scholarly journals Spread of infection and treatment interruption among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Author(s):  
Jun Akashi ◽  
Ayako HIno ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
Tomohisa Nagata ◽  
Mayumi Tsuji ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between regional infection level and treatment interruption for chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional Internet monitoring survey was performed between December 22 and 26, 2020. Data from 9,510 (5,392 males and 4,118 females) participants needing regular treatment or hospital visits were analyzed. We determined the age, sex and multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of treatment interruption associated with various indices of infection level by nesting multilevel logistic models in prefecture of residence. In the multivariate model, sex, age, marital status, job type, equivalent household income, education, self-rated health, and anxiety were adjusted. Results: The ORs of treatment interruption for the lowest versus highest levels of infection were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09 to 1.59) for the overall incidence rate (per 1,000 population), 1.34 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.63) for the overall number of people infected, 1.28 (95% CI: 1.06 to 1.54) for the monthly incidence rate (per 1,000 population), and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.67) for the number of people infected per month. For each index of infection level, higher infection was linked to more workers experiencing treatment interruption. Conclusion: Higher local infection levels were linked to more workers experiencing treatment interruption. Our results suggest that apart from individual characteristics such as socioeconomic and health status, treatment interruptions during the pandemic were also subject to contextual effects related to regional infection levels. Preventing community spread of COVID-19 may thus protect individuals from indirect effects of the pandemic, such as treatment interruption.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Fujimoto ◽  
Tomohiro Ishimaru ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
Tomohisa Nagata ◽  
Mayumi Tsuji ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused interruptions to chronic disease and non-emergency treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine which socioeconomic status groups are most at risk of treatment interruption.MethodsThis cross-sectional internet monitor study was conducted on December 22–26, 2020, when Japan experienced its third wave of COVID-19 infection. Out of a total of 33,302 participants in the survey, 9510 (5392 males and 4118 females) who responded that they required regular treatment or hospital visits were included in the analysis. A multilevel logistic model nested in the prefecture of residence was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for treatment disruption. We examined separate multivariate models for socioeconomic factors, health factors, and lifestyle factors.ResultsDuring a period of rapid COVID-19 infection, about 11% of Japanese workers who required regular treatment experienced interruptions to their treatment. The OR of treatment interruption associated with not being married compared to being married was 1.44; manual labor work compared to desk work was 1.30; loss of employment when the COVID-19 pandemic started and continued unemployment compared to being employed over the entire pandemic period was 1.62 and 2.57, respectively; and feeling financially unstable was 2.92.ConclusionTreatment interruption is a new health inequality brought about by COVID-19 with possible medium- and long-term effects, including excess mortality, morbidity, and productivity loss due to increased presenteeism. Efforts are needed to reduce treatment interruptions among workers who require regular treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Fujimoto ◽  
Tomohiro Ishimaru ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
Tomohisa Nagata ◽  
Mayumi Tsuji ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Wolvaardt ◽  
R Nemuntandani ◽  
I Kamungoma-Dada

Abstract Background Access to essential medicines in South Africa has been compromised by stockouts in health facilities. This study describes the occurrence of stockouts for a selection of essential medicines. Methods This cross-sectional study used secondary data retrieved from the Stop Stock Outs Project (SSP). A descriptive analysis was conducted on data from the 2013-2015 SSP case management database of routinely reported stockouts. Chi square tests of independence was conducted on data from the SSP 2015 annual telephonic survey to investigate associations between the occurrence of stockouts, the level of health facility and the type of health professional. Results 231 facilities reported 609 stockouts. Antiretroviral medication had the most stockout reports (78%; n = 475/609), followed by anti-infectives (17.1%; n = 104/609) and tuberculosis medication (4.9%; n = 30/609). The highest number of stockout reports were received from Gauteng province and the majority (71.09%; n = 150/211) of facilities reporting stockouts were in urban areas. There were more stockouts at ambulatory, rather than inpatient care, facilities however, this was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study confirms that South Africa experiences medicine stockouts for many of the essential medicines, with antiretroviral medication being the category most affected. The stockouts vary between provinces and the urban-rural divide but are an equal threat to both ambulatory and inpatient facilities. Key messages The pattern of stockouts experienced over a three-year period suggest that stockouts are ‘normal’ despite the substantive effects of treatment interruption – especially patients with HIV and/or TB. Antiretroviral therapy is at risk as a result of stockouts.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e035805
