Prevalence and Severity of Asthma, Rhinitis and Eczema in Pre-School Children in the United Arab Emirates

Very few studies have been carried out on asthma and allergies in pre-schoolchildren. This is the first study of pre-school children with asthma and allergies in the United Arab Emirates. We studied 4,000 pre-schoolchildren from the United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Al-Ain. The ages of the study group were between 1-5 years, and were 2,000 boys and 2,000 girls; they were randomly selected from kindergartens and nurseries. We used the standardised International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The mean (SD) age, height, weight and BMI were 3.3 (1.4) years, 92.0 (1.3) cm, 17.3 (5.2) kg, and 23.4 (9.3). The prevalence rates of “wheeze ever”, “current wheeze”, “speech limitation”, “asthma” , “dry night cough”, and “exercise-induced asthma” were 40.4%, 43.8%, 37.6%, 26.5%, 36.1, and 37.6%, respectively. Boys had a significantly higher prevalence of wheeze ever and current wheeze than girls. Girls had a significantly higher prevalence of speech limitation than boys. The prevalence rates of “rhinitis ever”, “current rhinitis”, “itchy watery eyes” and “hay fever” were 42%, 40.5%, 39.1% and 46.9%, respectively. Boys had significantly higher prevalence rates of “rhinitis ever”, “current rhinitis”, and “itchy watery eyes” than girls. The prevalence rates of “rash ever”, “current rash” and “eczema ever” were 38.9%, 33.7% and 58.0%, respectively. Boys had significantly higher prevalence rates of rash ever, current rash, and eczema ever than girls. Children who were exposed to parental smoking have significantly higher prevalence rates of asthma, wheezing, and cough than those whom were not exposed. Children who breastfed more than 10 months had a significantly lower prevalence rates of “wheeze ever”, “current wheeze”, “speech limitation”, and “asthma”, than those whom breastfed less than 10 months. The prevalence rates of asthma, rhinitis and eczema were very high. Breastfeeding was found to be protective for asthma. The study can be used as a baseline intervention project to reduce incidents of asthma and allergies in these children and to establish atopic march in order to implement strategies to improve the respiratory health and allergies in these children. Keywords: asthma, wheeze, night cough, rhinitis, eczema, pre-school children, paediatric asthma

Adolescent Compliance with anti-COVID Measures. Is It Related to Substance Use?

Prevalence rates of compliance with anti-COVID measures have been widely studied, but little is known about this issue in early adolescence. Moreover, the relation between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID regulations is still unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of compliance with anti-COVID measures by adolescents and the link between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID regulations. This was a cross-sectional study including 909 participants (Mage = 12.57; SD = 0.81). The most complied measure was mask-wearing, followed by avoiding hug/kiss friends and, finally, social distancing. All substance use negatively correlated with compliance with measures. However, strong alcohol and tobacco were the only substances significantly related to less compliance of anti-COVID measures after controlling for covariates. These results provide evidence about the relation between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID measures. Strategies addressed to decrease substance use could be effective to reduce behaviours associated with coronavirus transmission.

Prevalence of Individuals with Deafblindness and Age-Related Dual-Sensory Loss

Introduction The authors of this paper have compiled a report on the prevalence of deafblindness and dual-sensory loss based on the review of existing estimates. The purpose is to inform readers of the importance of using consistent, well-researched definitions and survey questions in future prevalence studies. Methods Articles were extracted through ProQuest and EBSCOhost, online library databases of Cambrian College and Laurentian University. Keywords search included “deafblindness,” “dual-sensory impairment,” “dual-sensory loss,” “age-related,” “congenital,” “acquired,” and “prevalence.” Additionally, the authors conducted a search with Google for research reports and Google Scholar for other relevant peer-reviewed articles. Results This review provides a current overview of prevalence estimates of deafblindness and age-related dual-sensory loss around the world, examining 19 articles or reports published over the last 20 years (2000–2020) in 18 countries, including the European Union (consisting of 8 countries). In line with the prevalence estimates by the World Federation for the Deafblind global report 2018, the review indicates an estimated 0.2–2% prevalence of dual-sensory impairment and underscores varying ranges of prevalence among populations, studies or countries, age groups, and types of deafblindness. The review highlights that the prevalence of deafblindness or dual-sensory loss was often not comparable across studies, but it is clear that the prevalence of dual-sensory impairment increases with age. The studies varied in methods (e.g., population surveys, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies). Implication for practitioners The review provides evidence of varying ranges of prevalence rates. Future prevalence studies may benefit from consistent definitions, standard data-collection tools to do better comparisons across countries, and identify factors that predict higher or lower prevalence rates among populations and age groups.

