scholarly journals Prevalence of Asthma and Its Associating Environmental Factors among 6–12-Year-Old Schoolchildren in a Metropolitan Environment—A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Study

Author(s):  
Dávid Molnár ◽  
Gabriella Gálffy ◽  
Alpár Horváth ◽  
Gábor Tomisa ◽  
Gábor Katona ◽  
...  

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and its associating environmental factors within a 6–12-year-old population. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in primary schools located in the capital of Hungary; 3836 eligible parent-reported questionnaires were evaluated. Besides the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase three core questions for asthma, the survey also assessed various potential risk factors. We introduced the umbrella term cumulative asthma as the union of physician-diagnosed asthma and current wheezing to estimate the lifetime prevalence of asthma. Current wheezing and physician-diagnosed asthma showed a frequency of 9.5% and 6.3%, respectively. They contributed to a cumulative asthma prevalence of 12.6% among the sampled population, with a girl-boy percentage of 37.4% to 62.6%. Air-pollution and weedy areas were associated with greater risk for asthma, while a suburban residence showed lesser odds. Indoor smoking, visible mold, and keeping a dog were defined as risk factors for asthma, while the presence of plants in the bedroom and pet rodents were associated with lower odds ratios. The consumption of fast food, beverages containing additives and margarine were significantly higher in asthmatics, while we found frequent sport activity and cereal intake associated with lower odds ratios for asthma. In this urban environment, we identified an increased asthma prevalence compared to some previously published studies, but the cross-sectional design and the different methodology did not permit us to draw timeframe-dependent conclusions.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dávid Molnár ◽  
Gabriella Gálffy ◽  
Alpár Horváth ◽  
Gábor Tomisa ◽  
Gábor Katona ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in primary schools located in the capital of Hungary. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and its risk factors within a 6-12-year-old population.Methods After meeting selection criteria, 3836 eligible parent-reported questionnaires were evaluated. The survey included the ISAAC phase three core questions for asthma and assessed the association with other atopic conditions and various environmental, lifestyle and nutritional risk factors.Results Cumulative asthma had a prevalence of 12.6% among the sampled population, with a girl-boy percentage of 37.4–62.6%. The proximity of any air-polluting factories, heavy-vehicle traffic and weedy area associated with greater risk for asthma while a suburban residence showed lesser odds (odds ratios were 1.3319, 1.2883, 1.3939 and 0.6390 respectively). Indoor smoking, visible mould, and keeping a dog were defined as risk factors for asthma (odds ratios: 1.6509, 2.1282, 1.4362), while the presence of a plant in the bedroom and pet rodents associated with lower odds ratios (0.7884, 0.7231 respectively). The consumption of fast food, beverages containing additives and margarine were significantly higher in asthmatics (odds ratios 1.7488, 1.2669, 1.3549), while we found frequent sport activity (0.6883) and cereal intake (0.5403) had favorable odds ratios for asthma.Conclusions Some of the obtained results have confirmed the outcomes of previous similar epidemiological studies, while in other cases, differences were found. These differences could have been a natural consequence of regional variability and other undiscovered factors; however, the correct evaluation of these controversial results require further investigation in the future. The current data can serve as a milestone for a prospective trial. Having the findings of this study, we can articulate recommendations for the public regarding the most common risk factors of asthma that should be avoided at home and in our surroundings and how to transform our daily habits for a prosperous future.


Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in four Caribbean countries. Content In all 9,143 adolescents (15 years = median age) participated in the cross-sectional “2016 Dominican Republic, 2016 Suriname, 2017 Jamaica, and 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”. Eight behavioural risk factors of NCDs were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Summary Prevalence of each behavioural NCD risk factor was physical inactivity (84.2%), inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (82.2%), leisure-time sedentary behaviour (49.6%), daily ≥2 soft drinks intake (46.8%), ever drunk (28.6%), twice or more days a week fast food consumption (27.6%), having overweight/obesity (27.4%), and current tobacco use (13.8%). Students had on average 3.6 (SD=1.4), and 79.0% had 3–8 behavioural NCD risk factors. In multivariable linear regression, psychological distress and older age increased the odds, and attending school and parental support decreased the odds of multiple behavioural NCD risk factors. Outlook A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered and several factors independently contributing to multiple behavioural NCD risk factors were identified.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089011712096865
Author(s):  
Rubayyat Hashmi ◽  
Khorshed Alam ◽  
Jeff Gow ◽  
Sonja March

