scholarly journals Home environment and noise disturbance in a national sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden-associations with medical symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Wang ◽  
Dan Norbäck
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Ground Floor ◽  
Noise Disturbance ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Medical Symptoms ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background Poor acoustic conditions at home can have negative health impact. The aim was to investigate home environment factors and medical symptoms associated with noise disturbance. Methods All adults (≥18 y) registered in selected apartments in Sweden were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey including medical questions and personal factors. Totally 5775 adults participated (response rate 46%). Information on home environment was obtained through an indoor environment questionnaire. Two-level logistic regression models (individual, municipality) were performed to estimate associations. Results Totally 11.9% reported noise disturbance in general at home. Noise disturbance from voice/radio/TV/music/similar sounds from neighbours (13.2%), scraping sound/footsteps/thumping from neighbours (16.5%) and road traffic (16.1%) were common. Younger age and smoking were related to more noise disturbance and more medical symptoms. Noise disturbance was related to tiredness, headache and difficulty concentrating (OR = 1.70–8.19). Renting the apartment (OR = 2.53) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.37) were related to more noise disturbance in general. Living in newer buildings (constructed from 1986 to 2005) was related to less noise disturbance in general (OR = 0.40–0.59). A warmer climate (OR = 1.95), higher municipality population density (OR = 1.24), a longer living time (OR = 1.34), construction year (1961–1975) (OR = 2.42), renting (OR = 1.80–2.32), living above ground floor (OR = 1.45) and having a bathroom fan (OR = 1.84) were associated with increased noise disturbance from neighbours. Factors associated with increased noise disturbance from installations or ventilation/fans/heat pumps included a warmer climate, higher municipality population density, construction year (1961–1995), renting and any mechanical ventilation. Higher municipality population density, construction year (especially 1961–1985) and renting were associated with more noise disturbance from traffic (OR = 1.77–3.92). Renting the apartment (OR = 1.73) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.60) were related to more severe traffic noise disturbances. Noise disturbance in general was partly a mediator of the effects of old buildings, renting the apartment and lack of mechanical ventilation on medical symptoms (% of total effect mediated by noise disturbance: 19–44.8%). Conclusions Noise disturbance can be associated medical symptoms. Younger age, smoking, a warmer climate, higher municipality population density and different building factors (e.g. renting the apartment, construction period 1961–1985) can be associated with noise disturbance.

scholarly journals Home Environment and Noise Annoyance in a National Sample of Multi-Family Buildings in Sweden- Associations with Stress-Related Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Wang ◽  
Dan Norbäck
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Ground Floor ◽  
Noise Annoyance ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background: Poor acoustic condition at home can have negative health impact. The aim was to investigate home environment factors and stress symptoms associated with noise annoyance. Methods: All adults (≥18 y) registered in selected apartments in Sweden were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey including medical questions and personal factors. Totally 5775 adults participated (response rate 46%). Information on home environment was obtained through an indoor environment questionnaire. Two-level logistic regression models (individual, municipality) were performed to estimate associations.Results: Totally 11.2% reported any frequent noise at home. Voice/radio/TV/music/similar sounds from neighbours (13.2%) and scraping sound/footsteps/thumping from neighbours (16.5%) and road traffic (16.1%). Younger participants reported more noise annoyance and more stress-related symptoms. Females were more sensitive to noise from neighbours and traffic noise causing severe effects. Noise annoyance was related to tiredness, headache and difficulty concentrating (OR=1.70-8.19), and noise annoyance from many sources was related to a higher risk of symptoms. A warmer climate (OR=1.30), buildings constructed from 1961-1985 (OR=1.50-1.85), renting (OR=1.83) and living alone (OR=1.42) were related to more noise annoyance. A warmer climate (OR=1.95), higher municipality population density (OR=1.24), a longer living time (OR=1.34), construction year (1961-1975) (OR=2.42), renting (OR=1.80-2.32), living above ground floor (OR=1.45) and having a bathroom fan (OR=1.84) were associated with increased noise annoyance from neighbours. Factors associated with increased noise annoyance from installations or ventilation/fans/heat pumps included a warmer climate, higher municipality population density, construction year (1961-1995), renting and any mechanical ventilation. Higher municipality population density, construction year (especially 1961-1985) and renting were associated with more noise annoyance from traffic (OR=1.77-3.92). Renting (OR=1.73) and living above ground floor (OR=1.60) were related to more severe traffic noise effects.Conclusions: The present study shows that noise annoyance may cause stress-related symptoms. Younger age, female gender, living alone, a longer living time, a warmer climate, higher municipality population density and building factors (renting, construction period 1961-1975, living above ground floor and mechanical ventilation system) were related to more noise annoyance.

