scholarly journals Nicotine dependence and related factors among physicians: results from a cross-sectional survey in Estonia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariliis Põld ◽  
Kersti Pärna

Abstract Background Smoking withdrawal can be difficult due to nicotine dependence (ND). Individual, environmental and social factors must be considered when researching ND. The objective of the present study is to describe ND and to analyse associations between ND and smoking-related and background factors among daily smoking Estonian physicians. Methods A cross-sectional postal survey was used to collect data from Estonian physicians in 2014. The initial sample consisted of all practising physicians in Estonia (n=5666). In total, 2939 physicians participated. The corrected response rate was 53.1%. The current study sample was restricted to physicians who smoked daily (n=171). The outcome variable was ND level, measured using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The mean age of smoking initiation was calculated, along with the standard deviation and the distribution of ND levels with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). T-tests and chi-square tests were used to test for differences between groups. To compensate for non-response, the data were weighted. Using multiple logistic regression, the association between ND level (at-least-moderate vs low) and smoking-related and background factors was determined. Crude and fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated. Results The mean FTND score for daily smoking physicians was 2.8±2.1, and 60.8% of them had low, 33.1% moderate and 6.1% high ND levels. The mean age of smoking initiation differed statistically between physicians with low and at-least-moderate ND levels (21.0±5.1 and 18.4±3.3, respectively) (p<0.001). In the adjusted model, having at least moderate ND levels was associated with a younger age of smoking initiation (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.94). After adjustment, ND levels were not significantly associated with the desire to quit, motives to quit and gender. No association was found between ND level and other background factors. Conclusions More than half of daily smoking Estonian physicians had low ND levels. A higher ND level was associated with a younger age of smoking initiation. Knowledge of ND and related factors is useful in the development of smoking cessation counselling services for physicians.

Author(s):  
Mariliis Põld ◽  
Kersti Pärna

Smoking withdrawal can be difficult due to nicotine dependence (ND). The study objective was to describe ND and to analyze the association between ND and factors related to smoking cessation among daily smoking physicians in Estonia. Data was collected in 2014, using cross-sectional postal survey sampling all practicing physicians (n = 5666) in Estonia, of whom 2939 responded (corrected response rate 53.1%). The study sample was restricted to daily smoking physicians (n = 171). Results of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were described and ND scores calculated. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of ND (at-least-moderate vs. low) with factors related to smoking cessation. Crude and fully adjusted ORs with 95% CIs were calculated. The mean FTND score was 2.8 ± 2.1. The odds of having at-least-moderate ND decreased significantly with each year postponing smoking initiation (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.94). After adjustment, ND was no longer associated with the desire to quit smoking and motives to quit. In conclusion, more than half of daily smoking physicians had low ND. Higher ND was associated with younger age of smoking initiation. Knowledge of ND and factors related to smoking cessation is useful in the prevention of smoking and in development of cessation counselling tailored for physicians.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e048319
Author(s):  
Andrea Meienberg ◽  
Michael Mayr ◽  
Annina Vischer ◽  
Michael J Zellweger ◽  
Thilo Burkard

ObjectivesIn 2014, a hospital-based smoking prevention programme ‘Nichtrauchen ist clever!’ (NIC!) for adolescents aged 12–14 was initiated. The aim of the study was to evaluate participants’ smoking behaviour and to explore the acceptance of the programme, and participants’ awareness on smoking-related diseases and factors that promote smoking initiation.DesignWe performed a cross-sectional survey to evaluate participant’s acceptance of the NIC! program and their smoking habits. A total of 1658 participants completed the survey between January 2016 and December 2019. A qualitative approach, including analysing feedback from students gathered at 77 prevention events between June 2014 and December 2019, was used to assess their view on reasons for smoking initiation and their knowledge about smoking-related diseases.ResultsTwenty-six per cent (429/1658) have already tried tobacco products (so called triers), specifically cigarettes, electronic (e)-cigarettes and shisha. The use of e-cigarettes was most popular among triers 58% (252/429). Eighty-eight per cent of participants (1408/1604) reported they had acquired good or excellent knowledge about smoking, and 89% (1439/1617) of participants stated that they intend not to smoke in the future. Particularly lung cancer and cancer in general, heart—and vascular diseases were frequently mentioned to be smoking related; where, on the other hand, a large number of relevant smoking-associated diseases were mentioned irregularly. Peer pressure, stress and coolness were identified as reasons for smoking initiation, whereas the influence of marketing and multimedia, as well as socioeconomic—and lifestyle-related factors on smoking behaviour was barely noticed.ConclusionNIC! had a high acceptance among the participants and a large number of students reported relevant gain of knowledge. We identified important knowledge-gaps relating to smoking initiation and smoking-related diseases, helping to improve further smoking prevention approaches.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 617.1-617
Author(s):  
H. Wohland ◽  
N. Leuchten ◽  
M. Aringer

