scholarly journals Factors Associated with Attempt for Smoking Cessation among Hardcore Smokers in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-258
Author(s):  
Hui-Wen Huang ◽  
Ya-Hui Yang ◽  
Chih-Ling Huang

Background: Tobacco control activities have mostly influenced those smokers who found it easier to quit and, thus, remaining smokers are those who are less likely to stop smoking. This phenomenon is called “hardening hypothesis,” which individuals unwilling or unable to quit smoking and likely to remain so. The aim of this study was to identify the factors correlated with smoking cessation among hardcore smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was employed. Hardcore smokers from communities in Taiwan were recruited to participate in the study (N = 187). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect demographic data as well as data on nicotine dependence, quitting self-efficacy, social smoking motives, attitudes towards the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (THPA), and smoking cessation. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors that were related to quit smoking. Results: About 30.3% (n = 54) reported having experienced quitting smoking over 7 days in the past year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards the THPA was identified as a particularly important factor contributing to the increase in smoking cessation among hardcore smokers. Conclusions: Nurses should cooperate with smoking cessation coaches to facilitate the improvement of attitudes towards the THPA as a key means through which to increase the smoking cessation rate among hardcore smokers.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Megawati Sinambela ◽  
Evi Erianty Hasibuan

Antenatal care is a service provided to pregnant women to monitor, support maternal health and detect mothers whether normal or problematic pregnant women. According to the WHO, globally more than 70% of maternal deaths are caused by complications of pregnancy and childbirth such as hemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis, and abortion. Based on data obtained from the profile of the North Sumatra provincial health office in 2017, in the city of Padangsidimpuan in 2017 the coverage of ANC visits reached (76.58%) and had not reached the target in accordance with the 2017 Provincial Health Office strategy plan (95%). This type of research was an observational analytic study with a cross sectional design. The population in this study were independent practice midwives who were in the Padangsidimpuan, the sample in this study amounted to 102 respondents. The technique of collecting data used questionnaires and data analysis used univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis. Based on bivariate analysis showed that there was a relationship between facilities, knowledge and attitudes of independent midwives with compliance with the standards of antenatal care services with a value of p <0.05. The results of the study with multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with the compliance of independent midwives in carrying out antenatal care service standards were attitudes with values (p = 0.026).


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Byung Woo Cho ◽  
Du Seong Kim ◽  
Hyuck Min Kwon ◽  
Ick Hwan Yang ◽  
Woo-Suk Lee ◽  
...  

Few studies have reported the relationship between knee pain and hypercholesterolemia in the elderly population with osteoarthritis (OA), independent of other variables. The aim of this study was to reveal the association between knee pain and metabolic diseases including hypercholesterolemia using a large-scale cohort. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and the Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V, VI-1; 2010–2013). Among the subjects aged ≥60 years, 7438 subjects (weighted number estimate = 35,524,307) who replied knee pain item and performed the simple radiographs of knee were enrolled. Using multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis, variables affecting knee pain were identified, and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Of the 35,524,307 subjects, 10,630,836 (29.9%) subjects experienced knee pain. Overall, 20,290,421 subjects (56.3%) had radiographic OA, and 8,119,372 (40.0%) of them complained of knee pain. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that among the metabolic diseases, only hypercholesterolemia was positively correlated with knee pain in the OA group (OR 1.24; 95% Confidence Interval 1.02–1.52, p = 0.033). There were no metabolic diseases correlated with knee pain in the non-OA group. This large-scale study revealed that in the elderly, hypercholesterolemia was positively associated with knee pain independent of body mass index and other metabolic diseases in the OA group, but not in the non-OA group. These results will help in understanding the nature of arthritic pain, and may support the need for exploring the longitudinal associations.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037362
Author(s):  
Ben Wamamili ◽  
Mark Wallace-Bell ◽  
Ann Richardson ◽  
Randolph C Grace ◽  
Pat Coope

