scholarly journals Sociodemographics and their impacts on risk factor awareness and beliefs about cancer and screening: results from a cross-sectional study in Newfoundland and Labrador

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyan Shi ◽  
Lance Garrett Shaver ◽  
Yujia Kong ◽  
Yanqing Yi ◽  
Kris Aubrey-Bassler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Our objective was to examine cancer risk factor awareness and beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening, and how these are mediated by sociodemographic variables, among Newfoundland and Labrador residents. Methods Participants aged 35 to 74 were recruited through Facebook advertising, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Spearman rank correlations, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of the 1048 participants who responded and met the inclusion criteria for this study, 1019 were selected for this analysis. Risk factor recognition was generally good, though several risk factors had poor awareness: being over 70 years old (53.4% respondents aware), having a low-fiber diet (65.0%), and drinking more than 1 unit of alcohol per day (62.8%). Our results showed that the participants’ awareness of risk factors was significantly associated with higher income level (rs = 0.237, P <  0.001), higher education (rs = 0.231, P <  0.001), living in rural regions (rs = 0.163, P <  0.001), and having a regular healthcare provider (rs = 0.081, P = 0.010). Logistic regression showed that among NL residents in our sample, those with higher income, post-secondary education, those in very good or excellent health, and those with a history of cancer all had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes. Those with a history of cancer, and those with very good or excellent health, also had higher odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Finally, compared to Caucasian/white participants, those who were non-Caucasian/white had lower odds of having more positive beliefs about cancer screening. Conclusion Among adults in NL, there was poor awareness that low-fiber diets, alcohol, and age are risk factors for cancer. Lower income and education, rural residence, and not having a health care provider were associated with lower risk factor awareness. We also found a few associations between sociodemographic factors and beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes or screening. We stress that while addressing awareness is necessary, so too is improving social circumstances of disadvantaged groups who lack the resources necessary to adopt healthy behaviours.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujia Kong ◽  
Lance Garrett Shaver ◽  
Fuyan Shi ◽  
Holly Etchegary ◽  
Kris Aubrey-Bassler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study investigated the beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening among older adults ages 50–74 in Newfoundland and Labrador and whether these beliefs or sociodemographic factors were associated with differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behavior. Methods This analysis uses data collected online survey of adults on cancer awareness and prevention in NL. Chi-square tests were used to assess whether there were differences in distributions of beliefs based on CRC screening behaviour. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic factors independently associated with CRC screening behavior. Results Most people held positive beliefs about cancer outcomes and treatment, though only 57.36% ever had CRC screening. Interestingly, 56.5% of participants believed that cancer treatment is worse than cancer itself. However, no beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes were associated with CRC screening behavior. People who never had CRC screening were more likely to believe that: their worries about what might be found would prevent them from screening (χ2 = 9.380, P = .009); screening is only necessary if they have symptoms (χ2 = 15.680, P < .001); screening has a high risk of leading to unnecessary surgery (χ2 = 6.824, P = .032). Similarly, people who never had CRC screening were less likely to believe that regular screening would give them a feeling of control over their health (χ2 = 12.255, P = .002). Logistic regression identified that men had higher odds of having had CRC screening than women in our study (OR(95% CI):1.689(1.135–2.515)), as did all other age groups compared to people ages 50–54. No differences were found in CRC screening behaviour based on ethnicity, BMI classification, geography, education, income, or history of cancer in self, or history of cancer in a first-degree relative. Conclusion Although the majority NL residents in our sample held positive beliefs towards cancer screening, treatment and outcomes, only just over half of participants have ever had CRC screening. This discordance should be investigated further. Participants with more negative beliefs about screening were more likely to have never participated in CRC screening. Our findings further suggest that NL’s CRC screening program is equitably reaching people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, though we observed a disparity in participation among genders in our sample.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2487-2487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francoise Bernaudin ◽  
Suzanne Verlhac ◽  
Annie Kamdem ◽  
Cécile Arnaud ◽  
