scholarly journals EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER IN PAKISTANI WOMEN

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-143
Author(s):  
Zeba Hisam ◽  
Noor Muhammad Soomro ◽  
Rasheed Ahmed Lakhiar

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortility in females of pakistan. We conducted this study to evaluate risk factors for developing breast cancer in Pakistani women. Methods: An observational/ cross sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth Pfau K. M Civil Hospital Karachi, Oncology Ward, from May 2017 to February 2018. A total of 80 patients of biopsy positive cases of breast cancer in Pakistani females were included who were admitted for chemotherapy. By taking the histories, their risk factors were evaluated, weight, height recorded and BMI calculated. Results: In this study 80 females were included to evaluate the risk factors for cancer of breast. Age was 40-59 years in 46.3% and 32.5% were of 24-39 year. Out of total, 98.8% were married, 1.3% was unmarried. Family history of breast cancer was 17.5%, early menarche 7.5%, late menopause 11.8%. Nulliparity was 10% and multiparity was 90%. Age at first full-term pregnancy above 35 years was 1.3%. Breast-feeding was in 77.5% and oral contraceptive pills use 18.8%. HRT was absent 100%. Dietary intake of high fat 40%, lack of exercise 95%, raised BMI 78.8% and use of hair dye in 58.8%. Synthetic dye use was reported in 4% and Henna was used in 96%. Frequency of hair dye use, ranged from occasional (4-5 times/year) 4.2%, to twice a month 4.2% and monthly 91.6%. Duration of hair dye use reported was for 2 years (4%), 5 years (7%), 7 years (11%), 10 years (14%), 15 years (20%) and 20 years (28%). Conclusion: The risk factors for cancer of breast have a different implication on Pakistani women than their western counterparts. Genetic and hormonal factors play a smaller role while life style factors play a major role including a recently associated risk factor of the use of hair dye.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253373
Author(s):  
Sandra Osei-Afriyie ◽  
Albert Kwesi Addae ◽  
Samuel Oppong ◽  
Hubert Amu ◽  
Emmanuel Ampofo ◽  
...  

Background Like many other women in the developing world, the practice of breast cancer screening among Ghanaian women is unsatisfactory. As a result, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poor outcomes including mortalities. An understanding of the awareness and predictors of breast examination is an important first step that may guide the design of interventions aimed at raising awareness across the general population. This study aimed to explore the awareness, risk factors, and self-reported screening practices of breast cancer among female undergraduate students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduate students using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using Stata Version 13.1 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed to quantify the association between regular Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Results Seventy-three per cent of the students were aware of breast cancer, with social media being the most important source of information (64.4%). The prevalence of breast cancer risk factors varied from 1% of having a personal history of breast cancer to 14.3% for positive family history of breast cancer. Current use of oral pills/injectable contraceptives was confirmed by 13.2% of participants; 20% were current alcohol users and10.1% were physically inactive. Regarding breast examination, 42.6% performed BSE; 10.1% had Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), while 2.3% had undergone mammography in the three years preceding the study. Women who did not believe to be susceptible to breast cancer (AOR: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.02–0.09) and those who did not know their risk status (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.005–0.57) were less likely to perform regular BSE compared to those who displayed pessimism. Further, women with no religious affiliation had 0.11 (95%CI: 0.02–0.55) odds of examining their breast regularly compared to Christians. Conclusion This study demonstrated moderate awareness of the modalities of breast cancer screening and the risk factors of breast cancer among the students. However, there exists a gap between awareness and practice of breast cancer screening, which was influenced by optimism in breast cancer risk perception and religion. Awareness campaigns and education should be intensified in the University to bridge this gap.


Author(s):  
Akshy Kumar ◽  
Mukul Sharma

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Melasma is an acquired increased pigmentation of the skin, characterized by gray-brown symmetrical patches, mostly in the sun-exposed areas of the skin.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The proposed study is an epidemiological cross sectional study which was carried out in the department of dermatology in a teaching institute from October 2007 to September 2008 at Pramukh Swami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study over a period of one year.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The main age group affected was 30-39 years i.e. 48.33% patients. 50 patients were females.18 patients had a positive family history of melasma. 12 patients had a positive history of using OC Pills. Malar region was the commonest affected area found in 52 patients followed by Centro-facial in 31 and least involvement was seen in forehead region in 24 patients. 20 patients reported association of occurrence of the lesions with pregnancy, 09 patients reported sunlight to be the offending agent.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Females were affected more commonly during their late third decade of life. Although we did not find the exact cause of melasma, we noticed that sun-exposure, pregnancy, and taking of oral contraceptive pills could precipitate or exacerbate the melasma.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagim Birri ◽  
Mihiretu Kumie

