scholarly journals Characteristics of Atopic Bronchial Asthma in Seniors over 80 Years of Age

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Bożek ◽  
Marek Filipowski ◽  
Andreas Fischer ◽  
Jerzy Jarzab

Background. Asthma in the elderly is an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of asthma in seniors.Materials and Methods. The study involved 105 people of at least 80 years of age (mean age of 84.1 ± 3.9 years) selected from a group of 1860 individuals. Spirometry, the methacholine test, allergy diagnosis, a measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, and administration of the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) were performed.Results. The average morbidity of asthma in the study population of elderly people (at least 80 years of age) was 5.6% (105 people) of the confidence interval (95% CI: 5.1–6.0). In the study group, 34% of the elderly asthmatics had uncontrolled asthma, 47% had partly controlled asthma, and only 24% had fully controlled asthma. Allergy to house dust mites was predominant. The average total score on the AQLQ was 4.12 ± 0.72 (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation) for the seniors, which was significantly lower than the score for the young.Conclusion. The pathogenesis, natural history, and value of the basic diagnostic methods of asthma in the elderly are similar to those observed in younger age groups.

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1787-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
FIONA A. McDOUGALL ◽  
KARI KVAAL ◽  
FIONA E. MATTHEWS ◽  
EUGENE PAYKEL ◽  
PETER B. JONES ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundDepression in old age is an important public health problem. The aims of this study were to report the prevalence of depression in the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS), a community-based, cohort.MethodFollowing screening of 13 004 people aged 65 and over from a population base, a stratified random subsample of 2640 participants received the Geriatric Mental State (GMS) examination and were diagnosed using the Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer-Assisted Taxonomy (AGECAT) algorithm.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 8·7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7·3–10·2], increasing to 9·7% if subjects with concurrent dementia were included. Depression was more common in women (10·4%) than men (6·5%) and was associated with functional disability, co-morbid medical disorder, and social deprivation. Prevalence remained high into old age, but after adjustment for other associated factors, it was lower in the older age groups.ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression in the elderly is high and remains high into old age, perhaps due to increased functional disability.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina Mostafa Abdel Aal ◽  
Noha El-Mashad ◽  
Dalia Magdi

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially fatal contagious disease that can affect almost any part of the body but is mainly an infection of the lungs. It has been present in humans since antiquity. In the past, tuberculosis has been called consumption, because it seemed to consume people from within, with a bloody cough, fever, pallor, and long relentless wasting. In Egypt, TB constitutes the second most important public health problem after schistosomiasis. Although Egypt has relatively low levels of TB according to data from the World Health of Organization, 2005:66% of TB cases occur among the socially and economically productive age groups of 15 to 54 years. According to Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), Egypt; tuberculosis control is carried out through 111 chest centers and 39 chest disease hospitals. Treatment failure accounts for 3%–5%of the treatment outcome of new smear positive cases and 13%–17% of retreated cases and this is due to non-compliance to treatment, defi cient health education to the patient, poor patient knowledge regarding the disease and diabetes mellitus as co-morbid. The incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis in Egypt has been declining due to increased efforts of the MOHP. Prevalence dropped from 88/100,000 population in 1990 to 24 in 2008, according to data from WHO. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(1); 43-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i1.8677


Open Medicine ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adem Ozkara ◽  
Faruk Turgut ◽  
Mehmet Kanbay ◽  
Yusuf Selcoki ◽  
Ali Akcay

AbstractHypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and smoking are known to be the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because the elderly population has been increasing globally, CVD may become a more important public health problem in the future. This report examines the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly in Ankara, Turkey. This was a cross-sectional survey and included a total of 2720 individuals living in the Ankara district. Trained research staff administered a standard questionnaire in the participants’ homes and worksites. The questionnaire collected information on clinical and demographic characteristics and a self-reported medical history, including past history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, coronary artery by-pass graft operation, and cerebrovascular accident. The mean age of the study participants was 69.5 ± 7.2 years. The study identified 1298 women (78.1%) and 753 men (71.2%) with hypertension, and the overall prevalence of hypertension was 75.4%. A total of 739 (27.2%) people had diabetes mellitus, and, of these people, 603 (81.6%) were hypertensive. A total of 1361 people had hyperlipidemia, and 1103 of these patients were also hypertensive. The overall prevalence of obesity was 27.2%. A total of 553 (20.3%) people were smokers. Our findings indicate that cardiovascular risk factors are very common in the elderly. To maximize risk reduction, physicians must take aggressive measures to decrease cardiovascular risk factors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 160 (52) ◽  
pp. 2047-2053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ede Kékes ◽  
István Barna ◽  
Tenno Daiki ◽  
Gergely Dankovics

