Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Canada

1990 ◽  
Vol 84 (7) ◽  
pp. 361-363
Author(s):  
K.M. Naeyaert ◽  
G. Grace
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Activity Limitation ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Canadian Survey

This article presents the findings of the most comprehensive Canadian survey on disabilities, the 1986 postcensus Health and Activity Limitation Survey, which analyzed data on blindness and visual impairment. An examination of vision loss and its prevalence in the general population by age group and within the disabled population uncovered some new variations in statistics on prevalence rates and some new information on age at onset, cause of vision loss, and the severity of visual impairment.

scholarly journals General self-efficacy in individuals with visual impairment compared with the general population

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254043
Author(s):  
Audun Brunes ◽  
Marianne B. Hansen ◽  
Trond Heir
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
General Population ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Norwegian Population ◽  
General Self Efficacy

Background Knowledge about self-efficacy and its significance for the quality of life of people with visual impairment is lacking. The aims of the study were to compare general self-efficacy in individuals with visual impairment with the general population, and to investigate the association between self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Methods A telephone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2017 in a probability sample of adults who were members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Participants were asked questions about their sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of vision loss, general self-efficacy (General Self-efficacy Scale), and life satisfaction (Cantril’s Ladder of Life Satisfaction). We obtained norm data from a representative survey of the general Norwegian population (N = 1792; mean age 53.2 years; 52.5% females). Results People with visual impairment had higher levels of general self-efficacy than people in the general population (Mean: 31.5 versus 29.0, p < .001). Results from linear regression analyses of the visual impairment population showed that higher education and residential in an urban municipality were associated with higher self-efficacy. Having additional impairments and a previous history of physical or sexual assaults were associated with lower self-efficacy. A linear dose-response relationship was found between self-efficacy and life satisfaction, in the visual impairment population as well as in the general population. Conclusions People with visual impairment have higher self-efficacy than people in the general population, possibly due to extensive mastery experience in how to handle life as visually impaired. Self-efficacy seems to be important in achieving the best possible life.

scholarly journals Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Visual Impairment Compared with the General Population

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Audun Brunes ◽  
Trond Heir
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Post Traumatic

Background: People with a visual impairment appear to have an increased risk of experiencing potentially traumatizing life events and possibly also subsequently developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the point prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment compared with the general population of Norway and examined factors associated with PTSD among people with a visual impairment. Methods: A telephone-based survey was administered to a probability sample of 1216 adults with a visual impairment. Of these, 736 (61% response rate) participated. A probability sample from the general population served as a reference (n = 1792, 36% response rate). PTSD was measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5), based on the currently most bothersome event reported from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). We used the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to categorize participants as fulfilling the PTSD symptom criteria or not. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was higher among people with a visual impairment than in the general population, both for men (9.0% vs. 3.8%) and women (13.9% vs. 8.5%). The prevalence rates of PTSD from the illness or injury that had caused the vision loss (men 3.9%, women 2.2%) accounted for a considerable part of the difference between the populations. For women, PTSD related to sexual assaults also contributed significantly to a higher PTSD prevalence in the visually impaired versus the general population (5.2% vs. 2.2%), while for men there were no other event categories which resulted in significant differences. Among people with a visual impairment, the higher risk of PTSD was associated with lower age, female gender, having acquired the vision loss, and having other impairments in addition to the vision loss. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment suggests that vulnerability to mental health problems is associated with serious life events. The higher incidence than in the general population is partly due to the illness or injury that had led to the vision loss and partly due to people with vision loss appearing to be more vulnerable through exposure to other types of potentially traumatizing events, such as sexual abuse.

Sick leave and professional assistance for multiple sclerosis individuals in Vä sterbotten C ounty, northern Sweden

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 515-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Sundström ◽  
L Nyström ◽  
A Svenningsson ◽  
L Forsgren
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Northern Sweden ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Permanent Disability ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Professional Assistance

The aims of this study of a cross-sectional multiple sclerosis (MS) population in V ä sterbotten C ounty, northern Sweden, were to estimate the prevalence of sick leave, professional assistance and housing; to study risk factors for sick leave; and to estimate the odds for sick leave in comparison with the general population of the county. The consequences of MS-related incapacity on the socioeconomic factors studied were considerable. A lmost half (45%) of prevalent MS cases aged 18-64 years were fully sick listed and only one-third (35%) were not sick listed at all. Every fourth individual in the prevalence population received professional assistance, and 9% were living in care homes or special apartments for the disabled. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as the strongest predicto r of sick leave. The time from symptom onset to full sick leave leading to temporary or permanent disability pension was significantly shorter for cases with progressive onset, higher age at onset and in males. The risk of full sick leave due to MS was six times higher than in the general population.

scholarly journals POS1309 PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF UNDERWEIGHT, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (JIA): EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL PAEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGIC DATABASE (NPRD)

