Prevalence estimates of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Belgium: results from two cross-sectional studies

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is the most diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in Belgium. Screening programs focus on young women, due to the implications of chronic asymptomatic infections for reproductive health. Thereby, the frequency of infections in men and older adults is underestimated. This study aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of chlamydia in the broader Belgian population, to inform evidence-based prevention and control strategies. Methods We conducted two cross-sectional prevalence studies of chlamydia infection in the population of Belgium aged 16–59 years, 2018–2020. In the CT1 study 12,000 representative individuals were randomly selected from the national register and invited by letter to collect a urine sample at home. The CT2 study used urine samples collected through the Belgian Health Examination Survey. Molecular detection of chlamydia DNA was performed using Xpert® or Abbott Real-Time CT/NG assays. Weighted estimated prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated per gender and age groups of 16/18–29, 30–44 and 45–59 years, relative to the general Belgian population. Data collected on sociodemographic variables and sexual behavior were used to identify potential risk factors for chlamydia infection through calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Results The population-wide weighted estimated prevalence was 1.54% (95% CI 0.78–3) in CT1 and 1.76% (95% CI 0.63–4) in CT2. We observed no statistically significant difference between men and women or age groups. Civil relationship status (OR = 14.1 (95% CI 1.78–112), p < 0.01), sexual intercourse with a casual partner (OR = 6.31 (95% CI 1.66–24.1), p < 0.01) and > 3 sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR = 4.53 (95% CI 1.10–18.6), p = 0.02) were associated with higher relative risk for chlamydia infection. Conclusion Nationwide prevalence studies are relevant to assess the distribution of chlamydia and inform public health actions. The overall low prevalence and heterogeneous distribution of chlamydia in the general Belgian population needs to be considered for future strategies and potential harm of testing and treating asymptomatic individuals need to be taken into account. Effective case management should include appropriate treatment of symptomatic patients and partner notification, and prevention strategies should encourage behaviors such as condom use.

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Age- and sex-specific profiles of temporal fasting plasma glucose variability in a population undergoing routine health screening

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10367-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Agyei Helena Lartey ◽

Xiaona Li ◽

Zhongqi Li ◽

Qun Zhang ◽

Jianming Wang

Keyword(s):

Plasma Glucose ◽

Fasting Plasma Glucose ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Screening ◽

Health Examination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fasting Plasma ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

Age And Sex

Abstract Background Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) variability is a significant predictor of mortality, especially in patients with poor glycemic control. This study aimed to explore the temporal age- and sex-specific profiles of temporal FPG variability in a Chinese population undergoing routine health screening and to guide the development of targeted public health interventions for the prevention and control of diabetes. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used a general linear model to compare differences in temporal FPG values between sexes and across age groups in 101,886 Nanjing residents who underwent a routine physical health examination at the Health Management Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, in 2018. The variability of FPG as a function of time, age, and sex, independently and in combination, was analyzed. Results The participants included 57,455 (56.4%) males and 44,431 (43.6%) females, with a mean ± SD age of 42.8 ± 15.0 years. The average ± SD FPG level was 5.5 ± 1.1 mmol/L. The monthly variation contributed to 22% of the overall FPG variability. A significant main effect for the age group was observed (F = 7.39, P < 0.05), with an excellent fitting effect (Eta-squared =0.15). The variability of FPG showed sex differences in the percentage difference of the coefficient of variation, which was 34.1% higher in males than females. There were significant interaction effects for month*age*sex and day*age*sex. Conclusions Temporal variability in FPG is evident in the general Chinese population and is affected by both age and sex. To avoid complications associated with FPG variability, interventions should be directed at females and males at specific ages for optimal control of FPG variability and to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events.

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The influence of varying maxillary central incisor vertical dimension on perceived smile aesthetics

Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1177/1465312519839713 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 137-142

Author(s):

Elis Janaina Lira dos Santos ◽

Alana Moura Xavier Dantas ◽

Raíssa Marçal Vilela ◽

Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago de Lima ◽

Rejane Targino Soares Beltrão

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Educational Background ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Central Incisor ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Maxillary Central Incisor ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test

Objective: To evaluate patient perception of the smile focused on analysis of the upper incisors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry at Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil. Participants: The sample consisted of 135 individuals (73 women and 62 men). Methods: Images with different characteristics associated with the incisal edges were shown at random and analysed using a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). Results: Smile I (difference of 1.5 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) was considered the most aesthetic, while Smile III (no difference in height between the central and lateral incisors) was the least aesthetic. A significant difference was found between perception of smile II (difference of 1 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) and age groups ( P < 0.005), with 31% (n = 13) of individuals aged 45–64 years considering smile II as not pleasant, 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years and 8.3% (n=4) aged 25–44 years and 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years considering the same. A significant difference was also found in relation to educational background of the assessor and smile perception, with smile III ( P = 0.0441) and smile IV ( P = 0.0053) considered the most aesthetic ( P = 0.0116). Conclusion: The smile considered most attractive among the sample was that with 1.5 mm steepness between the central and lateral incisors, while a flat smile arc was considered least attractive.

