scholarly journals SEEING A MEDICAL DOCTOR IS ASSOCIATED WITH SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING QUITTING SMOKING

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Anca D. DRAGOMIR ◽  
Wenxuan YANG ◽  
George LUTA

Smoking is a very significant public health problem. Quitting smoking will greatly reduce related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between seeing a medical doctor during the past 12 months and seriously considering quitting smoking within the next 6 months, among US smokers. The self-reported information on 3102 current smokers used for the study was from the May 2010 Longitudinal Cohort from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. We used logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for the clustering of smokers within households. In unadjusted analysis, seeing a medical doctor in the past year was statistically significantly associated with seriously considering quitting smoking (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.33-1.82). The results after adjustment for confounders, and also after further adjustment for additional variables, were similar (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.35-1.89). We found that seeing a medical doctor was statistically significantly associated with seriously considering quitting smoking among US smokers. Further research work should consider the potential role of income and marital status as effect modifiers for this association.

Author(s):  
Hitesh Chawla ◽  
Ilker Karaca ◽  
Peter T. Savolainen

Motorcycle crashes and fatalities remain a significant public health problem as fatality rates have increased substantially as compared to other vehicle types in the United States. Analysis of causal factors for motorcycle crashes is often challenging given a lack of reliable traffic volume data and the fact that such crashes comprise a relatively small portion of all traffic crashes. Given these limitations, on-scene crash investigations represent an ideal setting through which to investigate the precipitating factors for motorcycle-involved crashes. This study examines motorcycle crash risk factors by employing data recently made available from the Federal Highway Administration Motorcycle Crash Causation Study (MCCS). The MCCS represents a comprehensive investigative effort to determine the causes of motorcycle crashes and involved the collection of in-depth data from 351 crashes, as well as the collection of comparison data from 702 paired control observations in Orange County, California. This dataset provides a unique opportunity to understand how the risk of crash involvement varies across different segments of the riding population. Logistic regression models are estimated to identify the rider and vehicle attributes associated with motorcycle crashes. The results of the study suggest that motorcycle crash risks are related to rider age, physical status, and educational attainment. In addition to such factors outside of the rider’s control, several modifiable risk factors, which arguably affect the riders’ proclivity to take risks, were also found to be significantly associated with motorcycle crash risk, including motorcycle type, helmet coverage, motorcycle ownership, speed, trip destination, and traffic violation history.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal

Brucellosis is possess a significant public health problem in Baghdad. In this study, we investigated the potential role of the PCR assay in detection of Brucella species, from patients suspect to have brucellosis, using blood samples in both human and animal. To establish a PCR technique for diagnosis of active brucellosis in our samples, DNA extraction was carried out using a commercial kit, and a laboratory extraction procedure. PCR amplification was done using 1 set of primers: B4/B5 for Brucella species. Extraction of Brucella DNA using the commercial kit was successful. The laboratory extraction was successful and more economic. A total of 178 peripheral blood specimens were collected from patients with high suspected brucellosis, and 15 samples from animals. When PCR technique was applied to blood samples, 13 cases for patients blood and 9 cases for animals blood, were positive for Brucella species.


1994 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
S R Rippey

A history of shellfish-vectored illnesses (i.e., those associated with consumption of clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops) occurring in the past nine decades is presented. Typhoid fever was a significant public health problem among consumers of raw molluscan shellfish earlier in this century. The development of more effective sewage treatment procedures and the institution of a national program following these outbreaks led to a series of measures which eventually eliminated shellfish-associated typhoid fever. Present-day problems associated with this food source still involve some wastewaterborne bacterial illnesses. However, the principal public health concerns are with wastewater-derived viral pathogens and with bacterial agents of an environmental origin. The nature, occurrence, and magnitude of these public health problems are described.


Author(s):  
Ritu Asnani ◽  
Sunil Kumar Yeshvanth ◽  
Lancelot Lobo ◽  
Shipra Sonkusare

