Understanding Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: Association of Mobility Status, Concerns About Falling, and Accumulated Impairments

Background Falls in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a serious health concern, and the percentage of people who restrict their activity because of concerns about falling (CAF) is not known. Mobility function and accumulated impairments are associated with fall risk in older adults but not in people with stroke and have not been studied in people with MS. Objective The purposes of this study were: (1) to estimate the percentage of people who have MS and report falling, CAF, and activity restrictions related to CAF; (2) to examine associations of these factors with fall status; and (3) to explore associations of fall status with mobility function and number of accumulated impairments. Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Methods A total of 575 community-dwelling people with MS provided information about sociodemographics, falls, CAF, activity restrictions related to CAF, mobility function, and accumulated impairments. Chi-square statistics were used to explore associations among these factors. Results In all participants, about 62% reported CAF and about 67% reported activity restrictions related to CAF. In participants who did not experience falls, 25.9% reported CAF and 27.7% reported activity restrictions related to CAF. Mobility function was associated with fall status; participants reporting moderate mobility restrictions reported the highest percentage of falls, and participants who were nonwalkers (ie, had severely limited self-mobility) reported the lowest percentage. Falls were associated with accumulated impairments; the participants who reported the highest percentage of 2 or more falls were those with 10 impairments. Limitations This cross-sectional study relied on self-reported falls, mobility, and impairment status, which were not objectively verified. Conclusions Both CAF and activity restrictions related to CAF were common in people with MS and were reported by people who experienced falls and those who did not. The association of fall status with mobility function did not appear to be linear. Fall risk increased with declining mobility function; however, at a certain threshold, further declines in mobility function were associated with fewer falls, possibly because of reduced fall risk exposure.

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136 Barriers to Discussing Fall Prevention with Healthcare Professionals amongst Community-Dwelling Singaporean Older Adults

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afz164.136 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. iv28-iv33

Author(s):

Nivedha Balachandar ◽

Silvia Sim ◽

Pey June Tan ◽

Jagadish Mallya ◽

Noor Hafizah Ismail ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fall Prevention ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modifiable Factors

Abstract Introduction A multitude of modifiable factors can contribute to one’s fall risk. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are equipped to identify such factors, and make appropriate recommendations to help older adults prevent falls. However, there is limited evidence on the awareness and practice of this in Asian communities. Thus, this paper aims to understand the participation and barriers for community-dwelling Singaporeans to discuss falls with their HCPs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a nationally-representative sample of Singaporeans aged ≥60 living in the community. Participants were asked if they have fallen in the past 12 months, if they discussed what they can do to avoid falls with their HCPs (doctor/nurse) and for their perceived barriers via a semi-structured questionnaire with multiple responses. Unstructured data was coded using content analysis by two researchers and pooled with structured data. Sub-group differences between fallers and non-fallers were anaylsed using chi square tests. Results Of 549 participants (70.6±6.9 years and 61% female), most (n=447, 81%) have never talked to their HCPs. More fallers discussed falls prevention with HCPs than non-fallers (p=0.037). The top barriers cited for discussing falls with HCPs – low perception of fall risk (55%) and misconceptions regarding falls and/or HCPs (29%) – were more prevalent amongst non-fallers (p=0.008) and fallers (p<0.001) respectively. Other barriers identified include competing priorities (8%) and actively taking alternate management to mitigate falls risk (4%). Discussion Fallers and non-fallers have different reasons behind not discussing falls with HCPs. Findings indicate that despite having higher fall risk, fallers may still not talk to HCPs as they are either unaware that fall risk can be mitigated, or of HCP’s role in fall prevention. Future studies should address fallers’ knowledge and attitudes to improve their participation in interventions in the community, and investigate health practitioners’ readiness to address concerns about falls.

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Setting – based prevalence and correlates of central obesity: findings from a cross-sectional study among formal sector employees in Dodoma City, Central Tanzania

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-10142-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mariam John Munyogwa ◽

Kaloli Sayi Ntalima ◽

Secilia Ng’weshemi Kapalata

Keyword(s):

Central Obesity ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Formal Sector ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Face To Face ◽

