PREVALENCE OF PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS INFECTION BY INTRADERMAL REACTION IN RURAL AREAS IN ALFENAS, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of paracoccidioidal infection by intradermal reaction (Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity, DTH) to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in rural areas in Alfenas, Southern Minas Gerais (MG) State, Brazil, and to assess risk factors (gender, occupation, age, alcohol intake and smoking) associated with infection. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using intradermal tests with gp 43 paracoccidioidin in 542 participants, who were previously contacted by local health agents and so spontaneously attended the test. Participants underwent an interview by filling out a registration form with epidemiological data and were tested with an intradermal administration of 0.1 mL of paracoccidioidin in the left forearm. The test was read 48 hours after injection and was considered positive if induration was greater than or equal to 5 mm. Out of 542 participants, 46.67% were positive to the skin test. Prevalence increased in accordance with an increase of age. There was statistical significance only for males. Occupation, alcohol intake and smoking habits were not significantly associated with the risk of paracoccidioidomycosis infection. There is relevance of paracoccidioidomycosis infection in such rural areas, which suggests that further epidemiological and clinical studies on this mycosis should be done in the southern part of Minas Gerais State.

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A cross-sectional study to assess knowledge of women about cervical cancer: an urban and rural comparison

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-021-00986-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Małgorzata Lesińska-Sawicka

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Correct Answer ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Average Life Expectancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

The City

Abstract Introduction Cervical cancer and its etiopathogenesis, the age of women in whom it is diagnosed, average life expectancy, and prognosis are information widely covered in scientific reports. However, there is no coherent information regarding which regions—urban or rural—it may occur more often. This is important because the literature on the subject reports that people living in rural areas have a worse prognosis when it comes to detection, treatment, and life expectancy than city dwellers. Material and methods The subjects of the study were women and their knowledge about cervical cancer. The research was carried out using a survey directly distributed among respondents and via the Internet, portals, and discussion groups for women from Poland. Three hundred twenty-nine women took part in the study, including 164 from rural and 165 from urban areas. The collected data enabled the following: (1) an analysis of the studied groups, (2) assessment of the respondents’ knowledge about cervical cancer, and (3) comparison of women’s knowledge depending on where they live. Results The average assessment of all respondents’ knowledge was 3.59, with women living in rural areas scoring 3.18 and respondents from the city—4.01. Statistical significance (p < 0.001) between the level of knowledge and place of residence was determined. The results indicate that an increase in the level of education in the subjects significantly increases the chance of getting the correct answer. In the case of age analysis, the coefficients indicate a decrease in the chance of obtaining the correct answer in older subjects despite the fact that a statistically significant level was reached in individual questions. Conclusions Women living in rural areas have less knowledge of cervical cancer than female respondents from the city. There is a need for more awareness campaigns to provide comprehensive information about cervical cancer to women in rural areas. A holistic approach to the presented issue can solve existing difficulties and barriers to maintaining health regardless of the place of life and residence. Implication for cancer survivors They need intensive care for women’s groups most burdened with risk factors.

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Comparative assessment of overweight/obesity among rural and urban reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Evidence from a cross-sectional 2016 national survey

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/0260106020982346 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026010602098234

Author(s):

Gizachew Worku Dagnew ◽

Melash Belachew Asresie

Keyword(s):

Family Size ◽

Health Problem ◽

Rural Women ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reproductive Age Women

Background: Overweight/obesity has become a global health problem for both developed and developing regions. Nowadays, overweight/obesity among childrearing-age women has become rapidly increasing in both urban and rural areas. Aim: This study aimed to assess the variation of overweight/obesity among urban and rural reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods: For this study, the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data were used. The survey was a community-based cross-sectional study, which used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select the participants. A total of 13,451 reproductive-age women were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and analytical analysis was performed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used as the measure of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among urban reproductive-age women was statistically higher ( p = 21.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 18.2–25.1) than the rural women ( p = 3.5%; 95% CI: 2.9%–4.2%). Women who attend secondary or above education, women in the age groups 25–34 and ≥ 35 years, and high wealth index (rich) had higher odds of overweight/obesity in both urban and rural women. Moreover, women who were married, who had a large family size, and who have a history of alcohol intake had higher odds of overweight/obesity among urban women. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity among reproductive-age women is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially for women who are living in urban settings. Therefore, it is important to establish targeted overweight reduction programs with particular emphasis on urban, older aged, educated, and married women. Additionally, encouraging the limitation of the number of family size and alcohol intake can reduce women’s overweight/obesity.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension Among Adults living in the City of Bandundu, Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-144209/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ferdinand Mukoso ◽

Aliocha Nkodila ◽

François Lepira ◽

Pascal Bayauli ◽

Yves Lubenga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

Abstract Background and aim: In limited resource settings, reliable epidemiological data generated from hypertension high risk geographical areas or people is a prerequisite for the planning of proven and effective interventions. The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence, awareness, control and factors associated with hypertension in adults living in the port City of Bandundu, located in the southwestern part of DRC.Methods: a cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection during face-to face interviews was conducted from 1st May to 30th October 2018. A multistage cluster sampling method was used and inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and informed consent. Information on demographic parameters, behavioral lifestyles, anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements was obtained. Hypertension was defined as an average of two BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or self-reported history of antihypertensive medication use. Independent factors associated with hypertension were identified using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 34,5% (Women 36,6 %). Older age (p<0.001), subclinical atherosclerosis (p= 0.021), sleep duration <8 hours (p<0.002), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and obesity (p= 0.009) emerged as main cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension.Conclusion: Hypertension was characterized by a high prevalence, low rate of awareness and suboptimal BP control, high cardiovascular risk and associated sleep duration and obesity as modifiable risk factors.