Epidemiology and types of oral cancer

Oral cancer is a subset of head and neck cancer and usually refers to different neoplastic conditions that impact any tissue within the oral cavity. Evidence shows that these malignancies are associated with different complications over the affected patients. The present literature review will discuss the epidemiology and types of oral cancer based on evidence from relevant studies within the literature. Estimates show that oral cancer is a common condition with high prevalence rates globally. However, we have identified several factors across the different relevant investigations, including smoking, alcohol intake, age, socioeconomic status, immunocompromised state, and genetics. This might explain the inconsistent findings regarding the prevalence and mortality rates of the conditions among worldwide studies. Moreover, squamous cells carcinoma is the commonest type of oral cancer. However, other types might also be identified as adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, and lymphoma. These lesions can also be found at different places within the mouth cavity, including lips, tongue, and salivary glands. Therefore, healthcare authorities should plan adequate interventional strategies targeting the risk factors to properly control the disease and reduce its burden.

The Global Spread of Severe Obesity in Toddlers, Children and Adolescents – a Systematic Review & Meta Analysis

Introduction: Severe obesity among children and adolescents has emerged as a public health concern in multiple places around the world. Methods: We searched the Medline database for articles on severe obesity rates in children published between January 1960 and January 2020. For studies with available prevalence rates for an early and a more recent time period, the relative increase in prevalence was imputed. Results: In total, 874 publications were identified, of which 38 contained relevant epidemiological data. Rates of severe obesity varied significantly according to age, gender, geographic area, and the definition of severe obesity. The highest rates of class II and III obesity in the US according to the Centers of Disease Control cutoff were 9.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Seventeen studies reported prevalence rates in at least two time periods. Data for 9,190,718 individuals showed a 1.71 (95%CI, 1.53-1.90) greater odds for severe obesity in 2006-2017 (N=5,029,584) vs. 1967-2007 (N=4,161,134). In an analysis limited to studies from 1980s’ with a minimum follow-up of 20 years, a 9.16(95%CI, 7.76-10.80) greater odds for severe obesity in recent vs. earlier time was found. An analysis limited to studies from 2000, with a follow-up of 5-15 years, a 1.09 (95%CI, 0.99-1.20) greater odds was noted when comparing (2011-2017; N=4,991,831) vs. (2000-2011; N=4,134,340). Conclusion: Severe pediatric obesity is escalating with a marked increase from the1980’s and a slower rate from 2000.

Exploring Mechanisms of Measurement Discrepancy: Perceived Acceptability and Efficiency of Two Sexual Victimization Questionnaires

Background: Obtaining accurate prevalence rates of sexual violence is made difficult by discrepancies in self-reporting questionnaires. Thus, the current study sought to explore participants' perceptions of acceptability (i.e., perceived difficulty, readability, and preference) of questionnaires as an important psychometric indicator and a potential mechanism of discrepancy between different questionnaires assessing sexual victimization. Methods: Participants were 673 college students who completed the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV) and the Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scales-Victimization (PRSPS-V). Participants then answered questions about each measure's perceived difficulty and their preference between the two. Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level and efficiency (i.e., number of items: number of cases identified) were also analyzed. Results: Participants found the PRSPS-V easier to understand and preferred it 2.5 to1 over the SES-SFV. Preference was related to reporting; participants who preferred the PRSPS-V reported more instances of sexual victimization on the PRSPS-V. The PRSPS-V was objectively easier to comprehend according to Flesch-Kincaid levels and was two times more efficient than the SES-SFV in the number of cases detected per item administered. Conclusions: Our results indicate that acceptability impacts reported prevalence rates and is one mechanism for documented discrepancies between sexual violence questionnaires. Thus, it may behoove researchers to consider acceptability as a metric of interest when choosing sexual victimization questionnaires.

Prevalence Rates and Evolution of Psychiatric Disorders Among Incarcerated Youths in Comparison With Non-incarcerated Youths