Abstract Background: Premarital sex may result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. Published reports on the prevalence premarital in private colleges in Ethiopia are limited. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of premarital and risky behaviours among students of Ayer Tena Health Science and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among of Ayer Tena Health Science and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 390 students that were selected by systematic random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Associations between variables were determined using chi-square test.Results: The study participants consisted of 81% females, 73.7% Christians, 58% business students, 56.8 % degree students, 62.1% regular students and 49.1% fresh students. We found that 23.3% of the students had exprienced premarital sex, of which 43.5% had sex in the last 12 months, 14.3% were homosexuals, and 20% started sex before 18. About 68.2% never used condom at the first sex and 60% had history of having sex without condom. About 51.3% did not plan for the first sex. Nearly 34% had multiple sexual partners in their life time and 15.5% had multiple current sexual partners. From 334 respondents, 14.7% said that oral contraceptive pills prevent sexually STIs. Nearly 59 % (47/80) of the study subjects did not have a practice of requesting a new sexual partner for STIs test result. Many students had a history of watching pornography (17.3%), drinking alcohol (17.3%) and taking drugs (3%). Among 65 female students, 20% had a history of pregnancy, of which 46.2% have done abortion. Among those who practiced sexual intercourse, 5.9% had history of STIs, including HIV. Premarital sex was common among males, Christians, health students, non-regular students, degree students, and among those who never attended religious services, live alone, have income, watch pornography, believe that oral contraceptive pills prevent STIs, and take alcohol.Conclusion: The prevalence of premarital is high among the study participants. Risky behaviors and misconceptions are also common. Hence, it would be better to devise and implement effective intervention strategies to reverse the situation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hlma Ismail ◽  
Mosa Shibani ◽  
Hanaa Wael Zahrawi ◽  
Ali Fouad Slitin ◽  
Mhd Amin Alzabibi ◽  
...  

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.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e015758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Liang Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Ni Guo ◽  
Yan-Hua Wu ◽  
Hao-Yuan Liu ◽  
Yun Luo ◽  
...  

ObjectivesEpidemiological studies aimed at stroke and its risk factors can help identify persons at higher risk and therefore promote stroke prevention strategies. We aimed to explore the current prevalence of stroke and its associated risk factors in northeast China.DesignPopulation based cross sectional study.SettingData were collected using a structured precoded questionnaire designed by the Stroke Screening and Prevention Programme of the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, between January and March 2016.Participants4100 permanent residents, aged 40 years or older, who had lived in Dehui City of Jilin Province for more than 6 months volunteered to participate in the survey, with a response rate of 92.2%. For the purpose of the present analysis, 48 subjects were excluded due to missing values, giving a total of 4052 people included in this analysis.Main outcome measureThe questionnaire included demographic characteristics, stroke related behavioural factors, personal and family medical history of stroke, physical examination and laboratory testing.ResultsThe overall prevalence of stroke in Jilin Province was 7.2% (95% CI 6.3% to 8.2%). Of all stroke cases, 91.7% (95% CI 87.4% to 94.6%) were ischaemic stroke and 8.3% (95% CI 5.4% to 12.6%) were haemorrhagic stroke. The prevalence rates of dyslipidaemia, smoking and hypertension were ranked as the top three cerebrovascular risk factors and were 62.1%, 61.8% and 57.3%, respectively. We found that hypertension, dyslipidaemia and lack of exercise were associated with ischaemic stroke. However, only hypertension (OR=4.064, 95% CI 1.358 to 12.160) was significantly associated with haemorrhagic stroke.ConclusionsThe prevalence of stroke, especially ischaemic stroke, and associated cerebrovascular risk factors among adults aged 40 years or older in northeast China were high. A higher regional prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and lack of exercise may be responsible.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanaphum Laithaisong ◽  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Chanunporn Tupthai ◽  
Chathaya Wongrathanandha