Abstract Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infection and a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. A 79-year-old female patient was presented to the gynecology outpatient department with complaints of pain in the abdomen and difficulty in micturition, with a mass palpable per speculum. The ultrasound was suggestive of an ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, whereas computed tomography of the abdomen favored hydatid cyst with adnexal neoplasm as a differential diagnosis. Considering the contradictory findings, a frozen section was sent to confirm the diagnosis, which showed hooklets of Echinococcus granulosus/hydatid cyst under the microscope. This was a rare case of pelvic hydatid cyst mimicking ovarian malignancy and was associated with a less-preferred mode of investigation (frozen section). This article focuses on how a frozen section, despite its limitations and being expensive, can still be considered for accurate patient management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Anzar Alam ◽  
Mohd Abdul Gani ◽  
G. Shama ◽  
Ghulamuddin Sofi ◽  
Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral diseases continue to rise, and pose a significant public health problem. Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is close to Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic diseases) which was described by Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle, Razes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna, Jurjani etc. Presently, there is no specific or challenging treatment available for COVID-19. Renowned Unani Scholars recommended during epidemic situation to stay at home, and fumigate the shelters with aromatics herbs like Ood kham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Sandal (Santalum album L), Hing (Ferula foetida L.) etc. Use of specific Unani formulations are claimed effective for the management of such epidemic or pandemic situation like antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai, Tiryaqe Arba, Tiryaqe Azam, Gile Armani), Herbal Decoction (Joshandah), along with Sharbate Khaksi, Habbe Bukhar, Sharbate Zanjabeel, Khamira Marwareed, Jawarish Jalinus, and Sirka (vinegar). Such drugs are claimed for use as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardiotonic, and general tonic actions. The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041609
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽  
Farag Shuweihdi ◽  
Mitch Waterman ◽  
Allan House

ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence, methods, associations and reported reasons for self-harm among in-school and street-connected adolescents in Ghana.DesignA cross-sectional survey. We applied multi-level regression models and model-based cluster analysis to the data.SettingThree contexts in the Greater Accra region were used: second cycle schools, facilities of charity organisations and street census enumeration areas (sleeping places of street-connected adolescents, street corners, quiet spots of restaurants, markets, train and bus stations, and lorry and car parks).ParticipantsA regionally representative sample of 2107 (1723 in-school and 384 street-connected) adolescents aged 13–21 years.Outcome measuresParticipants responded to a structured self-report anonymous questionnaire describing their experience of self-harm and eliciting demographic information and social and personal adversities.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of self-harm was 20.2% (95% CI 19.0% to 22.0%), 12-month prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI 15.0% to 18.0%) and 1-month prevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 2.0% to 4.0%). Self-injury alone accounted for 54.5% episodes and self-poisoning alone for 16.2% episodes, with more than one method used in 26% of episodes. Self-cutting (38.7%) was the most common form of self-injury, whereas alcohol (39.2%) and medications (27.7%) were the most commonly reported means of self-poisoning. The factors associated with self-harm were interpersonal: conflict with parents (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.87, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.81), physical abuse victimisation (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47), difficulty in making and keeping friends (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.80), sexual abuse victimisation (aOR=1.21, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.87) and conflict between parents (aOR=1.07, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.56).ConclusionsSelf-harm is a significant public health problem among in-school and street-connected adolescents in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Its origins are very largely in social and familial adversity, and therefore prevention and treatment measures need to be focused in these areas.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos P. Imprialos ◽  
Konstantinos Koutsampasopoulos ◽  
Aleksandra Katsimardou ◽  
Sofia Bouloukou ◽  
Iakovos Theodoulidis ◽  
...  

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has mainly been underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the lack of concrete definitions, validated assessment methods, and efficient treatments. However, during the last few decades, there has been significant progress in the clinical management and research of FSD. Objective: The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of FSD, report the prevalence of the disease in the setting of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease, and review current and under investigation treatment options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies examining the association of FSD with CV risk factors and/or disease and studies reporting appropriate management options. Results: The prevalence of FSD is increased in the general population (approximately 40%) and is significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In patients with overt CV disease, FSD is even more prevalent (up to 90%). The cause of FSD is multifactorial and includes various vascular, hormonal, interpersonal, and psychological factors, which are all intertwined. Several treatment options exist that are efficient in improving female sexual function, while a cluster of other alternatives has been shown to offer benefits. Conclusion: FSD is a significant public health problem with a great impact on the patients’ quality of life. In the setting of increased CV burden, FSD is even more prevalent. Increased awareness is needed for the physician to establish a trustful environment with the patient, discuss such issues, and offer suitable management options.


