Predictors of Respiratory Symptoms in a Rural Canadian Population: A Longitudinal Study of Respiratory Health

BACKGROUND: Predictors of new and long-term respiratory symptoms for rural residents are not well defined.OBJECTIVE: To identify early predictors of respiratory symptoms in a rural community population.METHODS: The study population consisted of 871 adults living in the rural community of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, who participated in two cross-sectional respiratory studies conducted in 1993 and 2003. Questionnaire information obtained at both time points included respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and wheeze), history of allergy, smoking, and information regarding home and farm environments. Transitional modelling, in which measurement in a longitudinal sequence is described as a function of previous outcomes, was used to predict later outcomes of cough, phlegm and wheeze. Asymptomatic individuals in 1993 were assessed to determine factors associated with the development of symptoms during the study period.RESULTS: The prevalences of cough, phlegm and wheeze in 1993 were 16.1%, 18.1% and 25.5%, respectively. Change in symptoms over time was significant for cough, phlegm and wheeze. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) from separate transitional models for each respiratory outcome in 1993 that predicted the same symptom in 2003 were 6.32 (4.02 to 9.95) for cough, 14.36 (9.01 to 22.89) for phlegm and 6.40 (4.40 to 9.32) for wheeze. For asymptomatic individuals in 1993, home dampness, allergic reaction to inhaled allergens and cigarette smoking were major risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms that were reported in 2003.CONCLUSION: The presence of previous respiratory symptoms, allergies and environmental exposures can predict the occurrence of future respiratory symptoms in adults.

Download Full-text

Demographic Factors Associated with Congenital Malformations Among Young Infants in Fallujah Maternity and Children Hospital, Fallujah City, Iraq

10.31487/j.gg.2020.01.03 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Samira T.Abdulghani ◽

Samira T.Abdulghani

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Congenital Anomalies ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Gestational Hypertension ◽

Heart Defects ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Young Infants ◽

History Of

Background: Congenital anomalies are a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality in developing countries including our country. Registries and data on these anomalies are still primitive and poorly collated. In this study we aimed to assess the important demographic factors associated with the development of congenital anomalies. Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 880 infants in the 1st year of life registered in the birth defect unit in Fallujah Maternity and Children Hospital in the period between 1st of January 2017 to the 31st of December 2019. The prevalence rate, the pattern of anomalies and the factors associated with their occurrence were determined. Results: The prevalence rate of the group enrolled in this study was 31/1000 total births, congenital heart defects was the commonest followed by central nervous system anomalies, 58% of the infants were males, 65% had ≥ 2.5 kg birth weight & 95% were singletons. Family history of congenital anomalies was found in 31.25% of cases. The largest group of mothers (55.7%) were 21-30 years old & 92.5% of fathers were less than 45 years old. Parental consanguinity reported in 64.3% of the total cases. Only 4.5% of mothers reported history of fever during pregnancy, and none of them had history of exposure to x-ray or teratogenic drug use. Gestational hypertension was reported in 10% of the total (880) mothers, hypertension and diabetes mellitus in 0.3%, while hepatitis C, hepatitis B, toxoplasmosis and epilepsy, each was reported in only one mother (0.1% of the total). Regarding the outcome of pregnancy, 66.6% were live births, 24.2% were abortions and 9.2% were stillbirths. History of previous abortions was reported in 22% of cases. Urban residents accounted for 63% of the families of congenitally abnormal infants while 37% were rural. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies are still a major cause for concern and tension in Fallujah society, there is serious need to establish a surveillance and good statistical system for congenital anomalies and efforts should be made to raise awareness of their occurrence and the associated risk factors in Iraq and other developing countries.

