scholarly journals Proportion of Dementia Explained by Five Key Factors in Jamaica

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 603-609
Author(s):  
Kimberly Ashby-Mitchell ◽  
Douladel Willie-Tyndale ◽  
Denise Eldemire-Shearer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Benefit ◽  
Dementia Prevalence ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Dementia has no known cure and age is its strongest predictor. Given that populations in the Caribbean are aging, a focus on policies and programs that reduce the risk of dementia and its risk factors is required. Objective: To estimate the proportion of dementia in the Jamaican setting attributable to key factors. Methods: We analyzed the contribution of five modifiable risk factors to dementia prevalence in Jamaica using a modified Levin’s Attributable Risk formula (low educational attainment, diabetes, smoking status, depression, and physical inactivity). Four sources of data were used: risk factor prevalence was obtained from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey, 2008, relative risk data were sourced from published meta-analyses, shared variance among risk factors was determined using cross-sectional data from the Health and Social Status of Older Persons in Jamaica Study. Estimated future prevalence of dementia in Jamaica was sourced from a published ADI/BUPA report which focused on dementia in the Americas. We computed the number of dementia cases attributable to each risk factor and estimated the effect of a reduction in these risk factors on future dementia prevalence. Results: Accounting for the overlapping of risk factors, 34.46% of dementia cases in Jamaica (6548 cases) were attributable to the five risk factors under study. We determined that if each risk factor were to be reduced by 5% –10% per decade from 2010–2050, dementia prevalence could be reduced by up to 14.0%. Conclusion: As the risk factors for dementia are shared with several of the main causes of death in Jamaica, a reduction in risk factors by even 5% can result in considerable public health benefit.

scholarly journals Poor Adherence to the Screening-Based Strategy of Group B Streptococcus Despite Colonization of Pregnant Women in Greece

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 418
Author(s):  
Maria Maroudia Berikopoulou ◽  
Aikaterini Pana ◽  
Theodota Liakopoulou-Tsitsipi ◽  
Nikos F. Vlahos ◽  
Vasiliki Papaevangelou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Culture Collection ◽  
Carrier Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Screening Guidelines ◽  
Group B

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of serious neonatal infections. Maternal GBS colonization is associated with early- and late-onset neonatal disease (EOD/LOD). In Greece, a screening-based strategy is recommended, in which concurrent vaginal-rectal cultures should be obtained between 36 0/7 and 37 6/7 weeks’ gestation. We sought to examine the level of adherence to the GBS screening guidelines and estimate the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women. Although in Greece the screening-based strategy is followed, we also examined known EOD risk factors and linked them to GBS colonization. A cross-sectional study of 604 women postpartum in three hospitals and maternity clinics was conducted. Following written informed consent, data were collected via a short self-completed questionnaire and review of patients’ records. In 34.6% of the enrolled pregnant women, no culture had been taken. Of the remaining, 12.8% had proper vaginal-rectal sample collections. The overall maternal colonization rate was 9.6%. At least one risk factor for EOD was identified in 12.6% of participants. The presence of risk factors was associated with positive cultures (p = 0.014). The rate of culture collection did not differ between women with or without an EOD risk factor. Adherence to a universal screening of pregnant women with vaginal-rectal cultures was poor. Despite probable underestimation of GBS carrier status, almost 1 in 10 participants were GBS positive during pregnancy. Screening of women with risk factors for EOD should, at least, be prioritized to achieve prevention and prompt intervention of EOD.

An absolute risk-guided approach to cardiovascular risk management within a chest pain clinic: the ARCPAC randomized trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A Black ◽  
J Campbell ◽  
J Sharman ◽  
M Nelson ◽  
S Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Pain Clinic ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Management ◽  
Risk Factor Management