scholarly journals Effect of school reopening on SARS-CoV-2 incidence in a low-prevalence region: Prospective SARS-CoV-2 testing in healthcare workers with primary school-attending children versus without children living at home

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110124
Author(s):  
Melvin Frie ◽  
Lisa M Havinga ◽  
Janneke Wiersema-Buist ◽  
Charlotte G Veldman ◽  
Marjan JT de Vries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Regional Strategies ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
At Home

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often presents asymptomatically or milder in children compared to adults. The role of young children in the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains largely unknown. In the Netherlands, the first action of loosening the partial lockdown that had been implemented to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission was the reopening of primary schools on 1 May 2020. We subsequently conducted a prospective cohort study among healthcare workers (HCWs) with primary school-attending children versus HCWs without children living at home. We tested each HCW three times for SARS-CoV-2 from May 20 to June 15 2020 at 1-week intervals. In total, 832 nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from 283 HCWs with primary school-attending children living at home and 864 nasopharyngeal swabs from 285 HCWs without children living at home. All nasopharyngeal swabs tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. In our region with a low population density and low SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, reopening of primary schools did not lead to an increase in infections. The results of this study may serve as an example for the implementation of regional strategies to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in countries with large variations in both population density and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence.

Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Outcomes: A Study at King Khalid Hospital (KKH), Najran, Saudi Arabia, June 2018–June 2019

2021 ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Ahood Mahjari
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Traffic Accident ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
National Data ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Cord Injury

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing neurological injury that puts a significant load on the healthcare system. SCI can be caused by several reasons such as road traffic accident (RTA), motor traffic accident (MTA), fall, gunshots, or bomb blast. There is not much national data concerning the etiology of SCI in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we conducted this study to quantify the number of SCI incidence at King Khalid Hospital (KKH), Najran between June 2018 and June 2019. The study aimed at reviewing the rate and epidemiology of SCI at KKH for all patients admitted to the hospital during the study period and examining the causes of SCI for suggesting prevention strategies. Methodology: This retrospective study included all patients with SCI admitted to KKH during the mentioned period. Several factors for each patient were recorded including their age, gender, nationality, cause of SCI, and the outcomes of neurological injury. Result: In total, 182 SCI patients were admitted during the study period: 53% of them were male, and those aged 16–30 years were most vulnerable to SCI. RTA was the most common cause of SCI for males (59%), followed by bomb blasts (15%). While fall was ranked as the second cause of SCI in males (15.4%), it was the main reason for SCI in females 13%, followed by RTA. The majority of admitted cases in younger age was stable and improved, however, after RTA four patients had quadriplegia and six cases had paraplegia. Conclusion: RTA is the most common cause of SCI followed by fall and bomb blast. Younger patients are more likely to improve after SCI compared to elderly patients.

Long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation for children at home: A national survey

2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Fauroux ◽  
C. Boffa ◽  
I. Desguerre ◽  
B. Estournet ◽  
H. Trang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
At Home

Mechanical ventilation at home

BMJ ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 298 (6688) ◽  
pp. 1643-1643
Author(s):  
J W H Watt ◽  
K R Krishnan
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
At Home

scholarly journals Asian Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Hospital-At-Home: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Feng Lai ◽  
Yee Wei Lim ◽  
Win Sen Kuan ◽  
Joel Goh ◽  
John Tshon Yit Soong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Environment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Hospital At Home ◽  
Medical Wards ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
At Home

