scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence between Fall 2020 and February 2021 in Allegheny County, Western Pennsylvania, USA

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 710
Author(s):  
Lingqing Xu ◽  
Joshua Doyle ◽  
Dominique J. Barbeau ◽  
Valerie Le Sage ◽  
Alan Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Allegheny County ◽  
Neutralization Titer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Vaccine Antigens ◽  
Human Blood Samples

Seroprevalence studies are important for understanding the dynamics of local virus transmission and evaluating community immunity. To assess the seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in Allegheny County, an urban/suburban county in Western PA, 393 human blood samples collected in Fall 2020 and February 2021 were examined for spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid protein (N) antibodies. All RBD-positive samples were evaluated for virus-specific neutralization activity. Our results showed a seroprevalence of 5.5% by RBD ELISA, 4.5% by N ELISA, and 2.5% for both in Fall 2020, which increased to 24.7% by RBD ELISA, 14.9% by N ELISA, and 12.9% for both in February 2021. Neutralization titer was significantly correlated with RBD titer but not with N titer. Using these two assays, we were able to distinguish infected from vaccinated individuals. In the February cohort, higher median income and white race were associated with serological findings consistent with vaccination. This study demonstrates a 4.5-fold increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from Fall 2020 to February 2021 in Allegheny County, PA, due to increased incidence of both natural disease and vaccination. Future seroprevalence studies will need to include the effect of vaccination on assay results and incorporate non-vaccine antigens in serological assessments.

scholarly journals Knowledge About Dengue Fever Prevention Among People Visiting Benazir Bhutto Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Tamanna Fayyaz ◽  
Maria Yasin ◽  
Ahsan Tariq ◽  
Aashi Mughal ◽  
Mujtaba Haider Bukhari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Campaigns

Background: The higher incidence of dengue fever in Pakistan demands additional efforts in order to limit the disease. Despite active public health campaigns, low public awareness is one of the factors facilitating dengue virus transmission. For effective preventive measures, the assessment of the knowledge gap and then taking appropriate steps to fill the gap is required.The objective of this study is to assess knowledge about dengue fever prevention among people visiting Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi.Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study of 6 months duration was conducted with 280 participants selected via nonprobability convenience sampling. After informed consent, an interview was conducted based on a questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic parameters and knowledge about dengue virus transmission and prevention. Data were analyzed through SPSS v. 22. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Board (ERB) of Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied hospitals.Results: Out of 280 respondents, 54.6% were males and 45.4% females and the mean age was 35.0 ± 13.1 years. The respondents having high knowledge scores were 66(23.6%) while those having moderate and low scores were 159 (56.8%) and 55 (19.6%) respectively. Educated respondents (p=0.03) and urban residents (p=0.05) had higher knowledge scores.Conclusion: The majority of the participants know about dengue fever. However, only one out of every four respondents has good knowledge scores for dengue fever prevention.

Parenting Styles and their Influence on Child's Dental Behavior and Caries Status: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
S Viswanath ◽  
S Asokan ◽  
PR Geethapriya ◽  
K Eswara
Keyword(s):  
Parenting Style ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Authoritative Parenting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Authoritarian Parenting ◽  
Behavior Rating Scale ◽  
Permissive Parenting

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between parenting styles, child's behavior in dental setting and dental caries status. Study design: Children aged 3–7 years on their first dental visit were included in the study. Their parents were asked to complete Parenting Style Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ) to assess their parenting style. Oral prophylaxis was performed for the children and their behavior was assessed using Frankl behavior rating scale. Their caries status was recorded using DMFT/deft index. Results: Out of 315 parents, 240 parents exhibited authoritative parenting style, 45 exhibited permissive and 30 exhibited authoritarian parenting style. Permissive parenting was associated with four-fold increase in the child's negative dental behavior and authoritarian parenting showed two-fold increase in the negative behavior of children compared to authoritative parenting. Children of both authoritative and authoritarian parents showed less caries status and the permissive parenting depicted threefold increase in the caries status compared to authoritative parenting. Conclusion: Children of both the permissive and authoritarian parents showed more negative dental behavior than children of authoritative parents. Children of permissive parents showed increased caries status compared to the children of authoritative parents.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus transmission among children in Enugu, Nigeria

