scholarly journals Factors associated with knowledge about the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke among youth in Bangladesh

Author(s):  
Rabeya Sultana

Background: Despite the high prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among Bangladeshi adults, little is known about the knowledge regarding the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke among the youth aged 15-24 years in Bangladesh. Against this background, the present study was conducted among the youth in Bangladesh to ascertain their levels of knowledge regarding health effects of secondhand smoke and its associated factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 656 respondents between the age of 15-24 years old selected by multistage cluster sampling. This study was conducted in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. Data was analyzed using Chi square testing and multivariate logistic regression.Results: The proportion of good, average and poor knowledge scores among respondents were 30.5%, 50.0% and 19.5% respectively. Age and education were significant independent predictors of good knowledge. Furthermore, education and gender were tended as independent predictor of average knowledge. OR for age: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.25); OR for education: 1.27 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.40).Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study found that less than one-third of the youth had a good level of knowledge on secondhand smoke health effects. The government needs to focus more on less-educated individuals and adolescents if a successful policy is to be implemented.

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-284
Author(s):  
Encarnación Soriano-Ayala ◽  
Verónica C. Cala

AbstractIntroduction: Globalization has favored intra-European Commission (EC) and extra-EC migration to Spain. One of the most numerous cultural groups that have settled in the southern Spain is from Romania. Coexistence, especially in schools, has made us become interested in knowing the eating habits at breakfast of Romanian and Spanish populations. Numerous studies show that the food intake at breakfast, mostly made before leaving home, has an incidence on the physic wellbeing of adolescent throughout the day. The processes of acculturation are also inseparable from the eating habits, health and life, that maintain the migrant teenagers. Breakfast is analyzed as one of the habits more associated with diet quality; paradoxically, one of the findings of our study, many adolescents do not take a proper breakfast every day.Objectives: The study analyzes the characteristics and the main cultural and gender differences in the implementation of breakfast: its maintenance or omission in young autochthonous and immigrants of Romanian origin in the southeast Spanish schools. Design. This is a cross-sectional study with a cluster sampling in two Primary schools and seven Secondary schools. The instrument applied was an adaptation of the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. Sample. It has been formed by 1472 students between 11 and 18 years old; nationality: 1315 were Spanish and 157 were Romanians. Data analysis. Descriptive and differential analyses using the chi-square and U of Mann-Whitney statistics.Results: In the study we identified 1.2% of Spaniards and 3.3% of Romanians who either skip breakfast or do not eat foods throughout the morning. The main breakfast foods of the Spanish students are dairy, bread and cereals, cookies, juice and olive oil; for the Romanian students the basic foods at breakfast are cereals, dairy products, juices, biscuits and jams. We have found significant differences between the two compared cultural groups. We also found significant differences between the food eaten by men of the two cultural groups (Spanish and Romanian) and by the food eaten by women (Spanish and Romanian) in the breakfast food.Conclusions: The results show the need to further promote and implement educational programs that encourage students to make breakfast before leaving home. Also, it is necessary, they take care of the intake of the right foods to start the day and contemplate this habit from a transcultural and gender approach. Significant differences were identified in the breakfast practice food by both genders and cultural groups.


Author(s):  
Hassan Hashemi ◽  
Mohammad Saatchi ◽  
Abbasali Yekta ◽  
Babak Ali ◽  
Hadi Ostadimoghaddam ◽  
...  

