scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccination acceptance in the canton of Geneva: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ania Wisniak ◽  
Helene Baysson ◽  
Nick Pullen ◽  
Mayssam Nehme ◽  
Francesco Pennacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Vaccination Acceptance

Objective This study aimed to assess acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination as well as its sociodemographic and clinical determinants in a general population sample three months after the launch of the vaccination program in Switzerland. Methods In March 2021, an online questionnaire on vaccination acceptance was proposed to adults included in a longitudinal cohort study of previous population-based serosurveys carried out in the canton of Geneva. Questions were asked about COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, reasons of acceptance or refusal, and attitudes about vaccination in general. Data on demographic (age, sex, education, income, professional status, living conditions) and health-related characteristics (having a chronic disease, COVID-19 diagnosis, smoking status) were assessed at inclusion in the cohort (December 2020). Results Overall, 4067 participants (completion rate of 77.4%) responded to the survey between March 17 and April 1, 2021. The mean age of respondents was 53.3 years and 56.0% were women. Most had completed tertiary education (64.7%) and over 60% were currently professionally active. At the time of the survey, 17.2% of respondents had already been vaccinated with at least one dose or had made an appointment to get vaccinated, and an additional 58.5% intended or rather intended to get vaccinated. The overall acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was 75.7%, with a higher acceptance among men compared to women, older adults compared to younger adults, high-income individuals compared to those with a low income, participants living in urban and semi-urban areas compared to rural, and retirees and students compared to employed individuals. Acceptance was lower among individuals having completed apprenticeships and secondary education compared to those with tertiary education. The most common reasons reported by participants intending to get vaccinated were the desire to 'get back to normal', to protect themselves, their community and/or society, and their relatives or friends against the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2, as well as the desire to travel. Less than half (45.6%) of participants having children were willing or rather willing to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 if it were recommended by public health authorities. Conclusion Although our study found a 75.7% acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, there were noticeable socio-demographic disparities in vaccination acceptance. These data will be useful for public health measures targeting hesitant populations when developing health communication strategies. These results will be updated over time with a new release of the survey in autumn 2021.

scholarly journals A comparative study of chest CT findings regarding the effects of regional dust exposure on patients with COPD living in urban areas and rural areas near cement plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junghyun Kim ◽  
Bom Kim ◽  
So Hyeon Bak ◽  
Yeon-Mok Oh ◽  
Woo Jin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Wall Area ◽  
Copd Patients

Abstract Background The clinical and radiological presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is heterogenous depending on the characterized sources of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate COPD phenotypes associated with specific dust exposure. Methods This study was designed to compare the characteristics, clinical outcomes and radiological findings between two prospective COPD cohorts representing two distinguishing regions in the Republic of Korea; COPD in Dusty Area (CODA) and the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort. A total of 733 participants (n = 186 for CODA, and n = 547 for KOLD) were included finally. A multivariate analysis to compare lung function and computed tomography (CT) measurements of both cohort studies after adjusting for age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking status, and pack-year, Charlson comorbidity index, and frequency of exacerbation were performed by entering the level of FEV1(%), biomass exposure and COPD medication into the model in stepwise. Results The mean wall area (MWA, %) became significantly lower in COPD patients in KOLD from urban and metropolitan area than those in CODA cohort from cement dust area (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; 70.2 ± 1.21% in CODA vs. 66.8 ± 0.88% in KOLD, p = 0.028) after including FEV1 in the model. COPD subjects in KOLD cohort had higher CT-emphysema index (EI, 6.07 ± 3.06 in CODA vs. 20.0 ± 2.21 in KOLD, p < 0.001, respectively). The difference in the EI (%) was consistently significant even after further adjustment of FEV1 (6.12 ± 2.88% in CODA vs. 17.3 ± 2.10% in KOLD, p = 0.002, respectively). However, there was no difference in the ratio of mean lung density (MLD) between the two cohorts (p = 0.077). Additional adjustment for biomass parameters and medication for COPD did not alter the statistical significance after entering into the analysis with COPD medication. Conclusions Higher MWA and lower EI were observed in COPD patients from the region with dust exposure. These results suggest that the imaging phenotype of COPD is influenced by specific environmental exposure.

