Association between frequency of spicy food consumption and hypertension: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract Background Hypertension is a known risk factor for multiple chronic diseases. Existing literature on the association between frequency of spicy food consumption and hypertension shows mixed findings. Methods The analyses are based on the Tongxiang baseline dataset of the China Kadoorie Biobank prospective study, including data from electronic questionnaires, physical measurements and blood sample collection. A total of 53,916 participants aged 30–79 years were included in the final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association of spicy food consumption with hypertension, and multiple linear regression was performed to explore the association of spicy food consumption with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results Of the 53,916 participants, 23,921 had prevalent hypertension. 12.3% of participants reported consuming spicy food weekly. Among female participants, after adjusting for socio-demographic status, lifestyle factors, BMI, waist circumference, sleep duration and snoring, when compared with females who never consumed spicy food, the odds ratios (95% CI) for hypertension were 1.02 (0.96–1.08), 0.90 (0.79–1.01), and 0.88 (0.78–0.99), respectively, for females who consumed spicy food less than once weekly, 1–2 times weekly, and ≥ 3 times weekly (Ptrend = 0.04). The corresponding odds ratios for males were 1.02 (0.95–1.09), 1.07 (0.95–1.20), and 0.91 (0.81–1.01), respectively (Ptrend = 0.39). Among current alcohol drinkers, compared to participants who never consumed spicy food, the odds ratio (95% CI) for hypertension among participants consuming spicy food daily was 0.98 (0.80–1.20). The corresponding figure for non-current drinkers was 0.72 (0.62–0.84). The association was stronger among non-current alcohol drinkers than among current drinkers (Pheterogeneity = 0.02). Conclusions Frequency of spicy food consumption is inversely associated with hypertension in females, but not in males.

Download Full-text

Spicy Food Consumption and Risk of Uninvestigated Heartburn in Isfahani Adults

Digestive Diseases ◽

10.1159/000502542 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 178-187

Author(s):

Somayeh Rajaie ◽

Soraiya Ebrahimpour-Koujan ◽

Ammar Hassanzadeh Keshteli ◽

Ahmad Esmaillzadeh ◽

Parvane Saneei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Habit ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Spicy Food ◽

High Consumption ◽

Rome Iii ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Background/Objective: Dietary recommendations for the consumption of spicy foods in uninvestigated heartburn are still under debate. We examine the association between spicy food consumption and the prevalence of uninvestigated heartburn in a large sample of Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 4,633 Iranian adults living in Isfahan (2,046 men, 2,587 women) in 2010. The average daily intake of spicy foods was estimated using a dietary habit questionnaire. Uninvestigated heartburn was defined, using a validated Rome III questionnaire, as the presence of heartburn sometimes, often or always during the last 3 months. Results: Uninvestigated heartburn was prevalent in 23.8% (n = 1,103) of participants. After controlling for potential confounders, including dietary behaviors and body mass index, men consuming spicy foods ≥10 times/week were 2.63 times more likely to have uninvestigated heartburn (95% CI:1.28–5.36) compared with those who never consumed spicy foods. Also, those men with the highest consumption of spicy foods were 3 times more likely to experience heartburn frequently (95% CI 1.44–6.39) compared with men with the lowest intake. No overall significant associations were found between the consumption of spicy foods and uninvestigated heartburn, including the frequency and severity of heartburn, in women. When the analysis was restricted to those with uninvestigated heartburn, no significant associations were found between consumption of spicy foods and frequency of heartburn either in men or women. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that high consumption of spicy foods was associated with a greater risk of uninvestigated heartburn in men, but not in women. Further studies, particularly of a prospective nature, are needed to confirm our findings, as well as underlying mechanisms.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of menopausal hot flashes in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v19i9.9711 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 789-800

Author(s):

Hala Ahmadieh ◽

Nadia Jradi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Body Mass ◽

Hot Flashes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Spicy Food

Background: Menopausal hot flashes or vasomotor symptoms are prevalent and could be debilitating in postmenopausal women. There is controversy regarding the risk factors for hot flashes, some of which may vary from one country or culture to another. Objective: To shed light on this matter by assessing the prevalence of hot flashes, their effect on quality of life, and their association with certain factors such as physical exercise, caffeine, spicy food consumption, dietary intake, smoking, alcohol, etc. Materials and Methods: A large cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 Lebanese women, aged 45-67 yr using a well-developed and comprehensive questionnaire, in order to better assess the prevalence of hot flashes, focusing on their characteristics, association with various factors, severity, and effect on the women’s quality of life. Results: 62.5% of participants experienced hot flashes. A statistically significant difference was noted between women who experience hot flashes and their counterparts with respect to smoking, body mass index, spicy food consumption, education level, age, menstrual status, and parity. An association was not found with physical activity or other dietary factors. Conclusion: As an alternative for hormone therapy, clinicians should consider lifestyle changes to help manage hot flashes, which impose a tremendous physical and social toll on the women experiencing them. Key words: Menopause, Diet, Body mass index, Quality of life, Smoking.