Background:Fatigue is among the top complaints of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but only in part associated with SLE disease activity. Physical activity can help to reduce fatigue and should therefore be recommended to SLE patients. Vice versa, fatigue may arguably lead to reduced physical activity.Objectives:To investigate the extent of physical activity and the perception of fatigue and sleep quality in patients with SLE.Methods:Starting in February 2019, SLE patients were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study of fatigue and physical exercise during their routine outpatient clinic visits. Participants filled out a ten-page paper questionnaire focused on physical activity. To evaluate fatigue, we primarily used a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, with 100 meaning most fatigued), but also the FACIT fatigue score (range 0-52). Sleep quality was estimated using grades from 1 (excellent) to 6 (extremely poor).Results:93 SLE patients took part in the study. All patients fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019 classification criteria for SLE. 91% of the patients were female. Their mean (SD) age was 45.5 (14.3) years and their mean disease duration 12.1 (9.4) years. The mean BMI was 25.2 (5.6). Of all patients, 7.5% had a diagnosis of (secondary) fibromyalgia. The mean fatigue VAS was 32 (27) mm and the mean FACIT fatigue score 35.7 (10.3). As expected, fatigue by VAS and FACIT was correlated (Spearman r=-0.61, p<0.0001). The mean SLEDAI was 1 (1) with a range of 0 to 6. Median glucocorticoid doses were 2 mg prednisolone equivalent, with a range from 0 to 10 mg.Out of 66 patients in payed jobs, 64 (97%) reported details on their working space. One person (2%) worked in a predominanty standing position, 37 (58%) worked in essentially sedentary jobs and 26 (40%) were in positions where they were mildly physically active in part. The mean fatigue VAS was 31 (24) mm for patients with partly active jobs and 27 (30) mm for those in sedentary jobs. Sleep was graded 2.9 (0.9) by those with active and 3.1 (1.3) by those with sedentary jobs.Half of the patients (51%) reported more than one physical recreational activity. 44 (47%) were walking and for five persons (5%) this was the only form of activity. Cycling was reported by 19 patients (20%), 18 of whom also practiced other activities. For transport, 52 (56%) in part chose active modes, such as walking and cycling. Patients who reported any of the above activities showed a mean fatigue VAS of 28 (25) mm, compared to 36 (28) mm in the patient group without a reported activity. Sleep quality was very similar: 3.1 (1.2) and 3.2 (1.1) for more active and more passive patients, respectively.65 (70%) patients regularly practiced sports. Of these, 39 (60%) practiced one kind of sport, 15 (23%) two, 7 (11%) three, and 2 (3%) each four and five kinds of sports. Fatigue VAS of patients practicing sports was 27 (25) mm versus 43 (28) in those who did not (p=0.0075). Sleep quality was 2.9 (1.1) in the sports cohort and 3.5 (1.1) in the no-sports cohort (p=0.0244).Conclusion:A majority of SLE patients in remission or low to moderate disease activity regularly practiced sports, and those doing so reported lesser fatigue and better sleep quality. The absolute values on the fatigue VAS were in a moderate range that made fatigue as the main cause of not performing sports rather unlikely for most patients.Disclosure of Interests:Helena Wohland: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Gilead, GSK, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Chen ◽  
Hongfu Ren ◽  
Na Wang ◽  
Yaqing Xiong ◽  
Fei Xu

