scholarly journals Factors associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase in employees of a German chemical company: results of a large cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Claus ◽  
Christoph Antoni ◽  
Bernd Hofmann

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase (eALT) in employees of a German chemical company, and analyze its association with sociodemographic, work- and lifestyle-related factors. Methods The cross-sectional study is based on data surveyed from occupational health check-ups between 2013 and 2018 at the site clinic of a chemical company based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. We used logistic regression analyses to assess the association between sociodemographic, work- and lifestyle-related characteristics and eALT. Quantile regression technique was applied to investigate if associations vary across different quantiles of the ALT distribution. Results Participants (n = 15,348) were predominantly male (78.3%) with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD 10.7). The prevalence of eALT was 18.5% (21.6% in men/7.2% in women) with a geometric mean of 28.9 U/L (32.8 U/L in men/18.5 U/L in women). In the multivariable logistic regression model, odds of eALT were significantly higher for males (OR 2.61; 95%-CI 2.24–3.05), manual workers (OR 1.23; 95%-CI 1.06–1.43), overweight (OR 2.66; 95%-CI 2.36–3.00) or obese respondents (e.g. OR 7.88; 95%-CI 5.75–10.80 for obesity class III), employees who consume any number of alcoholic drinks/week (e.g. OR 1.32; 95%-CI 1.16–1.49 for ≥ 3 drinks per week) and diabetics (OR 1.47; 95%-CI 1.22–1.78). Additionally, season of participation was significantly associated with eALT, with odds being higher for participation in spring, fall or winter, as compared to summer. A significant interaction between age and gender (pInteraction < 0.001) was found, showing approximately a u-shaped age/ALT relationship in women and an inversely u-shaped relationship in men. Quantile regression showed an increasing positive effect of male gender, overweight/obesity, and for diabetics on ALT level when moving from the lowest (q0.1) to the highest (q0.9) considered quantile. Additionally, from the lowest to the highest quantile an increasing negative effect on ALT for older age was observed. Conclusions Prevalence of eALT in our sample of employees can be considered as high, with almost one in five participants affected. Identification of risk groups allows the implementation of targeted preventive measures in order to avoid transition to severe morbidity.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036820
Author(s):  
Ruixin Duan ◽  
Changgui Kou ◽  
Jing Jie ◽  
Wei Bai ◽  
Xiaoxin Lan ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents and evaluate the associated factors in this group in Changchun City in northeastern China.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1955 adolescents aged 11–18 years was conducted in Changchun City using stratified cluster sampling. Parents and caregivers of children completed the questionnaires as requested without objection. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between overweight/obesity and related factors.ResultsIn total, the prevalence of overweight was 12.7% (male 17.4%; female 10.1%) and of obesity was 4.9% (male 8.8%; female 3.1%) in Changchun, Jilin Province. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in boys than in girls (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with male sex (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.47), eating fresh fruits more than 2 days per week (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.84) and eating quickly (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.78). Students who were not picky (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.90) were less likely to be overweight, and adolescents whose father was overweight or obese (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.86) or whose mother was overweight or obese (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.99) were less likely to be overweight.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Changchun has been high in recent years, and the prevalence was higher among boys than among girls. Sex, dietary habits (weekly frequency of fruit consumption, picky eating and slowness in eating) and parental weight were important factors for overweight and obesity in adolescents. Further research should be conducted on the health of adolescents in China, and further intervention measures should be implemented to reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reiko Sakashita ◽  
Takuichi Sato ◽  
Hiroshi Ono ◽  
Akiko Hamaue ◽  
Misao Hamada

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of food consistency on health and related factors among residents in welfare facilities for seniors (n = 227; mean age, 86.2 ± 8.0 years; 78.9% female). Residents who ate regular food had a lower incidence of fever during the 3-month period (p < 0.001) and consumed more calories (1325.97 ± 220.2 kcal) than those who ate chopped (1125.0 ± 256.8 kcal), paste (1122.0 ± 288.5 kcal), and gastric tube food (812.5 ± 150.7 kcal) (p < 0.001). Modifying a resident’s food by making it softer and finer did not reduce the incidence of choking. Logistic regression analysis (backward elimination method) revealed four factors related to eating regular food: vitality index, appetite, number of remaining teeth, and choking frequency. Causal relationships were not obtained because this was a cross-sectional study. The findings of this study suggest that a regular consistency of food positively influences the health of older individuals.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 416-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasser Taher Al-Hassan ◽  
Eduardo L. Fabella ◽  
Edric Estrella ◽  
Mohammad Aatif

