploma, while another 24 (12.8%) completed super-specialty degree.125 (65%) completed post-graduation in clinical disciplines. 103 (54%) are serving government institutes. 54 (28%) practice in metro cities, while 48 (25%) are in non-metro capital urban locations. Only 44 (23%) are serving rural Indian population, while 17 (9%) are at foreign countries. General medicine (12.5%), obstetrics (8%), paediatrics (8%) anaesthesia (7%) and general surgery (6.7%) were the most common broad clinical specialities. Females had high likelihood to pursue obstetrics/ gynaecology {OR-11.4 (95%CI-2.6-48.7)}; while males were more likely to select medical {OR-0.54 (95% CI-0.25-1.0)} and surgical disciplines {OR- 0.42 (95% CI-0.18-0.98)}. Conclusions: Majority of medical graduates complete post-graduation courses, with preference for clinical disciplines. Less than one fourth of doctors serve rural population. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1995-2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma’a A Faden ◽  
AlFulwah Mofarreh Alotaibi ◽  
Hourya Sanat Alnofaie ◽  
Nohair Nasser Alsuhaibani ◽  
Sara Nasser Al Dosary

Little is known about probiotic consumption or beliefs, in spite of its enhanced availability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of Saudi publics towards the oral benefits of probiotics. The web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 Saudi individuals through a questionnaire which was randomly distributed through online social media. Each of them was asked to complete a questionnaire including socio-demographic data and took a probiotic knowledge test. Probiotic knowledge was significantly linked with marital status, gender and those who are working in the health field, Majority of them were females (87.1%) being more knowledgeable than males (79.9%). The highest percentages of participants who heard about beneficial bacteria were those who are in the age group 36-45 years old at 87.3%, highly educated at 87.5%, postgraduates at 89.2%, married at 88.9%, and those who are working in the health field at 94.4%. Although beneficial, lack of sufficient knowledge concerning probiotics restricted its usage among few respondents. There is a need for further education and promotion of the general public in regards to the definition, oral benefits, sources and usage of probiotics.


Author(s):  
Amjed Hamid Obaid Al-Jaeed ◽  
Yosif Mohammed Hasan Jawad Al-Rammahi ◽  
Mohammed Albaqer Abbas Baqer Mawash ◽  
Hameed Kareem Shaalan Al-Hadrawy ◽  
Basima Shamkhi Jabbar Al Ghazali

Abstract Objective: To explore Kufa medical students’ preferences of carrier specialization and to investigate the factors that influence their choice of specialty. Methods: By using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, a cross-sectional study was performed on (566) medical students from the second-to-sixth-year in University of Kufa, from the 27th of January to the 21st of February 2019 to study the factors that affect the choice of specialties in undergraduate medical students. An anonymous, structured, self-administered questionnaire was handed out to the students and consisted of three sections covering demographic data, the preferred specialty, and the cause behind selecting the specialty.  Data analysis was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25 for windows. Results: Cardiology was the most chosen specialty 55 (9.7%) followed by Pediatrics 46 (8.1%) and Dermatology 45 (8.0%). Additionally, 40 (7.1%) students haven’t decided their specialties yet. The most chosen factors in a descending fashion were "My Passion" which was chosen by 427 (75.4%) students, followed by "income" 67 (11.8%), "less on-call duties" 51 (9.0%), "mentor inspiration" 46 (8.1%), "family member inspiration" 34 (6.0%), "reputation" 22 (3.8%), "less competition" 15 (2.6%), and "number of residency years" 8 (1.4%). Conclusion: Being passionate about or having a keen interest in the selected speciality were the major influencing factors for students to select their future speciality. However, male students' choices based mainly on the “income” and “reputation” of the field, while females opted to choose “less on call duties” more than males. Continuous...  


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