scholarly journals Exploring unsafe sexual practices among truck drivers at Meerut District, India: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 547-556
Author(s):  
Ashish Pundhir ◽  
Arvind Shukla ◽  
Akhil Dhanesh Goel ◽  
Pooja Pundhir ◽  
Manoj Kumar Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Unsafe Sex ◽  
Psychoactive Substance ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Despite implementation of HIV prevention programmes for truck drivers in India, unsafe sex behavior among truck drivers has been documented. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge about HIV Transmission and modes of prevention, pattern of condom use with high risk partners and explore the practice of unsafe sex and its risk factors among truck drivers. Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional study design was conducted on a recruited convenient sample of 100 truck drivers above 18 years from March to May 2015. Binary logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] for establishing association of risk factors with unsafe sex. Results: Overall, only 7% had complete knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. 54% of truck drivers have sex with a high risk partner (commercial sexual worker or men having sex with men) and thirty-eight percent reported unsafe sexual practices due to inconsistent condom use with them. The various risk factors found significantly associated with unsafe sex were mean age of first intercourse (OR= 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75 – 0.97), access to pornography (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8 – 10.7) and conuming psychoactive substance before sex (OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.09 – 15.02). Conclusion: Socio-demographic, occupational factors, pornography access and consuming psychoactive substances seems to influence the sexual behaviour of truckers. Keywords: Unsafe sex; truck drivers; psychoactive substance; HIV; AIDS.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Among a Working Population in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husain Al-Qattan ◽  
Hamad Al-Omairah ◽  
Khaled Al-Hashash ◽  
Fahad Al-Mutairi ◽  
Mohammad Al-Mutairat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Working Adults ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects a considerable proportion of adults globally and is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Given the lack of epidemiologic data on the burden of OSA in Kuwait, this study sought to estimate its prevalence, associated risk factors, and comorbid conditions among a working population in Kuwait.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a sample of working adults (n = 651) from public institutions in Kuwait. High/low risk for OSA was ascertained according to the Berlin Questionnaire criteria. Participants self-reported their coexisting health conditions. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation; adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.Results: Overall, 20.0% (130/651) of participants were classified as being at high risk for OSA, with more male than female subjects being at high risk (24.0% [56/233] vs. 17.7% [74/418], P = 0.053), though this difference did not gain statistical significance. Moreover, a high risk for OSA was more common among older and obese subjects. Factors associated with increased prevalence of a high risk for OSA included current smoking status (aPR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02–2.06), longer hours spent watching television (1.76, 1.10–2.81), and lower self-perceived physical health (2.11, 1.15–3.87). However, decreasing trends in the prevalence of high risk for OSA were observed with frequent engagement in vigorous physical activity and longer nightly sleep duration. Compared to those at a low risk for OSA, the subjects at high risk for OSA were more likely to have insomnia disorder (2.83, 1.81–4.41), diabetes (1.94, 1.15–3.27), hypertension (3.00, 1.75–5.16), and depression (4.47, 1.80–11.08).Conclusion: This study estimated that 1/5 of working adults in Kuwait were at high risk for OSA, and the prevalence varied according to personal characteristics and lifestyle factors. Also, a high risk for OSA classification was associated with multiple comorbid health conditions.

scholarly journals Stroke risk and its association with quality of life: a cross-sectional study among Chinese urban adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiqing Yao ◽  
Juhua Zhang ◽  
Yanmei Wang ◽  
Qingqing Wang ◽  
Fei Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Most stroke risk studies focused on more established biological and pathophysiological risk factors such as hypertension and smoking, psychosocial factors such as quality of life are often under-investigated and thus less reported. The current study aims to estimate stroke risk and explore the impact of quality of life on stroke risk among a community sample of urban residents in Shanghai. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Fengxian District of Shanghai City from December 2018 to April 2019. 4030 representative participants were recruited through a multistage, stratified, probability proportional to size sampling method and completed the study. Stroke risk was assessed using the Rapid Stroke Risk Screening Chart that included 8 risk factors for stroke. Quality of life was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Results One-third of residents were at risk for stroke, including 14.39% at high risk, and 18.68% at middle risk. The top three most commonly reported risk factors were physical inactivity (37.30%), hypertension (25.38%), and smoking (17.32%). Quality of life and its four domains were all independently and significantly associated with stroke risk. Multinominal logistic regressions showed that a one-unit increase in the quality of life was associated with a decreased relative risk for middle-risk relative to low-risk of stroke by a factor of 0.988 (95% CI:0.979, 0.997, P = 0.007), and a decreased relative risk for high-risk relative to low-risk of stroke by a factor of 0.975 (95% CI:0.966, 0.984, P < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings showed an alarmingly high prevalence of stroke risk among the sample, which may require future intervention programs to focus on improving both biological and behavioral risk factors such as increasing physical activity, early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, and smoking cessation, as well as improving psychosocial factors such as quality of life.