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Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.10122 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (05) ◽

pp. 373-379 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Stéphanie Jupsa-Mbiandou ◽

Samuel Fosso ◽

Edimo Billé ◽

Tito T Mélachio-Tanekou ◽

Gideon Ajeagah-Aghaindum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Blastocystis Spp ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Hiv Negative

Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

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Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Almajiri Children in Silame, Sokoto State, North-western Nigeria

UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR) ◽

10.47430/ujmr.2161.013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 99-104

Author(s):

S. M. Gamde ◽

◽

P. J. Tongvwam ◽

K. Hauwa ◽

A. M. Ganau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

Age Groups ◽

Water Contact ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽

Public And Private ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Age Range ◽

North Western

Urinary schistosomiasis is a severe threat to global health with uncountable morbidities in Africa including Nigeria where control interventions focused on children in public and private schools neglecting Almajiri children. This undermined control interventions as those infected contaminate the environments with infective stages of the parasite. The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst Almajiri children in Silame, Sokoto State, North-western Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, socio-demographic data was collected in April 2020 on 206 consented Almajiri children in Silame and their urine samples were examined using the sedimentation method. The study showed a prevalence of 35.4% among the Almajiri children in Silame, Sokoto State, North-western Nigeria. The highest prevalence was found among children within the age range 16-20 years (63.6%) while the lowest prevalence was among those in the age range 6-10 years (24.4%). There was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis between the age groups (χ 2 = 11.637a , df =3, p=0.002). Urinary schistosomiasis was prevalent among Almajiri children in the study area and parasite infection was associated with the participant's socio-demographic factors such as age, level of education, and water contact activities. Hence, the National Schistosomiasis Control Programs should incorporate the Almajiri children in the control interventions Keywords: Schistosoma hematobium infection; Makarantarallo;Almajiri;Silame

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Investigating social media statistics of usage and its determinant factors in students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2018: A cross-sectional study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-257862/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hiva Bozorgpanah ◽

Ghobad Moradi ◽

Pourya Bahrami ◽

Elham Noori ◽

Mohammad Pourya Ezati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Determinant Factors ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Improper Use ◽

Spss Software ◽

Use Of Social Media

Abstract Background and Aim: the present study was conducted to investigate social media statistics of usage and its determinant factors in students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2018.Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional-analytical study. The total of 380 students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected by Probability Proportional to Size Sampling method, from the lists of the students in each faculty. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, organized in four sections. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software version 21.Results: Based on the results of this study 373 (98.2%) of the sample students were on social media, which the most popular ones among them were Telegram (94.1%), Instagram (78.8%) and Whatsapp (61.9%), respectively. The average time spent on social media among students was reported to be 2.78 hours per day and is a significant difference between age groups in terms of attitudes toward using social media (P = 0.031).Conclusion: the results of this study suggested that the majority of students use social media. Since improper use of social media can exert unfortunate effects on different aspects of life of students, and negatively influence their education.

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Relationship of occupational health and safety training with health literacy among employees working in the various lines of business

Zinc supplementation improves heme biosynthesis in rats exposed to lead ◽

10.18051/univmed.2020.v39.171-177 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

Nergiz Sevinc ◽

Burcu Korkut

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Occupational Health ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Occupational Health And Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adult Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Scale Scores

Background Health literacy is vital for people’s ability to manage health. It has been known for a long time that the importance of education in increasing health literacy is an undeniable fact. The first aim of this study was to investigate the health literacy levels of employees working in different business lines receiving service from the occupational health and safety unit. The second aim was to reveal how health literacy levels are affected according to the training duration. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 202 employees receiving service from the Karabuk occupational health and safety unit. The employees were divided into three groups as workers, officers and others. All employees were given the questionnaire consisting of 31 questions including sociodemographic characteristics and the adult health literacy scale. A face-to-face interview was performed with each of the employees. Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results The range of adult health literacy scale scores of the employees was 4-23. There was no significant difference in adult health literacy scale scores between age groups (p=0.38). The percentage of employees who received more than 16 hours training course was 19.3%, 20.6%, and 46.7% for workers, civil servants and other employees, respectively. Adult health literacy scale scores increased in proportion to the amount of training the employees received (p=0.001). Conclusion This study reveals that occupational health training has a positive effect on health literacy.