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 936.2-937
Author(s):  
F. Milatz ◽  
J. Klotsche ◽  
M. Niewerth ◽  
J. Hörstermann ◽  
D. Windschall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Obesity In Children

Background:In patients with JIA, growth impairment and variance in body composition are well-known long-term complications that may be associated with prolonged drug therapy (e.g. glucocorticoids) as well as impaired physical and psychosocial well-being. An increased accumulation of body fat represents a significant risk factor for metabolic abnormalities and a modifiable variable for a number of comorbidities. Recently, evidence has emerged in favour of the potential negative influence of overweight on the course of the disease and treatment response [1].Objectives:The study aimed a) to estimate the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with JIA compared to the general population, and b) to investigate correlates of patients’ weight status.Methods:A cross-sectional analysis of physicians’ recorded body weights and heights of patients with JIA enrolled in the NPRD in the year 2019 was performed. Underweight (BMI <10th), overweight (BMI >90th) and obesity (BMI >97th) were defined according to age- and sex-specific percentiles used in the German reference system. For comparison with data from the general population [2], sex- and age-matched pairs of 3-17-year-old patients and controls were generated. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between weight status and patients’ clinical and self-reported outcomes.Results:In total, data from 6.515 children and adolescents with JIA (age 11.2 ± 4.1 years, disease duration 4.9 ± 3.8 years, 67% girls, 40% persistent oligoarthritis) were included. Of these, 3.334 (age 5.9 ± 2.1 years, 52.5% girls) could be considered for matched-pair analysis. Compared with the general population, patients underweight, overweight and obesity rates were 10.6% (vs. 8.1%), 8.8% (vs. 8.5%) and 6.1% (vs. 5.7%), respectively. No significant sex differences were found in either group. Largest difference in prevalence was registered for underweight, specifically in the age group 3-6 years (12.9% patients vs. 5.9% controls). Similar to the general population, higher rates of overweight were observed in adolescent patients than in affected children (19.1% age group 11-13 vs. 8.4% age group 3-6). While the highest underweight prevalence was registered in patients with RF+ polyarthritis (16%), patients with Enthesitis-related arthritis (22%), psoriatic arthritis (21%) and systemic JIA (20%) showed the highest overweight rates (including obesity). Younger age (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31-0.83), more frequent physical activity (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-0.99) and high parental vocational education (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18-0.80) were independently associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight/obese.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with JIA is comparable to that found in the general population. Behavioural health promotion, including regular physical activity, as part of the treatment strategy in JIA should preventively already begin at preschool age and necessarily be made accessible to patients of all educational levels.References:[1]Giani T et al. The influence of overweight and obesity on treatment response in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2019;10:637.[2]Schienkiewitz A et al. BMI among children and adolescents: prevalences and distribution considering underweight and extreme obesity. Bundesgesundheitsbl 2019;62:1225–1234.Acknowledgements:The National Paediatric Rheumatological Database has been funded by AbbVie, Chugai, Novartis and GSK.Disclosure of Interests:Florian Milatz: None declared, Jens Klotsche: None declared, Martina Niewerth: None declared, Jana Hörstermann: None declared, Daniel Windschall: None declared, Frank Weller-Heinemann Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, SOBI, Roche and Novartis., Frank Dressler: None declared, Rainer Berendes: None declared, Johannes-Peter Haas: None declared, Gerd Horneff: None declared, Kirsten Minden Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Consultant of: Novartis

scholarly journals Mental disorders among adults formerly in out-of-home care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Süheyla Seker ◽  
Cyril Boonmann ◽  
Heike Gerger ◽  
Lena Jäggi ◽  
Delfine d’Huart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Welfare ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Juvenile Justice ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
Specific Disorders ◽  
Home Placement ◽  
Care History

AbstractWhile children and adolescents placed in child welfare or juvenile justice out-of-home care show higher prevalence rates of mental disorders compared to the general population, it remains unclear whether this pattern persists into adulthood. A quantitative synthesis of existing studies is lacking. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the prevalence rates for mental disorders among adults with a foster or residential child welfare or juvenile justice care history, comparing them where possible to rates among the general population. PubMed, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched for epidemiological studies published up to 28 October 2020. Nineteen studies, totaling 604,257 participants, met our inclusion criteria. Random-effects models were used for prevalence rates and odds ratios (OR) of mental disorders, and study quality was rated. A prevalence rate of 30% [95% CI (23.36, 37.36)] for any mental disorder in adults with a child welfare care history was found (3–17% for specific disorders). A prevalence rate of 45% [95% CI (42.38, 47.38)] for any mental disorder was found in adults with a juvenile justice care history (6–66% for specific disorders). For out-of-home placement history, adult mental disorders were significantly higher than in the general population (OR = 1.33–2.76). Studies differed in terms of methodology and the disorder groups considered, so heterogeneity between effect sizes ranged from low to high. Our findings suggest that the high risk that mental health issues will persist in adults with an out-of-home placement history needs to be taken seriously in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The care systems involved need to collaborate and to be aware of these risks.