Background: Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between demographic factors and dyslipidemia in Saudi Arabia is not completely explored. Objectives: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the lipid profile, determine the proportion and identify significant demographic determinants of dyslipidemia among patients who have undergone lipid profile analysis in a university multispecialty clinic. Methods: The results of lipid profile examination of 1,541 King Faisal University clinic patients from 1 April, 2014 to 7 March, 2016 were compiled and subjected to descriptive and analytical statistics using STATA MP version 14. Multivariable logistic regression model using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was fitted to analyze the independent predictors of dyslipidemia. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia were 13.8%, 17.0%, 40.0% 12.85%, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that in comparison with those who were 20 years old and below, those who were between the age of 40-49 years were 4.5 times more likely to have hypercholesterolemia and 3.5 times more likely to have hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia. Similarly, those who were 30-39 years old were 4.3 times and 3 times more likely to have hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, respectively. The same stage group was 3 times more likely to develop hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia. Females were 1.4 times more like to have hypercholesterolemia; non-Saudis were nearly twice as likely to develop hypertriglyceridemia than Saudis. Conclusion: Hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia was the most prevalent form of dyslipidemia. Age, gender and nationality were significant determinants of specific types of dyslipidemia.


Author(s):  
Shadi Naderyan Fe'li ◽  
Seyed Mojtaba Yassini Ardekani ◽  
Ali Dehghani

Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia and to specify predictors of the metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Method: This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with schizophrenia and 100 patients with bipolar disorder. The participants' metabolic syndrome was determined according to the criteria set by Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III. Hyperhomocysteinemia was considered as homocysteine levels higher than 15 µmol/L. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, student t test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not significantly different (P = 0.07) between patients with schizophrenia (27%) and bipolar disorder (39%). No statistically significant difference (P = 0.17) was observed between patients with schizophrenia (82%) and bipolar disorder (74%) in the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. The results of multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association of smoking and BMI with metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.13-12.05, and OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20-1.60, respectively). In patients with bipolar disorder, BMI was a significant predictor of developing metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.47). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in women than in men in both diagnostic groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence between male and female patients with schizophrenia (P = 1.00). However, hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in males than in females among patients with bipolar disorder (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Findings showed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To deal with this problem, regular monitoring and conducting early interventions are recommended to determine the metabolic risk profile and to prevent the cardiovascular diseases.


Author(s):  
Alemayehu Siffir Argawu ◽  
Gizachew Gobebo Mekebo ◽  
Ketema Bedane ◽  
Ravi Kanth Makarla ◽  
Bizunesh Kefale ◽  
...  

Anaemia in reproductive-aged women is a worldwide health problem. This study was aimed to assess prevalence and determinants of anaemia among reproductive-aged women in Ethiopia. Data for the study were obtained from 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data, which is a national representative cross-sectional data. A Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to identify determinants of anaemia among reproductive-aged women. A total of 14460 women who aged 15 to 49 years were included in the study. Prevalence of anaemia of among reproductive-aged women was 27.08% (95% CI: 22.88, 31.08%). Women living in Afar (AOR=2.439; 95% CI: 2.006, 2.968), Amhara (AOR=1.269; 95% CI: 1.035, 1.556), Somalia (AOR=2.592; 95% CI: 2.142, 3.133), Benshangul-Gumuz (AOR=2.019; 95% CI: 1.666, 2.447), Gambela (AOR=2.465; 95% CI: 2.026, 2.998) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Women with 1 or 2 children (AOR=1.272; 95% CI: 1.103, 1.466), 3 or 4 children (AOR=1.277; 95% CI: 1.059, 1.539) and 5 or more (AOR=1.420; 95% CI: 1.213, 1.662) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Further, pregnant women (AOR=1.408; 95% CI: 1.263, 1.570) were associated with high risk of anaemia. Hence, concerned bodies need to pay special attention to women regarding anaemia based on place of residence and the region.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Baoyan Liu ◽  
Huanfang Xu ◽  
Shengnan Guo ◽  
Jiani Wu ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
...  

Objective.This study aims to give a profile of discomfort and acceptability of acupuncture, including the prevalence and association with demographic and acupuncture-related factors.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Beijing, China. Outpatients of acupuncture and moxibustion departments were recruited using purposive sampling. 925 subjects were interviewed with an anonymous questionnaire. Multinomial and binary logistic regression were used to analyze factors affecting discomfort and acceptability of acupuncture.Results.The average VAS value of 925 subjects’ acupuncture discomfort was 2.66 ± 2.02, within the range of mild discomfort. Acupuncture was easily accepted by 81.1% of the subjects. Results of logistic regression were as follows: (1) subjects with a better knowledge of acupuncture, or a greater fear of pain or needles, experienced more “moderate to severe discomfort” and showed a decreased acupuncture acceptance (P<0.001orP<0.01); (2) Acupuncture with less discomfort or implemented by a more qualified doctor was easy to be accepted (P<0.001); (3) subjects aged 20–29 preferred to report “moderate to severe discomfort” while those aged 40–59 preferred to report “slight discomfort” (P<0.001).Conclusion.Acupuncture is an acceptable therapy with less discomfort, which can be greatly affected by fear of pain or needles, age, knowledge of acupuncture, and professional title of acupuncturist.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addisalem Workie Demsash ◽  
Biniyam Chakilu ◽  
Atsede Mazengia

