Risk factors, perceptions and practices associated with Taenia solium cysticercosis and its control in the smallholder pig production systems in Uganda: a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Taenia solium cysticercosis is considered an emerging parasitic zoonosis of global importance due to its impact on both agriculture and public health in developing countries. Epidemiological information on human cysticercosis is limited in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in areas of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, where small-holder pig farming is practiced. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna metropolis, which are widely involved in small-holder pig farming and pork consumption. A total of 300 human sera were collected and tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to T. solium using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A structured questionnaire was used to identify risk factors in the population and was administered to the study population. Results: A total of 43 of 300 sera tested positive to IgG antibodies, indicating a cysticercosis prevalence of 14.3%. Method of pork preparation and history of epilepsy were found to be strongly associated with seropositivity. Epileptics in this study were two times more likely to be seropositive than non-epileptics. A large proportion (74.0%) of the population had very poor knowledge of cysticercosis, and knowledge of cysticercosis was strongly associated with method of pork preparation and respondents’ occupations. Conclusions: A high seroprevalence of human cysticercosis was found in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas. The main risk and behavioral factors contributing to the high prevalence include poor knowledge of cysticercosis and lack of knowledge on proper pork preparation methods.

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Causes and Flock Level Risk Factors of Sheep and Goat Abortion in Three Agroecology Zones in Ethiopia

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.615310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Gezahegn Alemayehu ◽

Gezahegne Mamo ◽

Biruk Alemu ◽

Hiwot Desta ◽

Biniam Tadesse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Small Ruminant ◽

Production Systems ◽

Negative Binomial Regression ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Cold Season ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Short Rainy Season

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the incidence of small ruminant abortion and identify its major causes and potential risk factors in goat and sheep flocks in three agroecology and production systems of Ethiopia. Information on pregnancy outcomes and management risk factors were collected for 299 goat and 242 sheep flocks. Blood samples were collected from 133 sheep and 90 goat flocks and tested for Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, and Toxoplasma gondii. A causal diagram outlined relationships between potential predictor variables and abortion in the flock. The effect of management and exposure to infectious causes on the number of abortions in the flock across agroecology was tested using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results showed that 142 (58.68%) goats and 53 (17.73%) sheep flocks reported abortions in the 12 months before the survey. The mean annual flock abortion percentages were 16.1% (±26.23) for does and 12.6% (±23.5) for ewes. Farmers perceived infectious diseases, extreme weather conditions, feed shortage, physical traumas, and plant poisoning as the most important causes of abortion. A higher proportion of abortion was recorded during the short rainy season (March to May) and start of the short dry and cold season (June to August) in the lowland mixed crop-livestock and pastoral agroecology and production system, respectively. Overall, 65.41% sheep and 92.22% goat flocks tested positive for one or more abortion causing agents, namely, C. burnetti, C. abortus, Brucella spp., and T. gondii; mixed infection was found in 31.58% sheep and 63.33% goat flocks. Spending the night in a traditional house and providing supplementary feed for pregnant dams were important management factors which significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the risk of abortion by 2.63 and 4.55 times, respectively. However, the presence of other livestock species and dogs in the household and exposure of the flock to Brucella spp. or anyone of the four tested infectious agents significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the risk of abortion in sheep and goat flocks. In general, abortion is a challenge for small ruminant production in the study area especially in lowland agroecology and calls for improvement in husbandry practices, health care and biosecurity practices.

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PSIII-8 A risk factor analysis of health traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) on Canadian farms

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.393 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 190-190

Author(s):

Emily M Leishman ◽

Nienke van Staaveren ◽

Vern R Osborne ◽

Ben J Wood ◽

Christine F Baes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Management Practices ◽

Production Systems ◽

Head Injuries ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Management Tool ◽

Skin Damage ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Economic Implications

Abstract Current production systems for commercial turkeys can lead to challenges including the development of footpad dermatitis (FPD) and aggressive pecking. Both have welfare and economic implications for turkey production. To date, there have been no epidemiological studies conducted in Canada on risk factors for either FPD or aggressive pecking. In this study, over 500 turkey farmers across Canada will receive a cross-sectional survey which includes a health-scoring guide and a questionnaire. Farmers will be asked to record the health status of 30 turkeys on their farms using the illustrated instructions to score head injuries, skin damage, and FPD. The information on head injuries and skin damage will provide insight into the prevalence of aggressive pecking within the flock. Farmers will score these areas on a three-point scale where a score of zero indicates no damage and two indicates severe damage. Additionally, an inventory of housing and management practices will be taken on each farm using a questionnaire covering topics on bird characteristics, lighting, air quality, litter quality, feeding, and health. The data obtained from this survey will be used to 1) estimate the prevalence of FPD and pecking injuries, 2) describe housing and management practices, 3) identify risk factors for FPD and pecking injuries and 4) make recommendations to reduce the prevalence of FPD and pecking injuries. With the information from this study we plan to develop a management tool tailored to the Canadian industry to reduce FPD and pecking injuries on Canadian farms.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of A cross-sectional survey on prevalence and risk factors for persistent postsurgical pain 1 year after total hip and knee replacement.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.717952398.793461309 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Scott Brudney ◽

Srinivas Pyati

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Knee Replacement ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postsurgical Pain ◽

Total Hip

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Health Concerns of Older Adults: Observations from a Survey and Public Education Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

10.35262/jiag.v15i1.10-16 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 10-16

Author(s):

Shreyan Kar ◽

Tushar Kanti Das ◽

Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽

Brajaballav Kar ◽

Anupama Senapati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Mood State ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Cardiovascular Risks ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.

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Prevalence and risk factors of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome among office workers in China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-10137-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Beibei Feng ◽

Kedi Chen ◽

Xiaoxia Zhu ◽

Wing-Yuk Ip ◽

Lars L. Andersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Computer Use ◽

Office Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Hand Symptoms

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS. Results The clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)). Conclusions The prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.

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Prevalence, risk factors and sources of anxiety among Emergency Department healthcare workers in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic: A single center survey

Experimental Results ◽

10.1017/exp.2020.68 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

N. Haroon ◽

S. S. Owais ◽

A. S. Khan ◽

J. Amin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Work Performance ◽

Nonparametric Tests ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.

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Health-related quality of life in Chinese population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a national multicenter survey

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01778-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rui Huang ◽

Jian-Gao Fan ◽

Jun-Ping Shi ◽

Yi-Min Mao ◽

Bing-Yuan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Independent Risk Factors ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Background Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a multi-dimensional construct that can comprehensively evaluate the patient’s health status, including physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on HRQL in a Chinese population. Methods In this national multicenter cross-sectional survey, patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-NAFLD was used to qualify HRQL. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of HRQL. Results A total of 5181 patients with NAFLD from 90 centers were enrolled in this study (mean age, 43.8 ± 13.3 years; male, 65.8%). The overall CLDQ score was 5.66 ± 0.89. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI: HR, 1.642; 95% CI, 1.330–2.026), alanine transaminase (ALT: HR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001–1.011), triglyceride (HR, 1.184; 95% CI, 1.074–1.305), disease severity (HR, 3.203; 95% CI, 1.418–7.232) and cardiovascular disease (HR, 4.305; 95% CI, 2.074–8.939) were independent risk factors for overall CLDQ score. In the logistic analyses of individual domain, BMI and triglyceride were independent risk factors of all domains. ALT, disease severity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease were influencing factors for the CLDQ score of several domains. Conclusions This national multicenter cross-sectional survey in China indicated that the HRQL in patients with NAFLD was impaired. HRQL was found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Attention should be paid to the optimally managing care of patients with NAFLD to improve their HRQL.

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