PurposeThis research aimed to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related factors among subcontracted cleaners in a teaching hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted of 393 subcontracted cleaners in a teaching hospital, from May to June 2020. Face-to-face interviews were carried out using a standard questionnaire, consisting of four parts: (1) participant characteristics, (2) stress test, (3) work characteristics and (4) standardized Nordic questionnaire, Thai version, for MSDs outcome. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between MSDs and related factors.FindingsThe prevalence of MSDs was 81.9%, involving mostly the lower back (57.7%), followed by the shoulder (52.6%). Factors significantly associated with MSDs were as follows: male gender (OR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.19, 7.87]), severe stress (OR = 2.72, 95% CI [1.13, 6.54]), history of injuries (OR = 4.37, 95% CI [1.27, 15.11]), mopping posture (OR = 2.81, 95% CI [1.43, 5.50]) and task duration (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.01, 3.57] for 2–4 h and OR = 3.39, 95% CI [1.17, 9.86] for more than 4 h). Sick leave due to MSDs was associated with history of injuries, Thai nationality and having another part-time job.Originality/valueThe study findings about MSDs in terms of prevalence and related factors contributed to limited pool of the knowledge among subcontracted hospital cleaners in Thailand and middle-income country settings. With growing popularity in outsourcing cleaning services among hospitals in these countries, the study findings could raise a concern and inform policymakers and hospital administrators the importance of the magnitude and risk factors for MSDs necessitating design of preventive strategies.


Author(s):  
Viral R. Dave ◽  
Bhavik M. Rana ◽  
Kantibhai N. Sonaliya ◽  
Suraj J. Chandwani ◽  
Samkit V. Sharma ◽  
...  

Background: Hypertension and gestational diabetes are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in rural areas of developing countries with meager health facilities. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, these adverse events can be decreased. The primary aim of this study was to implement a screening program for gestational diabetes and hypertension, and to assess risk factors associated with these conditions among antenatal women in the rural area of the Gujarat province in India.Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted at one of the rural areas of Gujarat province in India. Following a random  cluster sampling procedure, the village of Davas was selected. A multistage random sampling method was utilized, resulting in a sample of 346 antenatal women. Screening guidelines from the American Diabetes Association were followed for gestational diabetes screening.Results: The majority of antenatal mothers (55.50%) were between 21-25 years of age. 242 antenatal women were multigravida, and among them, 85.96% had institutional delivery at their last pregnancy. Of the total 346 women, 17.60% were prehypertensive. The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 1.40%, diastolic hypertension was 0.90%, and gestational diabetes was 1.73%.Conclusion: Socioeconomically upper class, a family history of hypertension, and BMI ≥ 25 were strong risk factors for hypertension during pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Health education should be made readily available to antenatal mothers by paramedical workers regarding symptoms of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus for early self identification.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 73-82
Author(s):  
Naresh Manandhar

Background: Hypertension is a progressive cardiovascular syndrome arising from complex and interrelated etiologies. Males have slightly higher prevalence than female in most of countries of Southeast-Asian region.Objective: The objective of study is to find out prevalence and the risk factors of hypertension at Sipaghat, Sindhulchowk, Nepal.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sipaghat of Sindhupalchowk district in May 2016 and 260 persons were selected randomly. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was higher in male (25.4%) than female (17.4%). Mean age of study population was 42.08 years with standard deviation, 15.95 years. Variables namely age group, smoking, alcohol consumption and family history of hypertension were found to be significant at 5 percent level of significance. Alcohol consumption and smokers have more than two times higher chance of getting hypertension compared to alcohol non-consumer and nonsmoker with 95% confidence intervals were 1.08-4.80 and 1.21-6.10, respectively. Persons with family history of hypertension have 3.8 times more chance of getting hypertension compared to no family history of hypertension with 1.89-7.61 of 95% confidence interval.Conclusion: Lifestyle modification reduces blood pressure which prevents or delays the incidence of hypertension. Hypertension can be controlled and prevented by modifying the lifestyle. People should be advised to avoid modifiable risk factors of hypertension like smoking, consumption of alcohol and physical inactivity through health education programs.Nepalese Journal of Statistics, 2017, Vol. 1, 73-82


Author(s):  
Jessica Alysia ◽  
Yvonne Suzy Handajani ◽  
Nelly Tina Widjaja ◽  
Yuda Turana