ObjectiveIn March 2011, New Zealand (NZ) launched an aspirational goal to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% or less by 2025 (Smokefree 2025 goal). Little is known about university students’ awareness of, support for and perceptions about this goal. We sought to narrow the knowledge gap.SettingUniversity students in NZ.MethodsWe analysed data from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students across NZ. Logistic regression analysis examined the associations between responses about the Smokefree goal with smoking and vaping, while controlling for age, sex and ethnicity. Confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported where appropriate.ParticipantsThe sample comprised 1476 students: 919 (62.3%) aged 18 to 20 and 557 (37.7%) aged 21 to 24 years; 569 (38.6%) male and 907 (61.4%) female; 117 (7.9%) Māori and 1359 (92.1%) non-Māori. Of these, 10.5% currently smoked (ie, smoked at least monthly) and 6.1% currently vaped (ie, used an e-cigarette or vaped at least once a month).ResultsOverall awareness of the Smokefree goal was 47.5% (95% CI: 44.9 to 50.1); support 96.9% (95% CI: 95.8 to 97.8); belief that it can be achieved 88.8% (95% CI: 86.8 to 90.7) and belief that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it 88.1% (95% CI: 86.0 to 89.9).Dual users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes had greater odds of being aware of the Smokefree goal (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.19 to 7.92), current smokers had lower odds of supporting it (OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.27) and of believing that it can be achieved (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.24) and current vapers had greater odds of believing that e-cigarettes/vaping can help to achieve it (OR=8.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 62.52) compared with non-users.ConclusionsThe results suggest strong overall support for the Smokefree goal and belief that it can be achieved and that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it. Smoking and vaping were associated with high awareness of the Smokefree goal, but lower support and optimism that it can be achieved.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yosuke Yamada ◽  
Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽  
Fumie Kinoshita ◽  
Chi Hsien Huang ◽  
Taiki Sugimoto ◽  
...  

Background: Homocysteine is a common risk factor for cognitive impairment and sarcopenia. However, very few studies have shown an association between sarcopenia and serum homocysteine levels after adjustment for cognitive function. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between homocysteine and sarcopenia in memory clinic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated outpatients in a memory clinic. We enrolled 1,774 participants (≥65 years old) with measured skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and homocysteine. All participants had undergone cognitive assessments and were diagnosed with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or normal cognition. Patient characteristics were compared according to sarcopenia presence, SMI level, or HGS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of homocysteine with sarcopenia, low SMI, or low HGS. Next, linear regression analysis was performed using HGS as a continuous variable. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that low HGS was significantly associated with homocysteine levels (p = 0.002), but sarcopenia and low SMI were not. In linear regression analysis, HGS was negatively associated with homocysteine levels after adjustment for Mini-Mental State Examination score (β= –2.790, p <  0.001) or clinical diagnosis of dementia (β= –3.145, p <  0.001). These results were similar for men and women. Conclusion: Our results showed a negative association between homocysteine and HGS after adjustment for cognitive function. Our findings strengthen the assumed association between homocysteine and HGS. Further research is needed to determine whether lower homocysteine levels lead to prevent muscle weakness.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaldet Mekonnen Estifanos ◽  
Chen Hui ◽  
Afewerki Weldezgi Tesfai ◽  
Mekonnen Estifanos Teklu ◽  
Matiwos Araya Ghebrehiwet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e047230
Author(s):  
Jae-Sung Nam ◽  
Yun Ho Roh ◽  
Wasan Almazouq Fahad ◽  
Hae-Eun Noh ◽  
Jong-Gyun Ha ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the nationwide Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to evaluate the association between obesity and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or without nasal polyp (CRSsNP).DesignRetrospective cross-sectional analysis of health survey data.SettingVoluntary survey of representative South Korean populations.ParticipantsIn total, 32 384 individuals aged 19 years or older with available data on CRS and obesity were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDiagnosis of CRSwNP or CRSsNP was performed by trained otolaryngologists through sinus endoscopy and surveys of medical history. General and central obesity was diagnosed using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), respectively.MethodsA multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to clarify the association between CRSwNP or CRSsNP and obesity according to BMI and WC. Non-obese individuals were recruited as controls.ResultsThe prevalence of CRSwNP was higher in the general (OR, 1.438; 95% CI, 1.170 to 1.768; p<0.001) and central (OR, 1.251; 95% CI, 1.031 to 1.520; p=0.033) obesity groups than in the control group. Prevalence of CRSsNP was not correlated with obesity. In a logistic regression analysis, olfactory dysfunction (OR, 1.329; 95% CI, 1.137 to 1.553; p<0.001) and purulent discharge (OR, 1.383; 95% CI, 1.193 to 1.603; p<0.001) showed a higher incidence in the central obesity group than in the control group.ConclusionsWe demonstrated an association between CRSwNP and general and central obesity. Further investigations on the mechanism underlying this correlation are necessary for an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Vieira Batistão ◽  
Roberta de Fátima Carreira Moreira ◽  
Helenice Jane Cote Gil Coury ◽  
Luis Ernesto Bueno Salasar ◽  
Tatiana de Oliveira Sato