Author(s):  
Zhuoting Zhu ◽  
Huan Liao ◽  
Sen Liu ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Yifan Chen ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo explore the association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and arthritis in a representative sample of the US population.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study.SettingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008.ParticipantsA total of 4813 participants aged 40 years and older with available information on AMD and arthritis in the 2005–2008 NHANES.MethodsThe status and types of arthritis were obtained from questionnaires. Non-mydriatic fundus photographs were collected. The types of AMD were assessed using the modified Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading Classification Scheme. The association between arthritis and AMD was evaluated using logistic regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, participants with any or early AMD had significantly lower odds of having any type of arthritis (any AMD: OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.86; early AMD: OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.34–0.88) or osteoarthritis (OA) (any AMD: OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.71; early AMD: OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.76) compared with those without AMD. When considering AMD as the outcome, significant negative associations were also found between any arthritis or OA and any (any arthritis: OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.94; OA: OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82) or early AMD (any arthritis: OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.40–0.93; OA: OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.86) in the multivariable logistic models. There was no significant association between different types of arthritis and late AMD.ConclusionsPeople with arthritis, especially those with OA, were less likely to have AMD compared with those without arthritis and vice versa. Further studies are needed to confirm this potential protective effect of arthritis and/or arthritis treatment on AMD and to explore the underlying mechanisms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Jolaoluwa Awosanya ◽  
Zaynab Ligali ◽  
Kwabena Obeng Duedu ◽  
Angela Peruzzu ◽  
Giovanna Masala ◽  
...  

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) infection in dogs poses risk of transmission to their owners and family members. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with E. granulosus s.l. infection among owned dogs presented at veterinary clinics or hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Fecal samples from 217 dogs were screened for the presence of taeniid eggs using a sedimentation test in a cross sectional study. The taeniid eggs were identified at molecular level using a multiplex PCR. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on intrinsic and extrinsic factors from 133 dog owners. Out of the 217 dog fecal samples, 13 (6.0%) had taeniid eggs, of which 12 (92.3%) were identified as Echinococcus granulosus s.l. We found that Echinococcus granulosus infection is present among owned dogs in Lagos State with an overall prevalence of 5.5%. Location of the veterinary clinics or hospital and purpose for keeping dogs were significant factors associated with E. granulosus infection among owned dogs. Dogs living in suburban areas and kept for security purposes or guarding have higher probability of infection. Appropriate and regular treatment of dogs with praziquantel is highly recommended to reduce risk of E. granulosus transmission to humans.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashkan Habib ◽  
Alireza Shojazadeh ◽  
Mohadeseh Molayemat ◽  
Asadollah Habib ◽  
Marjan Jeddi ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: There is no data on the number as well as the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the Fars province. Hence, we designed this study to analyze the latest data and the possible predictive factors on transient and permanent CH in this province.Method: This cross sectional study is based on the Fars province screening data from 2013 till 2016. A total of 294,214 newborns were screened with 938 confirmed cases of CH, which were included in this study. After recall and completion of the missing data, follow-up data for 642 CH cases with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and levothyroxine doses for ten outpatient visits and final transient vs. permanent CH diagnosis were included.Results: The incidence rate was 1:313.66, and out of the 642 CH cases, 66.04% had permanent CH, while 33.96% had transient CH. TSH level trend during the outpatient visits were not statistically different between the two groups (P=0.312). A cutoff point of >2.25 levothyroxine µg/kg (sensitivity: 76.11%, specificity: 58.52%) at the third year and a TSH concentration of >43.35 mIU/L at the venous sampling (initial TSH) (sensitivity: 31.66%, specificity: 90.32%) were the predictive factors for permanent CH.Conclusion: Fars province has one of the highest incidence rate of CH in Iran. Levothyroxine dose at the 3rd year and the 1st venous TSH sample are the predictive factors for permanent CH in the Iranian population; however, TSH concentrations during follow ups are unreliable predictors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 513-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliano de Souza Caliari ◽  
Lilian Andreia Fleck Reinato ◽  
Daiana Patrícia Marchetti Pio ◽  
Letícia Pimenta Lopes ◽  
