scholarly journals Childhood asthma and risk factors

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radmila Ljustina-Pribic ◽  
Slobodanka Petrovic ◽  
Jelena Tomic

Introduction. This article summarizes the contribution of epidemiology to the understanding of childhood asthma. The first task in epidemiology is to determine prevalence and incidence of any disease. Prevalence. Epidemiological investigations are aimed at evaluating hypotheses about causes of disease by defining demographic characteristics of a certain population as well as by determining possible effects of environmental factors. In spite of some limitations, data obtained by epidemiological investigations have been valuable in confirming both the increasing incidence of asthma and the differences in prevalence in certain population groups. The observance of this phenomenon has led to much speculation and a lot of attempts to identify the reasons behind the rising prevalence. Risk factors. Epidemiological studies have identified risk factors for the development of childhood asthma and provided insight into natural history of disease and prognosis. Factors ranging from increased numbers of immunizations to increased air pollution have been suggested, but subsequent analysis has failed to provide the supporting evidence to implicate most of these possibilities. The concept known as the hygiene hypothesis has gained some support from epidemiological studies. Conclusion. The development of asthma as well as its severity are affected by numerous factors and their interactions can be explained by the heterogeneous nature of this disease.

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 488-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaldo Schainberg ◽  
Antônio Ribeiro-Oliveira Jr. ◽  
José Marcio Ribeiro

It has been well documented that there is an increased prevalence of standard cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in association with diabetes and with diabetes-related abnormalities. Hyperglycemia, in particular, also plays an important role. Heart failure (HF) has become a frequent manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological studies suggest that the effect of hyperglycemia on HF risk is independent of other known risk factors. Analysis of datasets from populations including individuals with dysglycemia suggests the pathogenic role of hyperglycemia on left ventricular function and on the natural history of HF. Despite substantial epidemiological evidence of the relationship between diabetes and HF, data from available interventional trials assessing the effect of a glucose-lowering strategy on CV outcomes are limited. To provide some insight into these issues, we describe in this review the recent important data to understand the natural course of CV disease in diabetic individuals and the role of hyperglycemia at different times in the progression of HF.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Bonato ◽  
Mariaenrica Tiné ◽  
Erica Bazzan ◽  
Davide Biondini ◽  
Marina Saetta ◽  
...  

Asthma is a heterogeneous condition characterized by reversible airflow limitation, with different phenotypes and clinical expressions. Although it is known that asthma is influenced by age, gender, genetic background, and environmental exposure, the natural history of the disease is still incompletely understood. Our current knowledge of the factors determining the evolution from wheezing in early childhood to persistent asthma later in life originates mainly from epidemiological studies. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aim of this review is to converge epidemiological and pathological evidence early in the natural history of asthma to gain insight into the mechanisms of disease and their clinical expression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102
Author(s):  
Sanam Hariri ◽  
Sabereh Davari ◽  
Zeinab Malekzadeh ◽  
Zahra Mohammadi ◽  
Sahar Masoudi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections rank among the most frequent infectious diseases with a rising worldwide burden. However, their epidemiology and risk factors are understudied in many regions, including Iran. METHODS This study was conducted as part of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) in Valashahr district, Fars province (2012-2014). Participants received venipuncture for HBsAg and HCV antibody, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. All infected people and their comparison groups completed a risk assessment questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 9,269 people participated in the study; the majority were women and of Fars ethnicity. Prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibody was 2.3% (n = 215) and 0.3% (n = 26), from whom 23% (n = 47) and 13% (n = 3) had indications for treatment, respectively. During follow-up, among HBsAg-positive individuals who were not on treatment, 62% tested negative for HBsAg, and in 2% HBV DNA had risen to treatment levels. Risk factors for HBV infection were illiteracy [OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.1, 10.3], and Turk ethnicity compared to Fars [OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.3]. History of blood transfusion [OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.5] and history of drug use [OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.1, 7.4] were associated with HCV infection, after adjustment. CONCLUSION Further epidemiological studies are needed to identify at-risk populations in different regions. Preventive interventions, including educational programs and transfusion safety strategies, are crucial for reducing the hepatitis burden.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Cheraghi ◽  
Alireza Dadgarinejad ◽  
Sundeep Salvi