Abstract Background The majority of patients attending chest pain clinics are found not to have a cardiac cause of their symptoms, but have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors that may be opportunistically addressed. Absolute risk calculators are recommended to guide risk factor management, although it is uncertain to what extent these calculations may assist with patient engagement in risk factor modification. Purpose We sought to determine the usefulness of a proactive, absolute risk-based approach, to guide opportunistic cardiovascular risk factor management within a chest pain clinic. Methods This was a prospective, open-label, blinded-endpoint study in 192 enhanced risk (estimated 5-year risk ≥8%, based on Australian Absolute Risk Calculator) patients presenting to a tertiary hospital chest pain clinic. Patients were randomized to best practice usual care, or intervention with development of a proactive cardiovascular risk management strategy framed around a discussion of the individual's absolute risk. Patients found to have a cardiac cause of symptoms were excluded as they constitute a secondary prevention population. Primary outcome was 5-year absolute cardiovascular risk score at minimum 12 months follow up. Secondary outcomes were individual modifiable risk factors (lipid profile, blood pressure, smoking status). Results 192 people entered the study; 100 in the intervention arm and 92 in usual care. There was no statistical difference between the two groups' baseline sociodemographic and clinical variables. The intervention group showed greater reduction in 5-year absolute risk scores (difference −2.77; p<0.001), and more favourable individual risk factors, although only smoking status and LDL cholesterol reached statistical significance (table). Conclusion An absolute risk-guided proactive risk factor management strategy employed opportunistically in a chest pain clinic significantly improves 5-year cardiovascular risk scores. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Tasmanian Community Fund

scholarly journals Knowledge of breast cancer among medical students in Syrian Private University, Syria: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hlma Ismail ◽  
Mosa Shibani ◽  
Hanaa Wael Zahrawi ◽  
Ali Fouad Slitin ◽  
Mhd Amin Alzabibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Private University ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
General Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death globally. Since early diagnosis is crucial to reducing mortality, high levels of knowledge regarding general information, risk factors, and symptoms are required among healthcare professionals to deliver breast cancer care. This study aimed to determine Syrian medical students’ knowledge about breast cancer in the fields of general knowledge, common clinical features, and risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Syrian Private University in October 2019 (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., United States). The chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship between the level of knowledge and gender. One way analysis of variance was performed to assess the overall differences in mean knowledge score by study year, GPA, mother’s education, and source of information. Unpaired Student’s T-test was used to analyze the differences in mean knowledge scores (continuous variable) based on smoking status and alcohol consumption. Results Of 320 students, 301 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 94.0%), of which 179(59.5%) were males. The study revealed above-average knowledge scores (total mean = 68.4%) regarding breast cancer, general information (71.9%), common clinical features (71.6%), and risk factors (71.6%). Clinical students (4th, 5th, and 6th years) scored higher compared with pre-clinical students (1st, 2nd, and 3rd years). Conclusion This study showed above-average knowledge scores regarding breast cancer. More efforts to correct misinformation, through reassessing the university curriculum and promoting awareness about breast cancer are required.

The effects of household income distribution on stroke prevalence and its risk factors of high blood pressure and smoking: a cross-sectional study in Saskatchewan, Canada

2016 ◽  
Vol 137 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yelena Bird ◽  
Mark Lemstra ◽  
Marla Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Income Distribution ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Statistical Adjustment ◽  
Stroke Prevalence

Background: Stroke is a major chronic disease and a common cause of adult disability and mortality. Although there are many known risk factors for stroke, lower income is not one that is often discussed. Aims: To determine the unadjusted and adjusted association of income distribution on the prevalence of stroke in Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods: Information was collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada for 2000–2008. In total, 178 variables were analysed for their association with stroke. Results: Prior to statistical adjustment, stroke was seven times more common for lower income residents than higher income residents. After statistical adjustment, only four covariates were independently associated with stroke prevalence, including having high blood pressure (odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.12–3.24), having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.88–3.29), being a daily smoker (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.16–1.58) and being physically inactive (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.13–1.43). After statistical adjustment, there were five covariates independently associated with high blood pressure prevalence, including having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.41–1.63). After statistical adjustment, there were five covariates independently associated with daily smoking prevalence, including having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.25–1.33). Conclusions: Knowledge of disparities in the prevalence, severity, disability and mortality of stroke is critically important to medical and public health professionals. Our study found that income distribution was strongly associated with stroke, its main disease intermediary – high blood pressure – and its main risk factor – smoking. As such, income is an important variable worthy of public debate as a modifiable risk factor for stroke.

scholarly journals Risk Factors For The Event Of Pediculosis Capitis In The Baturaja Orphanage, South Sumatera, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 871-878
Author(s):  
M. Farhan Fadhillah ◽  
Chairil Anwar ◽  
Iche Andriyani Liberty
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Pediculosis Capitis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pediculus Humanus ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
And Behavior