Renata Karina Reis ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze factors related to the quality of life of elderly people living with HIV/AIDS. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with people aged 50 years or more in a specialized outpatient clinic. The data collection was by means of an interview. For the analysis of data and characterization of the sample, descriptive statistics and comparison tests were used. The project met the ethical requirements. Results: Participants were 81 users aged 50 to 75 years, mean age was 57.8 (± 6.1) years, 71.6% of whom were men. There was a statistically significant relationship with the quality of life, the following variables: gender, children, occupation, religion, diagnosis time, HIV exposure, adverse effects, treatment interruption, viral load counts, hospitalization, dependence for daily activities and use of drugs. Conclusion: The results suggest that the quality of life deficit is related not only to physical changes, but to the anguish and stigma related to HIV/AIDS.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Mosley-Johnson ◽  
Rebekah J. Walker ◽  
Madhuli Thakkar ◽  
Jennifer A. Campbell ◽  
Laura Hawks ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The aim of this analysis was to examine the influence of housing insecurity on diabetes processes of care and self-care behaviors and determine if that relationship varied by employment status or race/ethnicity. Methods Using nationally representative data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2014-2015), 16,091 individuals were analyzed for the cross-sectional study. Housing insecurity was defined as how often respondents reported being worried or stressed about having enough money to pay rent/mortgage. Following unadjusted logistic models testing interactions between housing insecurity and either employment or race/ethnicity on diabetes processes of care and self-care behaviors, stratified models were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, health insurance status, and comorbidity count. Results 38.1% of adults with diabetes reported housing insecurity. Those reporting housing insecurity who were employed were less likely to have a physicians visit (0.58, 95%CI 0.37,0.92), A1c check (0.45, 95%CI 0.26,0.78), and eye exam (0.61, 95%CI 0.44,0.83), while unemployed individuals were less likely to have a flu vaccine (0.84, 95%CI 0.70,0.99). Housing insecure White adults were less likely to receive an eye exam (0.67, 95%CI 0.54,0.83), flu vaccine (0.84, 95%CI 0.71,0.99) or engage in physical activity (0.82, 95%CI 0.69,0.96), while housing insecure Non-Hispanic Black adults were less likely to have a physicians visit (0.56, 95%CI 0.32,0.99). Conclusions Housing insecurity had an influence on diabetes processes of care and self-care behaviors, and this relationship varied by employment status and race/ethnicity. Diabetes interventions should incorporate discussion surrounding housing insecurity and consider differences in the impact by demographic factors on diabetes care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Luis Ceballos-Laita ◽  
Teresa Mingo-Gómez ◽  
Sandra García-Lázaro ◽  
Sandra Jiménez-del Barrio

Resumen: Introducción: La información sobre la correcta ergonomía se ha incrementado para disminuir la prevalencia de síntomas lumbares y/o cervicales en la población. Sin embargo, el acondicionamiento y el mobiliario de las instituciones universitarias no se adecuan a las características individuales de los sujetos, lo cual dificulta el proceso. Objetivo: analizar los cambios en la postura, al incorporar un apoyo isquiático en sujetos jóvenes. Material: Estudio transversal comparativo sobre 76 sujetos universitarios voluntarios (24 varones y 52 mujeres, edad media de 20,7; DT ± 2,64). Se registró la postura mediante fotogrametría sagital con un software 2D, en posición de sedestación y en sedestación corregida mediante la colocación de un apoyo isquiático de 5 centímetros de altura. Posteriormente se analizaron los ángulos cráneo-vertebral (CV), cervical superior (CS), cervical inferior (CI), lumbar (AL). Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la posición sedente y la sedente corregida en todos los ángulos analizados (p<0,01). Consiguiendo la disminución de la flexión lumbar y de la posición de cabeza adelantada. Conclusión: La utilización de un apoyo isquiático de 5 centímetros de altura en la posición de sedestación, disminuye la flexión lumbar y la posición de cabeza adelantada en comparación con una sedestación sin apoyo en sujetos jóvenes.Palabras clave: postura, columna, comunicación, ingeniería humana, educación para la salud.Abstract: Introduction: Information about correct ergonomics is increasing in order to avoid cervical and lumbar symptoms. However, the furniture of the colleges does not fit the individual characteristics, which make difficult the process. Objective: Analyse the posture change, when an ischial support is incorporated in young population. Methods: Cross sectional study. 76 volunteers students were included (24 men and 53 women, average age 20,7 SD ± 2,64). Posture was registered with sagittal photogrammetry and analysed by 2D software, in sitting position and corrected sitting position by 5-centimeters-isquial-support. Then, Neck Slope angle (NS), Upper Cervical angle (UP) Lower cervical angle (LC) and lumbar spine angle (LS) were analysed. Results: Statistical differences were found between the sitting position and corrected sitting position in all analysed angles (p<0,01). This means less lumbar flexion and forward head position. Conclusion: A 5-centimeter-isquial-support decrease lumbar flexion and forward head position compared to sitting position without ischial support in young adults.Keywords: posture, spine, communication, human engineering, health education.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document