Download Full-text

Increase in the Risk of Respiratory Disorders in Adults and Children Related to Crop-Growing in Niger

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2016/9848520 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ali Mamane ◽

Jean-François Tessier ◽

Ghislaine Bouvier ◽

Roger Salamon ◽

Pierre Lebailly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Adults And Children ◽

Agricultural Areas

Background and Objective. Environmental factors are an increasing concern for respiratory health in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Nigerien people living in cultivated areas have more respiratory symptoms than those living in pastoral areas. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 in two populations during the rainy season when land is cultivated. Environmental factors including pesticide use and respiratory symptoms were collected in adults and children during face-to-face interviews. Multivariate analysis between exposures and symptoms was performed in children and in adults separately. Results. The study included 471 adults and 229 children. Overall, none of the households reported the use of pesticides for agricultural purposes. However, 87.2% reported the use of insecticides at home. Multivariate analysis showed that people living in agricultural areas compared to those in pastoral areas had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in adults (wheezing, dyspnea, sudden shortness of breath, and cough without fever) and in children (cough without fever). The use of insecticides showed no effect on respiratory symptoms after adjustment. Conclusion. This first epidemiological study on the environment and respiratory health conducted in Niger demonstrates a significant relationship between respiratory manifestations and the agricultural characteristics of the living area. However only the effect of insecticides in the home on respiratory health was observed.

Download Full-text

Willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines following the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai, China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11174-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yehong Zhou ◽

Junjie Zhang ◽

Wenwen Wu ◽

Man Liang ◽

Qiang-Song Wu

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Safety ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Pharmacological Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

History Of ◽

Potential Factors ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background There are no pharmacological interventions currently available to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or to treat COVID-19. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is essential to contain the pandemic. we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Shanghai residents to understand residents’ willingness to be vaccinated with any future COVID-19 vaccines and take measures to further improve vaccination coverage. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using self-administered anonymous questionnaires from 1 July to 8 September 2020. The main outcome was willingness of participants, and any children or older individuals living with them, to receive future COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore potential factors associated with vaccination willingness. Results A total of 1071 participants were asked about their willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines, for themselves and at least 747 children and 375 older individuals (≥60 years old) living with them. The highest proportion of expected willingness to vaccinate was among participants (88.6%), followed by children (85.3%) and older individuals (84.0%). The main reasons for reluctance to vaccinate among 119 participants were doubts regarding vaccine safety (60.0%) and efficacy (28.8%). Participants with a self-reported history of influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines for themselves [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.82], their children (adjusted OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.30–3.33), and older individuals in their household (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.99). Participants with older individuals in their families were less willing to vaccinate themselves (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.40–0.87) and their children (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.38–0.89). Conclusions Participants were more reluctant to accept COVID-19 vaccines for older individuals living with them. The presence of older individuals in the home also affected willingness of participants and their children to be vaccinated.

Download Full-text

The factors associated with the length of the third stage of labour: A descriptive-analytical study

Current Women s Health Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573404817666210406154510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Mansoureh Refaei ◽

Soodabeh Aghababaei ◽

Mansoureh Yazdkhasti ◽

Farideh Kazemi ◽

Fatemeh Farahmandpour

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Third ◽

Third Stage ◽

History Of ◽

Mother’S Age ◽

And Gender ◽

The Relationship

Background: Several risk factors have been identified for postpartum hemorrhage, one of which being the duration of the third stage of labour. This stage refers to the interval between the expulsion of the fetus to the expulsion of the placenta. Some bleeding occurs in this stage due to the separation of the placenta Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the length of the third stage of labour. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 women hospitalized for vaginal birth were selected via convenience sampling. The study data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Then, the data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 26.41 (6.26) years. Investigation of the relationship between the study variables and the time of placental separation indicated that a minute increase in the length of membranes rupture caused a 0.003minute decrease in the time of placental separation. However, this time increased by 2.75, 6.68, and 2.86 minutes in the individuals without the history of abortion, those with the history of stillbirth, and those who had not received hyoscine, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that suffering from preeclampsia or hypertension, history of stillbirth, not receiving hyoscine, and not receiving misoprostol increased the length of the third stage by 4.40, 8.55, 2.38, and 6.04 minutes, respectively. Conclusion: Suffering from preeclampsia and having the history of stillbirth increased and using hyoscine and misoprostol decreased the length of the third stage of labour. However, no significant relationship was found between the length of the third stage of labour and mother’s age, gestational age, parity, mother’s body mass index, mother’s chronic disorders, history of manual placenta removal, length of the first and second stages, membranes rupture, induction, amount of oxytocin after delivery, and infant’s weight and gender.