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Status and disparities of diabetes among urban and rural residents aged 40 years and older: insight from a population-based study in northeast China, 2017–2019

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health ◽

10.1136/jech-2020-213755 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jech-2020-213755

Author(s):

Liying Xing ◽

Yuanmeng Tian ◽

Li Jing ◽

Min Lin ◽

Zhi Du ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Northeast China ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Haemoglobin A1c ◽

Rural Residents ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence

ObjectivesTo evaluate the up-to-date epidemiology of diabetes in northeast China.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2017 and March 2019 using a multistage, stratified and cluster random sampling method. 18 796 participants (28.9% urban and 71.1% rural) aged ≥40 years were enrolled. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were diagnosed according to the history, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes was 17.1%, higher in urban than in rural residents (20.2% vs 15.8%, p<0.001). Meanwhile, the prevalence of pre-diabetes was 44.3%, higher in rural than in urban areas (49.4% vs 31.8%, p<0.001). The overall FPG and HbA1c were 6.10±1.94 mmol/L and 5.59%±1.08%. The FPG level was higher in rural area than in urban areas (6.15±1.83 mmol/L vs 5.97±2.18 mmol/L, p<0.001). Among participants with diabetes, 47.5% were aware of their diabetes condition; 39.5% were taking antidiabetic medications and 36.8% of people had their diabetes controlled. The awareness and treatment rates in rural areas were lower than those in urban areas (47.3% vs 57.5%, 34.4% vs 49.5%, p<0.001). Patients with diabetic, especially those in rural areas, tended to have multiple risk factors including hypertension (71.7%), overweight or obesity (69.6%) and dyslipidaemia (52.8%).ConclusionA considerable burden of diabetes was observed in northeast China, with high percentage of untreated diabetes, high prevalence of pre-diabetes, high overall FPG level and multiple uncontrolled risk factors in patients with diabetics. Therefore, region-specific strategies on prevention and management of diabetes should be emphasised.

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Smoking in adults in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil: a population-based study

Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia ◽

10.1590/1809-4503201400040016 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 989-1000 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Patricia Merly Martinelli ◽

Creso Machado Lopes ◽

Pascoal Torres Muniz ◽

Orivado Florencio de Souza

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lower Amount ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Waking Up ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the associations between smoking and socioeconomic status, and to analyze the profile of smokers in the city of Rio Branco, Acre. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study conducted with 1,512 adults living in urban and rural areas. Information about demographic aspects, socioeconomic status and smoking habits were collected through home interviews. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of smoking was of 19.9%. Males had a higher prevalence (22.7%) in contrast to females (17.6%). By age, a higher prevalence was observed at 50 - 59 years in males (30.9%) and at 40 - 49 years in females (23.8%). A linear trend was observed between the higher prevalence of smoking and the lower amount of years of education and income (p < 0.05). The profile of smokers indicated that the majority, in both genders, began smoking at age 15, smoked between 1 and 10 cigarettes per day, lit the first cigarette of the day 60 minutes after waking up and had tried to quit smoking at least twice. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of smoking is a relevant public health problem in Rio Branco. Community actions must be implemented for the prevention and control of tobacco use.

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Stroke prevalence among the Turkish population in a rural area of Istanbul: A community-based study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312118797565 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 205031211879756 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ülkü Türk Börü ◽

Ahmet Şükrü Kulualp ◽

Ömer Faruk Tarhan ◽

Cem Bölük ◽

Arda Duman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Area ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Turkish Population ◽

Population Based ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Middle East Countries ◽

Stroke Prevalence ◽

Male Female Ratio

Background: The population-based information on the prevalence of stroke from rural areas of Middle East countries including Turkey is unknown. Our aim is to evaluate the prevalence of stroke in those ⩾18 years in the Turkish population in a rural area of Istanbul. Methods: A cross-sectional door-to-door study was conducted in a rural area of Istanbul between 1 March and 30 March 2013. A research protocol recommended by World Health Organization for developing countries was used. Each screening teams consisted of one neurologist, one local nurse, and five surveyors. Teams were trained about the survey and questionnaire. The patients, who claimed to have suffered a stroke, were examined, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist on site. The findings and medical records were documented. Results: In total, 2906 people ⩾18 years were screened. 50 stroke cases were detected. 80% of those were found to have had an ischemic stroke, 14% of those were hemorrhagic cases, and 6% of those had an unclassified stroke type. The overall prevalence rate in those ⩾ 18 years was 1.7%. The male/female ratio was 0.92. Young (<45) stroke prevalence was found to be 0.6%. Conclusion: This study was the first of its kind to show the stroke prevalence among Turkish population ⩾ 18 years in a rural area of Istanbul. When compared to other studies which investigate people ⩾45 years from Turkey, the result (in the same age group) was moderate high. The male/female ratio was low compared to many other studies.