Abstract Background To examine associations of socioeconomic position (SEP), separately indicated by education, monthly family average income (FAI) and occupation, with health literacy (HL) among adults in regional China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among urban and rural adults (aged 25–69 years) who were randomly selected, using the probability proportionate to size sampling approach, from Nanjing municipality of China during October and December of 2016. HL, the outcome variable, was assessed using the Chinese Resident Health Literacy Scale. SEP, our independent variable, was separately measured with educational attainment, monthly family average income and occupation. Logistic regression models were introduced to examine SEP-HL association with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 8698 participants completed the survey. The proportion of participants with unweighted and weighted adequate HL was 18.0% (95%CI = 17.2, 18.8%) and 19.9% (95%CI = 16.6, 23.6%), respectively, in this study. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, each SEP indicator was in significantly positive relation to both unweighted and weight HL level. Participants who obtained 13+ and 10–12 years educational attainment, respectively, had 2.41 (95%CI = 1.60, 3.64) and 1.68 (95%CI = 1.23, 2.29) times odds to record weighted adequate HL compared to their counterparts who were with 0–9 years education. Subjects within upper (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.24, 2.98) and middle FAI tertile (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19, 2.13), respectively, were more likely to report weighted adequate HL relative to those who were within lower FAI tertile. White collars were more likely to have weighted adequate HL (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.61) than blue collars. Conclusions Each of education, FAI and occupation was positively associated with health literacy among urban and rural adults in China. The findings have important implications that different SEP indicators can be used to identify vulnerable residents in population-based health literacy promotion campaigns.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 586-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erkan Oktay ◽  
Abdulkerim Karaaslan ◽  
Ömer Alkan ◽  
Ali Kemal Çelik

Purpose – The main aim of this study is to determine the factors that influence the housing demand of households in Erzurum, northeastern Turkey. Housing demand is generally affected by several factors including housing prices, individuals’ income, expectations and choices and so on, as a means of its demographic and socio-psychological contexts. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was carried out, in which the outcome variable had binary responses such as whether to invest in housing or not. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the underlying data. Findings – The questionnaire was conducted in 2,927 households living in Erzurum city center, and 47 per cent of the respondents claimed that they would consider investing in housing in the future. The estimation results reveal that demographic or socio-economic factors that may possibly influence housing demand of the respondents are as follows: household head’s and spouse’s occupation, monthly income, the number of individuals in the family and car ownership. Originality/value – This paper involves the most comprehensive survey addressing the housing demand in the East Anatolian Region, Turkey. Additionally, this paper aims to contribute to the existing housing literature through establishing the statistical analysis of housing demand in an unstudied territory of the world.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 871-878
Author(s):  
George Ooko Abong ◽  
Jackline Akinyi Ogolla ◽  
Michael Wandayi Okoth ◽  
Bruno De Meulenaer ◽  
Jackson Ntongai Kabira ◽  
...  

AbstractThe levels of acrylamide intake because of potato crisps consumption remains unknown in Kenyan context. This study assessed the exposure to acrylamide because of consumption of potato crisps in Nairobi, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 315 crisps consumers in Nairobi, and consumption patterns were collected using a pre-tested structured 7-day recall questionnaire. A total of 43 branded and 15 unbranded potato crisps samples were purchased in triplicates of 100 g and acrylamide was quantified using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. Consumption data were combined with the data on acrylamide contents from which dietary acrylamide intake was calculated using a probabilistic approach based on @Risk TopRank 6 risk analysis software for excel. The mean estimated acrylamide intake was 1.57 µg/kg body weight (BW) per day while the 95th (P95) percentile was 5.1 µg/kg BW per day, with margins of exposures (MOE) being 197 and 61, respectively. The intake of acrylamide was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in unbranded crisps with a mean value of 2.26 and 95th percentile of 6.54 µg/kg BW per day, MOE being 137 and 47, respectively. There were extremely lower MOE indicating higher exposure to acrylamide by the consumers mainly because of the higher acrylamide contents in potato crisps, and hence the need for mitigation measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2333-2336
Author(s):  
Anum Arif ◽  
Minahil Iram ◽  
Sabih Nofal ◽  
Aima Sohail ◽  
Bismah Riaz ◽  
...  