Download Full-text

Hypertension prevalence, associated factors, treatment, and control in rural Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-31780/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Larissa Pone Simo ◽

Valirie Ndip Agbor ◽

Jean Jacques Noubiap ◽

Orlin Pagnol Nana ◽

Pride Swiri-Muya Nkosu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Community ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hypertension Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

Family History Of Hypertension ◽

And Control

Abstract Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a surge in the burden of hypertension, and rural communities seem to be increasingly affected by the epidemic. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, its associated factors, as well as its awareness, treatment, and control rates in rural communities of the Baham Health District (BHD), Cameroon.Design: A community-based cross-sectional study.Setting: Participants from five health areas in the BHD were recruited from August to October 2018.Participants: Consenting participants aged 18 years or older were included. Results: We included 526 participants in this study. The median age of the participants was 53.0 (IQR = 35 – 65) years and 67.1% were female. The prevalence of hypertension was 40.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.7 – 45.1) were hypertensive with no gender disparity. The overall age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% (95% CI = 20.3 – 27.5). Five-year increase in age (adjusted odd’s ratio [AOR] = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.23 – 1.44), family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.37 – 3.60), and obesity were associated with higher odds of hypertension (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.40 – 4.69).The rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 37.2% (95% CI = 31.0 – 43.9), 20.9% (95% CI = 16.0 – 26.9), and 22.2% (95% CI = 15.2 – 46.5), respectively.Conclusion: The high hypertension prevalence in this rural community is associated with contrastingly low awareness, treatment, and control rates. Age, family history of hypertension, and obesity are the major drivers of hypertension in this community. Veracious policies are needed to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension in this rural community.

Download Full-text

PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION STATUS OF RESTAURANT WORKERS

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine ◽

10.37268/mjphm/vol.20/no.3/art.743 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 163-172

Author(s):

Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar Jabbar ◽

Retneswari Masilamani ◽

Lim Zhi Yik ◽

Chen Pei Fei ◽

Loh Xin Ni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Function ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mean Values ◽

Cooking Fumes

The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (>80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.

Download Full-text

Magnitude and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis ababa, Ethiopia - a cross sectional type of study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35290/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Desta Samuel Umuro ◽

Yared Lasebew Asres ◽

Gezahegn Mamo Muluneh

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

Parasitic Infestation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Clinic ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Medical College ◽

History Of

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess magnitude and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods Institution based cross sectional study design was conducted from December 1–30, 2018 on 405 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. All pregnant women visiting the Antenatal care clinic during the study period and who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Secondary data was collected from clients register and personal files on hemoglobin, HIV, stool, and other variables. Descriptive statistics was used to analysis some variables by using SPSS. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with anemia in pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratio with their 95% of confidence interval and p < 0.05 are consider to have significant association. Results The magnitude of Anemia in pregnant women in this study was 19.8%, (95% CI 16.00-23.70). HIV infection (AOR = 6.12(95% CI 2.19, 17.08) parasitic infestation (AOR = 11.88 (95% CI 5.60, 25.20) and history of not taking fruit after meal during pregnancy (AOR = 3.12(95% CI 1.72, 5.67) were the major determinants of anemia. Conclusion This study showed that the magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was high especially at third trimester. Living with HIV /AIDS, parasitic infestation and no history of taking fruits after meal were the main factors.

Download Full-text

Influencing factors associated with facial skin problems due to wearing masks during COVID-19 in China (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30254 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shigui Yang ◽

Chenyang Huang ◽

Qingmiao Sun ◽

Daixi JIang ◽

Xiaobao Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleep Time ◽

Facial Skin ◽

Skin Damage ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Before And After ◽

