scholarly journals Australian surfers’ awareness of ‘surfer’s ear’

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000641
Author(s):  
Vini Simas ◽  
Wayne Hing ◽  
Rodney Pope ◽  
Mike Climstein

ObjectivesTo assess awareness of external auditory exostosis (EAE) among Australian surfers.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study, assessing professional and recreational Australian surfers. Currently, active surfers over 18 years of age, surfing year-round, were eligible to participate. After initial screening, individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. All included volunteers underwent bilateral otoscopic examination, to assess the presence and severity of EAE.ResultsA total of 113 surfers were included in the study and were divided into two groups, based on surfing status: 93 recreational surfers and 20 professional surfers. Recreational surfers were significantly older (p<0.005), more experienced (greater years surfing; p<0.005), with lower prevalence of otological symptoms (p<0.05). The most common symptoms were water trapping, impacted wax and hearing loss. Prevalence of EAE was high for both groups (95% in the professional surfers and 82.8% in the recreational surfers); however, recreational surfers had mild grade EAE (grade 1) as the most common presentation, as opposed to professionals who had severe grade EAE (grade 3) as the most common presentation (p<0.05 between groups). Awareness of the term ‘surfer’s ear’ was high for both groups, as was knowledge of prevention options. However, fewer considered the condition to be preventable, and an even lower number reported regular use of prevention methods.ConclusionAustralian surfers had a high level of awareness of EAE; however, few reported using prevention methods, despite having a high prevalence of the condition. Health practitioners should screen susceptible individuals in order to recommend appropriate preventive measures.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Essa AlSaleh ◽  
Morad Alnaser ◽  
Ali Alsalman ◽  
Abdullah ALRamdhan ◽  
Husein Alsalman ◽  
...  

Background: Prediabetes has been considered to be a reversible condition; a modification of lifestyle and other intervention can be successfully applied during the prediabetes period to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to assess knowledge of prediabetes and its risk factors for the community in the Al-Ahsa region.Design and method: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the Al-Ahsa region from mid-to-late December 2018. A sample size of 812 was determined using a single-proportion formula.Results: Of the 812 respondents who gave consent to participate in the interview; the male to female ratio was 1.1:1. 13.2% of the respondents reported that they had diabetes. Among the respondents, 87.1% had a high level of knowledge of prediabetes, while 12.9% had low-to-moderate knowledge. 84% of males 40 years of age or older, 88.7% (384) of people with university or higher education, and 95.1% (78) of people who worked as health practitioners had high knowledge of prediabetes.Overall, there was a statistically significant association between age and prediabetes knowledge (𝑥2 =5.006, p=0.025). Occupation also showed a significant statistical association with prediabetes knowledge (𝑥2 =9.85, p=0.02). Conclusion: Knowledge is considered an important factor in the prevention of prediabetes and diabetes. People in Al-Ahsa demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding some risk factors for prediabetes. However, there were a number of deficiencies in the knowledge of prediabetes risk factors and preventive measures as well as in general knowledge of prediabetes, which may lead to a high prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes.


Author(s):  
Can Doruk Basa ◽  
İsmail Eralp Kaçmaz ◽  
Vadym Zhamilov ◽  
Ayfer Gider ◽  
Hüseyin Gökhan Karahan ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was the determine educational status, anxiety, the use of prevention methods and their knowledge level of nurses, operation theatre staffs and technicians about radiation. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The universe of our study consists of non-medical doctor staffs (nurses, technicians and operating theatre personnel) of one university and two training and research hospitals in İzmir. The sample selection was not made in our study and the personnels who accepted to participate in the study constituted the sample of the study (n=97). This was a survey of 21 questions. The survey includes participants’ demographical datas, protection type from radiation, anxiety about radiation, knowledge about radiation and education level about radiation. SPSS v21.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results: In our study, 97 participants completed the questionnaire. 51 of the participants were female (52.6%) and 46 were male (47.4%). Forty-one (42.3%) of the participants were 9 health technician (9.3%), 20 (20.6%) anesthesia technicians and 27 (27.8%) operating theatre staffs. It was found that 85 (87.6%) of the participants had operations requiring fluoroscopy in the operating room. It was learned that 29 (29.9%) participants answered the question examining the knowledge about radiation and 38 (39.2%) were educated about radiation safety. When the relationship between the participants’ answers to the question examining the knowledge about radiation and the educational level about radiation was examined, a statistically significant relationship was found between them (p=0.043). Conclusion: It was thought that non-medical doctor employees in the orthopedics and traumatology operating theatre had a high level of anxiety about radiation, had insufficient knowledge, and that training on radiation should be repeated periodically.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Chhimi Wangmo ◽  
Nor Tshering Lepcha