Abstract Introduction: Postural deviations are frequent in childhood and may cause pain and functional impairment. Previously, only a few studies have examined the association between body posture and intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Objective: To assess the prevalence of postural changes in school children, and to determine, using multiple logistic regression analysis, whether factors such as age, gender, BMI, handedness and physical activity might explain these deviations. Methods: The posture of 288 students was assessed by observation. Subjects were aged between 6 and 15 years, 59.4% (n = 171) of which were female. The mean age was 10.6 (± 2.4) years. Mean body weight was 38.6 (± 12.7) kg and mean height was 1.5 (± 0.1) m. A digital scale, a tapeline, a plumb line and standardized forms were used to collect data. The data were analyzed descriptively using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis (significance level of 5%). Results: We found the following deviations to be prevalent among schoolchildren: forward head posture, 53.5%, shoulder elevation, 74.3%, asymmetry of the iliac crests, 51.7%, valgus knees, 43.1%, thoracic hyperkyphosis, 30.2%, lumbar hyperlordosis, 37.2% and winged shoulder blades, 66.3%. The associated factors were age, gender, BMI and physical activity. Discussion: There was a high prevalence of postural deviations and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors partially explain the postural deviations. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the understanding of how and why these deviations develop, and to the implementation of preventive and rehabilitation programs, given that some of the associated factors are modifiable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. 56-66
Author(s):  
Tarek Benameur ◽  
Hassan Al-Bohassan ◽  
Abdullah Al-Aithan ◽  
Abdullah Al-Beladi ◽  
Hassan Al-Ali ◽  
...  

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a major health problem in the developing world including the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This practice remains an emerging challenge for the healthcare providers. A few previous studies have estimated the prevalence of SMA among the general population of KSA, but there had been no such studies on healthcare students. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SMA among medical, non-medical students and to evaluate its determinants. Methodology: A survey-based cross-sectional study using validated questionnaire was conducted amongst students at King Faisal University in KSA. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the determinants of SMA. Results: The prevalence of SMA was 58.4% with significantly lower proportion among medical students. Tonsillitis was the most common symptom for which SMA was used and was reported by a significantly higher proportion of medical (54.1%) students. Despite, the awareness of medical students about SMA is unsafe and mal-practice (79.9%), the prevalence of SMA practice remains high. Logistic regression analysis showed that students who incorrectly, identified the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections, the reasons of the antibiotics discontinuation had a higher likelihood to SMA. (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.52-4.503, P = 0.001), (OR = 1.575, 95% CI: 0.923-2.686, P = 0.09), respectively. Conclusions: SMA remains noticeably high among the medical students. To overcome this problem, we highly recommend improving the health education to better address this malpractice and improve the students’ knowledge, attitudes and awareness towards the antibiotics use and prescription pattern.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204062232110486
Author(s):  
Ying Cao ◽  
You Deng ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
Hong Zhao ◽  
Jingyu Zhang ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD with different comorbidities and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and abnormal albuminuria. Materials and Methods: A total of 3872 Chinese individuals excluding those with hepatitis B or C infection and absence of alcohol abuse were included in the study. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The liver fibrosis was assessed by NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or abnormal albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ⩾ 3 mg/mmol). The logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between NAFLD and NAFLD with different comorbidities and risk of CKD. Results: The prevalence of CKD and abnormal albuminuria was higher in individuals with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (15.8% vs 11.9%, p < 0.001; 14.8% vs 11.0%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NAFLD was risk factor of CKD. Notably, after adjustment for sex, age, and DM, NAFLD was associated with 1.31-fold higher risk of prevalent CKD ⩾ 1 ( p < 0.05). NAFLD individuals with elder age, DM, obesity, hypertension, MetS, and advanced liver fibrosis had higher risks of both prevalent CKD and abnormal albuminuria than those without comorbidities. Conclusions: NAFLD and NAFLD with traditional comorbidities are strongly associated with risk of prevalence of CKD and abnormal albuminuria. Patients with NAFLD especially those with coexisting comorbidities were recommended to carefully access the development of CKD.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malak Al Shammari ◽  
Ali Hassan ◽  
Omran Al Dandan ◽  
Mohammed Al Gadeeb ◽  
Dalal Bubshait

Abstract Background : Musculoskeletal symptoms account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains that predispose them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and their contributing factors. Methods : An online survey was sent to radiologists in all hospitals (academic, public and private) in the major cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia covering demographic characteristics, workload (e.g. the time spent at a computer workstation), and workstation environments including the number of monitors as well as the adjustability of the height of the workstation and the viewing distance. This survey of 263 radiologists was conducted in April 2019. It included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study outcome was the presence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in any body region, which restricted the performance of normal activities in the last 12 months. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months. Results : The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women) with a response rate of 75.3%. Most participants (71.2%) were aged below 40 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female radiologist (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), aged 30–39 years (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–15.3), and predominantly reviewing computed tomography (CT) images (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–12.3) or ultrasound scans (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.4–25.3) were associated with higher prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms, compared to those aged below 30 years and those who reviewed various imaging modalities, respectively. Conclusions : Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists with lower back and neck pain being the most frequent complaints. Being a female radiologist, aged 30–39 years, and reviewing CT or ultrasound scans were associated with higher rates of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.


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