scholarly journals 739. Self-Reported Prevalence of Insect Bites During International Travel

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S467-S468
Author(s):  
Holly Shoemaker ◽  
Michael Graves ◽  
Sharia Ahmed ◽  
Holly K Birich ◽  
Scott Benson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vector borne diseases are responsible for almost one fifth of global infectious disease burden. International travelers are at risk for potentially life-threatening conditions when visiting areas with endemic vector borne disease, but this risk can be mitigated when proper insect precautions are taken. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of insect precaution use and subsequent insect bites among Utah travelers who have attended pre-travel consultations. Methods A cross-sectional study at the University of Utah and Salt Lake County travel clinics was analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to explore factors associated with insect repellant use, and reporting bug bites despite insect repellant use. Results A total of 463 individuals completed the survey and were included in our analytic sample. The majority of respondents (80%) reported using insect repellent, and close to half (45%) reported bug bites. Insect repellent use was positively associated with visiting rural/countryside (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.50 – 5.15), and traveling to South East Asia (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.40 – 7.26), or Americas regions (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.45 – 7.92). Being of male gender (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21 – 0.64) or traveling to high altitude locations (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18 – 0.74) was negatively associated with using insect repellent. Longer trip duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 – 1.02) was positively associated with reporting insect bites, while male gender (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 – 0.80), older age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95 – 0.98), and having an advanced degree (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 – 0.99) were negatively associated. Estimated Risk Factors of Insect Bites and Insect Repellent Use Characteristics of international travelers were self-reported in a cross-sectional study. Use of insect repellent and reporting bug bites despite repellant use was examined through multivariate logistic regression and used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Due to multicollinearity and data skewness, the following variables were omitted from the insect repellent model: Accommodation: Hotel/other enclosed structure, Location: European, Location: and Western Pacific. Reference categories are Gender: Female, Education: High school diploma/GED or less, Group size: 1 (Traveled alone), Location type: Urban, and Malaria region: No. All other categories are not mutually exclusive and evaluated as separate binary variables. Conclusion We show that gender, age, trip duration, and education level were associated with self-reported bug bites during travel abroad. Given the number of vector-borne diseases affecting health of travelers, our findings will contribute towards strategies to advise travelers for disease prevention. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Ju Chen ◽  
Yueh-Chien Lu ◽  
Pei-Ming Wang ◽  
Song-Seng Loke

Abstract Background Elevated homocysteine level has been proposed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the connection between hyperhomocysteinemia with other factors for early detection of possible cardiovascular disease. Methods The data in this retrospectively designed cross-sectional study was retrieved from the health examination database in a medical center located in southern Taiwan in 2016. The correlation of hyperhomocysteinemia with sex, age, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, blood pressure, uric acid, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipoprotein were investigated. Both simple and multiple stepwise logistic regression models were used for the assessment of their connection. Results A total of 878 subjects with mean age of 55.4 ± 10.8 years were included in the current study and 73 (9.1%) participants had elevated homocysteine levels. Simple logistic regression analysis showed elevated Hcy was significantly associated with sex (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.31, P < 0.001), age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05, P < 0.035), waist circumference (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, P = 0.001), HDL-C (OR 0.97, CI 0.95-0.99, P = 0.011), triglyceride (OR 1.00, CI 1.00-1.01, P = 0.002), SBP (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.03, P = 0.004), DBP (OR 1.04, CI 1.02-1.06, P = 0.001), sugar level (OR 1.01, CI 1.00-1.02, P = 0.021), uric acid (OR 1.39, CI 1.20-1.60, P < 0.001) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.81, CI 1.12-2.93, P = 0.016). Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied and the result showed that male gender (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.43, P < 0.001), advanced age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05, P < 0.036), triglycerides (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.004, P = 0.022), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P = 0.023) and uric acid (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.47, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with the elevation of plasma homocysteine. Conclusions Several factors are associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in asymptomatic subjects including sex, age, uric acid and metabolic syndrome components. Among these factors, male, advanced age, systolic blood pressure, plasma level of triglyceride and uric acid were independently associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.