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ULTRASOUND;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2012.19.02.2005 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 19 (02) ◽

pp. 187-192

Author(s):

EJAZ HUSSAIN SIDDIQUI ◽

SAAD SIDDIQUI ◽

NOREEN SHAH

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Population ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

X Rays ◽

Geriatric Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ultrasound Findings ◽

Hepatobiliary Diseases

Objectives: To assess common presenting features and the role of Ultrasound in evaluation of Hepatobiliary diseases in ourpopulation. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Khyber X rays, Khyber Medical Centre, Peshawar. Period: August 2010 to December2010. Material and Methods: Data from patients presenting for evaluation of Hepatobiliary diseases was analyzed for presenting complaintsand ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: In total 197 cases were included in the study. The age wise categorizationincluded pediatric population (6.1%) adult population (87.3%) and geriatric population (6.6%). Upper abdominal pain was the most commonpresenting feature in all age groups as well as in both genders. Cholelithiasis with or without cholecystitis was the most common ultrasoundfinding in all age groups. No statistically significant difference was found between presenting features or ultrasound findings in different agegroups as well as across gender. Conclusions: Hepatobiliary diseases are among major illnesses in our region. Ultrasound is a sensitive anduseful tool for screening and evaluation of Hepatobiliary disorders.

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Prevalence and risk factors for myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria

African Vision and Eye Health ◽

10.4102/aveh.v76i1.369 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Uchenna C. Atowa ◽

Alvin J. Munsamy ◽

Samuel O. Wajuihian

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Refractive Error ◽

Age Groups ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Significant Difference

Aim: To study the prevalence of myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private (primary and secondary) schools. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting participants aged between 8 and 15 years from 12 schools in Aba, Nigeria. Data were analysed for 1197 children who underwent a comprehensive eye examination. The children were divided according to the following criteria: age groups (group 1 [8–11 years] or group 2 [12–15 years]), gender (male or female), level of education (primary or secondary) and type of school (public or private). Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D in the poorer eye.Results: The prevalence of myopia was estimated to be 2.7%. Of the 96 children with refractive error, 78.1% were uncorrected. In using logistic regression analysis, risk of developing myopia was associated with older age groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–9.11; p < 0.010) and higher level of education (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.05–2.86; p < 0.030). There was no significant difference in myopia prevalence between male and female children (p = 0.89).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of myopia and overall prevalence of refractive error in school children in Aba were low, the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is a significant public health problem. An effective and sustainable children’s vision screening programme is needed to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

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Assessment of functional capacity in elderly residents of an outlying area in the hinterland of Bahia/Northeast Brazil

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2010000100009 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 39-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Gilson de Vasconcelos Torres ◽

Luciana Araújo dos Reis ◽

Luana Araújo dos Reis

Keyword(s):

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Daily Living ◽

Age Groups ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Instrumental Activities ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Difference ◽

Outlying Area

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional capacity and to determine the difference between the means of functional capacity (basic and instrumental activities of daily living) and the age groups of elderly residents in an outlying area in the hinterland of Bahia/Northeast of Brazil. METHOD: Analytical study with cross-sectional design and a sample of 150 elderly individuals enrolled in four Health Units in the municipality of Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic and health data, the Barthel Index and the Lawton scale. RESULTS: In all, 78.00% of the elderly were classified as dependent in the basic activities and 65.33% in the instrumental activities of daily living. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, we found a statistically significant difference between the means of instrumental activities and the age groups (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: An elevated number of elderly were classified as dependent in terms of functional capacity and increased age is related to greater impairment in the execution of instrumental activities of daily living.

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Population-based survey of HIV sero-status and vertical transmission among naive pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 49-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fiekumo Igbida Buseri ◽

Charity Ngozi Okonkwo

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vertical Transmission ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Age Groups ◽

P Value ◽

Full Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: This study aims at investigating the seroprevalence of HIV infection among status naive pregnant women and probable vertical transmission in Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 13,026 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 14 and 45 years and 312 mother-baby pairs in 4 different hospital settings in Sokoto State, North West, Nigeria between March, 2011 and February, 2013. The babies were aged between 8 and 16 months. HIV screening was performed using qualitative rapid tests and ELISA and HIV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes was carried out by the BD FACScount System. All seropositive pregnant women were immediately placed on triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout the duration of the pregnancy and beyond.Results: An overall 2.4% prevalence of HIV-1 infection among the pregnant women and 20.5% incident of mother-to-child transmission were found. Of the seropositive pregnant women, 75.0% were full-time house wives, 13.8% and 11.2% were traders and civil servants respectively; of which, 70.2% were within the ages of 14 and 27 years (youthful predominance). Pearson’s χ2analysis did not show any statistically significant difference in the Mean values in the 4 health facilities (χ2 =2.084, df=3, P-value=0.555). Similarly, no significant difference in HIV seropositivity in the demographic data of the pregnant women were observed (P>0.05). Infection was recorded in all age groups but there was no statistical significance between age groups and infection (P = 0.833). Of the 64 seropositive babies, 62 (92.5%) contracted HIV from antiretroviral therapy non-adherence mothers (χ2 =271.457, df=1, P<0.01), OR=1506.6 (95%CI=285.5-7950.4). Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of vertical transmission due to ART non-adherence. Intervention initiatives should, therefore, focus seriously on ART non-adherence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 49-57

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