scholarly journals Association between socioeconomic status and self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status during the first wave in the Northern Netherlands: a general population-based cohort from 49 474 adults

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e048020
Author(s):  
Yinjie Zhu ◽  
Ming-Jie Duan ◽  
Hermien H. Dijk ◽  
Roel D. Freriks ◽  
Louise H. Dekker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
General Population ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Tv Watching

ObjectivesStudies in clinical settings showed a potential relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle factors with COVID-19, but it is still unknown whether this holds in the general population. In this study, we investigated the associations of SES with self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status in the general population.Design, setting, participants and outcome measuresParticipants were 49 474 men and women (46±12 years) residing in the Northern Netherlands from the Lifelines cohort study. SES indicators and lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking status, physical activity, alcohol intake, diet quality, sleep time and TV watching time) were assessed by questionnaire from the Lifelines Biobank. Self-reported, tested and diagnosed COVID-19 status was obtained from the Lifelines COVID-19 questionnaire.ResultsThere were 4711 participants who self-reported having had a COVID-19 infection, 2883 participants tested for COVID-19, and 123 positive cases were diagnosed in this study population. After adjustment for age, sex, lifestyle factors, body mass index and ethnicity, we found that participants with low education or low income were less likely to self-report a COVID-19 infection (OR [95% CI]: low education 0.78 [0.71 to 0.86]; low income 0.86 [0.79 to 0.93]) and be tested for COVID-19 (OR [95% CI]: low education 0.58 [0.52 to 0.66]; low income 0.86 [0.78 to 0.95]) compared with high education or high income groups, respectively.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the low SES group was the most vulnerable population to self-reported and tested COVID-19 status in the general population.

Baby-Led-Weaning (BLW) from maternal perspective: Polish experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
Barbara Poniedziałek ◽  
Natalia Paszkowiak ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Maternal Experience ◽  
Dietary Choices ◽  
Polish Experience ◽  
Sensory Learning

Background. Baby-Led-Weaning (BLW) is increasingly popular as a complementary feeding practice although its safety, limitations and advantages have not been widely studied as yet. Material and Methods. The present survey employed an anonymous online questionnaire to learn from experience (their concerns, perceived advantages, disadvantages, and overall satisfaction) of Polish mothers (n = 373) that adopted BLW.Results. Most of surveyed mothers adopting BLW had tertiary education and good economic status, and inhabited urban areas. Non-scientific online resources were the most important source of knowledge on BLW; none of surveyed mentioned healthcare professionals as having played any role in this respect. The risk of choking was the greatest concern expressed while considering the BLW prospect. At least one choking event during B:W adoption was reported by 55.6%, mostly involving an apple, occurring at beginning of introduction, and perceived as non-serious. The BLW advantages included: (i) promotion of infant self-reliance, motor skills, biting and chewing of food and speech), sensory learning of food, and (ii) motivation to eat family meals and make more healthier dietary choices. The greatest disadvantage was an in-house mess. Nearly all mothers recommended the BLW adoption to other caregivers.Conclusion. In view of the scarcity of data on this feeding practice, the maternal experience demonstrated in the present study may offer valuable information for health professionals as well as future caregivers who consider the adoption of BLW to be a complementary feeding practice.

scholarly journals Curtailing Covid-19 on a Dollar-a-Day in Malawi: Implications for the Ongoing Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iliana V. Kohler ◽  
Fabrice Kämpfen ◽  
Alberto Ciancio ◽  
James Mwera ◽  
Victor Mwapasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Leadership ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Trust In Institutions ◽  
Primary Prevention Strategy ◽  
Sub Saharan