Abstract Background In healthcare, information and knowledge needs of health care providers arise in the patient care process. However, the right information and knowledge at the right time and place to the right person is not reached so far yet. Thus, leads limited knowledge sharing practice among health providers in Ethiopia. Objectives The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge sharing practice and associated factors among healthcare providers at University of Gondar hospital. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted through stratified simple random sampling technique among 423 samples from February 24 up to March 27, 2020. Pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used. Epi info version 7 and stata version 15 software were used for data entry, processing and analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression model were applied to describe the study objects and to assess knowledge sharing practice and its associated factors by considering P value ≤ 0.05. Results 423 respondents were participated with 100% response rate. From the total respondents, 222 of 423 (52.48%) of respondents were male. More than two third (66.90%) of respondents were degree and diploma holders. Nearly three fourth of 423 (74.70%) healthcare providers were under the age group of 21–30 years. The level of knowledge sharing practice among the respondents was 65.01% (95% CI: 60.46–69.56). In multivariable logistic regression model awareness AOR = 2.44, 95% CI= [1.32–4.50], willingness AOR = 1.96, 95% CI= [1.10–3.53], loss of knowledge power AOR = 0.192, 95% CI= [.12-.32], availability of health information resource AOR = 2.00, 95% CI= [1.56–5.38] and opportunity AOR = 2.91, 95% CI= [1.71–4.95] were significantly associated with knowledge sharing practice. Conclusions Knowledge sharing practice of healthcare providers is higher as compared with most studies conducted in Ethiopia. However, it needs further opportunity, resource allocation and supportive leadership.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
KUAN-YU CHU

Abstract Background: Taiwan’s population is aging rapidly. Elderly adults with missing teeth require dental rehabilitation to maintain good oral health, which is important for proper nutrition and overall health and life quality. Removable dentures are an economical option for these individuals, for which many county and municipal governments in Taiwan provide subsidies. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the demographic characteristics of older Taiwanese adults who received a removable denture subsidy, as well as the type of denture obtained and related factors. Methods: We administered a survey and conducted oral examinations among elderly patients of the Geriatric Dentistry clinic of Taoyuan Hospital who had participated in a removable prosthesis subsidy program during 2015–2018. We investigated patients’ demographic characteristics using descriptive statistics and used logistic regression to determine whether age and sex were independent predictors of edentulous status and a need for complete dentures. We also examined the relationships between denture type and related factors. Results: In total, 423 participants (mean age 76.3 years, standard deviation 7.55; 54.4% men) completed the subsidy application process and obtained a removable dental prosthesis. In total, 150 (35.5%) participants applied for single-arch restoration. A removable partial denture (RPD) was the most common type for single jaws, and an RPD and full dentures were the most common for both arches. Logistic regression indicated an effect of age, but not sex, on denture type and edentulous status among 273 subsidy applicants for both arches (odds ratio: 1.041 per year of age, 95% confidence interval: 1.004–1.080, P=0.032). Conclusions: This study confirms that there is a great need for dental rehabilitation among elderly Taiwanese adults. County and municipal governments in Taiwan should regularly review and improve dental subsidy programs, to lift barriers to obtaining removable dentures among older people who need them.


2012 ◽  
pp. 129-134
Author(s):  
Thi Lan Tran ◽  
Thi Huong Le ◽  
Xuan Ninh Nguyen

Objectives: Assess the nutritional status, worm infection status and some related factors among children aged 12-36 months of Dakrong district, Quang Tri province. Subject and method: A cross sectional study was carried out in 2010, in 680 children aged 12-36 months in 4 communes of Dakrong district, Quang Tri province. Results: The malnutrition rate was 55.0% for underweight, 66.5% for stunting and 16.2% for wasting. The prevalence of malnutrition increases by age group. The prevalence of worm infection was 31.6%, the highest prevalence was belong to Ascaris infection (24.6%), followed by Hookworm and Trichuris (6.5% and 6.2%, respectively). The prevalence of worm infection among children under two is very high (27.0%). The prevalence of worm infection was distributed quite equally between the malnutrition children group and normal children group. Recommendation: Early deworming forchildren from 12 months should be considered as important strategy against the malnutrition of children in Dakrong district, Quang Tri province


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