Introduction: The aim of this hospital-based study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of pterygium among adult patients visiting the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department (OPD) in the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Thimphu. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the ophthalmology OPD in the national referral hospital, Thimphu from 1st January, 2018 to 31st December, 2018, during which 1599 adult patients were selected through systematic random sampling. Results: The prevalence of pterygium was 12.8% (95% CI: 11.2 -14.5). Among 271 eyes with pterygium, the distribution of grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 pterygium was 34.7%, 56.1% and 9.2% respectively. Pterygium wasmost common in the age group of 36-55 years. The significant factors associated with pterygium were age group, occupation and usage of sunglasses. Individuals who were 36-55 years (adjusted OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.82-4.0) and >55 years (adjusted OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.34-3.50) had significantly higher risk than 18-35 years (p< 0.002), and not using sunglasses (adjusted OR 1.97, 95% CI1.17-3.33, p = 0.007) significantly increased the risk of pterygium. Indoor occupation, particularly being a student was protective against pterygium (OR 0.08, 95% CI 10.02-0.33, p< 0.001). Only 14.1% used sunglasses and among them, 27.6% were aware that sunglasses can protect from ultraviolet radiation. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of pterygium among adults aged 18 years and above. Those aged 36-55 years and an occupation involving outdoor activities were affected more. Encouraging usage of sunglasses may reduce pterygium


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abiodun Ronke Ojewuyi ◽  
Babatunde Odetoyin ◽  
Aaron Oladipo Aboderin

Abstract Background Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) has become a growing clinical concern worldwide. Recent reports from Nigeria revealed that qunolone resistant clinical isolates have become commomplace. However, few reports regarding the prevalence of PMQR are available. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PMQR genes in qunolone resistant clinical isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional hospital based study involving 390 non-repetitive Gram negative bacilli from diverse clinical infections. The isolates were characterized by the MicrobactTM identification kit and their susceptibility patterns determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. All quinolone resistant isolates were investigated for the carriage of PMQR genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data analysis was with appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.Results The isolates were distributed as Escherichia coli (n=121; 31.0%), Klebsiella species (n= 112;28.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=59;15.1%), Proteus species (n=43;11.0%), Salmonella species (n=6;1.3%) and others. They were commonly resistant to nalidixic (62.6%), co-amoxiclav (57.7%); norfloxacin (52.3%), ofloxacin(52.1%) and ciprofloxacin(51.0%), but were least resistant to imipenem; (n=36; 9.2%). Out of 244 isolates that were resistant to at least one quinolone, 180 (73.8%) harboured one or more PMQR gene with a high prevalence of efflux-mediating determinants (qepA, 22.5%; oqxAB, 21.1%), and the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (aac(6’)-Ib-cr, 19.7%). Proportionately low level of target-protecting determinants; qnrB, 13.2%; qnrS, 8.7%; qnrA, 5.9%; qnrD, 4.5% and qnrC, 4.2% were found in these isolates.Conclusion There is high level quinolone resistance and wide distribution of PMQR genes in clinical isolates in Nigeria with a preponderance of Efflux-mediating determinants and the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase. This emphasizes the need for regular resistance surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to guide the appropriate and judicious use of antibiotics.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari

Background and Aims: The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains has been recently reported worldwide. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates is essential. So, this study aimed to detect blaVIM and blaIMP carbapenemase-producing strains using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, P. aeruginosa  strains were collected from clinical samples (blood, urine, wound, and other liquids body) in Firoozgar and Shahid Motahari Hospitals in Tehran and Velayat Hospital in Rasht Province, from May to December 2018. After identifying the isolates using the standard microbial tests, carbapenemase-producing strains were isolated by the modified hodge test. After that, the detection of blaVIM and blaIMP genes was performed by RT-PCR technique. Results: One hundred P. aeruginosa were isolated from different clinical samples. Among these, 74 (74%) isolates were considered as carbapenemase positive using MHT. The frequencies of blaVIM and blaIMP genes were obtained as 83% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a high level of resistance to most of the antibiotics tested and a high prevalence of blaVIM gene in P. aeruginosa strains.


2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (11) ◽  
pp. 2422-2432 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. HAZEL ◽  
S. PONNALURI-WEARS ◽  
G. S. DAVIS ◽  
B. S. LOW ◽  
B. FOXMAN

SUMMARYThe highly remote pastoralist communities in Kaokoland, Namibia, have long been presumed to have high gonorrhoea prevalence. To estimate gonorrhoea prevalence and correlates of infection, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 446 adults across 28 rural villages. Gonorrhoea status was determined from urethral and vaginal swabs via qPCR assay. All participants answered a closed-ended interview about demographics, sexual behaviour and symptom history. Sixteen per cent of participants had high-level infections (⩾ID50dose) and 48% had low-level infections (<ID50dose). Women had higher prevalence than men of both high- and low-level infections. High-level infections were regionally and seasonally clustered, occurring in young adults in the Ehama region during the winter. Low-level infections were distributed homogenously across demographic characteristics, season, and region. All low-level infections and most high-level infections (men 78%, women 95%) were asymptomatic and left untreated. The epidemic-like nature of high-level gonorrhoea cases suggests that intervention efforts can be focused on seasons of high social activity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar Khare ◽  
Vivek Katiyar

Background: The burden of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. The prevalence of TB has been rising in recent years globally. Aging, changes in life style, socioeconomic factors, and population growth have lead to an increased prevalence of DM, particularly, type 2 DM. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) almost triples the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). India, the nation with the highest number of TB cases in the world, is also undergoing epidemic growth in DM rates. With the demographic transition underway globally, increase in life expectancy, improvements in provision of health services and a subsequent increase in the elderly population, the absolute numbers of cases of diabetes will increase exponentially. As a result, DM and TB are increasingly present together, and this calls for renewed interest in this topic. Various studies done in different parts of India and in other parts of globe where TB is endemic have shown a higher prevalence of DM among PT infected with tuberculosis. We in our study undertaken in Department of medicine in IIMS&R Lucknow UP found a high prevalence of DM amongst TB patients. Routine screening of TB patients for DM will help detect cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes early, so that primary prevention methods may be initiated early and effectively.Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Department of medicine in IIMS and R Lucknow UP. All TB cases more than 18 years of age, including new and re-treatment cases, sputum positive, sputum negative and extra-pulmonary cases currently on treatment in the were included in the study.Results: Using the diagnostic criteria, as mentioned in the methodology, the prevalence of diabetes among TB patients in this study was found to be 24.5% of which 18.5% were known DM cases and 5.9% were newly diagnosed.Conclusions: The burden of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. The association between diabetes and tuberculosis is the next challenge for global tuberculosis control. Improved understanding of the bidirectional relationship of the two diseases is necessary for proper planning and collaboration to reduce the dual burden of diabetes and TB. In people with TB, it may be appropriate to actively screen for DM. Prevention, screening, and treatment of both diseases together is more effective.  


Author(s):  
Blanca Rosa García-Rivera ◽  
Jesús Everardo Olguín-Tiznado ◽  
Mónica Fernanda Aranibar ◽  
María Concepción Ramírez-Barón ◽  
Claudia Camargo-Wilson ◽  
...  