Chi Square Test

Abstract Background Obesity at the workplace has been associated with symptoms of lower self-esteem, increased individual and employer healthcare costs, increased absenteeism and presenteeism and reduced productivity. Therefore, this study was designed to study the prevalence and correlates of central obesity among formal sector employees in Dodoma City. Methods Study design was a cross-sectional survey conducted from March to June, 2019. Participants were employees from formal sector employment defined as those paid regular monthly wage and with either a secured permanent or temporary contract. Simple random sampling was used to select four out of fifteen large buildings hosting various establishments. Respondents were obtained conveniently and interviewed face to face. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference greater than 102 cm for males and greater than 88 cm for females. Chi-square test was conducted to assess the differences among the groups. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the correlates of central obesity. Results A total of 392 respondents (98% response rate) agreed and participated in the study. The overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 41.8% (164/392). The prevalence of central obesity was significantly higher among females (67.4% p < 0.001), respondents aged ≥51 years (60%, p = < 0.001), administrators (55.1% p = < 0.05), respondents with salary of > 1,000,000 Tanzanian Shilling (TSh.) per month (54.4%, p = < 0.05), respondents who eat homemade meals at the workplace (64.2%, p = < 0.05) and respondents with hypertension (62.5%, p = < 0.05). Correlates of central obesity were found to be female sex (AOR = 9.53; 95% CI: 5.49, 16.78), increased age, eating homemade meals at the workplace (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.19) and hypertension (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.41, 6.91). Conclusions The present study revealed high prevalence of central obesity among formal sector employees in Dodoma City. Scholars and stakeholders are urged to generate more evidences and design appropriate interventions to curb the situation.

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Public Perceptions and Attitudes of Bangladeshi Population towards Thalassemia Prevention: A Nationwide Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-139016/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nur-E- Alam ◽

Md Shariful Islam ◽

Umme Suriea ◽

Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin ◽

Md. Muzahidul Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Transmitted Disease ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Health Concern ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Premarital Screening ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Bangladeshi Population

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A self-administrative close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test and One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables with knowledge and practice regarding thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 1623 participants, only 44.7% (726/1623) had heard of thalassemia. The mean knowledge of thalassemia was scored 4.75 ± 2.05 out of a total possible score of 10. Half of the participants had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. About 73.1% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis process to determine thalassemia. The urban residing participants had the highest (5.10 ± 1.99) and participants with primary education had the lowest (3.38 ± 1.37) mean score of knowledge. Participants' knowledge score varied significantly by marital status, living pace, literacy and occupation (p< 0.05). However, about 68.2% and 85.5% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and donating blood to thalassemia patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will assist the implementation of significant steps such as educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening, campaigning, etc. to increase the awareness of thalassemia.

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Exercise on Prescription: A Cross-sectional Study With Self-reported Outcome

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2015-0015 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 377-384 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Helene Buch Pedersen ◽

Morten Helmer-Nielsen ◽

Karin Brochstedt Dieperink ◽

Birte Østergaard

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Lifestyle Diseases

Background:Exercise on prescription (EOP) is an attempt to increase physical activity among sedentary adults with signs of lifestyle diseases. Until now, no studies have focused on patients with chronic diseases and how they assess the long-term effect of participating in EOP consisting of supervised interventions of different intensities. This study aimed to describe and compare self-reported physical activity in the long term among participants in 3 EOP modules of different intensities.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1152 former participants in EOP between July 2005 and May 2007 in 2 Danish counties. Physical activity was measured as number of days with a minimum 30 minutes of moderate/vigorous activity.Results:Seventy-five percent (n = 854) returned the questionnaire. Of these, 36% reported being physically active ≥ 5 days/week. Comparing leisure-time activities before EOP 29% was sedentary vs. 15% (P < 0 .01) after, moderate + hard leisure-time activities was 7% before vs. 19% after EOP (P < 0 .01). Time postintervention did not influence the numbers reporting to be physical active negatively.Conclusions:This study in community-dwelling adults with chronic diseases participating in EOP finds that approximately one-third reported being physically active in the long term postintervention, but no differences between the modalities were found.

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Antidepressant use in multiple sclerosis: epidemiologic study of a large community sample

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458507077864 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1046-1053 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

K. Cetin ◽

K.L. Johnson ◽

D.M. Ehde ◽

C.M. Kuehn ◽

D. Amtmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Community Sample ◽

Epidemiologic Study ◽

Antidepressant Medication ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Antidepressant Use ◽