AbstractUtilizing population-based data from the Covid-19 phone survey (N = 2, 262) of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) collected during June 2nd–August 17th, 2020, we investigate behavioral, economic and social responses to Covid-19 and focus on the crucial role that community leadership and trust in institutions play towards shaping these responses. We argue that the effective response of Malawi to limit the spread of the virus was facilitated by the engagement of local leaders to mobilize communities to adapt and adhere to Covid-19 prevention strategies. Village heads (VHs) played pivotal role in shaping individual’s knowledge about the pandemic and the adaption of preventive health behaviors and were crucial for mitigating the negative economic and health consequences of the pandemic. We further show that trust in institutions is of particular importance in shaping individuals’ behavior during the pandemic, and these findings highlight the pivotal role of community leadership in fostering better compliance and adoption of public health measures essential to contain the virus. Overall, our findings point to distinctive patterns of pandemic response in a low-income sub-Saharan African rural population that emphasized local leadership as mediators of public health messages and policies. These lessons from the first pandemic wave remain relevant as in many low-income countries behavioral responses to Covid-19 will remain the primary prevention strategy for a foreseeable future.

scholarly journals Population-based estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) prevalence and characteristics: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana L. Hirschtick ◽  
Andrea R. Titus ◽  
Elizabeth Slocum ◽  
Laura E. Power ◽  
Robert E. Hirschtick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Annual Household Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Initial Symptoms

AbstractImportanceEmerging evidence suggests many people have persistent symptoms after acute COVID-19 illness.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and correlates of persistent COVID-19 symptoms 30 and 60 days post onset using a population-based sample.Design & SettingThe Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study is a population-based cross-sectional survey of a probability sample of adults with confirmed COVID-19 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS). Respondents completed a survey online or via telephone in English, Spanish, or Arabic between June - December 2020.ParticipantsLiving non-institutionalized adults (aged 18+) in MDSS with COVID-19 onset through mid-April 2020 were eligible for selection (n=28,000). Among 2,000 adults selected, 629 completed the survey. We excluded 79 cases during data collection due to ineligibility, 6 asymptomatic cases, 7 proxy reports, and 24 cases missing outcome data, resulting in a sample size of 593. The sample was predominantly female (56.1%), aged 45 and older (68.2%), and Non-Hispanic White (46.3%) or Black (34.8%).ExposuresDemographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and annual household income) and clinical factors (smoking status, body mass index, diagnosed comorbidities, and illness severity).Main outcomes and MeasuresWe defined post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) as persistent symptoms 30+ days (30-day COVID-19) or 60+ days (60-day COVID-19) post COVID-19 onset.Results30- and 60-day COVID-19 were highly prevalent (52.5% and 35.0%), even among respondents reporting mild symptoms (29.2% and 24.5%) and non-hospitalized respondents (43.7% and 26.9%, respectively). Low income was statistically significantly associated with 30-day COVID-19 in adjusted models. Respondents reporting very severe (vs. mild) symptoms had 2.25 times higher prevalence of 30-day COVID-19 (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] 2.25, 95% CI 1.46-3.46) and 1.71 times higher prevalence of 60-day COVID-19 (aPR 1.71, 95% 1.02-2.88). Hospitalized (vs. non-hospitalized) respondents had about 40% higher prevalence of both 30-day (aPR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.69) and 60-day COVID-19 (aPR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.93).Conclusions and RelevancePASC is highly prevalent among cases with severe initial symptoms, and, to a lesser extent, cases with mild and moderate symptoms.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Cost of the Mediterranean Diet in a Low-Income Region: Adherence and Relationship with Available Incomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Rubini ◽  
Cristina Vilaplana Prieto ◽  
Marta Flor-Alemany ◽  
Lorena Yeguas-Rosa ◽  
Miriam Hernández-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Cost