Lena Coïc ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Silent infarcts are associated with impaired cognitive functioning and have been shown to be predictors of stroke (Miller ST J Pediatr 2001). Until now, reported risk factors for silent infarcts were low pain event rate, history of seizures, high leukocyte count and Sen bS haplotype (Kinney TR Pediatrics 1999). Here, we seek to define the prevalence and risk factors of silent infarcts in the Créteil SCA pediatric cohort comprising patients assessed at least yearly by transcranial doppler (TCD) since 1992, and by MRI/MRA. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed data from the Créteil cohort stroke-free SS/Sb0 children (280; 134 F, 146 M), according to institutional review board. Time-averaged mean of maximum velocities higher than 200 cm/sec were considered as abnormal, resulting in initiation of a transfusion program (TP). A switch to hydroxyurea was proposed to patients with normalized velocities (&lt; 170 cm/sec) and normal MRA on TP, although TP was re-initiated in case of abnormal velocities recurrence. Patients with “conditional” velocities (170–199 cm/sec) were assessed by TCD 4 times yearly. Alpha genes and beta-globin haplotypes were determined. Baseline biological parameters (G6PD activity; WBC, PMN, Reticulocytes, Platelets counts; Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, HbF, LDH levels; MCV; SpO2) were obtained a minimum of 3 months away from a transfusion, one month from a painful episode, after 12 months of age, before the first TCD, and always before therapy intensification. Results. Patients were followed for a total of 2139 patient-years. Alpha-Thal was present in 114/254 patients (45%) and 27/241 (11.2%) had G6PD deficiency. Beta genotype, available in 240 patients, was BaBa in 102 (42.5%), BeBe in 54 (22.5%), SeSe in 19 (7.9%) and “other” in 65 (27.1%); TCD was abnormal in 52 of 280 patients (18.6%). MRA showed stenoses in 30 of 226 evaluated patients (13.3%) while MRI demonstrated presence of silent infarcts in 81/280 patients (28.9%). Abnormal TCD (p&lt;0.001), G6PD deficiency (p=0.008), high LDH (p=0.03), and low Hb (p=0.026) were significant risk factors for stenoses by univariate analysis while multivariate analysis retained only abnormal TCD as a significant risk factor for stenoses ([OR= 10.6, 95% CI (4.6–24.4)]; p&lt;0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of silent infarcts was not related to alpha-Thal, beta genotype, abnormal TCD, WBC, PMN, platelets, reticulocyte counts, MCV, LDH level, HbF %, pain or ACS rates but was significantly associated with stenoses detected by MRA (p&lt;0.001), gender (male; p=0.04), G6PD deficiency (p=0.05), low Hb (p=0.016) and Hct (p=0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender ([OR= 2.1, 95% CI (1.03–4.27)]; p=0.042), low Hb ([OR= 1.4, 95% CI (1.0–1.1)]; p=0.05) and stenoses ([OR= 4.8, 95% CI (1.88–12.28)]; p=0.001) were all significant independent risk factors for silent infarcts. The presence of stenoses was the only significant risk factor for silent infarcts in patients with a history of abnormal TCD ([OR= 5.9, 95% CI (1.6–21.7)]; p=0.008). Conclusion We recently showed that G6PD deficiency, absence of alpha-Thal, and hemolysis are independent significant risk factors for abnormal TCD in stroke-free SCA patients (Bernaudin et al, Blood, 2008, in press). Here, we report that an abnormal TCD is the most significant risk factor for stenoses and, expanding previous studies, we demonstrate that stenoses, low Hb and gender are significant independent risk factors for silent infarcts.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werayuth Srithum ◽  
Mai Kabayama ◽  
Yasuyuki Gondo ◽  
Yukie Masui ◽  
Yuya Akagi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cognitive impairment is a major health concern among older and oldest people.Moreover, stroke is a relevant contributor for cognitive decline and development of dementia. The study of cognitive decline focused on stroke as the important risk factor by recruiting older and oldest is still lagging behind. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the importance of stroke as a risk factor of cognitive decline during three years in community dwelling older and oldest people. Methods: This study was longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up in Japan. The participants were 1,333community dwelling older and oldest people (70 years old = 675, 80 years old = 589, and 90 years old = 69). Data collected included basic data (age, sex, and history of stroke), vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and current smoking), and social factors (educational level, frequency of going outdoors, long-term care (LTC) service used, and residential area). The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) was decline of ≥ 2 points was defined as cognitive decline. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between stroke and other risk factors with cognitive decline during a 3-year follow-up. Results: The fit of the hypothesized model by multiple logistic regression showed that a history of stroke, advanced age, and greater MoCA-J score at the baseline were important risk factors, while the presence of dyslipidemia and a higher educational level were protective factors that were significantly correlated with cognitive decline during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: The cognitive decline after the 3-year follow-up was influenced by the history of stroke and advanced age, while greater MoCA-J score at the baseline was positively associated with subsequent 3 years cognitive decline. The protective factors were the presence of dyslipidemia and a higher educational level. Therefore, these factors are considered important and should be taken into consideration when searching for creative solutions to prevent cognitive decline after stroke in community dwelling older and oldest people.