No previous studies in Mexico have been found that jointly analyze physical and leisure activities as variables related to mental health in police officers. This paper presents research on burnout in Mexican Police officers. The question it answers is: is there any association of burnout with physical and leisure activities and personal profile? A total of 276 police officers (87% men and 13% women) participated. To obtain information, the Spanish Burnout Inventory and the Operational Police Stress questionnaires were used. A cross sectional study design was utilized with tests of validity and reliability, goodness of fit, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of k-means clusters. Results showed that a high number of policemen had high prevalence of burnout and a high level of mental exhaustion, and that exercise was positively and significantly related to lower burnout risk. Men showed higher risk than women. Results should be considered to improve interventions and occupational health practices in the police force. This paper improves understanding of burnout among policemen and the importance of exercise and leisure activities to alleviate burnout.


2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (7) ◽  
pp. 1284-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Xiaoying Li ◽  
Xianhui Qin ◽  
Yefeng Cai ◽  
Mingli He ◽  
...  

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) ≥ 10 μmol/l) and its major determinants in rural Chinese hypertensive patients. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Lianyungang of Jiangsu province, China. This analysis included 13 946 hypertensive adults. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia was 51·6 % (42·7 % in women and 65·6 % in men). The OR of hyperhomocysteinaemia were 1·52 (95 % CI 1·39, 1·67) and 2·32 (95 % CI 2·07, 2·61) for participants aged 55–65 and 65–75 v. 45–55 years; 1·27 (95 % CI 1·18, 1·37) for participants with a BMI ≥ 25 v. < 25 kg/m2; 1·14 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·23) for participants with v. without antihypertensive treatment; 1·09 (95 % CI 1·00, 1·18) for residents inland v. coastal; 0·89 (95 % CI 0·82, 0·97) and 0·83 (95 % CI 0·74, 0·92) for participants with moderate and high v. low physical activity levels; 1·54 (95 % CI 1·41, 1·68) and 2·47 (95 % CI 2·17, 2·81) for participants with a glomerular filtration rate 60–90 and < 60 v. ≥ 90 ml/min per 1·73 m2; and 1·20 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·35) and 3·81 (95 % CI 3·33, 4·36) for participants with CT and TT v. CC genotype at methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T polymorphism, respectively. Furthermore, higher tHcy concentrations were observed in smokers of both sexes (men: geometric mean 12·1 (interquartile range (IQR) 9·2–14·5) v. 11·9 (IQR 9·3–14·0) μmol/l, P= 0·005; women: geometric mean 10·3 (IQR 8·3–13·0) v. 9·6 (IQR 7·8–11·6) μmol/l, P= 0·010), and only in males with hypertension grade 3 (v. grade 1 or controlled blood pressure) (geometric mean 12·1 (IQR 9·2–14·4) v. 11·7 (IQR 9·2–14·0), P= 0·016) and in male non-drinkers (yes v. no) (geometric mean 12·3 (IQR 9·4–14·8) v. 11·7 (IQR 9·1–13·9), P= 0·014). In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in Chinese hypertensive adults, particularly in the inlanders, who may benefit greatly from tHcy-lowering strategies, such as folic acid supplementation and lifestyle change.


Author(s):  
Ni Made Ari Suryathi ◽  
I Putu Budhiastra ◽  
I W.G. Jayanegara

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the microvascular complication in diabetes mellitus (DM). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator that reflects the percentage of blood glucose tied to hemoglobin for the past three months. This study aims to determine if a high level of HbA1c increases the prevalence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Cross-sectional study. The participants were DM patients who were diagnosed with PDR and NPDR for the first time and HbA1c level was checked in the laboratory. Of the 74 participants, 37 participants were PDR, and 37 participants were NPDR. The ratio of prevalence (PR) was 3.87, with Confident of Interval (CI 95%): 1.96-7.67 and p < 0.001. Multivariate analysis shows Odd Ratio (OR) of HbA1c is 18.319 (5.334-62.919) and p < 0.001. High level of HbA1c as a risk factor of high prevalence of PDR.


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