scholarly journals World Health Report on Vision: Aging Implications for Global Vision and Eye Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 807-808
Author(s):  
Bonnielin Swenor ◽  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Moon Jeong Lee ◽  
Heather Whitson ◽  
Pradeep Ramulu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Report ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Health Report ◽  
Public Health Challenges ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract In 2019, the World Health Organization World Report on Vision estimated that that 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment, of which almost half could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed. As the global population ages and the prevalence of visual impairment increases, inequities in eye care and the downstream health and aging consequences of vision loss will become magnified. This session will: (1) provide key information regarding the burden of eye disease and visual impairment among older adults worldwide; (2) outline a framework created to conceptualize the aging and long-term health implications of vision loss, and (3) discuss the global public health challenges to eye care and to maximizing health for older adults with visual impairments.

scholarly journals Retrospective Seroepidemiology study of dengue virus infection in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Yu-Chia Hsieh ◽  
Chih-Jung Chen ◽  
Tzou-Yien Lin ◽  
Yhu-Chering Huang
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Dengue Virus Infection ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Seropositive Rate ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Dengue virus infection has been an important and serious public health concern in Taiwan, where local outbreaks of dengue fever occurred almost every year. To our knowledge, no nationwide investigation has been carried out to determine the actual extent of infection in the general population. Methods A total of 1308 random serum samples were collected from the general population in Taiwan in 2010. The antibody-captured enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect DENV-specific IgM and IgG. Demographics data were used for risk analysis. Results The weighted overall seroprevalence was 1.96% for anti-DENV IgM, and 3.4% for anti-DENV IgG, respectively. A significant rise of DENV IgG seropositive rate had been noted since late adulthood stage, from 1.1% at the age group of 50–59 years to 7.6% at the age group of 60–69 years. For people aged over 70 years, the seropositive rate reached 19%. Age, nationality, and regions of residency were associated with the IgG seropositivity. There was no statistically significant difference in seroprevalence of anti-Dengue IgM, indicating recent infection, among univariate predictors we proposed, including gender, age, residency, nationality, and household size. Conclusions Our results indicated that the majority of population in Taiwan born after 1940 is naive to dengue virus and the prevalence of IgG antibody against dengue virus rises with age. Nationality, and regions of residency are associated with the exposure of population to infection by dengue viruses. Further studies are needed to realize the current situation of seroprevalence of dengue fever in Taiwan.

scholarly journals Forensic Behavioral Science of Serial and Mass Murder with an Addition of Leisure Research: A Descriptive Synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
D J Williams
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Mass Murder ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Multiple Homicide ◽  
Violent Events ◽  
Science Disciplines

Prevalence rates of multiple homicide are statistically rare and vary across nations, yet such cases create substantial suffering for victims and can generate widespread fear among the general population. Despite extreme rarity, it remains important for forensic experts and professionals to be prepared when extremely violent events occur. This review summarizes contemporary behavioral science of serial and mass murder, then highlights the application of recent leisure research to add new motivational and behavioral insights. Research on the application of leisure science to homicide research is in its infancy, yet in conjunction with other related behavioral science disciplines, appears to hold promise in understanding, and perhaps helping to prevent, future violence.

Are the currently used reference intervals for creatine kinase (CK) reflecting the general population? The Tromsø Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hallvard Lilleng ◽  
Stein Harald Johnsen ◽  
Tom Wilsgaard ◽  
Svein Ivar Bekkelund
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
General Population ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Background Population ◽  
Norwegian Population ◽  
Reference Limits ◽  
Laboratory Reference

AbstractLaboratory reference intervals are not necessarily reflecting the range in the background population. This study compared creatine kinase (CK) reference intervals calculated from a large sample from a Norwegian population with those elaborated by the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP). It also assessed the pattern of CK-normalization after standardized control analyses.New upper reference limits (URL) CK values were calculated after exclusion of individuals with risk of hyperCKemia and including individuals with incidentally detected hyperCKemia after they had completed a standardized control analysis. After exclusion of 5924 individuals with possible causes of hyperCKemia, CK samples were analyzed in 6904 individuals participating in the 6th survey of The Tromsø Study. URL was defined as the 97.5 percentile.New URL in women was 207 U/L. In men <50 years it was 395 U/L and in men ≥50 years 340 U/L. In individuals with elevated CK, normalization grade after control analysis was inversely correlated to the CK level (p<0.04).URL CK values in women and in men <50 years of age were in accordance with URL CK values given by the NORIP. In men ≥50 years, a higher URL was found and the findings suggest an upward adjustment of URL in this age group.

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