Download Full-text

FOOD CONSUMPTION OF CHILDREN AGED 1 TO 5 IN PHUOC VINH WARD, HUE CITY BY 24 HOURS FOOD RECORDING

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2015.4_5.21 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 153-161

Author(s):

Thi Bach Yen Hoang ◽

Thi Hai Pham ◽

Dinh Tuyen Hoang ◽

Thi Huong Le ◽

Van Thang Vo

Keyword(s):

Total Energy ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Economic Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Food Groups ◽

Food Record ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Consumption Survey ◽

Food Consumed

Food consumption survey is an essential parts of nutrition surveys. It helps to determine the type and quantity of food consumed, assessing the balance of the diet, the relationship between nutrient intake and health, diseases, and economic status, culture society... There are many methods to investigate food consumption. 24-hour food record is a method that record all food consumed by the subject during previous 24 hours. Using this method in chidren helps to assess the their diet to see if it responses the demand in order to have proper nutrition. Objectives: 1. Calculating the number of each food groups consumed within 24 hours of children 1 to 5 years in Phuoc Vinh ward, Hue City; 2. Assessing the quality of their diet and some related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was implemented on 200 pairs of children aged 1 to 5 and parents or caregivers living in Phuoc Vinh ward, Hue city and some related factors. Results: 82% of the children’s diets covered 4 food groups. Prevalence of glucide, protein, lipide out of the total energy intake were 44.1%, 19.5%, 36.3% respectively within group of 12-<48 months and 50%, 19.5%, 30.6% respectively within group of 48-<72 months. Total energy and protein intake were higher than demanded (p <0.05) while glucide and lipide were lower than demanded (p <0.05). Economical status of family was significant associated with variety of food (all 4 food groups) in the diet of children (p <0.05) and total energy consumed (p <0.05). Conclusion: The children did not have proper nutrition so further research need to be implemented to have suitable interventions. Key words: 24 hours food records, children aged 1 to 5, Hue city.

Download Full-text

Immuno-biological Assessments of Temporomandibular Joint Disease in Patients with Immune-mediated Rheumatic Conditions. A cross sectional study of 273 cases

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.17.12.6023 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (12) ◽

pp. 2987-2991

Author(s):

Cristina Iordache ◽

Bogdan Vascu ◽

Eugen Ancuta ◽

Rodica Chirieac ◽

Cristina Pomirleanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Temporomandibular Joint ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Joint Disease ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Immune Parameters ◽

Immune Mediated

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is commonly involved in various immune-mediated rheumatic disorders accounting for significant disability and impaired quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess inflammatory and immune parameters in patients with TMJ arthritis related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify potential relation with severity and dysfunction of TMJ pathology. We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 433 consecutive RA, 32 JIA, 258 AS, and 103 PsA. Only patients presenting with clinically significant TMJ involvement (273) related to their rheumatic condition were included in the final analysis. TMJ involvement is traditionally described in chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders, particularly in patients with higher levels of inflammation as detected in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Disease activity and severity, as well as biological and positive serological assessments (rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, IL-1) remain significant determinants of the severity of TMJ arthritis.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of MDR organism (MDRO) carriage in children and their household members in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

10.1093/jacamr/dlaa097 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Shweta R Singh ◽

Bunsoth Mao ◽

Konstantin Evdokimov ◽

Pisey Tan ◽

Phana Leab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Final Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

E Coli ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Siem Reap ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Significant Public Health ◽

History Of

Abstract Background The rising incidence of infections caused by MDR organisms (MDROs) poses a significant public health threat. However, little has been reported regarding community MDRO carriage in low- and middle-income countries. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Siem Reap, Cambodia comparing hospital-associated households, in which an index child (age: 2–14 years) had been hospitalized for at least 48 h in the preceding 2–4 weeks, with matched community households on the same street, in which no other child had a recent history of hospitalization. Participants were interviewed using a survey questionnaire and tested for carriage of MRSA, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) by culture followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. We used logistic regression analysis to analyse associations between collected variables and MDRO carriage. Results Forty-two pairs of households including 376 participants with 376 nasal swabs and 290 stool specimens were included in final analysis. MRSA was isolated from 26 specimens (6.9%). ESBL-producing Escherichia coli was detected in 269 specimens (92.8%) whereas ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from 128 specimens (44.1%), of which 123 (42.4%) were co-colonized with ESBL-producing E. coli. Six (2.1%) specimens tested positive for CPE (4 E. coli and 2 K. pneumoniae). The prevalence ratios for MRSA, ESBL-producing E. coli and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae carriage did not differ significantly in hospital-associated households and hospitalized children compared with their counterparts. Conclusions The high prevalence of ESBL-E across both household types suggests that MDRO reservoirs are common in the community. Ongoing genomic analyses will help to understand the epidemiology and course of MDRO spread.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Health Care Workers in the United States

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9020119 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 119 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Rahul Shekhar ◽