Clinically Significant

Depressive symptoms and disorders among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more common when compared to other chronic illnesses and the general population, but relatively little is known about the use of antidepressant medication in this population. In this cross-sectional study of 542 community-dwelling adults with MS, we examined the prevalence of antidepressant use and employed multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify factors significantly associated with antidepressant use. Thirty-five percent of the sample reported currently using at least one antidepressant medication. Gender, marital status, insurance status, fatigue, and use of disease modifying therapies were all significantly associated with antidepressant use. Just over half of the sample endorsed a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms, and the majority of this group was not currently taking an antidepressant. Conversely, 41% of those with depressive symptoms reported taking at least one antidepressant medication. More research is needed to better understand why people with MS and depressive symptoms use or do not use antidepressant medications and to further explore the possibility of an under-treatment of depressive disorder in this population. Rigorous studies testing the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of currently available therapies for depression in the MS population should also be conducted. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1046—1053. http://msj.sagepub.com

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The Association of Falls with Instability: An Analysis of Perceptions and Expectations toward the Use of Fall Detection Devices Among Older Adults in Malaysia

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.612538 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Kawthar Abdul Rahman ◽

Siti Anom Ahmad ◽

Azura Che Soh ◽

Asmidawati Ashari ◽

Chikamune Wada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Fall Detection ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quantitative Descriptive Analysis ◽

Perceptions And Expectations ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Falls are a significant incident among older adults affecting one in every three individuals aged 65 and over. Fall risk increases with age and other factors, namely instability. Recent studies on the use of fall detection devices in the Malaysian community are scarce, despite the necessity to use them. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the prevalence of falls with instability. This study also presents a survey that explores older adults' perceptions and expectations toward fall detection devices.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 336 community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years and older; based on randomly selected participants. Data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis. Chi-square test was conducted to investigate the associations between self-reported falls with instability, demographic and walking characteristics. Additionally, older adults' perceptions and expectations concerning the use of fall detection devices in their daily lives were explored.Results: The prevalence of falls was 28.9%, where one-quarter of older adults fell at least once in the past 6 months. Participants aged 70 years and older have a higher fall percentage than other groups. The prevalence of falls was significantly associated with instability, age, and walking characteristics. Around 70% of the participants reported having instability issues, of which over half of them fell at least once within 6 months. Almost 65% of the participants have a definite interest in using a fall detection device. Survey results revealed that the most expected features for a fall detection device include: user-friendly, followed by affordably priced, and accurate.Conclusions: The prevalence of falls in community-dwelling older adults is significantly associated with instability. Positive perceptions and informative expectations will be used to develop an enhanced fall detection incorporating balance monitoring system. Our findings demonstrate the need to extend the fall detection device features aiming for fall prevention intervention.

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Myths, beliefs, and conspiracies about COVID-19 Vaccines in Sindh, Pakistan: An online cross-sectional survey

10.22541/au.161519250.03425961/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Qamar Abbas ◽

Fatima Mangrio ◽

Sunil Kumar

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Major Barrier ◽

Polio Vaccination ◽

Relationship Of

Abstract Background Pakistan has already encountered intense opposition to polio vaccination due to myths and misinformation, now the unfavorable opinions of COVID-19 vaccinations among the population would have catastrophic consequences for attempts to end the pandemic. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of Sindh, Pakistan in January 2021. 31 items based on vaccines availability, safety, and myths, the questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed through a google form link. Results were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results A total of 774 responses were recorded from 23 districts of Sindh, Pakistan. The majority of participants (n=00, 00.0%) were not aware of the presence of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan. Results found the significant relationship of conspiracies and myths with an education level of participants, to make Muslims infertile, illiterate showed (Yes n=45, No=27) while postgraduate (Yes n=11, No=88) (χ2 = 109.6, P> 0.000). Participants showed doubt about the safety of vaccines, (Yes n= 464, 59.9%, No= 310, 40.1%). Other responses related to side effects of the vaccine were also highly significant, participants showed that vaccine side effects (Yes n= 462, 59.7%, No= 312, 40.3%), Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not get vaccinated (Yes n= 468, 59.8%, No= 311, 40.1%) and people with underlying conditions should not get vaccinated (True n= 389, 50.3%, False= 385, 49.7%). Conclusion The proportion of varying public doubts in vaccines’ safety and efficacy and the presence of myths, conspiracies will be a major barrier to vaccine uptake.