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of asthenopia and its associated factors in a sample of university students in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Presence of at least one of the 10 symptoms—foreign body sensation, diplopia, blurred vision, eye swelling, dry eye, eye pain, difficulty in sustaining visual operations, decreased visual acuity, tearing, and photophobia—was considered as asthenopia. Ocular examinations, including uncorrected/corrected visual acuity measurement, objective/subjective refraction, cover test, amplitude of accommodation (AA), and near point of convergence (NPC) were performed. Results: Of the 1,462 students (mean age: 22.8 ± 3.1 years), 73% were women. The age- and gender standardized prevalence was 70.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.3–73.5), 39.8% (95% CI: 36.4–43.1), and 19.7% (95% CI: 16.0–23.3) based on the presence of at least one, two, and three symptoms, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in females (P = 0.048), hyperopic students (P < 0.001), and astigmatic participants (P < 0.001). The mean AA and NPC were 9.7 ± 2.6 D and 10.2 ± 4.2 D (P = 0.008) and 7.0 ± 2.1 cm and 7.7 ± 3.9 cm (P < 0.001) in participants with and without asthenopia, respectively. Multiple regression model revealed age (28–29 years), astigmatism, and NPC as independent associated factors (odds ratios: 3.51, 1.61, and 0.91, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows relatively high prevalence of asthenopia in university students. Demographic factors and visual system disorders are important risk factors and timely correction of conditions may lead to decreased asthenopia.


Aim: High prevalence of child undernutrition is a well-known issue in rural areas of Si Lanka. Identification of real burden, underlying specific causes and addressing those issues will help to improve the nutritional status of those children. Objective: To describe the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged one to five years in Siyambalanduwa MOH area. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 child-mother pairs in Siyambalanduwa MOH area using two stage cluster sampling method. Data collection done by using pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Relevant anthropometric measurements were done according to WHO slandered guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20. The chi-square test was used, and P<0.05 was considered for statistically significant. Results: Overall 41% of children aged 1-5 years were undernourished in Siyambalanduwa MOH area. Among the study subjects 24% were underweight, 25.7% were stunted, 16.4% were wasted, 9.2% were both underweight & stunted, 6.8% were both, underweight & wasted, 0.5% were both stunted & wasted and 9.9% were underweight & stunted g & wasted. Only the low total monthly income (P<0.001) and low birth weight (P<0.001) were significantly associated with child undernutrition. Conclusions and recommendations: Prevalence of undernutrition among children aged 1-5 years is unacceptably high and urgent efforts to reduce undernutrition should be a priority. Future studies should focus on assessing how to reduce the burden of undernutrition with low cost interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Dr. Padma K Bhat ◽  
Dr. Sushma S G ◽  
Dr. Jayachandra M Y

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrzad Mazhari ◽  
Hassan Ziaaddini ◽  
Nozar Nakhaee ◽  
Azam Kermanian

Background: It is generally accepted that due to various reasons, the age of drug abuse prevalence continues to decline, which imposes numerous personal and social dysfunctions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in Kerman, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,000 10th - 12th-grade students in the academic year of 2017 - 2018 selected by random cluster sampling. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics checklist and alcohol smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST). Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: The results showed that the highest prevalence of substance abuse among students was related to tobacco, alcohol, and sedatives. It was also demonstrated that the use of cigarettes, sedatives, cannabis, and amphetamine was significantly higher among male subjects compared to female participants (P < 0.05). Moreover, 16.4, 12.9, and 5.1% of the tobacco, alcohol, and sedative users required low interventions, respectively, whereas 1.5, 0.8, and 0.4% of them required high interventions, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, there was higher drug abuse prevalence in male students compared to female students. As such, it seems that consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics in adolescents requires serious intervention.