Purpose: To present the prevalence of 3 broad categories of mental disorder (anxiety-related, affective and other disorders) by socioeconomic status and examine the associated socioeconomic risk factors of mental disorders in Australia. Design: A population-based, cross-sectional national health survey on mental health and its risk factors across Australia. Setting: National Health Survey (NHS), 2017-2018 conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Participants: Under aged: 4,945 persons, Adult: 16,370 persons and total: 21,315 persons Measures: Patient-reported mental disorder outcomes Analysis: Weighted prevalence rates by socioeconomic status (equivalised household income, education qualifications, Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) scores, labor force status and industry sector where the adult respondent had their main job) were estimated using cross-tabulation. Logistic regression utilizing subsamples of underage and adult age groups were analyzed to test the association between socioeconomic status and mental disorders. Results: Anxiety-related disorders were the most common type of disorders with a weighted prevalence rate of 20.04% (95% CI: 18.49-21.69) for the poorest, 13.85% (95% CI: 12.48-15.35) for the richest and 16.34% (95% CI: 15.7-17) overall. The weighted prevalence rate for mood/affective disorders were 20.19% (95% CI: 18.63-21.84) for the poorest, 9.96% (95% CI: 8.79-11.27) for the richest, and 13.57% (95% CI: 12.99-14.17) overall. Other mental disorders prevalence were for the poorest: 9.07% (95% CI: 7.91-10.39), the richest: 3.83% (95% CI: 3.14-4.66), and overall: 5.93% (95% CI: 5.53-6.36). These patterns are also reflected if all mental disorders were aggregated with the poorest: 30.97% (95% CI: 29.15-32.86), the richest: 19.59% (95% CI: 18.02-21.26), and overall: 23.93% (95% CI: 23.19-24.69). The underage logistic regression model showed significant lower odds for the middle (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53 -1.04, p < 0.1), rich (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.5-0.99, p < 0.05) and richest (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, p < 0.01) income groups. Similarly, in the adult logistic model, there were significant lower odds for middle (AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.98, p < 0.05), rich (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62-0.86, p < 0.01) and richest (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.91, p < 0.01) income groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental disorders in Australia varied significantly across socioeconomic groups. Knowledge of different mental health needs in different socioeconomic groups can assist in framing evidence-based health promotion and improve the targeting of health resource allocation strategies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1016-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Moltó ◽  
Adrien Etcheto ◽  
Désirée van der Heijde ◽  
Robert Landewé ◽  
Filip van den Bosch ◽  
...  

BackgroundIncreased risk of some comorbidities has been reported in spondyloarthritis (SpA). Recommendations for detection/management of some of these comorbidities have been proposed, and it is known that a gap exists between these and their implementation in practice.ObjectiveTo evaluate (1) the prevalence of comorbidities and risk factors in different countries worldwide, (2) the gap between available recommendations and daily practice for management of these comorbidities and (3) the prevalence of previously unknown risk factors detected as a result of the present initiative.MethodsCross-sectional international study with 22 participating countries (from four continents), including 3984 patients with SpA according to the rheumatologist.Statistical analysisThe prevalence of comorbidities (cardiovascular, infection, cancer, osteoporosis and gastrointestinal) and risk factors; percentage of patients optimally monitored for comorbidities according to available recommendations and percentage of patients for whom a risk factor was detected due to this study.ResultsThe most frequent comorbidities were osteoporosis (13%) and gastroduodenal ulcer (11%). The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (34%), smoking (29%) and hypercholesterolaemia (27%). Substantial intercountry variability was observed for screening of comorbidities (eg, for LDL cholesterol measurement: from 8% (Taiwan) to 98% (Germany)). Systematic evaluation (eg, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol) during this study unveiled previously unknown risk factors (eg, elevated BP (14%)), emphasising the suboptimal monitoring of comorbidities.ConclusionsA high prevalence of comorbidities in SpA has been shown. Rigorous application of systematic evaluation of comorbidities may permit earlier detection, which may ultimately result in an improved outcome of patients with SpA.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Rahanur Alam ◽  
Mohammad Asadul Habib ◽  
A. K. Obidul Huq ◽  
Sumaiya Mamun ◽  
Sompa Reza ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Obesity is one of the significant risk factors for many non-communicable diseases. This research aimed to investigate the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in selected schools in Dhaka City through anthropometric evaluation, as well as to assess the correlation of various environmental determinants such as physical activity, dietary behavior, lifestyle habits, are associated with increased risk of obesity in children.Methods: This school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 participants (50 male and 56 female participants) aged 6-14 years selected by convenience sampling from four randomly selected primary schools of different regions of Dhaka city. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-going children 24.5%, 68% respectively. Factors associated with being obese included type of game (χ2=34.036; p=0.001), total playtime (χ2=17.788; p=0.000), TV and computer watch time (χ2=27.321; p=0.007), spend money to buy fast food (χ2=26.451; p=0.002), eating days fast food in a week (χ2=24.825; p=0.003), type of tiffin (χ2=19.757; p=0.072).Conclusions: Less playtime, longer watching TV and computer, and eating more fast food are major risk factors for overweight and obesity among school-going children in Dhaka city. Interventions are needed to increase awareness of child overweight weight and obesity risk factors to decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity.