1970 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-203
Author(s):  
ND Uleanya ◽  
EO Obidike
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Surface Antigen ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B Virus

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection has reached pandemic proportions all over the world with areas of highest prevalence being the sub- Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Most deaths related to HBV are due to complications from chronic infection. Acquisition of infection at a younger age is the most important predictor of chronicity. Eradication of HBV is an important but difficult tasks facing public health. HB immunization is the single most important factor in hepatitis B control and was commenced in 2004 in Nigeria.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among children in the era of HB immunization, the risk factors of transmission and knowledge of mothers about their HB status.Methods: A cross sectional study carried out on one hundred and forty children aged 18 months to 15 years at the children outpatient clinic (CHOP) of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was determined using Determine Test Kits and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire administered.Results: Six were positive for HBsAg, giving a prevalence rate of 4.3%. HBsAg was least prevalent among children 1-5 years (2%). None of the children ≤ 5 years who received HB vaccination was positive for HBsAg though one child > 5 years who received the vaccine was positive. Sharing of toothbrushes among siblings was found to be a significantly associated risk factor. Only 6.4% of mothers knew their hepatitis B status.Conclusion: There is a gradual fall in the prevalence of HBsAg in our environment due to HB immunization. Sharing of toothbrushes may be a potent means of transmission of HBV infection.Keywords: HBV, Prevalence, Children, Transmission, HB immunization

scholarly journals Lack of knowledge and false perception on space spraying against dengue in endemic area

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Siwi Pramatama Mars Wijayanti ◽  
Devi Octaviana ◽  
Arnika Dwi Asti
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Area ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mosquito Breeding ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Space spraying is still considered as the most powerful method to control the spread of dengue virus transmission, particularly in an emergency such as an outbreak. However, there is still limited information about how the knowledge and perception of people about space spraying against dengue. This study aimed to assess knowledge and community perception of space spraying against dengue in an endemic area. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, involved 273 respondents in three endemic areas in Kebumen Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Structured questionnaires about knowledge and perception of space spraying were administered to the respondents. The 41.4% of respondents had poor knowledge about space spraying, and 42.1% had a negative perspective about space spaying. Only 15.4 % of respondents aware that space spraying applications must be carried out based on several criteria and procedures. Most of them assumed that space spraying can be applied anytime and feel secure when space spraying was applied in their near area. Lack of knowledge and false security on space spraying applications could make people less active to conduct routine practice of mosquito breeding site eradication. It is important to enhance community knowledge and perception of space spraying, so they could understand that space spraying application only for emergencies and routine mosquito breeding site prevention must be carried out regularly.

scholarly journals Human Papilloma Virus Transmission: Knowledge and Uptake of HPV Vaccine among In-school Adolescent Girls in South-South Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
I. N. Ojule ◽  
I. E. Anika
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hpv Vaccines ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Rivers State

Background: HPV infection is the most common STI in sexually active adolescents. It has been implicated in majority of cases of cervical cancers. HPV is preventable. Potent Vaccines are available. Objective: This study assessed what adolescents know about HPV infection and HPV vaccination, their attitude and uptake of HPV vaccine. This was also to raise awareness and obtain data that will be useful in identifying where to intervene to improve coverage. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study tool was a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit adolescent girls from secondary schools. Results: 445 in-school adolescent girls aged 9 to 19 years participated. Mean age was 13.4 SD = ±2.2 years. 36.6% and 36.8% had heard of HPV infection and HPV vaccine respectively. Only 3.1% of the participants knew HPV could be prevented through vaccination. 71.7% indicated willingness to obtain the vaccine. Only 3.6% self reported to have received at least one dose of the vaccine at the time of the survey. Uptake of HPV vaccine (P=0.00), willingness to be vaccinated (P=0.005) highest among adolescents that had heard of HPV vaccine and those who perceived themselves to be at risk for HPV infection (P=0.005). Insufficient health information, cost of HPV vaccines identified as key barriers to vaccines utilization. Conclusion: Notwithstanding the low level of knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccines willingness to be vaccinated was high. Our study shows that uptake of vaccination is low in our locality.