Author(s):  
Misha Gorantla ◽  
Sushma Katkuri ◽  
Prashant Kokiwar

Background: Vector borne diseases are more prevalent in third world countries and are on an upward trend. The objectives were to study the demographic profile of the study population and assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding vector borne diseases. Methods: This is a cross sectional study done on 259 study subjects, conducted in July 2017 in the field practice area of the urban health centre of Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences. A convenient sample of 250 was decided to be covered over a period of one month. A total of 259 subjects could be interviewed. Results: Majority were educated up to high school (48.25). Majority of female subjects were homemakers (77.2%) and majority of the males were skilled workers (33.7%). A total of 207 study subjects were found to have mosquito breeding places in their surroundings. Majority (28.5%) had open garbage bins with stagnant water as the chief source of mosquitos. Majority (89.2%) could name at least one disease spread by mosquitos and they mostly got their information from TV and newspaper (77.9%). Most common preventive measures followed by was mosquito mesh and screens (53.5%). Conclusions: Knowledge levels of the populations must be increased through various information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 582-585
Author(s):  
Harshal Mendhe ◽  
Deepshikha Bhartendu ◽  
Kiran Makade ◽  
Daneshwar Singh

Background: The key success of Vector Borne Diseases control depends not only on services provided by health authorities but also on awareness of vector borne diseases and community participation. Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and use of PPMs against MBDs in field practice area of UHTC amongst study participants. Methods: It was a community based Cross-sectional study conducted in the field practice area of UHTC among 245 families. Result: 94.7% respondents were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquito bite. Maximum 102 families were using citronella stick, followed by 98 families using liquid vaporizer. 7.79% participants were using PPM adequately while 3.21 % were using PPM correctly. Conclusion: The general awareness regarding important parameters of mosquito borne diseases was less amongst respondents. Less cost, easy availability and simplicity in using PPM were the reasons cited by the respondents regarding their preferences for choosing PPM.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110430
Author(s):  
Adane Nigusie ◽  
Zemichael Gizaw ◽  
Mulat Gebrehiwot ◽  
Bikes Destaw

Background: Human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors are called vector-borne diseases. Vector-borne diseases usually affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water, and sanitation. This community-based cross-sectional study was, conducted to assess the prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases and associated factors in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design with structured observation was conducted among 1191 randomly selected rural households in northwest Ethiopia from April to June 2017. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire; and observation checklist. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-values <.05. Results: In the current study, 216 (18.1%) of the rural households reported one or more vector-borne diseases. Scabies (9.5%) were the most reported vector-borne disease followed by Malaria (6.9%). The prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases was statistically associated with the head of the family (mother) (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.72), regular cleaning of the living environment (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.36-0.74), poor cleanness of the living rooms (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.03-3.03), and moderate cleanness of the floor (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06-2.52). Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases was high in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. The low prevalence was associated with family head; regular cleaning of living environment and cleanness of the floor. Designing and strengthening an intervention strategy for environmental sanitation, regular cleaning of living house, and keeping personal hygiene shall be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
Mary-Joe Youssef ◽  
Antoine Aoun ◽  
Aline Issa ◽  
Lana El-Osta ◽  
Nada El-Osta ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing worldwide and the related chronic symptoms can be associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify foods and beverages consumed by the Lebanese population, dietary habits, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, health parameters and perceived stress, implicated in increasing GERD symptoms. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried among Lebanese adults in 2016. A convenient sample of 264 participants was equally divided into a GERD group and a control group. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health status and dietary habits including Lebanese traditional dishes were collected. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was also used to assess the participants’ perception of stress. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with GERD symptoms (presence or absence) being the dependent variable. Results: The GERD symptoms were significantly associated with age (-p-value=0.017), family history of GERD symptoms (-p-value<0.001), smoking (-p-value=0.003) and chronic medical conditions (-p-value<.001). Regarding the dietary factors, participants who ate three meals or less/day, between meals and outside homes were 2.5, 2.9 and 2.4 times at a higher risk of experiencing GERD symptoms than others, respectively. Moreover, the logistic regression model showed that the GERD symptoms were significantly associated with the consumption of coffee (-p-value=0.037), Lebanese sweets (-p-value=0.027), fried foods (-p-value=0.031), ‘Labneh’ with garlic (-p-value<0.001), pomegranate molasses (-p-value=0.011), and tomatoes (-p-value=0.007). Conclusion: Some specific lifestyle factors and components of the Lebanese Mediterranean diet could be associated with GERD symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaldet Mekonnen Estifanos ◽  
Chen Hui ◽  
Afewerki Weldezgi Tesfai ◽  
Mekonnen Estifanos Teklu ◽  
Matiwos Araya Ghebrehiwet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.