Abstract BackgroundThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as heart-healthy, but the economic cost associated with this type of diet has scarcely been studied.AimThe objective of the present study was to explore the cost and adherence of the low-income region population to the MD and its relationship with available incomes.MethodsA population-based study was carried out on 2,833 subjects between 25 and 79 years of age, 54% women, selected at random from the communities of Vegas Altas, La Siberia and La Serena in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain. The average cost of each product included in the MD and monthly expenditure were calculated. The expenditure was related to the degree of adherence to the MD (the Panagiotakos Index) and to the incomes of the participants.ResultsThe monthly median cost was 203.6 euros (IQR 154.04-265.37). Food-related expenditure was higher among the male population (p<0.001) of between 45 and 54 years of age (p<0.013) and living in urban areas (p<0.001). A positive correlation between food-related expenditure and the MD adherence was found. Expenditure represents 15% of total incomes, ranging from 11% for the group with a low MD adherence to 17% for the group with a high MD adherence.Conclusions The monthly cost of the MD was positively correlated with the degree of adherence to this dietary pattern, and is similar to that of other regions of Spain with higher per capita income, which entails a greater expenditure for equal adherence to the MD.

scholarly journals POPULATION−BASED SERO−EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPACT OF SMOKING ON SARS−COV−2 INFECTION AND COVID−19 OUTCOMES − THE TROINA STUDY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Polosa ◽  
V. Tomaselli ◽  
P. Ferrara ◽  
A. C. Romeo ◽  
S. Rust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Serum Cotinine ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
The Impact

After the global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS−CoV−2), research has highlighted several aspects of the pandemic, focusing on clinical features and risk factors associated with infection and disease severity. However, emerging results on the role of smoking in SARS−CoV−2 infection susceptibility or COVID−19 outcomes are conflicting, and their robustness remains uncertain. In this context, this project aims at quantifying the proportion of SARS−CoV−S antibody seroprevalence, studying the changes in antibody levels over time, and analyzing the association between smoking status and infection using seroprevalence data. The added value of this research is that the current smoking status of the population to be studied will be biochemically verified, in order to avoid the bias associated with self−reported smoking status. As such, the results from this survey may provide actionable metric to study the role of smoking in SARS−CoV−2 spread, and therefore implement the most appropriate public health measures to control the pandemic. The research design involves a 6-month prospective cohort study with serial sampling of the same individuals. Each participant will be surveyed about their demographics and COVID−19−related information, and blood sampling will be collected upon recruitment and at specified follow−up time points (namely, after 8 and 24 weeks). Blood samples will be screened for the presence of SARS−CoV−2 specific antibodies and serum cotinine. Overall, we expect to find a higher prevalence of antibodies in individuals at high−risk for viral exposure (i.e., healthcare or other essential workers), according to previous literature, and to refine current estimates on the association between smoking status and SARS−CoV−2/COVID−19. Our results may serve as a reference for future clinical research and the methodology could be exploited in public health sectors and policies.

scholarly journals Digital rectal examination and its associated factors in the early detection of prostate cancer: a cross-sectional population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samara Carollyne Mafra Soares ◽  
Marianna de Camargo Cancela ◽  
Arn Migowski ◽  
Dyego Leandro Bezerra de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Private Health Insurance ◽  
Digital Rectal Examination ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Population Based

Abstract Background Digital rectal examination (DRE) is one of the most common strategies for prostate cancer early detection. However, the use for screening purposes has a controversial benefit and potential harms can occur due to false-positive results, overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The objective of this study is to calculate the prevalence and identify factors associated with the receipt of DRE in Brazilian men. Methods We selected men older than 40 from a nationwide population-based survey (13,625 individuals) excluding those with prostate cancer diagnosis. Information was extracted from the most recent database of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013). Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate incidence rate ratios, with 95% confidence intervals and p values, through multivariate analysis with Poisson regression and robust variance. Results Men having private health insurance (63.3%; CI = 60.5–66.0) presented higher prevalence of DRE than those in the public health system (41.6%; CI = 39.8–43.4). The results show a positive association between DRE and men having private health insurance, aged 60–69, living with a spouse, never smokers, and living in urban areas. Among public health services users, this positive association was observed among men aged 70–79, living with a spouse, having bad/very bad health self-perception, abstainers, ex-smokers, with undergraduate studies, presenting four or more comorbidities, and residing in urban areas. Conclusions Prostate cancer screening with DRE is quite frequent in Brazil, specially among men with private health plans and better access to health services, healthier lifestyle and at more advanced ages, characteristics which increase the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Association between socioeconomic and health factors and edentulism in people aged 65 and older – a population-based survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 690-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Olofsson ◽  
Eva Lena Ulander ◽  
Yngve Gustafson ◽  
Carl Hörnsten
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Northern Sweden ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Health Related

