Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.

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Oxidative Imbalance and Kidney Damage: New Study Perspectives from Animal Models to Hospitalized Patients

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8120594 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 594 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Daniela Pellegrino ◽

Daniele La Russa ◽

Alessandro Marrone

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Animal Models ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Kidney Damage ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Altered Expression ◽

Oxidative Balance ◽

Increased Risk

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide and affects both elderly and young subjects. Its main consequences include the loss of renal function, leading to end-stage renal disease, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a significant increase in morbidity and mortality, and a decrease in health-related quality of life. This review arose in significant part from work in the authors’ laboratory, complemented by literature data, and was based on a translational approach: we studied the role of many CKD risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and oxidative stress/inflammation. The aim was to identify new molecular mechanisms of kidney damage to prevent it through successful behavior modifications. For this purpose, in our studies, both human and animal models were used. In the animal models, we analyzed the mechanisms of renal damage induced by hypertension (spontaneously hypertensive rats) and obesity (cafeteria diet-fed rats), showing that redox disequilibrium in plasma and tissue is extremely important in renal alteration in terms of both oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, altered expression antioxidant enzymes) and apoptotic pathway (intrinsic/extrinsic) activation. In hemodialysis patients, we explored the correlation between the global oxidative balance and both inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk, showing a strong correlation between the oxidative index and the blood levels of C-reactive protein and previous cardiovascular events. This multilevel approach allowed us to individually and synergistically analyze some aspects of the complex pathogenic mechanisms of CKD in order to clarify the role of the new amplified risk factors for CKD and to prepare an effective personalized prevention plan by acting on both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.

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Higher Native Peruvian ancestry proportion is associated with tuberculosis progression risk

10.1101/2020.09.09.20191437 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Samira Asgari ◽

Yang Luo ◽

Kamil Slowikowski ◽

Chuan-Chin Huang ◽

Roger Calderon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Genetic Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Genetic Risk Factors ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Road Map ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Latently Infected ◽

Progression Risk

The global burden of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem that is particularly severe among and disproportionately affects indigenous populations. We aimed to investigate whether genetic factors related to indigeneity affect TB progression risk in a cohort of admixed Peruvians with active TB and their latently infected household contacts. Our results show that Native Peruvian ancestry is positively associated with TB progression risk: a 10% increase in native ancestry tracks with a 25% increased risk of TB progression. This risk is independent of the potentially confounding socio-demographic and environmental factors that we tested here. Our results demonstrate that the genetic contribution to TB risk varies among populations and brings new insight to the long-standing debate on the role of genetic ancestry in susceptibility to TB. Additionally, our study highlights the value of including diverse populations in genetic studies of infectious diseases and other complex phenotypes, and provides a road map for future similar studies where it is important to account for confounding non-genetic risk factors to identify genetic risk factors.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women Participating in a Biomedical Intervention Trial in Durban: Prevalence, Coinfections, and Risk Factors

Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

10.1155/2013/358402 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nathlee Samantha Abbai ◽

Handan Wand ◽

Gita Ramjee

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Young Women ◽

Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Sti Prevention ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Biomedical Intervention

Background. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a significant public health problem especially among women of reproductive age in Africa. Methods. A total of 2236 women that had enrolled in the MDP301 vaginal microbicide trial were tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Results. CT was identified as the most prevalent STI (11%) followed by TV (10%), NG, and Syphilis (3%). The highest prevalence of coinfection was reported between T. pallidum and TV (19.67%, P=0.004), followed by CT and TV (13.52%, P≤0.001). Risk factors that were significantly associated with STI acquisition were women of 23 years of age or younger (HR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.17, 1.93), baseline STI with CT (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.32, 2.35), TV (HR: 1.58, 95% CI, 1.20, 2.10), and T. pallidum (HR: 5.13, 95% CI 3.65, 7.22), and a low education level (HR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.02, 1.66). Conclusion. Young women with lower education and a history of STIs are at high risk of multiple STIs. Prevention programs should consider target approach to STI prevention among young women. This trial is registered with ISRCTN64716212.