2023 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Muzaffar ◽  
M. A. Khan ◽  
M. H. Mushtaq ◽  
M. Nasir ◽  
A. Khan ◽  
...  

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the strength of association of raised plasma homocysteine concentration as a risk factor for coronary heart disease independent of conventional risk factor. It was a case control study conducted at Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore. A total of 210 subjects aged 25 to 60 years comprising of 105 newly admitted patients of CHD as cases and 105 age and sex matched healthy individuals with no history of CHD as control were recruited for the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained from cases and controls. Plasma homocysteine was analyzed by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method on automated immunoassay analyzer (Abbott IMX). Total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were analyzed using calorimetric kit methods. The concentration of LDL cholesterol was calculated using Friedewald formula. The patients were also assessed for traditional risk factors such as age, sex, family history of CVD, hypertension, smoking and physical activity, and were compared with control subjects. The collected data was entered in SPSS version 24 for analysis and interpretation.The mean age in controls and experimental groups were 43.00± 8.42 years and 44.72± 8.59 years with statistically same distribution (p- value= 0.144). The mean plasma homocysteine for cases was 22.33± 9.22 µmol/L where as it was 12.59±3.73 µmol/L in control group. Highly significant difference was seen between the mean plasma level of homocysteine in cases and controls (p˂0.001).Simple logistic regression indicates a strong association of coronary heart disease with hyperhomocysteinemia (OR 7.45), which remained significantly associated with coronary heart disease by multivariate logistic regression (OR 7.10, 95%C1 3.12-12.83, p=0.000). The present study concludes that elevated levels of Plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease independent of conventional risk factors and can be used as an indicator for predicting the future possibility for the onset of CVD.


2011 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine E. Day ◽  
Christopher M. Discolo ◽  
Jeremy D. Meier ◽  
Bethany J. Wolf ◽  
Lucinda A. Halstead ◽  
...  

Objective. To review outcomes after supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia and identify risk factors for supraglottoplasty failure. Study Design. Case series with chart review. Setting. Tertiary care children’s hospital. Subjects and Methods. Retrospective case series evaluating patient outcomes after supraglottoplasty at an academic medical center between 2004 and 2010. Surgical failure was defined as need for revision surgery, tracheostomy tube placement, or gastrostomy tube insertion. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for failure. Results. The authors identified 95 children who underwent supraglottoplasty. After excluding patients with inadequate follow-up data, 74 patients were included. On the basis of chart review, 12 (16%) of those patients were defined as failures according to the criteria above. Age, history of prematurity (<34 weeks’ gestational age), weight, growth curve percentile, neurologic/developmental problems, genetic syndrome, cardiac abnormality, synchronous airway lesions, and surgical technique were considered in risk factor analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, revealing history of prematurity to be the only independent risk factor for failure (odds ratio = 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-22.1; P = .041). Conclusions. Outcomes after supraglottoplasty were comparable to previous reports in the literature. History of prematurity should be considered a risk factor for surgical failure.