CHRONIC DISEASES AND LIFESTYLE IMPACT TO CATEGORY VERBAL FLUENCY PERFORMANCE IN ELDERLYABSTRACTIntroduction: In recent studies, chronic illness and sedentary lifestyle were found to bea risk factors for cognitive impairment. Verbal fluency (VF) is one of the most used instruments.Aim: To determine cognitive impairment using VF and its correlation with risk factors (chronic illness and lifestyle) in elderly.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted toward 121 elderly respondents in August–September 2017 at Pusaka, West Jakarta. Cognitive impariment was assessesed using VF. VF otherwise disturbed if the value <16.03. Heart disease and stroke were determined by anamnesis. Blood pressure was determined using Riester tensimeter. that has been calibrated. Cholesterol and blood sugar were determined using laboratory result by CHOD-PAP method. Smoking was determined by asking the history of smoking. Physical activity was determined by 24-hour activity recall. Nutrition Intake was determined by food record.Results: There were 63.6% subjects wno had VF impairment. Most respondent were over 65 years old (71.9%), female (66.1%) and education level more than 6 years (72.7%). VF had a significant assosiation with education level (p=0.020; OR=3.792), and without cardiovascular disease (p=0.023; OR=0.111).Discussion: The mayority of respondents had VF impairment, lower education was consistenly as a risk factors while no history of cardiovascular disease as a protective factors of language impairment.Keywords: Chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, lifestyle, verbal fluencyABSTRAKPendahuluan: Pada beberapa penelitian terbaru ditemukan bahwa faktor risiko seperti penyakit kronis dan gaya hidup buruk meningkatkan risiko terkena gangguan fungsi kognitif. Salah satu instrumen yang sering digunakan adalah verbal fluency (VF).Tujuan: Mengetahui gambaran fungsi kognitif dengan instrumen VF dan hubungannya dengan faktor risiko (penyakit kronis dan gaya hidup) pada lansia.Metode: Penelitian potong lintang ini dilaksanakan pada 121 responden lansia pada bulan Agustus-September 2017 di Pusaka Jakarta Barat. Gangguan fungsi kognitif dinilai menggunakan instrumen VF. Verbal fluency dikatakan terganggu dengan nilai <16,03. Penyakit jantung dan stroke didapatkan dari anamnesis. Tekanan darah dari hasil pengukuran menggunakan tensimeter yang telah dikalibrasi sebelumnya. Pengukuran kolesterol dan gula darah didapatkan dari hasil laboratorium dengan metode CHOD-PAP. Merokok didapat dari anamnesis. Aktivitas fisik dinilai dari 24-hour activity recall. Asupan nutrisi dinilai dari kuisioner food record.Hasil: Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan subjek dengan gangguan VF sebanyak 63,6%. Mayoritas responden berusia diatas 65 tahun (71,9%), dengan jenis kelamin wanita (66,1%) dan tingkat pendidikan diatas 6 tahun (72,7%). Hasil analisis menunjukan bahwa instrumen VF memiliki hubungan bermakna dengan tingkat pendidikan rendah (p=0,020; RO=3,792), dan tidak berpenyakit jantung (p=0,023; RO=0,111).Diskusi: Mayoritas responden memiliki gangguan bahasa, pendidikan rendah diketahui secara konsisten sebagai faktor risiko sementara tidak ada riwayat penyakit jantung sebagai faktor protektif untuk gangguan fungsi bahasa.Kata kunci: Gangguan fungsi kognitif, gaya hidup, penyakit kronis, verbal fluency


Author(s):  
Bushra . ◽  
Ambreen Ghori ◽  
Azra Ahmed ◽  
Najma Dalwani ◽  
Mushtaque Ali Shah ◽  
...  

Background: Pregnancy is a very crucial time in a woman’s life. In this period of time, not only multiple physiological alterations effect the usual health status but also makes women more vulnerable to contract infection and face negative sequalae. Hepatitis C, a blood borne viral infection serve the similar fate when encountered by pregnant ladies. This study is based on exploring the prevalence of the Hepatitis C virus seropositivity among pregnant population. Moreover, we also evaluated the major risk factors leading to the infection in these mothers. Besides this, infected mothers were studied for their pregnancy outcomes.Methods: In this study 114 pregnant females were observed for this cross-sectional study. It was conducted in Gynecology Unit- 1, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, for the period of January 2017 to July 2017. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis on SPSS version 16. The criteria for enrollment in the study was set to be a pregnant lady belonging to age group 20-35 years; having singleton pregnancy; was a booked case at the hospital with compliant to antenatal follow ups; admitted to the labor room for delivery. All the non-pregnant ladies, whom had co morbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes or had infected with hepatitis B or D were excluded from the study. Furthermore, pregnant ladies with multiple gestion or those who were either diagnosed of hepatitis C prior to conceive or had a previous history of hepatitis C were also excluded.Results: Present study revealed that out of 114, 10(8.8%) pregnant ladies were found seropositive for Hepatitis C virus. Prior history for transfusion of blood was the Foremost risk factor discovered, with 60.5% women reported this. History of surgery was the 2nd commonest factor and 43.9% had this in their medical records. On the other hand, only 8.8% women gave the history for previous evacuation. While observing pregnancy outcomes, we found 48.2% neonates had low birth weight, 41.2% were born preterm and 21.1% had low APGAR score.Conclusions: In a nutshell hepatitis c is prevalent in the pregnant population of this region and showing its effects in the form of compromised pregnancies. History of blood transfusion and previous surgery were found to be chief risk factors in the study.


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