Aim: To assess prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress in medical students, interns, and residents in Pakistan Study design: Cross-sectional Survey (Questionnaire) based study. Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College from March 2020 to May 2020. Results: 104 participants were included in the study. There was female predominance 58(55.8%), and the mean age was 23.55±1.42. The overall mean score of depression and anxiety was 21.2±12.67 and 15.7±10.67 respectively and most prevalent in third and fourth-year residents. The mean stress score was 13.7, 10. 27. Twenty-eight (26.9%) of the overall participants had extremely severe depression, 36 (34.6 %) had extremely severe anxiety and 13(12.5%) had severe stress. Doctors studying and practicing in the private sector have a higher DASS21 score (p = < 0.006) Conclusion: Multiple factors have been found to contribute to the poor mental health of health care workers, including financial trouble, sleep deprivation, abuse from colleagues, high expectations, female gender, broken relationships, and substance misuse. Keywords: Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Medical, Mental Health Problem Solving, Psychological Distress,


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Fatma W. Nazer ◽  
Wael Sabbah

<p class="Pa7"><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess whether there are ethnic differences in tooth loss among adult Americans aged &lt;40 years and whether socioeconomic position attenuates these differences if they exist.</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a health-related telephone cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of US adults. Tooth loss (one tooth or more) was used as the outcome variable. Ethnicity was the main explanatory variable. Family income, education and health insurance were also used in the analysis. Logistic regression models for tooth loss were constructed adjusting for demographic (age, sex, and ethnicity), socioeconomic indica­tors (income and education), health insur­ance, dental visits, smoking and diabetes.</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 76,273 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of tooth loss was highest among Blacks (33.7%). Hispanics and other ethnic groups had a higher prevalence of tooth loss than Whites, 29.1% (95%CI: 27.7-30.6), 22.0% (95%CI: 20.3-23.8), and 20.8% (95%CI: 20.2-21.4), respectively. Blacks had odds ra­tios (OR) 1.98 (95%CI: 1.81-2.16) for tooth loss compared with Whites. After adjusting for socioeconomic positions (SEP), the rela­tionship attenuated but remained significant with OR 1.71 (95%CI: 1.55-1.90).</p><p class="Default"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite recent changes in the health care system in the United States, ethnic inequalities in tooth loss still exist. Income and education partially explained ethnic differences in tooth loss among Americans aged &lt;40 years.</p><p class="Default"><em>Ethn Dis. </em>2018;28(3):201-206; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.201</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Md. Asad Ullah ◽  
Ummay Soumayia Islam ◽  
Sahadat Hossain ◽  
Yusha Araf ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Countrywide lockdown or stay-at-home order has been implemented to slow down the transmission of emergent coronavirus. However, the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi residents. Methods A cross-sectional survey carried out involving 1635 community dwellers across eight divisions in Bangladesh conducted from April 15, 2020 to May 10, 2020. A structured questionnaire incorporating socio-demographic, attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown measures was employed to collect data using the Google Forms. Multiple regression analyses were executed to determine the associated factors of positive attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle. Results The mean scores of attitudes towards lockdown were 67.9 (SD = 8.4) out of 85 with an overall correct rate (positive attitudes) of 79.9%; whereas the mean scores of adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown were 16.1 (SD = 4.8) out of 34 with an overall rate of 47.4%. The factors associated with more positive attitudes towards lockdown included being female, divorced, higher educated, and students. Conversely, being male, having no formal education, and rural residence were associated factors of adverse lifestyle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions The findings reflect how the COVID-19 lockdown has preciously impacted the attitudes, and lifestyle of Bangladeshi citizens, which will contribute to promoting appropriate measures during a subsequent zonal or complete lockdown.


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