Objective: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of microdontia among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, (JSMU) from January-2020 to May-2020. Pre-treatment casts were taken of 140 subjects. The mesiodistal dimension of each tooth was recorded through the vernier caliper. Frequency and percentage were calculated for the presence of microdontia. The test applied was Pearson’s Chi-square test to assess the relationship between microdontia and variables like age and gender. P-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Data analysis was performed on SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 140 subjects were selected i.e. 105 (75%) females and 35 (25%) males aged range 13 -30 years with mean age 18.29 ± 3.88. Out of 42, single tooth microdontia was found in 3 (7.1%), more than one tooth microdontia, and generalized microdontia was present in 36 (85.7%) and 3 (7.1%) respectively. Microdontia was found to be more common in the maxilla (n=42, 100%) than the mandible (n=14, 33.3%). It was found more common in females (n=37, 35.2%) as compared to males (n=5, 14.3%). Statistically significant relationship was found among gender and prevalence of microdontia (p=0.019) with a statistically insignificant relationship between age and presence of microdontia (p=0.228). Conclusions: Microdontia was found to be a frequent dental anomaly, was more common in maxilla and females with a significant association with gender.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-4
Author(s):  
Thianti Sylviningrum ◽  
Ismiralda Oke Putranti ◽  
Octavia Permata Sari ◽  
Fitranto Arjadi ◽  
Ermadi Satriyo Sudibyo ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease with involvement of genetic and environmental factors. The HLA-Cw6 allele is the strongest genetic factor that correlates with earlier onset and more severe clinical manifestation of psoriasis. In Javanese ethnic, HLA-Cw6 allelic expression has not been identified, although increasing psoriasis patients were found in hospital dermatology departments. The study was aimed to determine the allelic expression of HLA-Cw6 based on the onset and severity of psoriasis in Javanese ethnic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2018. Sixty psoriasis patients in the Margono Soekarjo Hospital and Banyumas Regional General Hospital were recruited consecutively. Psoriasis type, diagnosis, onset, and disease severity were assessed by dermatologists. HLA-Cw6 allelic expression was identified by DNA isolation, quantitative testing, and HLA-Cw6 genotyping. Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the association of HLA-Cw6 with age, clinical type, disease severity, onset, and gender. RESULTS The HLA-Cw6 allele positivity was identified at 297 base pairs (bp), while control showed at 618 bp bands. Among 60 subjects, 13 subjects (22%) showed HLACw6 positivity, and 47 subjects (78%) were HLA-Cw6 negative. HLA-Cw6 genotypes were similarly distributed concerning age, onset, gender, clinical type, and disease severity in psoriasis patients of Javanese ethnic (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS HLA-Cw6 expression type may not have influence to the characteristics of patients with psoriasis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Perna ◽  
Daria Maccora ◽  
Salvatore Rossi ◽  
Tommaso Filippo Nicoletti ◽  
Maria Assunta Zocco ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasanna Mithra ◽  
Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan ◽  
Rekha Thapar ◽  
Nithin Kumar ◽  
Sharana Hegde ◽  
...  

Background. Consumption of snacks in between the regular meals is a poor snacking behaviour. It is an established risk factor for several lifestyle-related disorders and has long-term effects among the younger individuals. Objectives. To study the snacking behaviour and to assess their determinants among college-going students. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 865 college-going students in Mangaluru. Data were collected using a pretested pro forma that was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. The chi-square test and random-effect logistic regression analyses were used. Results. Overall, there were 52.4% females and 47.6% males, and 76.8% of them were aged <20 years. More than half of the participants (54.3%) had the habit of snacking in between regular meals. Among them, a large proportion (78.7%) did not have any specific timings for snacking. Also, 51.1% of the students were snacking while watching TV, and 31.9% of them snacked while studying. Breakfast was the most commonly skipped meal (26.2%); of those missing the breakfast regularly, 123 (71.9%) had poor snacking behaviour. A significantly larger proportion of males had a higher frequency of snacking per day (69.3% versus 57.2%, p<0.0001) and consumed aerated drinks more frequently (22.6% versus 15.8%, p=0.011), skipped meals more often (58.6% versus 50.6%, p=0.022), and preferred adding fruits in snacks (78.1% versus 69.4%, p=0.005). Snacking frequency was proportionately higher among students of private colleges (73.6%) than that in the government colleges (55.1%). Participants from nonscience stream, nonvegetarians, and those with a tendency to skip the regular meals had significantly higher levels of poor snacking behaviour. Conclusions. The study population had a high level of poor snacking behaviour. Appropriate measures are needed among younger people to follow fixed eating patterns and avoid skipping of regular meals.


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