scholarly journals Magnitude and Contributing Factors of Low Back Pain among Long Distance Truck Drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tewodros Yosef ◽  
Ayele Belachew ◽  
Yifokire Tefera
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is well known as the most common musculoskeletal disorder with the lifetime prevalence of eighty percent. Worldwide, 37% of low back pain was attributable to occupational risk factors. Truck driving is one among the jobs causing occupational LBP. Even though these drivers in Ethiopia run the high risk of occupational injuries and illnesses like drivers elsewhere, the evidence that shows the magnitude and factors that contribute to LBP is a significant shortcoming. Objective. To assess the magnitude and contributing factors of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 422 long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, from February to March 2018. Data were collected through face-to-face individual interview using a structured questionnaire adapted from the standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. The data were entered using EPI-DATA version 4.2.0.0 and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software for windows. Binary logistic regression was computed to determine the association using crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. Independent variables with a P value less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were considered as significant. Results. Of 400 truck drivers interviewed, the prevalence of LBP was found to be 65%. The study also found smoking cigarette (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.25–4.01), and P=0.007), physical inactivity (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI (1.28–3.51), and P=0.003), chronic diseases other than LBP (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI (1.32–3.61), and P=0.002), frequent lifting or carrying heavy objects (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI (1.75–5.22), and P≤0.001), perceived improper sitting posture while driving (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.35–3.60), and P=0.002), and perceived job stress (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI (1.20–3.57), and P=0.009) were contributing factors of low back pain. Conclusion. This finding shows the public health importance of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Individual factors largely accounted for the development of low back pain; hence, orientation on these modifiable risk factors and regular follow-up on safety procedures should be considered to mitigate the problem.

Cardio-metabolic risk factors among healthcare staff: a cross-sectional study at the hospitals in six cities of Ukraine dedicated to World Heart Day 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Sulska ◽  
L Mishchenko ◽  
A Sorokolietova ◽  
M Hordina ◽  
S Zhulinska
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Family History ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Metabolic Risk Factors ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. There is a little information on the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors in the Ukrainian medical staff. The aim of investigation was to determine the abundance of certain risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) diseases among the medical personnel in the six cities of Ukraine, a study dedicated to World Heart Day 2020. Purpose. To establish the presence of cardio-metabolic risk factors among medical workers in Ukraine. Materials and methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study including 471 participants (415 female and 56 male) between the age of 19 and 79 years surveyed. The cardio-metabolic risk markers assessed were non-modifiable risk factors (family history) and modifiable risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, prediabetes, smoking status). The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) estimated by ESC 2018 recommendations, diabetes and prediabetes by ADA 2019, ESC 2019 and body mass index WHO criteria for obesity classifications. Using standard methods were assessed: fasting glucose concentration, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, HDL-C). Results The median age of participants was 53,3 ± 11,77 years. Positive smoking status reported by 66 persons (14,0%). Analysis of family history showed that 51,4% of the participants had of HTN, 14,9% of myocardial infarction and 25,1% of stroke. The prevalence of modifiable risk factors: HTN registered in 51,4% cases. Around 34,8% of participants were overweight, and 34,6% were obese, 70,7% had waist circumference more than 94 cm (men) and &gt; 80 cm (woman). Prediabetes glycemic levels and diabetes incidence were 42,8% and 12,6%, accordingly. Atherogenic dyslipidemia estimated by increased level of LDL-C more than 4,9 mmol/l, which determinate high risk of CV disorders, estimated in 13,6% participants. Also high triglycerides levels were defined as those of at least 2,3 mmol/l were in 14,9%. Low level of aerobic activity (less than 150 min in week) had 33,4% participants. 30,7% of participants older than 40 years presented high CV risk and 23,9% were in very high risk. Conclusion. Cardio-metabolic risk factors prevail among medical workers in Ukraine. The results point to the relevance of public health recommendations to contribute lifestyle changes and early identification of risk factors for prevention of CV outcomes.

