scholarly journals Chagas disease in Switzerland: history and challenges

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (37) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Jackson ◽  
F Chappuis
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Screening Strategies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health Programmes

Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, is an emerging health problem in Europe affecting an estimated 80,000 persons. Around 60,000 Latin American migrants live in Switzerland, and cases of Chagas disease have been reported since 1979. As of June 2011, 258 cases have been diagnosed, mostly adults in the indeterminate phase of the chronic stage of the disease. Vertical transmission has been identified and there is a high potential for blood- and organ-borne transmission in the absence of systematic screening. Major challenges include (i) raising awareness among migrants and healthcare professionals, (ii) developing national protocols for screening and treatment targeting high-risk groups such as pregnant woman, newborns, migrants from highly endemic areas (e.g. Bolivia), and immunocompromised migrants, (iii) preventing blood- and organ-borne transmission by appropriate screening strategies, (iv) taking into account the social vulnerability of individuals at risk in the design and implementation of public health programmes, and (v) facilitating contacts with the communities at risk through outreach programmes, for example in churches and cultural groups.

scholarly journals Study on Awareness of Covid-19, Anxiety and Compliance on Social Distancing in Indonesia During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rully Afrita Harlianty ◽  
Tria Widyastuti ◽  
Hamid Mukhlis ◽  
Susi Susanti
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Psychological Problem ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
The Government

Abstract The psychological problem that can arise due to uncertain conditions to the spread of COVID-19 is anxiety. One of the essential behaviors that contribute to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 is awareness related to COVID-19 and the behavior of community adherence to the appeal of Social Distancing. The research objective was to determine whether awareness of COVID-19 is associated with anxiety and community compliance with social distancing rules. Besides, to understand differences in awareness of COVID-19, anxiety, and community compliance with social distancing rules. Based on an online survey through Google Form was conducted on 404 respondents aged 18 to 63 years. Data were collected using three instruments, the COVID-19 awareness scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) anxiety subscale, and the compliance scale for social distancing. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Kruskal Wallis, followed by Mann-Whitney U with Bonferroni correction. The main results of the research found that awareness of COVID-19 plays a vital role in realizing community compliance with social distancing rules. The group that needs more attention is related to awareness of lower COVID-19 and more at risk of experiencing anxiety, namely the younger age group, less educated, and not working. The government need to pay more attention to at-risk groups and provide an official information channel for raising awareness of COVID-19, clear prevention policies, and health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 especially with the discourse for new normal people are asked to move back in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Celiac Disease Diagnosed through Screening Programs in At-Risk Adults Is Not Associated with Worse Adherence to the Gluten-Free Diet and Might Protect from Osteopenia/Osteoporosis

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Tovoli ◽  
Giulia Negrini ◽  
Vito Sansone ◽  
Chiara Faggiano ◽  
Teresa Catenaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Gluten Free Diet ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Metabolic Bone ◽  
Screening Strategies

Screening strategies to detect celiac disease (CD) in at-risk subjects are of paramount importance to prevent the possible long-term complications of this condition. It is therefore of strategic relevance to understand whether patients diagnosed through screening follow a strict gluten-free diet (GFD), as the non-compliance to this diet can make screening efforts pointless. Currently, no studies have verified whether CD patients diagnosed in their adulthood are adhering to the GFD years after the diagnosis. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 750 CD patients diagnosed in our center during January 2004–December 2013 to verify differences between screening detected and clinically diagnosed patients. The groups shared a similar adherence to the GFD (91.2 versus 89.8%, p = 0.857). Moreover, the rates of non-responsive CD, GFD-induced metabolic alterations, and persistence in controls were also similar. Instead, screening-detected patients had a significantly lower rate of osteopenia/osteoporosis at diagnosis (31.3 versus 46%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, screening strategies for CD in at-risk groups should be encouraged even in the adult population. Patients diagnosed through these strategies had no additional problems compared to those diagnosed for clinical suspicion and might benefit from a protective effect against metabolic bone disease.

Hepatitis a Vaccine Promotion Using Facebook Ads to Reach At-Risk Groups

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110445
Author(s):  
Pamela Schwartz ◽  
Jennifer L. Sedillo ◽  
Jessica L.C. Sapp
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
General Audience ◽  
The Social

Purpose To evaluate using Facebook ads to promote hepatitis A vaccination to at-risk groups. Design This descriptive research study used Facebook ads and posts to deliver a social media health campaign. Setting The social networking site Facebook was used to target audiences in the United States. Subjects Adults in the United States with Facebook accounts were the general audience with at-risk audiences having interests or profile attributes in either LGBTQ or food service groups. Measures Facebook Ads Manager was used to determine impressions, engagement rates, link clicks, and cost per result of the ads. These metrics were measured to examine the use of Facebook ads and targeting audiences. Analysis Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used to determine if the amount spent on each ad had any correlation with reach, results, cost per result, or impressions. Results The campaign resulted in a reach of 53 422 users, 70 542 impressions, 457 unique link clicks (483 link clicks), an average cost per results of $0.92 USD, and the total amount spent of $445.68 USD. The amount spent was positively correlated with reach (r = .969), results (r = .994), cost per result (r = .841), and impressions (r =.957). Conclusion The social media health campaign was effective in reaching an audience about hepatitis A vaccination. Using interest groups was not more cost-effective than a using a general audience for link clicks.