Author(s):  
AA Toubasi ◽  
BR Khraisat ◽  
RB AbuAnzeh ◽  
HM Kalbouneh

Objective Medicine is considered one if not the most stressful educational field. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of stress and poor sleeping quality among medical students and the association between them. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Jordan on second- and third-year medical students. The questionnaire consisted of: 1) Demographics; 2) The assessment tools which were Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Status (K10). Binary logistic regression, chi-square and linear regression were used to investigate the association between PSQI, K10, and their determinants. Results The mean for PSQI score was 6.76 ± 3.32. PSQI scores interpretation revealed that 61.7% of the 282 participants of this study were poor sleepers. Logistic regression results showed that only the category of not napping at all from the napping hours variable was significantly associated with sleeping quality. Furthermore, the mean of K10 scores was 24.5 ± 8.5. K10 scores revealed that 66.3% of the participants were stressed. Logistic regression results showed that gender and regular exercise were significantly associated with psychological distress. Additionally, chi-square test, logistic regression and linear regression showed that PSQI was significantly associated with K10 (P <0.01). Conclusions Stress and poor sleeping quality in medical students at the University of Jordan were highly prevalent and strongly associated. What determined PSQI was daytime napping, and for K10 were regular exercise and gender. Further investigations into stress and sleep quality in the Arabian region are needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssika M Siqueira ◽  
Jéssika D P Soares ◽  
Thaís C Borges ◽  
Tatyanne L N Gomes ◽  
Gustavo D Pimentel

AbstractCancer patients possess metabolic and pathophysiological changes and an inflammatory environment that leads to malnutrition. This study aimed to (i) determine whether there is an association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and nutritional risk, and (ii) identify the cut-off value of NLR that best predicts malnutrition by screening for nutritional risk (NRS 2002). This cross-sectional study included 119 patients with unselected cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or surgery. The NRS 2002 was applied within 24 h of hospitalisation to determine the nutritional risk. Systemic inflammation was assessed by blood collection, and data on C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils, and lymphocytes were collected for later calculation of NLR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the best cut-point for NLR value that predicted nutritional risk. Differences between the groups were tested using the Student’s t-, Mann–Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between NLR and nutritional risk. The ROC curve showed the best cut-point for predicting nutritional risk was NLR > 5.0 (sensitivity, 60.9%; specificity, 76.4%). The NLR ≥ 5.0 group had a higher prevalence of nutritional risk than the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 73.6% vs. NLR < 5.0: 37.9%, p = 0.001). The NLR group ≥ 5.0 showed higher values of CRP and NLR than the NLR < 5.0 group. In addition, patients with NLR ≥ 5.0 also had higher NRS 2002 values when compared to the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 3.0 ± 1.1 vs. NLR < 5.0: 2.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.0004). Logistic regression revealed an association between NRS and NLR values. In hospitalised unselected cancer patients, systemic inflammation measured by NLR was associated with nutritional risk. Therefore, we highlight the importance of measuring the NLR in clinical practice, with the aim to detect nutritional risk.


2020 ◽  
pp. 201010582096214
Author(s):  
Tsegu Hailu Gebru ◽  
Haftea Hagos Mekonen ◽  
Kbrom Gemechu Kiros

Background: Good knowledge of self-care related to heart failure (HF) is key to improve patient outcomes. However, information regarding how much patients know about self-care is lacking in developing countries, particularly in the study setting. Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess HF patients’ knowledge about self-care and to explore predictors among HF patients in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. A total of 408 HF patients participated, and the study was done between February and April 2018. An interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify the predictors associated with knowledge about self-care. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.4 years (standard deviation=19 years). Around 255 (62.5%) of the participants had poor self-care knowledge. Age, New York Heart Association classes, duration of the disease and previous hospitalisation were the factors associated with knowledge about self-care. Conclusion: More than half of all participants had poor knowledge about self-care. Improving existing prevention strategies and strengthening patients’ knowledge are recommended to address this knowledge deficit.


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