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Sexually transmitted infection as a risk factor for homosexual HIV transmission: a systematic review of epidemiological studies

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/0956462001915066 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 697-700 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

C Bonell ◽

P Weatherburn ◽

F Hickson

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Hiv Seroconversion ◽

Nested Case Control

Existing reviews suggest some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are risk factors in heterosexual HIV transmission. This may not be so in homosexual HIV transmission, about which reviews make no specific conclusions. This paper reviews published studies which report on the relative risk of STIs in HIV seroconversion in homosexually-active men in order to examine this matter. Papers obtained via various searches were judged adequate if they were prospective cohort or cohort-nested case-control studies; used HIV seroconversion as the outcome; assessed STI exposure objectively; and controlled for potential confounding from age and sexual behaviour. Sixteen papers were obtained, of these 3 were judged adequate. Adequate papers reported little association. Inadequate papers were more likely to report association. Evidence from adequate studies does not suggest STIs are risk factors in homosexual HIV transmission. Some caution is needed in interpreting the results because of the paucity of adequate studies.

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Occupational Characteristics of Low Back Pain Among Standing Workers in a Japanese Manufacturing Company

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079919853839 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 13-23

Author(s):

Gen Inoue ◽

Kentaro Uchida ◽

Masayuki Miyagi ◽

Wataru Saito ◽

Toshiyuki Nakazawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Low Back ◽

Factory Workers ◽

Prolonged Standing ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Manufacturing Company

Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem that adversely affects the quality of life (QOL) of workers. The etiology of LBP is considered to be multi-factorial with individual, physical, and psychosocial factors contributing to its development and persistence. Although prevention of LBP in workers in the workplace is very important, only a small number of studies have assessed the risk factors and epidemiology of LBP among Japanese factory workers who stand as part of their job. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of LBP in 691 factory employees who conducted their work while standing. Health-related QOL was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) to quantify the severity of LBP with the aim of identifying risk factors for LBP among workers who stand as part of their work in an electronics manufacturing company. We observed that the prevalence of LBP lasting for at least 48 hours within a week was 20.0% among participants, with female employees and those with a prior history of LBP having a significantly increased risk of developing LBP. The distribution of the RDQ score showed a negative regression curve among the employees, which was different from the normal distribution pattern reported previously in Japanese patients with LBP. These findings suggest that prolonged standing among factory workers poses an increased risk for LBP.

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Substance Abuse and Drug-Related Death, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide: A Review

Crisis ◽

10.1027//0227-5910.20.1.28 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 28-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Annie Mino ◽

Arnaud Bousquet ◽

Barbara Broers

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Substance Abuse ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Family Support ◽

Drug Users ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Hiv Epidemic

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.

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Therapeutic options in male osteoporosis

Osteologie/Osteology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1630134 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 22 (04) ◽

pp. 271-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

P. Farahmand ◽

J. D. Ringe

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Male Osteoporosis ◽

Individual Risk ◽

Modes Of Action ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Results ◽

Long Term Treatment ◽

Male Patients

SummaryOsteoporosis in men is increasingly recognized as an important public health problem but affected patients are still under-diagnosed and -treated. As in women the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy has to be adapted to the individual case. In the practical management it is very important to detect possible causes of secondary osteoporosis, to explain the possibilities of basic therapy counteracting individual risk factors and communicate that osteoporosis is a chronic disease and adherence to a long-term treatment is crucial. In established severe osteoporosis a careful analgesic therapy is important to avoid further bone loss related to immobility. In elderly men with increased risk of falling insufficient Vitamin D supply or impaired activation of Vitamin D due to renal insufficiency must be taken into consideration. Specific medications available today for the treatment of male osteoporosis comprise among antiresorptive drugs the bis phosphonates alendronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid. Denosumab, the first biological therapy is approved for men with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. An important advantage of this potent antiresorptive drug is the increased adherence due to the comfortable application by sixmonthly subcutaneous injections. Study results from the 2-year multi-center randomized controlled ADAMO-Study will very soon allow the use of denosumab in all types of male osteoporosis. Teriparatide, the 34 N-terminal amino acid sequence of parathyroid hormone was approved for men with osteoporosis as an anabolic agent based on proven efficacy by different studies. Among drugs with other modes of action the D-hormone pro-drug alfacalcidol can be used in men alone or in combination with the advantage of pleiotropic effects on calcium absorption, parathyroids, bone and muscle. Recently also Strontium-ranelate was approved for male patients with the limitation to exclude men with clinical relevant cardiovascular risk factors. In general the possibilities to treat male osteoporosis have considerably improved during recent years. Today there is a choice of a spectrum of drugs from mild to strong potency with different modes of action on bone turnover to design strategies for individual male patients.