Author(s):  
Danute Razuka-Ebela ◽  
Irisa Zile ◽  
Lilian Tzivian ◽  
Inguna Ebela ◽  
Inese Polaka ◽  
...  

Background and Aims: Although a family history of cancer (FHC) can modify the lifestyle and attitudes towards participation in cancer screening programs, studies on this relationship show mixed results and vary across populations. The objectives of the study were to compare sociodemographic characteristics, history of gastrointestinal (GI) investigations and Helicobacter pylori eradication, and modifiable cancer risk factors between those with FHC and those with no FHC (NFHC), and to investigate the association between FHC and a history of GI investigations. Methods: A total of 3,455 questionnaires from the pilot study of the “Helicobacter pylori eradication and pepsinogen testing for prevention of gastric cancer mortality (GISTAR study)” in Latvia were analysed. We compared sociodemographic characteristics and history of GI investigations between participants with self- reported FHC and NFHC. Binary logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics and modifiable cancer risk factors were built for a FHC and each GI investigation. Results: Participants with a FHC were more likely to be women, have a higher education and less likely to have harmful habits (smoking, alcohol consumption) than those with NFHC. Participants with a FHC were approximately twice as likely to report recent colorectal investigations specifically for screening, than those with NFHC. In fully adjusted logistic regression models, FHC was significantly associated with a recent history of faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), colonoscopies, and colorectal investigations (FOBT or colonoscopy) specifically for screening as part of the national organized screening programme. Conclusion. Our results indicate that those with a FHC have different patterns of health-related behaviour than those with NFHC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Junior Fantozzi ◽  
Roxanne Bavarian ◽  
Ibon Tamayo ◽  
Marie-Abele Bind ◽  
Sook-Bin Woo ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the 10th most common cancer in the United States (8th in males, 13th in females), with an estimated 54,010 new cases expected in 2021, and is primarily associated with smoked tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, areca nut use and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Family history of cancer (FHC) and family history of head and neck cancer (FHHNC) have been reported to play an important role in the development of OSCC. We aimed to investigate the role of FHC, FHHNC and personal history of cancer in first/second degree-relatives as co-risk factors for oral cancer. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OSCC at the Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at the Division of Head and Neck Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine whether OSCC was associated with FHC and FHHNC of FDRs and SDRs, personal history of cancer and secondary risk factors. Results Overall, we did not find an association between FHC, FHHNC and OSCC risk, whereas patients with a cancer history in one of their siblings were 1.6-times more likely to present with an OSCC. When secondary risk factors were considered, patients with a history of oral leukoplakia and dysplasia had a 16-times higher risk of having an OSCC. Conclusions Our study confirmed that a previous history of oral leukoplakia or dysplasia was an independent risk factor for OSCC. A positive family history of cancer in one or more siblings may be an additional risk factor for OSCC.


2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 578-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irit Aberbach ◽  
Liliana Schliamser ◽  
Zeev Blumenfeld ◽  
Benjamin Brenner ◽  
Galit Sarig