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Use of generic medicines by the Brazilian population: an evaluation of PNAUM 2014

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s1518-8787.2016050006120 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (suppl 2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andréa Dâmaso Bertoldi ◽

Paulo Sergio Dourado Arrais ◽

Noemia Urruth Leão Tavares ◽

Luiz Roberto Ramos ◽

Vera Lucia Luiza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health System ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Education Level ◽

Generic Medicines ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

Economic Class ◽

Unified Health System

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the existence of differences in the use of generic medicines in Brazil according to demographic and socioeconomic variables and acquisition sources of the medicines. METHODS Population-based cross-sectional study, conducted with data from the Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM – National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines). Data collection took place between September, 2013 and February, 2014 in homes of Brazilian cities (urban area). The use of medicines has been investigated in relation to the treatment of chronic diseases and, in the case of acute events, regarding use over the previous 15 days. Generics were identified by visualization of packaging presented by the users of the medicines. The independent variables used were sex, age, education level, economic class, and region of the Country. The statistical significance of differences between the groups was evaluated by Pearson’s Chi-squared test, considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS The prevalence of generic medicines use was 45.5% (95%CI 43.7–47.3). There was no difference considering education level. The prevalence was higher in females (47.0%; 95%CI 44.9–49.0) than in males (43.1%; 95%CI 40.5–45.8), and were higher with increasing age. Generic medicines were more used in the economic class C (47.0%; 95%CI 44.9–49.1) and in the South (50.6%; 95%CI 46.6–54.6) and Southeast (49.9%; 95%CI 46.8–53.0) regions. Generics accounted for 37.3% of the medicines provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System. CONCLUSIONS Currently, there is a choice of purchase or free provision by the Brazilian Unified Health System, characterized by quality assurance and reduced price regarding branded medicines considered as reference. In the private market, a considerable part of the population is choosing generic medicines thanks to the availability of this option for virtually all medicines most used by the population.

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Public Awareness of Tuberculosis in Southeast China: A Population-Based Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16214290 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (21) ◽

pp. 4290 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xinyi Chen ◽

Wei Wang ◽

Xiaomeng Wang ◽

Chengliang Chai ◽

Kui Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Zhejiang Province ◽

First Line ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Therapeutic Drugs ◽

And Control

Few provinces in China have recently conducted population-based surveys on tuberculosis (TB) awareness at the provincial level. Hence, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study to evaluate the level of awareness of TB knowledge among residents of Zhejiang Province, China from October 2018 to December 2018. A total of 7174 individuals were randomly selected to participate in this survey. The rate of awareness of key information on TB was found to be 48.0%. The study’s participants exhibited a good understanding of the transmission route (80.8%), curable outcome (78.3%), and designated treatment sites (67.0%) of TB. The rate of awareness of suspicious TB symptoms (36.1%) and the relief policy on diagnosis and first-line therapeutic drugs (38.0%) were found to be relatively low among the respondents. People living in rural areas, those who were less educated, and students all showed a low level of awareness of key knowledge about TB. In conclusion, residents in Zhejiang Province generally lacked key information about TB, which is not conducive to the early detection and treatment of TB. Corresponding efforts should be made for different groups of people to achieve favorable effects on the prevention and control of TB.

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Pharmacists’ Utilization of Information Sources Related to Community and Population Needs in the Upper Midwest and Associations with Continuing Professional Education

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy7030125 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 125

Author(s):

Paul Henkel ◽

Marketa Marvanova

Keyword(s):

Professional Education ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Information Sources ◽

Continuing Professional Education ◽

Population Based ◽

Health Needs ◽

Local Health ◽

County Level ◽

Community Changes

Background: To investigate information sources utilized in pharmacists’ assessment of population-based health needs and/or community changes; and the association between information sources utilized and reported completion of continuing professional education topics. Methods: In 2017; licensed pharmacists (n = 1124) in North Dakota; South Dakota; Minnesota; Iowa; and Nebraska completed a questionnaire on continuing professional education and information sources on population-based health needs and community changes. Data were entered; cleaned and imported into Stata 11.1. Census Bureau county-level population density data were used to classify local area characteristics. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Most sources of primary; county-level data on population-based health needs or community changes were minimally utilized. Pharmacists in more rural areas were statistically more likely to use local health professionals; local non-health professionals; and/or the state health department compared to pharmacists in less rural areas. Pharmacists reporting higher use of population-based information sources were more likely to have completed continuing education in the past 12 months for all 21 surveyed topics; 13 significantly so. Conclusions: There is a reliance of pharmacists on information from local health and non-health professionals for information on population-based health needs and/or community changes. Utilization of health departments and other primary information sources was associated with increased rates of completion of an array of continuing professional education topics. Expanding utilization of evidence-driven information sources would improve pharmacists’ ability to better identify and respond to population-based health needs and/or community changes through programs and services offered; and tailor continuing professional education to population-based health needs.

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