scholarly journals A clinico-epidemiological study of mask induced facial dermatoses due to increased mask usage in general public during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
Ramesh A. ◽  
Thamizhinian K.
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants

<p><strong>Background</strong><strong>: </strong>Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic many people started experiencing facial dermatoses like acne due to prolonged mask use and other personal protective equipment’s. Though most of the facial dermatoses due to face mask are reported in healthcare workers, general public are also affected by facial dermatoses due to prolonged mask use. Hence, we decided to undergo a study on different patterns of facial dermatoses due to prolonged mask use in Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Chennai.<strong> </strong>Aim of the study was to find out the incidence of facial dermatoses due to prolonged mask use in general public in the OPD of department of DVL in MMC and RGGGH, Chennai.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross sectional study conducted at RGGGH during the months august, September and October 2020. The clinico-epidemiological details were collected from 400 patients attending the OPD of department of DVL at MMC and RGGGH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 400 study participants with mask induced facial dermatoses, acne (Maskne) was the most common facial dermatoses detected in 43% of participants, followed by Seborrhoea (28%), frictional dermatitis (18%), contact dermatitis (16%), non-specific erythema, cheilitis and other conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mask induced facial dermatoses can occur due to various factors like occlusive effect of mask, hyperhydration, seborrhoea, ambient high humidity due to sweating. As mask usage cannot be abandoned completely due to risk of virus transmission, dermatologists must be aware of the preventive strategies and treatments for mask induced facial dermatoses.</p>

scholarly journals Diagnoses from lung specimen collected through flexible bronchoscopy from patients in a tertiary hospital in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deus A. Ndilanha ◽  
Grace A. Shayo ◽  
Ramadhan Hassan ◽  
Moses Byomuganyizi ◽  
Leonard E. K. Lema
Keyword(s):  
Fold Increase ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tracheobronchial Tree ◽  
Flexible Bronchoscopy ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Lung Biopsies

Abstract Background Flexible bronchoscopy enables visualization of the respiratory airway mucosa from the oropharynx to third generation branching of the tracheobronchial tree. Bronchoscopic diagnoses vary from one locality to the other in accordance to the locality specific risk factors for lung diseases. This study aimed at describing diagnoses of all specimen of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy at Muhimbili National Hospital from January 2013 to November 2017. Methods A retrospective hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted among 451 patients. Data was collected from archives and included both demographic and clinical variables. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings. Results There was a 3 fold increase in the number of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy from 57 cases in 2013 to 180 cases in 2017. About 39% (174/451) of patients underwent lung biopsies while 64.5% (291/451) underwent bronchioalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or brush cytology, alone or in combination with biopsy. Generally, 64.4% (112/174) of all lung biopsies were malignant. Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis seen in 33.9% (59/174). Of 76 cytological samples which were sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity, 11/76 (11.8%) were culture positive. A total of 6 (10.7%) out of 56 samples which were sent for GeneXpert MTB/RIF tested positive for M.tuberculosis. Conclusion Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis. Bacterial and mycobacterial infections were among the most reported findings in cytological samples. Suspicious tuberculosis lesions during bronchoscopy made it possible to diagnose tuberculosis which was hard to diagnose before patients were sent for bronchoscopy.

Financial distress, communication, and cancer treatment decision making: Does cost matter?

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6506-6506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousuf Zafar ◽  
Amy Pickar Abernethy ◽  
James A Tulsky ◽  
Peter A Ubel ◽  
Deborah Schrag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Incurable Cancer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Decision Making