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MEASLES OUTBREAK IN A RURAL AREA OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v7i4.78 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 197-201

Author(s):

Mir M Hassan Bullo ◽

Mirza Amir Baig ◽

Jawad Faisal Malik ◽

Ejaz Ahmad Khan ◽

Muazam Abbas Ranjha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Maculopapular Rash ◽

Healthcare Facility ◽

Control Measures ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

District Health ◽

Active Case

Background: Measles is highly contagious vaccine preventable disease (VPD), and a major public health problem considered as leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. An outbreak of measles was reported in Sharifabad Islamabad on 15th of April 2017, and an investigation was launched to assess the magnitude of outbreak, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: A comprehensive house to house active case search along with vaccine coverage survey was conducted from April 19-22, 2017. A case was defined as "onset of maculopapular rash with fever in a resident of Sharifabad with at least one of the following signs/ symptoms, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Otitis media or Pneumonia present in between 19 March to 22nd April 2017". Four age & sex matched controls were selected from the neighborhood. Data was collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and vaccination coverage was determined by using Epi survey form. Blood samples were sent for laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of eight cases were identified through active case finding while three were reported by local practitioner. Mean age of cases were 20 months (range 8-36 months). Severely affected age-group was 1-2 years with attack rate of 46%. Around two-third (64%) of cases and a few (16%) of controls were unvaccinated against measles. Contact with measles patient [OR 25.2, CI 3.9-160.1, P=0.00], unvaccinated children [OR 9.2 CI 2.12-40.4, P=0.000], social misconception regarding vaccination [OR 7.8 CI 1.42-42.6, P=0.00], and distance from healthcare facility [OR 5.7 CI 1.15-28.35, P=0.02] were significant risk factors. Vaccine efficacy was 90%. Conclusion: Main reasons of the outbreak were contact with the cases, and low vaccination status. We recommended comprehensive measles vaccination and community awareness sessions. On our recommendations district health authority Islamabad carried out mop up of whole area.

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Predictive risk factors towards liver fluke infection among the people in Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province, Thailand

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312119840201 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205031211984020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Woragon Wichaiyo ◽

Wirat Parnsila ◽

Wisit Chaveepojnkamjorn ◽

Banchob Sripa

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Fluke ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The People ◽

Fluke Infection ◽

Raw Fish ◽

Predictive Risk ◽

Liver Fluke Infection

Background: Liver fluke disease caused by Opisthorchis viverrini remains a major public health problem with its crucial risk factors caused by some individual habits or false beliefs among the people in northeastern Thailand concerning the consumption of raw fish meat dishes. Objectives: This study explores the predictive risk factors for the infection of liver fluke disease. Methods: The sample consisted of 400 people aged 30 years and above in Thanya sub-district, Kamalasai district, Kalasin province. A cross-sectional analytic study, using the χ2 test, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, was used to find the influence of each variable, along with the use of multiple logistic regression (p = 0.05). A questionnaire form was used as the research instrument. Results: Factors found in the results are as follows: households with a cat were 7.00 times more at risk than households without a cat; eating raw fish dishes prepared by themselves increases the risk of infection by 2.58 times; eating raw fish dishes prepared by family members increases the risk by 4.74 times; and raw fish dishes bought from a community market increases the risk by 2.33 times. Conclusion: A campaign should be launched to educate people not to eat raw or undercooked fish dishes, but to fully cook fish dishes before eating, as the food is still delicious, but also safe, healthy, and free from liver fluke infection.

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Internet Addiction Among Male Adolescents in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/15579883211029459 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 155798832110294

Author(s):

Windy Rakhmawati ◽

Cecep Eli Kosasih ◽

Restuning Widiasih ◽

Suryani Suryani ◽

Hidayat Arifin

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Internet Addiction ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Self Control ◽

Easy Access ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Psychosocial Effects ◽

Male Adolescents ◽

Increased Risk

Internet has become an important part of the daily life of adolescents. Easy access to internet and its social appeal among adolescent males render them at an increased risk of internet addiction and the associated adverse physical and psychosocial effects. We conducted a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of nine male adolescents was recruited in West Java, Indonesia. Semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Data were subjected to thematic analysis. We identified four main themes from the experiences of adolescents with internet addition: reasons for internet addiction, unmet social need without the internet, effects of internet addiction, and self-control over internet usage. Internet addiction among male adolescents is a major public health problem that should be addressed. The findings of this study may be useful for health professionals and families to help male adolescents manage their internet addiction.

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