Abstract: Introduction: The harmful effects represent an important public health problem in tha world. Aim: Our aim is to report and compare the results of screenings performed in Hungary’s Comprehensive Health Screening Program 2010–2020–2030 (MÁESZ) with international data. Method: During the 9-year continuous screening, we analyzed the data of 71 922 women and 60 934 men in the 18–80-year-old population and examined the occurrence of regular daily smokers. Data were collected with the help of special screening data sheets. Results: 24.4% of males and 24.2% of females smoked regularly during the 9-year screening period. Between 2012 and 2015, smoking prevalence showed a temporary significant decline, then, from 2016, it started to increase again. The downturn coincided with the opening of national tobacco stores. In men, the proportion of smokers was significantly higher in young adults (18–25 years) than in women. Later in life, the difference leveled off and even between 46–55 years, the prevalence of smoking was greater in women. There is a difference in smoking patterns between the two genders, which is probably related to marriage and motherhood in women. After 56 years, the proportion of smokers in both genders decreased rapidly. The prevalence of smoking in Hungary in all age groups significantly exceeds the European and world average. Transient increases in middle-aged women have also been reported in European surveys. Conclusion: Compared to 2010, the proportion of smokers has decreased in Hungary, but a new surge observed after 2015 is not a positive phenomenon. We find the high proportion of smoking women worrying. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(52): 2047–2053.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Maurice ◽  
E.U Sode ◽  
I.B Otu-Bassey

Human Lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by three types of filarial worms; Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugiatimori is one of the neglected tropical diseases and spread by bites of infected Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Ochleratus andMansoni mosquitoes. The study evaluated diagnostic methods using blood samples from 420 consented participants in threeLocal Government Areas of Cross River State. Blood samples were examined following one hour of administration ofDiethylcarbamazine citrate for LF microfilaria microscopy (Knott’s concentration) and for LF antigen usingimmunochromatographic (ICT) method (Alere filariasis test strip). Of the 420 samples examined, 1.7% was found to bepositive using microscopy while 4.8% were positive using ICT. There was no significant difference in the diagnosis oflymphatic filariasis using microscopy and ICT among participants in the local government areas (χ2= 21.84, p>0.05). Of the214 males and 206 females examined, 4.2% males and 5.3% females tested positive using ICT while 1.4% males and 1.9%females were found positive using microscopy. The difference in the infection between gender was statistically significant(χ2=0.298, p<0.05). Participants aged 21-24 years had the highest prevalence of 19.4% while the least prevalence of 1.5%was observed among age group 9-12years using ICT. Also, no significant difference was observed in the diagnosis of LFamong the age groups (χ2= 19.88, p>0.05). The study showed that LF still remains a public health problem in Cross RiverState. Mass drug administration should be scaled up in the state so as to reduce and finally eradicate the disease. Keywords: Diagnosis, Lymphatic filariasis, Immunochromatography, Microscopy


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246445
Author(s):  
Maria Izabel Siqueira de Andrade ◽  
Juliana Souza Oliveira ◽  
Vanessa Sá Leal ◽  
Poliana Coelho Cabral ◽  
Pedro Israel Cabral de Lira

Considering the current changes in dietary patterns and the increasing prevalence of excess weight throughout the world, several studies have reported insulin resistance, which is a key driver of many chronic diseases, to be an important public health problem in all age groups. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and independent predictors of insulin resistance in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic, representative sample of Brazilian adolescents (n = 37,023) who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. Data were collected on demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics as well as antioxidant micronutrient intake (vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium). Insulin resistance was determined using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and classified based on the 75th percentile of the sample distribution. Insulin resistance was detected in 27% of the adolescents and was more prevalent among those aged 12 to 14 years (PR: 1.26 [95%CI: 1.13;1.41]), those residing in the southern and south-eastern regions of the country (PR: 1.47 [95%CI: 1.27;1.70]), those who were physically inactive (PR: 1.12 [95%CI: 1.02;1.23]), and those did not consume alcohol (PR: 1.50 [95%CI: 1.13;1.99]). The prevalence of insulin resistance was 2.5-fold higher among individuals with severe obesity (PR: 2.49 [95%CI: 2.07;3.00]). Waist circumference indicative of cardiovascular risk and high serum triglyceride levels increased the likelihood of insulin resistance (PR: 1.37 [95%CI: 1.19;1.59] and 1.60 [95%CI: 1.45;1.78], respectively). The prevalence of the outcome was higher among adolescents in the lower quartiles of vitamin E intake (p<0.05). In the present study, the prevalence of insulin resistance was high among Brazilian adolescents and we identified sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary predictors of this outcome.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1