6506 Background: Financial distress (FD) increases the burden of living with cancer. Even insured patients may experience considerable FD, but little is known about whether patients want to include cost discussions in treatment decision-making. Methods: This is an ongoing cross-sectional study of insured adults with solid tumors on anticancer therapy for ≥1 month. Consecutive patients were surveyed, in person, at a referral center and 3 rural oncology clinics. Participants were asked about FD (via a validated measure), out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, discussion of costs with their doctor, and decision-making. Medical records were reviewed for disease and treatment data. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between FD and cost communication. Results: 119 participants (85% response) had a median age of 60 years (range 27-86). 54% were men, 29% non-white, and 96% completed high school. 81% had incurable cancer. 58% had private insurance. Median income was $50,000/yr. Median OOP costs were $480/mo. The mean FD score (6.7, SD 2.5) corresponded to moderate FD. 19% reported high/overwhelming FD. Overall, 48% (n=57) expressed any desire to discuss costs with their doctor, but only 21% (n=25) had actually done so. Of the 19% with highest FD, 36% (n=8) had discussed costs with a doctor, and 68% (n=15) expressed any desire to discuss costs. The most common reasons for not discussing costs with doctors were: “no problems with costs” (n=47); “want best care regardless of cost” (n=36); and “doctors shouldn’t have to worry about costs” (n=19). Of those who discussed costs with their doctor, 48% (n=12) felt the discussion helped decrease costs. 54% (n=64) wanted their doctors to account for costs in cancer treatment decision-making; 20% (n=24) always wanted costs considered in decision-making. High FD was the only variable associated with greater willingness to discuss costs (adjusted OR 2.81; 95%CI 1.05-7.50; p=0.04). Conclusions: FD was prevalent among insured cancer patients. A large proportion wanted costs discussed with doctors and included in treatment decision-making. Discussing finances may lower costs, but the discussion rarely occurs. Communication and decision-making present a potential focus for intervening on FD.

Deductible Status in the Pediatric Population: A Barrier to Appropriate Care?

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110069
Author(s):  
Vanessa F. Torrecillas ◽  
Kaden Neuberger ◽  
Alexander Ramirez ◽  
Andrew Knighton ◽  
Paul Krakovitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fracture Repair ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inappropriate Care ◽  
The Impact

Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of high-deductible health plans on elective surgery (tonsillectomy) in the pediatric population. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Health claims database from a third-party payer. Methods Data were reviewed for children up to 18 years of age who underwent tonsillectomy or arm fracture repair (nonelective control) from 2016 to 2019. Incidence of surgery by health plan deductible (high, low, or government insured) and met or unmet status of deductibles were compared. Results A total of 10,047 tonsillectomy claims and 9903 arm fracture repair claims met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The incidence of tonsillectomy was significantly different across deductible plan types. Patients with met deductibles were more likely to undergo tonsillectomy. In patients with deductibles ≥$4000, a 1.75-fold increase in tonsillectomy was observed in those who had met their deductible as compared with those who had not. These findings were not observed in controls (nonelective arm fracture). For those with met deductibles, those with high deductibles were much more likely to undergo tonsillectomy than those with low, moderate, and government deductibles. Unmet high deductibles were least likely to undergo tonsillectomy. Conclusions Health insurance plan type influences the incidence of pediatric elective surgery such as tonsillectomy but not procedures such as nonelective repair of arm fracture. High deductibles may discourage elective surgery for those deductibles that are unmet, risking inappropriate care of vulnerable pediatric patients. However, meeting the deductible may increase incidence, raising the question of overutilization.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Zika Virus Transmission and Its Prevention among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Brazil

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 242
Author(s):  
Lucas C. Pires ◽  
Luiza R. Dantas ◽  
Steven S. Witkin ◽  
Ana Paula A. P. Bertozzi ◽  
Rita de Cássia A. B. Dezena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Virus Acquisition ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
The City

Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection highlight the urgent need to evaluate the efficacy of current public health measures to educate susceptible groups about how to prevent infection, modes of viral transmission, and consequences of infection. We performed a cross-sectional study in the city of Jundiaí, São-Paulo, from March 2016 to August 2017. In 315 high-risk pregnant women we evaluated the rate of ZIKV infection, knowledge of pathways of ZIKV transmission, and the use of protective measures. Data were analyzed and correlated with sociodemographic variables. The rate of ZIKV infection was 10.8%. ZIKV transmission by mosquitoes was the best-known means of virus acquisition, while transmission of ZIKV by sexual intercourse as well as mother–fetus transmission was known by less than half of the women. The use of insect repellent, reported by 53% of participants, was correlated with higher education and personal directives from health professionals. Condom use was reported by 19.5% of subjects. Improved strategies to increase awareness of ZIKV infection and its consequences, designed to appeal to specific, targeted populations, are clearly necessary to more accurately prevent the spread of this infection and diminish adverse consequences in the pregnant population.

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