Author(s):  
Chesco Aloyce Motto

This study intended to explore the school environmental factors influencing female pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools at Iringa Municipality. A cross-sectional study design was used where structured questionnaire using open and closed ended questionnaire as well as interviews to participants were used to collect primary information from 123 girls’ pupils and 36 key informants from seven selected public primary schools. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistics (SPSS). The study findings revealed that harsh environmental factors contributing to poor academic performance through sexual harassment by pest teachers, longer distance of a female pupils form schools that affect pupils attendance and drop out, Shortage of teaching and learning resources as well as facilities i.e. text books, library and shortage of latrines  while teaching and learning it is difficult for them to deriver pedagogical principal of teaching following large class size 68-80, and the bias attitude of the teacher towards subject matter that girls are always do performs poor in science subjects than boys. Finally, the study recommends that the government should build hostels for standard six and seven female pupils for solving the issue of long distance and drop out. Good and enough latrines should be built for girls and boys. Teachers should be well trained in order to handle girls well and also government should organize regular workshops for teachers. Either girls pupils should all the time helped by both male and female teachers in their problems and academic matters openly to avoid bias and mistrust among male teachers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Corona Rodríguez ◽  
Roxana Michel Márquez Herrera ◽  
Laura Cortés Sanabria ◽  
Gabriela Karen Nuñez Murillo ◽  
Erika Fabiola Gomez Garcia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), high blood pressure (HBP) and obesity are strongly related to negative lifestyle and nutritional habits. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of patients with and without risk factors for CKD who meet recommendations for food consumption. Method Cross-sectional study. A qualitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. Consumption of each food group was classified as adequate or inadequate based on dietary guidelines (DASH and ENSANUT Mexican Guidelines). Sociodemographic, biochemical and clinical variables were measured. DM2, HBP and obesity were defined as risk factors. Results 744 adults were evaluated, age 51±16 y, 68% women, 59% without risk factors, 7% DM2, 17% HBP, 8% DM2+HBP, and 18% obesity. Glomerular filtration rate was 99 (89-100) mL/min/1.73m2. Differences in FFQ between groups were found in relation to consumption of legumes, fast food, sugar, sweets and desserts (p&lt;0.05). Figure A shows the frequency of consumption of healthy and B, unhealthy foods. Conclusion In general, subjects in this sample had negative dietary habits, with &lt;50% consuming healthy food and &gt;50% consuming unhealthy food. Subjects without risk factors for CKD displayed a similar pattern of food consumption than those with risk factors, with only a significantly lower legumes intake than patients with HBP, and higher intake of sweets and desserts, sugar, and fast food compared to patients with DM2+HBP. It is necessary to implement strategies to prevent the long-term development of CKD in groups with poor adherence to healthy food consumption recommendations.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosliza A. Manaf ◽  
Khadijah Shamsuddin

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.


2020 ◽  
pp. 155982762094921
Author(s):  
Lei Xu ◽  
Mary Odum ◽  
Charles R. Rogers ◽  
Qiang Wu ◽  
Logan Wilmouth

Objective. This cross-sectional study examined associations between adolescent dietary behaviors and family/home environments with parent-adolescent dyadic analysis. Methods. Secondary data were analyzed for adolescents and their parents who participated in the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. Relationships between adolescent and parent intake of convenience/fast-food, fruits/vegetables, and sugar, as well as family/community and mealtime environments, were examined using Pearson’s correlations, 2-sample t tests, analysis of variance, and general linear model analyses. Results. Among this nationwide parent-adolescent dyad sample (N = 1890), a moderate relationship between parent and adolescent consumption of convenience/fast-foods ( r = 0.426) and fruits/vegetables ( r = 0.416) was found. Adolescent convenience/fast-foods intake differed by sex, neighborhood socioeconomic status, meals eaten with family, and meals eaten in front of the TV ( P < .001 for all) as well as race/ethnicity ( P = .004). Adolescent fruit/vegetable intake differed by home location ( P = .029), school location ( P = .032), meals eaten together with family, meals eaten in front of the TV, and body mass index category ( P < .001 for all). Generalized linear models revealed multiple predictors of adolescent dietary behaviors. Conclusion. Findings suggest dynamic relationships between adolescent and parent dietary cancer risk factors and adolescent fruit/vegetable consumption disparities by multiple environmental factors. Interventions targeting adolescent-parent dyads may help reduce cancer risk associated with diet.


Author(s):  
Hai Minh Vu ◽  
Long Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Huong Lan Thi Nguyen ◽  
Giang Thu Vu ◽  
Cuong Tat Nguyen ◽  
...  

Falls and recurrent falls cause great health and social consequences in older people. However, these problems are poorly understood in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was performed at seven hospitals in Thai Binh province, Vietnam, to investigate the individual and environmental factors associated with recurrent falls among elderly patients hospitalized due to fall injuries in Vietnam. A history of recurrent falls within the last 12 months, sociodemographic, health, and clinical characteristics, as well as environmental conditions, were obtained via self-reported interviews. Multivariate logistic and Poisson regression models were used to identify associated factors. Overall, the mean fall episodes in the last 12 months were 1.8 (Standard deviation—SD = 1.2) episodes, and the 12-month prevalence of recurrent falls was 40.5%. The individual risk factors included not receiving fall prevention guidelines, walking with devices, loss of sensation in hand or foot, and using pain relief medications. The environmental risk factors comprised having too-high stairs and not having dry, clean, and nonslippery bathrooms. This study highlights a significantly high 12-month prevalence of recurrent falls in older patients hospitalized after falls in Vietnam. Moreover, regular assessments of functional disabilities and hazardous environmental conditions, as well as the provision of prevention programs, have potential to prevent falls and recurrent falls.


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