Background and objectives: Although suicide is the act of an individual, it is an important public health problem that affects the individual's environment and also society. Approximately 800,000 people die by suicide each year. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of fatal suicides in Turkey between 2015 and 2019. Materials and methods: This observational-analytical study was conducted by examining retrospec-tive records in the period 2015–2019. The study was conducted by secondary analysis based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. Results: During the study period, the suicide rate (per 100,000) varied in the range 3.94–4.15 and the mean (standard deviation, SD) was 4.07 (0.09). The mean (SD) suicide rate was 6.14 (0.13) in males and 1.99 (0.18) in females; it was higher in males (z = 2.611; p = 0.008). Considering age groups, there was no difference between sex in terms of suicide rate among those aged <19 years (z = 1.617; p = 0.446), whereas the suicide rate was higher in males and in those aged ≥20 years (p < 0.05 for each). During the study period, the most common suicide mean in both men and women was "by hanging". The incidence of suicide using chemical substances and by jumping from a height was higher in women than in men, whereas the rate of suicide using firearms was high in men (p = 0.000). When the female/male suicide rate was compared according to marital status, the suicide rate was observed to be higher in men regardless of marital status, and this difference was more striking in men who were divorced or whose spouse had died. Conclusion: Between 2015 and 2019, the suicide rate was higher especially in older men and in those who had lost a spouse. Therefore, socio-demographic characteristics should be considered in planning interventions to prevent suicides and guiding rehabilitation programs following a suicide attempt.


2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 801-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evandro Silva Freire Coutinho ◽  
Katia Vergetti Bloch ◽  
Claudia Medina Coeli

Fall-related fractures among the elderly represent an important public health problem. Severe fractures have been related to increased risk of death. In order to investigate the mortality profile of elderly individuals with severe fractures, 250 patients aged 60 years and over, hospitalized due to fall-related fractures and 250 elderly without fractures living in the local community were followed-up for one year. They were matched according to sex, age, time of hospitalization and neighborhood. Deaths were identified using probabilistic linkage of the research dataset and the local mortality registry. The one-year cumulative mortality was 25.2% in the case of individuals with severe fractures and 4% for those individuals without. The mortality distribution was not homogeneous across the follow-up period. Two-thirds of deaths among the elderly individuals hospitalized due to fracture occurred within the first 3 months, whereas mortality among those individuals without fractures took place later. Heart disease, pneumonia, GI bleeding, sepsis, and pulmonary embolism, diabetes and stroke were important causes of one-year mortality.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsvetelina V. Petkova-Marinova ◽  
Boryana K. Ruseva ◽  
Bisera D. Atanasova

Summary Anemia is an important public health problem worldwide. Although iron (Fe) deficiency is considered the main factor in the pathogenesis of anemia, only 40-60% of anemia cases are responsive to Fe supplementation. Considerable data exist that other micronutrient deficiencies, such as selenium (Se), could be possible causes of anemia. The issue of Se deficiency as a risk factor for the development of anemia is of particular interest to our country since the Balkan region is known by a low Se content of soils. The aim of the study was to examine the contemporary conception of the influence of Se deficiency on the development of anemia by a review of the scientific literature. Most animal studies have shown a significant relation between Se deficiency and anemia, but one study indicates that there is no impact of Se deficiency on the hematological parameters. Associations of low serum Se with anemia have been found in a number of human studies including subjects of various age groups and pathological conditions. Three possible biological mechanisms have been suggested for the involvement of Se deficiency in the development of anemia: increased oxidative stress, modulation of inflammation through induction of interleukin-6, and increased expression of heme oxygenase-1. A more categorical clarification of the relationships between Se deficiency and development of anemia is needed with respect to appropriate trace element supplementation in cases of anemia with insufficient or absent therapeutic response to Fe treatment.


1990 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland M. Atkinson

Alcohol use and use disorders in older people tend to be hidden and ignored by clinicians and scholars. Resulting misinformation about elderly alcohol problems can be found in such fundamental works as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition, revised. Yet, an extensive literature about the nature of geriatric alcohol problems has developed recently. This article reviews that literature, comments on current research at several North American centers, and offers some new information from the author's study of more than 300 older male alcoholics. Many findings remain to be replicated and further verified. Nonetheless, several coherent strands of information seem to be well substantiated: (a) problem drinking in the elderly constitutes a public health problem of moderate proportion, especially in men; (b) most signs predict increasing problem drinking in coming generations of elderly women and men; (c) many cases of geriatric alcoholism have late onset; (d) many geriatric cases are not properly identified; and (e) present screening and diagnostic methods for alcohol use disorders lack adequate validation for older persons.


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