Introduction. Pediculosis capitis is a disease of the scalp caused by infestation of Pediculus humanus capitis with symptoms such as itching and sensation of movement in the hair. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage.Methods. This research is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design with field and laboratory research. The population of this study were all children in the Baturaja orphanage who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as many as 172 children. All children present were taken as subjects. Data obtained by questionnaires, interviews and direct observation of the sample.Results. The results of this study showed the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was 19.1%. In this study, it was found that there was a significant relationship between age (p = 0.000), education (p = 0.000), the use of shared pillows (p = 0.000), the use of shared combs (p = 0.000), the use of shared towels (p = 0.000), knowledge (p = 0.000), attitudes and behavior (p = 0.000) with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. Multivariate analysis showed that the most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was age (p=0.036), while behavior was a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.Conclusion. There is a significant relationship between age, education, use of shared pillows, use of shared combs, use of shared towels, knowledge, attitudes, behavior with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. The most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage is age, while behavior is a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.

scholarly journals Optimal waist:height ratio cut-off point for cardiometabolic risk factors in Turkish adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 488-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Selçuk Can ◽  
Emine Akal Yıldız ◽  
Gülhan Samur ◽  
Neslişah Rakıcıoğlu ◽  
Gülden Pekcan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the optimal waist:height ratio (WHtR) cut-off point that discriminates cardiometabolic risk factors in Turkish adults.DesignCross-sectional study. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome score ≥2 (presence of two or more metabolic syndrome components except for waist circumference) and at least one risk factor (diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia) were categorical outcome variables. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were prepared by plotting 1 − specificity on the x-axis and sensitivity on the y-axis. The WHtR value that had the highest Youden index was selected as the optimal cut-off point for each cardiometabolic risk factor (Youden index = sensitivity + specificity − 1).SettingTurkey, 2003.SubjectsAdults (1121 women and 571 men) aged 18 years and over were examined.ResultsAnalysis of ROC coordinate tables showed that the optimal cut-off value ranged between 0·55 and 0·60 and was almost equal between men and women. The sensitivities of the identified cut-offs were between 0·63 and 0·81, the specificities were between 0·42 and 0·71 and the accuracies were between 0·65 and 0·73, for men and women. The cut-off point of 0·59 was the most frequently identified value for discrimination of the studied cardiometabolic risk factors. Subjects classified as having WHtR ≥ 0·59 had significantly higher age and sociodemographic multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for cardiometabolic risk factors than subjects with WHtR < 0·59, except for diabetes in men.ConclusionsWe show that the optimal WHtR cut-off point to discriminate cardiometabolic risk factors is 0·59 in Turkish adults.

scholarly journals Vascular risk at younger ages most strongly associates with current and future brain volume

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (16) ◽  
pp. e1479-e1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew P. Pase ◽  
Kendra Davis-Plourde ◽  
Jayandra J. Himali ◽  
Claudia L. Satizabal ◽  
Hugo Aparicio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Vascular Risk Factor ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Strength Of Association ◽  
Risk Factor Burden

ObjectiveGiven the potential therapeutic effect of vascular disease control timing to reduce dementia risk, we investigated the age-related influences of vascular risk factor burden on brain structure throughout the lifespan.MethodsWe studied participants from the community-based prospective Framingham Heart Study. Overall vascular risk factor burden was calculated according to the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile, a validated algorithm that predicts stroke risk. Brain volume was estimated by MRI. We used cross-sectional data to examine how the strength of association between vascular risk factor burden and brain volume changed across each age decade from age 45–54 years through to 85–94 years (N = 2,887). Second, we leveraged up to 40 years of longitudinal data to determine how the strength of association between vascular risk factor burden and brain volume changed when vascular risk factors were examined at progressively earlier ages (N = 7,868).ResultsIn both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, higher vascular risk factor burden was associated with lower brain volume across each age decade. In the cross-sectional analysis, the strength of this association decreased with each decade of advancing age (p for trend < 0.0001). In longitudinal analysis, the strength of association between vascular risk factor burden and brain volume was stronger when vascular risk factors were measured at younger ages. For example, vascular risk factor burden was most strongly associated with lower brain volume in later life when vascular risk factors were measured at age 45 years.ConclusionVascular risk factors at younger ages appear to have detrimental effects on current and future brain volume.

scholarly journals Smoking Among Young Urban Malaysian Women and its Risk Factors