Chagas Disease (Trypanosoma cruzi)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Altcheh ◽  
Guillermo Moscatelli ◽  
Facundo Garcia Bournissen
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Primary Means ◽  
Means Of Transmission ◽  
Mother To Child

Chagas disease (CD), or American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the hemoflagellate parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and has evolved from a regional, Latin American disease to one that is becoming widespread in other parts of the world. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Chagas disease has become the primary means of transmission of T. cruzi worldwide. Congenital Chagas disease can be prevented by treating women of reproductive age. It is important to develop strategies for the systematic screening of pregnant women for CD, as well as all children born to infected mothers, and also to treat every infected child as early as possible.

scholarly journals Chagas disease screening in pregnant Latin American women: Adherence to a systematic screening protocol in a non-endemic country

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. e0009281
Author(s):  
Jara Llenas-García ◽  
Philip Wikman-Jorgensen ◽  
Concepción Gil-Anguita ◽  
Violeta Ramos- Sesma ◽  
Diego Torrús-Tendero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Congenital Transmission ◽  
American Women ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Screening Adherence ◽  
Strengthen Treatment

Background Chagas disease (CD) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to continental Latin America. In Spain, the main transmission route is congenital. We aimed to assess adherence to regional recommendations of universal screening for CD during pregnancy in Latin American women in the province of Alicante from 2014 to 2018. Methodology/Principal findings Retrospective quality study using two availa sources: 1) delivery records of Latin American women that gave birth in the 10 public hospitals of Alicante between January 2014 and December 2018; and 2) records of Chagas serologies carried out in those centers between May 2013 and December 2018. There were 3026 deliveries in Latin American women during the study period; 1178 (38.9%) underwent CD serology. Screening adherence ranged from 17.2% to 59.3% in the different health departments and was higher in Bolivian women (48.3%). Twenty-six deliveries (2.2%) had a positive screening; CD was confirmed in 23 (2%) deliveries of 21 women. Bolivians had the highest seroprevalence (21/112; 18.7%), followed by Colombians (1/333; 0.3%) and Ecuadorians (1/348; 0.3%). Of 21 CD-positive women (19 Bolivians, 1 Colombian, 1 Ecuadorian), infection was already known in 12 (57.1%), and 9 (42.9%) had already been treated. Only 1 of the 12 untreated women (8.3%) was treated postpartum. Follow-up started in 20 of the 23 (87.0%) neonates but was completed only in 11 (47.8%); no cases of congenital transmission were detected. Among the 1848 unscreened deliveries, we estimate 43 undiagnosed cases of CD and 1 to 2 undetected cases of congenital transmission. Conclusions/Significance Adherence to recommendations of systematic screening for CD in Latin American pregnant women in Alicante can be improved. Strategies to strengthen treatment of postpartum women and monitoring of exposed newborns are needed. Currently, there may be undetected cases of congenital transmission in our province.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation of community interventions for the immigrant population of Latin American origin at risk for Chagas disease in the city of Barcelona

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. e0235466
Author(s):  
Jordi Gómez i Prat ◽  
Paula Peremiquel-Trillas ◽  
Isabel Claveria Guiu ◽  
Johanna Caro Mendivelso ◽  
Estefa Choque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Immigrant Population ◽  
Community Interventions ◽  
The City

Who’s at risk of entering Social Security Disability Insurance? A comparison of application and allowance rates for groups of at-risk individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Contreary ◽  
Todd Honeycutt
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Disability Insurance ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Social Security Disability Insurance ◽  
Program Participation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Social Security Disability ◽  
Employment Characteristics

BACKGROUND: The U.S. government has implemented several programs to reduce federal expenditures on Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) and help beneficiaries return to work, but the limited success of these efforts has raised interest in approaches that help workers with disabilities remain in the workforce. OBJECTIVE: This paper provides information on individuals at risk of applying for DI benefits to help build the evidence base for policies that provide workers with disabilities support to eliminate the need to apply for and receive DI benefits. METHODS: Using three panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation matched to SSA administrative data, we describe the employment characteristics of seven groups at risk of applying for DI benefits before and after application, as well as the outcomes of their DI applications. RESULTS: New private disability insurance recipients were more likely to apply for and receive DI than members of other at-risk groups. However, individuals with high healthcare expenditures made up the largest proportion of successful applicants across the at-risk groups considered here. CONCLUSION: While it seems plausible that individuals within an at-risk group who are likely to apply for DI benefits can be identified and provided supports to help them maintain employment, focusing on a specific group to promote employment over DI benefits may have a limited effect on the DI program because applicants come from multiple groups.