History Of ◽

Potential Factors ◽

Functional Pathway

BACKGROUND Background: Wearing a mask is one of the most effective measures to prevent COVID-19 virus infection and it is not yet clear what potential factors may be associated with facial skin problems while wearing masks. OBJECTIVE Objective: seek most suitable mask-wearing habits for public to avoid facial skin problem. METHODS Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through online and offline questionnaires on patterns of mask wearing and facial skin problems during COVID-19 from May 30-July 1, 2020. Multivariable regression was used to explore the potential factors associated with skin problems. We also recruited 19 subjects and compared the differences in their facial microbiomes before and after wearing masks. RESULTS Results: A total of 4385 valid questionnaires were finally analyzed and 1323 (33.1%) participants reported having facial skin problems while wearing masks. The risk factors associated with skin problems were having a history of facial skin problems (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 2.80-3.76), facial skin allergies (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20-1.56), face washing frequency (≥3 times per day) (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07-2.43), daily sleep time <6 hours (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.81-3.13), and average time spent wearing masks uninterruptedly ≥6 hours (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.24-2.25). The analysis of the facial microbiome revealed that the abundance of Prevotella and Hemophilus decreased, and the functional pathway associated with cytochrome c was more predominant with the prolongation of wearing time. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: The habit of wearing a mask and life behavior affect the occurrence of skin damage. Suitable mask types and mask-wearing habits should be recommended to avoid facial skin problems. CLINICALTRIAL NA

Download Full-text

Respiratory Health in Adults Residing Near a Coal-Burning Power Plant with Coal Ash Storage Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16193642 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (19) ◽

pp. 3642 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Abby N. Hagemeyer ◽

Clara G. Sears ◽

Kristina M. Zierold

Keyword(s):

Epidemiological Study ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Coal Ash ◽

Health Impact ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exposed Population ◽

Burning Coal

Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal made up of small particles, including heavy metals and radioactive elements, is discarded in open-air landfills where it can be emitted into the air, contributing to air pollution in the surrounding community. Few regulations exist regarding the storage, disposal, and transport of coal ash. There is limited research on the health impacts of coal ash exposure on communities. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among adults exposed to coal ash and non-exposed adults. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among two populations: one exposed to coal ash and one not exposed to coal ash. Perception of health (p-Value < 0.0001), cough (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.30, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 2.60–11), shortness of breath (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.56–4.31), hoarseness (AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 2.45–6.60), respiratory infections (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.14–2.89), and mean overall respiratory health score (p-Value < 0.0001) were all statistically significantly greater in exposed adults (N = 231) when compared to non-exposed adults (N = 170). Adults residing near the coal ash facility were more likely to report respiratory symptoms than the non-exposed population. More research on the health impact of coal ash and storage regulations needs to be conducted.

Download Full-text

Cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence and predictors of statin utilisation in Ireland with a focus on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018524 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e018524 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Paula Byrne ◽

John Cullinan ◽

Catríona Murphy ◽

Susan M Smith

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Primary Prevention ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

History Of ◽

Base Category ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of statin utilisation by people aged over 50 years in Ireland and the factors associated with the likelihood of using a statin, focusing particularly on those using statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of cardiovascular risk and sociodemographic factors associated with statin utilisation from wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. A hierarchy of indications for statin utilisation, consisting of eight mutually exclusive levels of CVD-related diagnoses, was created. Participants were assigned one level of indication. The prevalence of statin utilisation was calculated. The likelihood that an individual was using a statin was estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model, controlling for cardiovascular risk and sociodemographic factors.ResultsIn this nationally representative sample (n=5618) of community-dwelling participants aged 50 years and over, 1715 (30.5%) were taking statins. Of these, 65.0% (57.3% of men and 72.7% of women) were doing so for the primary prevention of CVD. Thus, almost two-thirds of those taking statins did so for primary prevention and there was a notable difference between women and men in this regard. We also found that statin utilisation was highest among those with a prior history of CVD and was significantly associated with age (compared with the base category 50–64 years; 65–74 years OR 1.38 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.65); 75+ OR 1.33 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.69)), living with a spouse or partner (compared with the base category living alone; OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.65)), polypharmacy (OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.39 to 2.19)) and frequency of general practitioner visits (compared with the base category 0 visits per year; 1–2 visits OR 2.46 (95% CI 1.80 to 3.35); 3–4 visits OR 3.24 (95% CI 2.34 to 4.47); 5–6 visits OR 2.98 (95% CI 2.08 to 4.26); 7+ visits OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.73 to 3.63)), even after controlling for clinical need. There was no association between using statins and gender, education, income, social class, health insurance status, location or Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk in the multivariable analysis.ConclusionStatin utilisation among those with no history of CVD accounted for almost two-thirds of all statin use, in part reflecting the high proportion of the population with no history of CVD, although utilisation rates were highest among those with a history of CVD.

Download Full-text