Abu Baker Sheikh ◽

Shubhra Upadhyay ◽

Mriganka Singh ◽

Saket Kottewar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Final Analysis ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Care Workers ◽

Vaccination Acceptance ◽

Study Population ◽

To Receive

Background: Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine will play a major role in combating the pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the first group to receive vaccination, so it is important to consider their attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination acceptance. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to assess the attitude of HCWs toward COVID-19 vaccination. Data were collected between 7 October and 9 November 2020. We received 4080 responses out of which 3479 were complete responses and were included in the final analysis. Results: 36% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available while 56% were not sure or would wait to review more data. Only 8% of HCWs do not plan to get vaccine. Vaccine acceptance increased with increasing age, education, and income level. A smaller percentage of female (31%), Black (19%), Lantinx (30%), and rural (26%) HCWs were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available than the overall study population. Direct medical care providers had higher vaccine acceptance (49%). Safety (69%), effectiveness (69%), and speed of development/approval (74%) were noted as the most common concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination in our survey.

Download Full-text

Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the ‘Third Wave’ of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072380 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2380

Author(s):

Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽

Jara Díaz-Jimenez ◽

Ignacio Rosety ◽

Maria José M. Alférez ◽

Antonio Jesús Díaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Third Wave ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

The Third ◽

Moderate Stress

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the “third wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress—more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the ‘third wave’ of this pandemic increased food consumption.

Download Full-text

Socioeconomic and Geographic Pattern of Food Consumption and Dietary Diversity among Children Aged 6–23 Months Old in Ghana

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020603 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 603

Author(s):

Isaac Anane ◽

Fengying Nie ◽

Jiaqi Huang

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Child Nutrition ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Food Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dairy Consumption

Dietary inadequacy is a major challenge among young children in Ghana. Nutritional policies are required for optimum child nutrition and development. This study explored food consumption and dietary diversity by socioeconomic status and geographical location among children aged 6–23 months in Ghana. We used the latest national representative, cross-sectional data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS-2014). A total of 887 children aged 6–23 months were used in the final analysis. The survey collected data on children’s food consumption through their mothers in the 24 h recall method. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status and geographical location with food consumption and adequate dietary diversity after adjusting for control variables. The study revealed an association between specific food item consumption, food groups, and dietary diversity by socioeconomic and geographic characteristics. However, dairy consumption increased faster than other nutritional foods when socioeconomic status increased. Furthermore, the study revealed that children’s chances of consuming particular food items and food groups differed across Ghana’s 10 regions. The average probabilities of consuming adequate dietary diversity between the Greater Accra region and Ashanti region were 43% vs. 8% (p < 0.001). Consumption of grains, root, and tubers were relatively higher but low for Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and legumes and nuts for children aged 6–23 months in Ghana. Overall, the mean dietary diversity score was low (3.39; 95% CI: 3.30–3.49) out of eight food groups, and the prevalence of adequate dietary diversity was 22% only. There is a need for policy interventions to ensure appropriate dietary practices to promote healthy growth of children.

Download Full-text

Job satisfaction and its associated factors among optometrists in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-020-01650-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽

Eldad Agyei-Manu ◽

David Ben Kumah ◽

Anthony Danso-Appiah ◽

Abubakar Sadik Mohammed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Human Resources ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Critical Role ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eye Health ◽

Overall Job Satisfaction

Abstract Background Job satisfaction describes an employee’s motivation and/or feeling of satisfaction towards his/her work. Globally, healthcare professionals’ turnover and retention play a critical role in the delivery of essential health services. In Ghana, however, little has been done to ascertain job satisfaction levels among human resources for eye-health. The objective of this study therefore was to assess job satisfaction and its associated factors among optometrists in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 304 registered and licensed optometrists of the Ghana Optometric Association between September 2018 and June 2019. A validated, well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics of participants and measures on job satisfaction. Scores from a five-point Likert scale was employed to examine job satisfaction and its associated factors. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between overall job satisfaction and its associated factors using Rasch logit scores. Results A total of 214 optometrists gave valid responses to the questionnaires used for the final analysis. The mean (± SD) score of the overall perception of job satisfaction among optometrists was 3.36 (± 1.00), with 74.3% of them being satisfied with their jobs. After statistical adjustment, Good work-life balance (Unstandardized co-efficient (β) = 0.288, p = 0.001), Salary (β = 0.222, p < 0.0005), Supervision (β = 0.117, p = 0.044), and Continuing Education Opportunities (β = 0.138, p = 0.017) were all significantly associated with higher levels of overall job satisfaction. Conclusions Most optometrists were satisfied with their jobs. Effective strategic planning and management of human resources for eye-health in Ghana are essential in the development of quality eye-health systems and the provision of high-quality eyecare services.

Download Full-text

Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2289 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Belén Ruíz-Roso ◽

Patricia de Carvalho Padilha ◽

Diana C. Matilla-Escalante ◽

Paola Brun ◽

Natalia Ulloa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latin America ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consumption Data ◽

Food Consumption Data

Aim: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16–19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80–4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20–0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.

Download Full-text