Major Kinds of Drug Targets in Chagas Disease or American Trypanosomiasis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 1203-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilma G. Duschak
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Cysteine Proteinase ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
World Health ◽  
American Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Group I

American Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection commonly named Chagas disease, affects millions of people all over Latin American countries. Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the number of international infected individuals extends to 7 to 8 million, assuming that more than 10,000 deaths occur annually. The transmission of the etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, through people migrating to non-endemic world nations makes it an emergent disease. The best promising targets for trypanocidal drugs may be classified into three main groups: Group I includes the main molecular targets that are considered among specific enzymes involved in the essential processes for parasite survival, principally Cruzipain, the major antigenic parasite cysteine proteinase. Group II involves biological pathways and their key specific enzymes, such as Sterol biosynthesis pathway, among others, specific antioxidant defense mechanisms, and bioenergetics ones. Group III includes the atypical organelles /structures present in the parasite relevant clinical forms, which are absent or considerably different from those present in mammals and biological processes related to them. These can be considered potential targets to develop drugs with extra effectiveness and fewer secondary effects than the currently used therapeutics. An improved distinction between the host and the parasite targets will help fight against this neglected disease.

scholarly journals Current knowledge of Chagas-related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanchi Malhotra ◽  
Imran Masood ◽  
Noberto Giglio ◽  
Jay D. Pruetz ◽  
Pia S. Pannaraj
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Background Chagas disease is a pathogenic parasitic infection with approximately 8 million cases worldwide and greater than 300,000 cases in the United States (U.S.). Chagas disease can lead to chronic cardiomyopathy and cardiac complications, with variable cardiac presentations in pediatrics making it difficult to recognize. The purpose of our study is to better understand current knowledge and experience with Chagas related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. Methods We prospectively disseminated a 19-question survey to pediatric cardiologists via 3 pediatric cardiology listservs. The survey included questions about demographics, Chagas disease presentation and experience. Results Of 139 responses, 119 cardiologists treat pediatric patients in the U.S. and were included. Most providers (87%) had not seen a case of Chagas disease in their practice; however, 72% also had never tested for it. The majority of knowledge-based questions about Chagas disease cardiac presentations were answered incorrectly, and 85% of providers expressed discomfort with recognizing cardiac presentations in children. Most respondents selected that they would not include Chagas disease on their differential diagnosis for presentations such as conduction anomalies, myocarditis and/or apical aneurysms, but would be more likely to include it if found in a Latin American immigrant. Of respondents, 87% agreed that they would be likely to attend a Chagas disease-related lecture. Conclusions Pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. have seen very few cases of Chagas disease, albeit most have not sent testing or included it in their differential diagnosis. Most individuals agreed that education on Chagas disease would be worth-while.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Screening in Female Osteoporosis Patients—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2344
Author(s):  
Franca Genest ◽  
Dominik Rak ◽  
Elisa Bätz ◽  
Kerstin Ott ◽  
Lothar Seefried
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Deficits ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Not At Risk

Sarcopenia and malnutrition are important determinants of increased fracture risk in osteoporosis. SARC-F and MNA-SF are well-established questionnaires for identifying patients at risk for these conditions. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and potential added benefit of such assessments as well as the actual prevalence of these conditions in osteoporosis patients. We conducted a cross-sectional, single-center study in female osteoporosis patients ≥ 65 years (SaNSiBaR-study). Results of the sarcopenia (SARC-F) and malnutrition (MNA-SF) screening questionnaires were matched with a functional assessment for sarcopenia and data from patients’ medical records. Out of 107 patients included in the analysis, a risk for sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥ 4 points) and a risk for malnutrition (MNA-SF ≤ 11 points) was found in 33 (30.8%) and 38 (35.5%) patients, respectively. Diagnostic overlap with coincident indicative findings in both questionnaires was observed in 17 patients (16%). As compared to the respective not-at-risk groups, the mean short physical performance battery (SPPB) score was significantly reduced in both patients at risk for sarcopenia (7.0 vs. 10.9 points, p < 0.001) and patients at risk for malnutrition (8.7 vs. 10.5 points, p = 0.005). Still, confirmed sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 criteria was present in only 6 (6%) of all 107 patients, with only 3 of them having an indicative SARC-F score. Bone mineral density was not significantly different in any of the at-risk groups at any site. In summary, applying SARC-F and MNA-SF in osteoporosis patients appears to be a complementary approach to identify individuals with functional deficits.

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