We aimed to determine current prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated with it in Pune, India. Methods. This was a cross-sectional school-population-based study in which parents of school children aged 6-7 and 13-14 were administered an ISAAC questionnaire and an additional set of questions that detected the presence of potential risk factors known to be associated with asthma during 2008-2009 academic years. Results. Prevalence of current asthma was 6.7% (7% amongst 6-7-year olds and 6.3% amongst 13-14 year olds. Asthma was more common amongst boys (8.1%) than girls (4.9%) and more frequent in students studying in private schools (7.3%) than in those studying in public schools (5.8%). Risk factors such as family history of atopy, caesarian delivery, use of biomass fuel for cooking, absence of separate kitchen, absence of exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, preterm birth, snoring, dampness at home, male sex, and parental smoking were significantly associated with asthma. Conclusion. There was a high prevalence of childhood asthma in Pune, India, which was associated with genetic and environmental risk factors.


2009 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lanigan ◽  
Atul Singhal

Nutrition in early life, a critical period for human development, can have long-term effects on health in adulthood. Supporting evidence comes from epidemiological studies, animal models and experimental interventions in human subjects. The mechanism is proposed to operate through nutritional influences on growth. Substantial evidence now supports the hypothesis that ‘accelerated’ or too fast infant growth increases the propensity to the major components of the metabolic syndrome (glucose intolerance, obesity, raised blood pressure and dyslipidaemia), the clustering of risk factors that predispose to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The association between infant growth and these risk factors is strong, consistent, shows a dose–response effect and is biologically plausible. Moreover, experimental data from prospective randomised controlled trials strongly support a causal link between infant growth and later risk factors for atherosclerosis. Evidence that infant growth affects the development of atherosclerosis therefore suggests that the primary prevention of CVD should begin from as early as the first few months of life. The present review considers this evidence, the underlying mechanisms involved and its implications for public health.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogesh N. Parikh ◽  
Mitul B. Kalathia ◽  
Dhanya Soodhana

Background: Reported birth prevalence of congenital limb defects vary from country to country. Epidemiological studies permit the timely detection of trends in congenital limb anomalies and the associations with other birth defects. The objective of this study was to know the prevalence and the variety of congenital limb anomalies and their association with other anomalies.Methods: A prospective observational study in which all newborns reported to the neonatal department were surveyed to find out the incidence, diversity and association of limb anomalies. Age of the mother, risk factors and other demographic data of the newborns was analyzed. Babies born less than 28 weeks were excluded from the study.Results: The prevalence was 6.34 per thousand live births. The majority of the neonates were term babies and female. 28 % of the babies were born out of consanguineous marriage. The mean age of the mother was 25. Median parity was 1. 9.52 % of the babies had a history of anomaly in the sibling. 4.76 % had a history of still birth. The most common congenital anomaly was congenital talipo equino varus. The other congenital limb anomalies observed were polydactyly, syndactyly, bifid thumb and absence of the radius. There were multiple congenital anomalies in 28.57 % of the babies.Conclusions: The study has given us an insight into the variety of congenital limb malformations and also into the possible etiological factors. A study done on a larger population would probably help us assess the incidence and pattern of occurrence of limb anomalies and help us counsel the parents. 


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Bergland

Falls are a common and serious problem for older adults. Approximately one-third of older communitydwelling people fall at least once a year. The main purpose of this paper is to present risk factors for fall in older people living at home. The databases used for identifying documentation of risk factors are Cinahl, Eric, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Medline, Psycinfo and dissertation. Many psychosocial and medical conditions and impairment of sensorimotor function, balance and gait have been shown in large epidemiological studies to be strongly associated with falls. Several of the risk factors are interrelated. The intrinsic-extrinsic distinction seem to be an oversimplification. A better understanding of falls is usually obtained when examining the person in association with the environmental factors. Advanced age, history of falls, ADL limitations, impaired gait and mobility, visual impairment, reduced sensation, muscular weakness, poor reaction time, impaired cognition, diseases as stroke, use of psychoactive medication and use of many medications are risk factors shown to be strongly associated with falls. This means recommendation of multifactorial fall risk assessment must incorporate a range of physiological and mental tests in addition to assessing balance and gait as well as taking multiple chronic diseases and medications into account. These finding underscore the importance of multidimensional fall intervention with special focus on modifiable risk factors