SummaryThe risk of thrombosis in women increases significantly during treatment with hormonal therapy (HT). The aim of this study was to evaluate ProC Global assay in women with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) while using HT. Protein C activation time normalized ratio (PCAT-NR) levels were significantly lower in 32 women with a history ofVTE while using HT (0.72 ± 0.1) compared with 56 healthy controls without HT, matched by age at blood sampling (0.99 ± 0.2) and 40 healthy controls with HT, matched by age and HT at VTE event (0.94 ± 0.2) (P<0.001 for both). PCAT-NR lower than the cut-off level of 0.8 was found in 23/32 (72%) patients compared with 5/56 (9%) age-matched controls (OR=26, 95%CI: 7-106, P<0.001) and 9/40 (22.5%) of HT-matched controls (OR=9, 95%CI: 2.7-30, P<0.001). Any thrombophilic risk factor was found in 20/32 (62.5%) of patients compared with 12/56 (21.4%) of agematched controls (OR=6, 95%CI: 2.1-10, P<0.001) and 12/40 (30%) of HT-matched controls (OR=4, 95%CI: 1.3-11.8, P=0.006).Out of the variables that are risk factors of VTE as age, HT or thrombophilic risk factor, ProC Global assay was found in the multivariate analysis - logistic regression, as the parameter that was the most associated with patient group [Exp(B)=15.8, 95% CI: 4.2-59.0, P<0.001]. In conclusion, abnormal PCAT-NR is associated with VTE in women using HT. ProC Global assay may potentially serve asa diagnostic tool for evaluating the risk of VTE in women prior to administration of HT.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihir Patel ◽  
Jennifer L Waller ◽  
Stephanie L Baer ◽  
Vanessa Spearman ◽  
Mufaddal Kheda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis have an increased risk of developing malignancies, but few data are available on cancer in patients with both conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the incidence of selected malignancies and identify their potential risk factors in HIV-infected dialysis patients. Methods This study was a nationwide cohort analysis using the US Renal Data System. Participants included all HIV-infected patients starting dialysis from 2005 to 2011. HIV status, comorbidities and malignancies were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models quantifying risk factors were performed for the overall cohort and the three most common malignancies. Results Overall, 6641 HIV-infected dialysis patients were identified, with 543 (8.2%) carrying a malignancy diagnosis. The most common malignancies were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, 25%), Kaposi sarcoma (KS, 16%) and colorectal cancer (13%). Factors increasing the risk of any malignancy diagnosis included: history of cancer [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 5.37], two or more acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining opportunistic infections (ADOIs) (aRR = 3.11), one ADOI (aRR = 2.23), cirrhosis (aRR = 2.20), male sex (aRR = 1.54) and hepatitis B (aRR = 1.52). For NHL and colorectal cancer, history of cancer (aRR = 7.05 and 9.80, respectively) was the most significant risk factor. For KS, two or more ADOIs (aRR = 6.78) was the largest risk factor. Conclusions Over 8% of HIV-infected dialysis patients developed a malignancy. History of cancer and ADOIs were major risk factors, underscoring the significance of immune dysregulation in malignancy development.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werayuth Srithum ◽  
Mai Kabayama ◽  
Yasuyuki Gondo ◽  
Yukie Masui ◽  
Yuya Akagi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Increasing older people make a cognitive impairment is a major health concerns among older and oldest people. Moreover, the stroke is a relevant contribution for cognitive decline and development of dementia.The study of cognitive decline focused on stroke as the important risk factor by recruiting older and oldest still lagging behind. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the importance of stroke as a risk factor of cognitive decline during three years in community dwelling older and oldest people. Methods: This study was longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up in Japan.The participants were1,333community dwelling older and oldest people (70 years old = 675, 80 years old = 589, and 90 years old = 69). Data collected included basic data (age, sex, and history of stroke), vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and current smoking), and social factors (educational level, frequency of going outdoors, long-term care (LTC) service used, and residential area). The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) was decline of ≥ 2 points was defined as cognitive decline. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between stroke and other risk factors with cognitive decline during a 3-year follow-up. Results: The fit of the hypothesized model by multiple logistic regression showed that a history of stroke, advanced age, and greater MoCA-J score at the baseline were important risk factors, while the presence of dyslipidemia and a higher educational level were protective factors that were significantly correlated with cognitive decline during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: The cognitive decline after the 3-year follow-up was influenced by the history of stroke and advanced age, while greater MoCA-J score at the baseline was associated with decline of the score after 3-year, but it was not supposed to be risk.The protective factors were the presence of dyslipidemia and a higher educational level. Therefore, these factors are considered important and should be taken into consideration when searching for creative solutions to prevent cognitive decline after stroke in community dwelling older and oldest people.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document