Introduction: Hospital-at-Home (HaH) programmes are well-established in Australia, Europe, and the United States. However, there is limited experience in Asia, where the hospital is traditionally seen as a safe and trusted space for healing. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore attitudes and perceptions among patients and caregivers in Singapore toward this care model.Methods: A quantitative study design was adopted to collect data among patients and their caregivers from medical wards within two acute hospitals in Singapore. Using a series of closed-ended and open-ended questions, the investigator-administered survey aimed to explore barriers and facilitators determining patients' and caregivers' responses. The study questionnaire was pretested and validated. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression was performed to determine key factors influencing patients' decisions to enrol in such programmes.Results: Survey responses were collected from 120 participants (101 patients, 19 caregivers; response rate: 76%), of which 87 respondents (72.5%) expressed willingness to try HaH if offered. Many respondents valued non-quantifiable programme benefits, including perceived gains in quality of life. Among them, reasons cited for acceptance included preference for the comfort of their home environment, presence of family members, and confidence toward remote monitoring modalities. Among respondents who were unwilling to accept HaH, a common reason indicated was stronger confidence toward hospital care.Discussion: Most patients surveyed were open to having acute care delivered in their home environment, and concerns expressed may largely be addressed by operational considerations. The findings provide useful insights toward the planning of HaH programmes in Singapore.

Catheters at home: managing urinary catheters in the home environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 370-376
Author(s):  
Drew Payne
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Urinary Catheters ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Common ◽  
At Home

In England, there are some 90000 people with catheters in the community, and community nurses often have to manage catheter-related problems. This article looks at these common catheter problems found in the community, for example, blockage, infections and positioning problems. These problems were identified by a literature review and from the author's experience, from many years working in the community. It has been found that education, knowledge, empowerment and communication are vital factors affecting patients' ability to manager their catheters themselves. The article begins with a discussion about how patients can be involved in and manage many aspects of care for their own catheters. It goes on to talk about the common catheter-associated problems and how these can be avoided or addressed. It is hoped that better management of catheter-associated complications in the community settings can prevent unnecessary visits to the emergency department, which will save time and costs for the health service, as well as avoid the negative impact of these on patient lives.

Severe Acute Asthma in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Six Years' Experience

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 1023-1028
Author(s):  
Renato Stein ◽  
Gerard J. Canny ◽  
Desmond J. Bohn ◽  
Joseph J. Reisman ◽  
Henry Levison
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Acute Asthma ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Oral Corticosteroids ◽  
Severe Acute Asthma ◽  
At Home

The management of children with severe acute asthma who required admission to the intensive care (ICU) of this hospital during 1982 to 1988 was reviewed retrospectively. A total of 89 children were admitted to the ICU on 125 occasions. During the study period, 24% of the patients were admitted to the ICU on more than one occasion. Prior to admission to this hospital, patients had been symptomatic for a mean of 48 hours. Although all patients had received bronchodilators before admission to hospital, only 23% of patients had received oral corticosteroids. According to initial arterial blood gas values determined in the ICU, 77% of the patients had hypercapnia (PaCO2 >45 mm Hg). The pharmacologic agents used in the ICU included nebulized β2agonists (100% of admissions), theophylline (99%), steroids (94%), nebulized ipratropium bromide (10%), IV albuterol (38%), and IV isoproterenol (10%). Mechanical ventilation was necessary in 33% of admissions; the mean duration of ventilation was 32 hours. Ten patients had pneumothorax; in six cases, these were related to mechanical ventilation. Three of the patients who received mechanical ventilation died, representing a mortality of 7.5%. In each of these patients, sudden, severe asthma episodes had developed at home, resulting in respiratory arrest. They had evidence of hypoxic encephalopathy at the time of admission to the ICU and eventually were declared brain dead. It was concluded that delay in seeking medical care and underuse of oral corticosteroids at home may have contributed to the need for ICU admission. The mortality and morbidity for children with severe asthma who require ICU admissions are small, provided that bronchodilators and IV steroids are used optimally and that patients who require mechanical ventilation are carefully selected.

The Effect of the Home Environment on the Reading Achievement of Children with Low Vision

1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 293-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.W. Leffert ◽  
R.M. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Reading Achievement ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
At Home

This study examined the reading achievement of 49 children with low vision and the contribution of the home environment to their reading. It found that the children with no books at home read less well than those who had books at home and that no other home variables were related to reading achievement. Despite the lack of evidence of a relationship between the home environment and reading achievement, observations indicated that practices in most homes supported the acquisition of literacy.

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