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorush Niknamian

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection and its complications are major health problems. The aim of this study were to investigate risk factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 174 patients with chronic hepatitis B who referred to the Shahid Mohammadi hospital in the city of Bandar Abbas, Iran. Information was collected through a questionnaire. Results: 174 persons (97 males, 77 females) with a mean age of 42.96 years. There was no significant relationship between the risk of having disease with gender, age, weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI and WHR (P> 0.05). The frequency of exposure to risk factors are as follows: such as history of hairdressers, vaccination, contact with suspected HBV persons, Family history of HBV positive in patients had higher prevalence than other groups. Conclusion: It seems to be more important to pay attention to lifestyles, jobs, and cultural themes of Iranian people that predispose people to risk factors so as to implement measures to control HBV spread. Also, awareness and social-health education in order to avoid unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner can be highly effective according to the high levels of hepatitis B infection among married persons. Despite existence of a long list of risk factors, various epidemiological studies with alternative methodologies along with meta-analysis of risk factors in each separate area seems to be helpful in collecting information about transmission.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Atina Robbiatul Azizah ◽  
Angga Mardro Raharjo ◽  
Inke Kusumastuti ◽  
Cholis Abrori ◽  
Pipiet Wulandari

Hypertension is the most common disease found in Karangtengah Health Center, Wonogiri Regency. The incidence of hypertension can be influenced by factors such as: factor that can not be changed consists of age, gender, family history of illness and modifiable factors consisted of obesity, occupation, and smoking history. Of these risk factors, still unknown factors which increse the incidence of hypertension in Karang Tengah Public Health Center. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of these risk factors with the incidence of hypertension and the determinants of the incidence of hypertension in Karangtengah Public Health Center, Wonogiri Regency. This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional design. The sample of this study used the total sampling method, namely all medical record data of new adult patients (>26 years) with a history of chronic diseases who came to Karangtengah Public Health Center, Wonogiri Regency in October 2020 and this study was conducted in March 2021. There were 76 patients. Most of the patients had hypertension (n=42; 55.3%), including the category of elderly (n=55; 72.4%), women (n=41; 53.9%). More patients had a family history of disease (n=50; 65.8%), were obese (n=40; 52.6%), had minimal work activities (n=44; 57.9%), and had a history of smoking (n=42; 55.3%). The risk factors associated with the incidence of hypertension were age, gender, family history of disease, BMI, occupation, and smoking history (all p<0.05). Keywords: Hypertension, age, family history, BMI, occupation


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261155
Author(s):  
Alexander Nersesov ◽  
Arnur Gusmanov ◽  
Byron Crape ◽  
Gulnara Junusbekova ◽  
Salim Berkinbayev ◽  
...  

Background & aims Kazakhstan has implemented comprehensive programs to reduce the incidence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This study aims to assess seroprevalence and risk factors for HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity in three large regions of Kazakhstan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three regions geographically remote from each other. Participants were randomly selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling and were surveyed by a questionnaire based on the WHO STEP survey instrument. Blood samples were collected for HBsAg and anti-HCV testing. Results A total of 4,620 participants were enrolled. The seroprevalence was 5.5% (95%CI: 3.6%-8.4%) for HBsAg and 5.1% (95%CI: 3.5%-7.5%) for anti-HCV antibodies. Both were more prevalent in the western and northern regions than in the southern. A history of blood transfusion was significantly associated with anti-HCV presence, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.10 (95%CI: 1.37–3.21) and was borderline associated with HBsAg 1.39 (95%CI: 0.92–2.10), respectively. Having a family member with viral hepatitis was also borderline associated (2.09 (95%CI: 0.97–4.50)) with anti-HCV positivity. Conclusions This study found a high-intermediate level of endemicity for HBsAg and a high level of endemicity for anti-HCV antibodies in three large regions of Kazakhstan. We found that history of surgery was not associated with HbsAg neither with anti-HCV seropositivity rates. Blood transfusion was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity, however, to investigate effectiveness of the introduced comprehensive preventive measures in health care settings, there is a need to conduct further epidemiological studies.


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