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosliza A. Manaf ◽  
Khadijah Shamsuddin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Urban Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Current Smoker ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Learning Institutions

This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of cigarette smoking and to determine the individual, family, and environmental factors associated with smoking among young urban women. A cross-sectional study through self-administered questionnaire was conducted on female students enrolled in private higher learning institutions in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia, between July and October 2005. Analysis on 408 respondents showed that current smoker prevalence rate was 18.6%. Adjusted analyses showed significant association between smoking and individual factors, which are the importance of slim image, average monthly allowance, and car ownership. For family factors, analyses showed significant association between smoking and parental marital status and smoking status of male siblings. Strong associations were seen between female smoking and environmental factors, such as having more smoker friends, having smokers as best friends, keeping cigarette-brand items, being offered free cigarette, and perceiving female smoking as normal. The identified risk factors could be used to develop more effective prevention programs to overcome smoking among young urban women.

scholarly journals Smoking cessation is associated with lower disease activity and predicts cardiovascular risk reduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 1997-2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida K Roelsgaard ◽  
Eirik Ikdahl ◽  
Silvia Rollefstad ◽  
Grunde Wibetoe ◽  
Bente A Esbensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
Event Rates ◽  
Lower Disease Activity

Abstract Objectives Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and RA and may cause attenuated responses to anti-rheumatic treatments. Our aim was to compare disease activity, CVD risk factors and CVD event rates across smoking status in RA patients. Methods Disease characteristics, CVD risk factors and relevant medications were recorded in RA patients without prior CVD from 10 countries (Norway, UK, Netherlands, USA, Sweden, Greece, South Africa, Spain, Canada and Mexico). Information on CVD events was collected. Adjusted analysis of variance, logistic regression and Cox models were applied to compare RA disease activity (DAS28), CVD risk factors and event rates across categories of smoking status. Results Of the 3311 RA patients (1012 former, 887 current and 1412 never smokers), 235 experienced CVD events during a median follow-up of 3.5 years (interquartile range 2.5–6.1). At enrolment, current smokers were more likely to have moderate or high disease activity compared with former and never smokers (P &lt; 0.001 for both). There was a gradient of worsening CVD risk factor profiles (lipoproteins and blood pressure) from never to former to current smokers. Furthermore, former and never smokers had significantly lower CVD event rates compared with current smokers [hazard ratio 0.70 (95% CI 0.51, 0.95), P = 0.02 and 0.48 (0.34, 0.69), P &lt; 0.001, respectively]. The CVD event rates for former and never smokers were comparable. Conclusion Smoking cessation in patients with RA was associated with lower disease activity and improved lipid profiles and was a predictor of reduced rates of CVD events.

scholarly journals Is Sensory Loss an Understudied Risk Factor for Frailty? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 2461-2470
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kye Jyn Tan ◽  
Ryan Eyn Kidd Man ◽  
Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽  
Eva K Fenwick ◽  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Age-related sensory loss and frailty are common conditions among older adults, but epidemiologic research on their possible links has been inconclusive. Clarifying this relationship is important because sensory loss may be a clinically relevant risk factor for frailty. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 3 databases for observational studies investigating 4 sensory impairments—vision (VI), hearing (HI), smell (SI), and taste (TI)—and their relationships with frailty. We meta-analyzed the cross-sectional associations of VI/HI each with pre-frailty and frailty, investigated sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression and subgroup analyses, and assessed publication bias using Egger’s test. Results We included 17 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal studies in our review (N = 34,085) from 766 records. Our cross-sectional meta-analyses found that HI and VI were, respectively, associated with 1.5- to 2-fold greater odds of pre-frailty and 2.5- to 3-fold greater odds of frailty. Our results remained largely unchanged after subgroup analyses and meta-regression, though the association between HI and pre-frailty was no longer significant in 2 subgroups which lacked sufficient studies. We did not detect publication bias. Longitudinal studies largely found positive associations between VI/HI and frailty progression from baseline robustness, though they were inconclusive about frailty progression from baseline pre-frailty. Sparse literature and heterogenous methods precluded meta-analyses and conclusions on the SI/TI–frailty relationships. Conclusions Our meta-analyses demonstrate significant cross-sectional associations between VI/HI with pre-frailty and frailty. Our review also highlights knowledge gaps on the directionality and modifiability of these relationships and the impact of SI/TI and multiple sensory impairments on frailty.

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