Background: Our main objective was to provide estimates of the prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities among youths in a juvenile detention center in Geneva, Switzerland. We also aimed to investigate potential positive effects of intensive psychotherapeutic and educational services this center provides. Finally, we examined psychiatric care prior to and after custody as well as the evolution of the youths' mental health during detention.Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study including a group of incarcerated (n = 86) and a group of non-incarcerated (n = 169) youths (12–18 years old). Measures included diagnoses of psychiatric disorders, cognitive functions, trauma, psychopathic traits and the Youth Self-Report (aggressive behavior, attentional disorders, criminal behavior, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints) collected at baseline and at discharge for the incarcerated group. Data were analyzed using mixed-effect models.Results: Psychiatric disorders were prevalent in the incarcerated group (82.6, 95% CI: 71.6–90.7%), but young people also often suffered from several disorders simultaneously. Two-thirds of the incarcerated participants had a diagnosis of two or more psychiatric disorders. Regarding health care, most incarcerated participants (79.1%) had psychiatric care prior to detention. The planned care after detention was associated with psychiatric comorbidities, care being more likely planned for those with comorbidities (p = 0.030). Compared to the non-incarcerated group, the incarcerated group had lower scores on cognitive functioning (p < 0.001) and higher scores on trauma (p < 0.021) and psychopathic traits (p < 0.034). The youths' stay in the detention center was associated with a positive change of mental health, with externalized problems being significantly reduced at the end of their stay (p = 0.017).Conclusion: Our findings showed that youths in conflict with the law are characterized by (1) their internal vulnerabilities: a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric comorbidities, lower cognitive functions, externalized problems and psychopathic traits; (2) environmental factors: victims of violence and sexual abuse; and (3) their psychiatric history. Besides, the evolution of the most prevalent issues was favorable over time, which puts into question the usual perspective about the deleterious effect of detention.

Dependent and independent causes of hypercalcemia

Previous clinical studies show that the condition is significantly associated with mortality and increased cardiovascular morbidities. Accordingly, it is essential to conduct adequate diagnosis and evaluation to assess these cases properly. Studies show that different etiologies have been associated with hypercalcemia development with variable prevalence rates among different populations. Reduced PTH levels among patients with hypercalcemia indicate the presence of a non-PTH-dependant etiology for hypercalcemia. We have discussed various causes of hypercalcemia, including dependant and non-dependant causes. We found that malignancy-induced hypercalcemia is the commonest non-PTH-dependant etiology of hypercalcemia. Many malignancies were reported in the literature to attribute to the development of hypercalcemia. Vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia was also reported as another common etiology for the condition. It might occur secondary to overdosing, immobilization, endocrine disorders, and granulomatous diseases. Other familial and congenital causes were also reported in the literature and discussed.

An Experimental Test of the Impact of Varying Questionnaire Response Format on Prevalence Rates for Sexual Violence Victimization and Perpetration

Objective: This study examined the impact of a dichotomous versus scaled response format on prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration and victimization, thus conceptually replicating Hamby et al., 2006 and extending those findings to the context of sexual violence. Methods: Two samples were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and were randomly assigned to either a dichotomous or scaled response format of the same questionnaire. Sample 1 was used to examine perpetration and received a perpetration specific version of the Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scale (PRSPS). Sample 2 was used to examine victimization and received a victimization specific version of the PRSPS. Results: Men and women who received the scaled response format reported significantly more incidents of sexual perpetration, and for each type of tactic studied, on the order of 1.7-9x more frequently. The association between response format condition and prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization was significant only for men (23.0 vs 39.4%) and for the tactic of verbal coercion (30.1 vs 41.5%), with the scaled response format producing greater responding. Conclusions: The response format of sexual violence items can significantly alter prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration, with scaled response formats producing greater endorsements than dichotomous formats. Response format also appears to impact prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization, particularly for men.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Secondary Schools Adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra State Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, obesity is emerging as an important public health problem. Childhood and adolescent obesity results in adult obesity with the resultant morbidities. Objectives: This study determines the prevalence of overweight and obesity in apparently healthy secondary school adolescents. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of secondary school adolescents aged 10-19 years randomly selected from two public schools and three private schools. The weights and heights of the study subjects were measured using standard equipment. BMI was computed using the standard formula weight (kg) / height2 (m). Using the WHO; 2007 age and sex-specific BMI percentile cut-offs, the subjects were classified as underweight (3rd to <15th percentile), normal (15th to <85th percentile), overweight (85th to <97th percentile) or obese ≥97th percentile. Results: Data were initially collected from 1250 participants, but 52 were excluded from improperly completed questionnaires. Thus, 1198 students were ultimately included in the study, giving a response rate of 95.8%. These included 621 females (51.8%) and 577 males (48.2%) aged 10-19 years, giving an F: M ratio of approximately 1: 0.9. The mean age of the students was 15.07 ±1.96 years overall, 15.13 ± 2.08 years for males and 15.03 ± 1.83 years for females. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in the distribution of age groups (p=0.12). The mean BMI was 21.51±3.57kg/m2 for females and 20.22±3.16kg/m2 for males. The BMI was significantly higher in females in all age groups (p<0.001) except for those aged 10-<12 years (p=0.13). The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 14.4% and 5.1%, respectively. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were significantly higher in females than males (17.7% vs 10.7%, 5.6% vs 4.5% respectively (p<0.001) and most prevalent among the early adolescence (10<12yrs; p= 0.04). Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among secondary school adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra state. There is a need for regular monitoring of weight and height as an early measure to prevent and control overweight and obesity.