Aims: To study edentulism and use of dental services in a population-based sample of people aged 65 years and older from northern Sweden and western Finland. Methods: In 2010, people aged 65, 70, 75 and 80 years who were living in one of 32 municipalities in northern Sweden and western Finland were invited to answer a questionnaire as part of the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA) study ( n = 6099). The questionnaire contained items related to socioeconomic status, general health and edentulism. Results: The prevalence of edentulism was 34.9% in Finland, compared with 20.6% in Sweden ( p < 0.001), 31.9% in rural areas, compared with 20.9% in urban areas ( p < 0.001), and 25% overall. The prevalence of edentulism rose from 17.8% in 65-year-olds, 23.8% in 70-year-olds, 33.5% in 75-year-olds and 37.3% in 80-year-olds ( p < 0.001), and was 23.8% in women, compared with 27% in men ( p < 0.001). In multivariate models, edentulism was associated with lower educational level (odds ratio (OR) 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31–3.58), low income level (OR 1.7, CI 1.09–1.47), residence in a rural area (OR 1.43, CI 1.23–1.66), male sex (OR 1.30, CI 1.12–1.52), dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (OR 1.48, CI 1.25–1.74), social isolation (OR 1.52, CI 1.17–1.98) and poor self-experienced health (OR 1.38, CI 1.17–1.62). Conclusions: One-quarter of the total sample was edentulous, with a higher prevalence of edentulism in Finland than in Sweden and in rural than in urban areas. Edentulism was associated with socioeconomic, psychological and health-related factors. These findings could be used to inform preventive measures and identify people aged 65 years and older who are in need of oral care.

scholarly journals Antidepressant use in over-indebted individuals compared to the general population in Germany

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Warth ◽  
N Beckmann ◽  
M-T Puth ◽  
J Tillmann ◽  
J Porz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
General Population ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
General Population Sample ◽  
Antidepressant Use

Abstract Background About ten percent of European households across all socioeconomic groups are considered over-indebted due to ongoing difficulties meeting financial commitments and living expenses. Studies found an association between over-indebtedness and physical and mental health such as depression independent of standard socioeconomic status measures. However, antidepressant use in the over-indebted population has been understudied. In view of the substantial economic and social burden of mental illness in Europe, the aim of this study was to examine the association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use in Germany to advance the understanding of socioeconomic inequalities in mental health. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among clients of 70 debt advice agencies in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in 2017 (OID), and merged data with the first wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (DEGS1) representative of the general population. We used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine antidepressant use in the previous 7 days (OID: n = 699; DEGS1: n = 7115). Results Antidepressant use was more frequent in the over-indebted (12.3%) compared to the general population sample (5.0%). After adjustment for age, sex, education, employment, marital status and chronic disease, over-indebted respondents were more likely to use antidepressants than the general population sample (aOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.35-2.48). Conclusions Prevalence of antidepressant use was higher in the over-indebted compared to the general population. The association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use cannot be fully explained by standard socioeconomic measures. Over-indebtedness reflects a relevant public health issue that needs to be addressed in health care, social policy and research. There is an urgent need to develop public health activities that specifically target those at risk of mental illness and over-indebtedness. Key messages Over-indebtedness is associated with antidepressant use. Public health interventions are needed to prevent adverse health effects of over-indebtedness and safeguard access to care according to need.

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