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RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN RURAL NIGERIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY AND A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT LITERATURE

Innovative Journal of Medical and Health Science ◽

10.15520/ijmhs.v9i4.2533 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 370-375

Author(s):

Anthonia A. Ikpeme*,Nchiewe E. Ani, Edoise M. Isiwele, Andrew E. Ekpenyong,Emmanuel E. Ekanem

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross River State

Introduction: Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low and middle incomecountries. These cardiovascular deaths are caused by modifiable risk factors. Evidenceis emerging that some of these factors maybe even more prevalent in rural areas whichare generally underserved.Aim: The aim of this study was to record risk factors for cardiovascular disease inrural communities in south southern Nigeria and review some related literature.Methods: A cross sectional study during clinical outreach activities that took placein 2016 to 2018 in several rural and few urban communities in Cross River State,Nigeria. Participating individuals gave full consent and ethical clearance obtained.Socio-demographic data, Anthropometric data and Blood sugar measurements wereobtained. Data extracted was transferred into EXCEL thereafter analysis was doneusing SPSS version 21. p values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant.Tests of significance included Anova, chi square and student t- tests.Results: Total population investigated over the 3 year period was 504. (2016-33.1%),(2017 -37.9%), (2018 – 28%) with a Female: Male distribution of 1:1.Most participants tended to be overweight across the years 59.7%, 59.1%, 73.7%,2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. The prevalence of Hypertension was 10.71%. Nosignificant gender difference in the prevalence of Hypertension (6.94% males to 3.77%females, p=0.097). The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 10.67%. There was nosignificant gender prevalence (6.67% males to 4.00% females, p =0.431)Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease remains relatively uncommon in Sub-SaharanAfrica, despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, but it’s incidence is rising.Steps should be taken in Sub-Saharan Africa to prevent an epidemic. This involvesdetailed and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities.Key words: RISK FACTORS, Cardio vascular disease, South South Nigeria.

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Youth Access to Electronic Cigarettes in an Unrestricted Market: a Cross-Sectional Study from Poland

10.20944/preprints201806.0031.v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Lukasz Balwicki ◽

Danielle Smith ◽

Malgorzata Balwicka-Szczyrba ◽

Michal Gawron PharmD ◽

Andrzej Sobczak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Technical Schools ◽

School Based ◽

Age Related ◽

Vape Shops

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among youth in Poland has become very popular. The aim of this study was to identify potential points of access to these products among students aged 16-17 before implementation of sales restrictions to minors in Poland in November 2016. Methods: A school-based, cross-sectional survey was administered in 2015-2016 in 21 secondary/technical schools across two regions of Poland. Analyses focused on 341 students aged 16-17 who reported past 30-day use of e-cigarettes. Pearson chi-square analyses were utilized to examine associations between access-related items, e-cigarette use, and demographics. Results: Among youth e-cigarette users, the most common access to their first e-cigarette was from a friend (38%), followed by purchasing from vape shops (26%). Similar patterns emerged when students were asked about the access to their currently used e-cigarette. Most youth reported no difficulty purchasing cartridges/e-liquid containing nicotine (90%); the majority of users (52%) reported buying such products in vape shops. Conclusions: Prior to implementing age-related sales restrictions, youth access to e-cigarettes and paraphernalia did not pose any significant barriers. Poland’s introduction of a new age limit on e-cigarette sales may help limit the number of youth who purchase e-cigarettes from vape shops.

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Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, Practice, and Barriers towards COVID-19 Infection among Saudi Residents in the Period of Rapid Outbreak of the Disease: A Cross Sectional Survey

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i19b31333 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 7-21

Author(s):

Md Salahuddin Ansari ◽

Faisal Al-Otaibi

Keyword(s):

Global Economy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Behavioral Parameters ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Appropriate Practices

The adherences to protective actions are subjective to knowledge, perception, attitude, practice and barriers towards COVID-19 by Saudi residents. The self-design questionnaires were used as a cross-sectional online survey for assessed their social and behavioral parameters during the agonizing time. The cross-sectional study used data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire from 2216 Saudi residents. SPSS software and chi-square test were applied to analyze and categorize significant differences among sectional variables of the parameters. More than 95% of responders were well aware about the main clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection and had sufficient knowledge about the protocols of five steps to stop the spread of coronavirus. Apositive perception towards COVID-19 was observed, about 55% participants strongly agreed that the coronavirus outbreak could impact the global economy and infection could be successfully controlled by imposing lockdown and by staying at home. The majority of respondents had good practices regarding COVID-19 infection. A high percentage of participants favored wearing masks, cleaning hands and frequently using hand sanitizer. A large number of participant (83.2%; n=1844) agreed that misinformation and rumors are spreading more quickly than the current outbreak of the new coronavirus. The findings suggested that Saudi residents are possessed good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and appropriate practices towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hopefully, under the combined efforts of WHO, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, all Saudi residents surely will win the battle against COVID-19 very soon.

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