scholarly journals Demographic and cardiovascular risk factors associated with drug use in truck drivers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Moura Pereira ◽  
Antonio Padua Mansur ◽  
Julio Yoshio Takada ◽  
Vilma Leyton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variables

Abstract Background: The irregular routine of truck drivers favors the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which can be exacerbated by the use of illicit drugs. This study analyzed the association between the previous use of illicit drugs by truck drivers with the health risk variables.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data from 2,071 truck drivers who traveled through the state of São Paulo between 2010 and 2016. Socioeconomic and occupational variables, risk factors for CVD, use of illicit drugs were analyzed. Clinical and toxicological tests were also carried out. The stepwise logistic regression model was used for adjusted analysis. The dependent variable was previous use of illicit drugs, and the independent variables were those with p<0.1 at bivariate analysis.Results: The average age of the truck drivers was 42.27 ± 11.07 years, and the use of illicit drugs, at least once while working, was reported or detected in 388 (18.7%) drivers. Compared to non-users, drug users were younger (37.25 ± 9.45 vs. 43.43 ± 11.1 years; p <0.001) and single (43.3% vs. 28.4%; p <0.001). The independent variables age [OR = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91 - 0.95; p<0.001)], smoking [OR = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.39 - 3.44; p = 0.001)], alcohol consumption [OR = 1.626 (95% CI: 1.06 - 2.49; p = 0.026)] and hours of driving per day [OR = 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01 - 1.15; p = 0.012)] were also associated with the use of illicit drugs.Conclusion: The use of illicit drugs was higher in young and single drivers and was associated with a higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and more driving hours, which are risk factors for NCDs, CVD and traffic accidents.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Circumcised and Uncircumcised Adult Males in Rustenburg, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanchard Mbay Iyemosolo ◽  
Tawanda Chivese ◽  
Tonya Marianne Esterhuizen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Africa ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Mining Town

Abstract BackgroundSouth Africa has a persistent burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male circumcision has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV, and STIs but data are scarce on the protective effect of circumcision in high-risk populations such as migrant miners. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of medical and traditional circumcision on the prevalence of STIs after adjusting for other risk factors in Rustenburg, a mining town in North West Province, South Africa.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used baseline data collected from a cohort study. Adult males in a mining town were assessed for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) using syndromic assessment. Data on circumcision status and other risk factors for STIs were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the independent effect of circumcision on STI presence after adjusting for confounders.ResultsA total of 339 participants with a median age of 25 years (IQR 22-29) were included in the study, of whom 116 (34.2%) were circumcised. The overall STIs prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI 22.8% to 32.6%) and was lower in the circumcised participants compared with those who were uncircumcised (15.5% vs 33.6%, respectively, p<0.001). Both medical (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.030) and traditional circumcision (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.86, p = 0.022) were strongly associated with a lower risk of STIs after adjustment for employment and condom use. ConclusionIn this high-risk population, with a relatively high prevalence of STIs, and where one third of males are circumcised, both medical and traditional circumcision appear to be protective against STIs.

scholarly journals A comparison of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among circumcised and uncircumcised adult males in Rustenburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanchard Mbay Iyemosolo ◽  
Tawanda Chivese ◽  
Tonya M. Esterhuizen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Africa ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Mining Town

Abstract Background South Africa has a persistent burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male circumcision has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV and STIs, but data are scarce on the protective effect of circumcision in high-risk populations such as migrant miners. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of medical and traditional circumcision on the prevalence of STIs after adjusting for other risk factors in Rustenburg, a mining town in North West Province, South Africa. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline data collected from a cohort study. Adult males in a mining town were assessed for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) using syndromic assessment. Data on circumcision status and other risk factors for STI syndromes were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The following symptoms were assessed; penile discharge, painful urination, dyspareunia or penile sores. These symptoms indicate sexually transmitted infection in general since laboratory tests were not performed. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the independent effect of circumcision on STI presence after adjusting for confounders. Results A total of 339 participants with a median age of 25 years (IQR 22–29) were included in the study, of whom 116 (34.2%) were circumcised. The overall STIs prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI 22.8 to 32.6%) and was lower in the circumcised participants compared with those who were uncircumcised (15.5% vs 33.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Both medical (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.95, p = 0.030) and traditional circumcision (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.86, p = 0.022) were strongly associated with a lower risk of STIs after adjustment for employment and condom use. Conclusion In this high-risk population in a mining town in South Africa, with a relatively high prevalence of STIs, and where one third of males are circumcised, both medical and traditional circumcision appear to be protective against STIs.

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