2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Santos Barbosa ◽  
Karina Conceição Araújo ◽  
Onicio Batista Leal Neto ◽  
Constança Simões Barbosa

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections and schistosomiasis remain high in the rural areas of Zona da Mata, Pernambuco (ZMP), Brazil, where these parasites still represent a significant public health problem. The present study aimed to spatially assess the occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP. METHODS: The ZMP has a population of 1,132,544 inhabitants, formed by 43 municipalities. An ecological study was conducted, using secondary data relating to positive human cases and parasite loads of schistosomiasis and positive human cases of geohelminthiasis that were worked up in Excel 2007. We used the coordinates of the municipal headquarters to represent the cities which served as the unit of analysis of this study. The Kernel estimator was used to spatially analyze the data and identify distribution patterns and case densities, with analysis done in ArcGIS software. RESULTS: Spatial analysis from the Kernel intensity estimator made it possible to construct density maps showing that the northern ZMP was the region with the greatest number of children infected with parasites and the populations most intensely infected by Schistosoma mansoni. In relation to geohelminths, there was higher spatial distribution of cases of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in the southern ZMP, and greater occurrence of hookworms in the northern/central ZMP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several surveys and studies showing occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP, no preventive measures that are known to have been effective in decreasing these health hazards have yet been implemented in the endemic area.


Author(s):  
Fernando Coelho Dias ◽  
Mateus Menezes Ribeiro ◽  
Camilla Oleiro Da Costa ◽  
Zayanna Christine Lopes Lindôso

Introdução: Atualmente, a obesidade é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública, pois além de ser uma doença, é um fator de risco para progressão e desenvolvimento de outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Objetivo: Compreender a percepção de indivíduos com obesidade quanto à participação em papeis ocupacionais, grau de importância atribuído a cada papel e padrão de desempenho de papeis ocupacionais ao longo da vida. Método: Configura-se como um estudo transversal do tipo exploratório de caráter descritivo, com análise quantitativa dos dados. Como instrumento, utilizou-se a Lista de Identificação de Papéis Ocupacionais. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 65 indivíduos com obesidade, 87,7% (n=57) era do sexo feminino e 12,3% (n=8) do sexo masculino, tendo como média de idade 42 anos e 9 meses. Constatou-se que o papel mais comum no passado foi o de estudante e com relação ao presente e futuro, os papeis mais citados foram os de serviço doméstico e membro da família. Quanto ao grau de importância, identificou-se que os indivíduos valorizam os papeis ocupacionais, atribuindo maior valorização aos papeis de membro da família e trabalho, e menor proporção de valor ao papel de participação em organizações. Conclusão: A condição de obesidade pode interferir no modo como o indivíduo se envolve e desempenha suas ocupações, evidenciando a terapia ocupacional como uma estratégia importante no enfrentamento da obesidade. AbstractIntroduction: Currently, obesity is considered a serious public health problem, since it is also a disease, it is a risk factor for progression and development of other chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: To understand the perception of individuals with obesity regarding the participation in occupational roles throughout life, about the degree of importance attributed to each role, and in a complementary way to identify the performance pattern of occupational roles in Long life. Method: It is configured as a cross-sectional exploratory study of descriptive character, with quantitative analysis of the data, as an instrument used the identification list of occupational roles. Results: The sample consisted of 65 obese individuals. Of these, 87.7% (n = 57) were females and 12.3% (n = 8) were males, with a mean age of 42 years 9 months. It was found that the most common role in the past was that of student and in relation to the present and future the most cited roles were those of domestic service and family member. As to the degree of importance, it was identified that the individuals value the occupational roles, attributing greater value to the roles of family members and work, and less appreciation of the role of participation in organizations. Conclusion: The condition of obesity can interfere in the way the individual engages and performs his occupations, thus placing the occupational therapy professional as an important member in coping with obesity.Key words: Obesity, Activities of Daily Living, Occupations, Occupational Therapy.ResumenIntroducción: Actualmente, la obesidad se considera un grave problema de salud pública, ya que es también una enfermedad, es un factor de riesgo para la progresión y el desarrollo de otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: comprender la percepción de los individuos con obesidad con respecto a la participación en los roles ocupacionales a lo largo de la vida, sobre el grado de importancia atribuido a cada función, y de manera complementaria para identificar el patrón de desempeño de los roles ocupacionales en Larga vida. Método: se configura como un estudio exploratorio transversal de carácter descriptivo, con análisis cuantitativo de los datos, como instrumento utilizó la lista de identificación de roles ocupacionales. Resultados: la muestra consistió en 65 individuos obesos. De ellos, 87,7% (n = 57) fueron hembras y 12,3% (n = 8) fueron varones, con una edad media de 42 años 9 meses. Se descubrió que el papel más común en el pasado era el de los estudiantes y en relación con el presente y el futuro, los papeles más citados eran los del servicio doméstico y el miembro de la familia. En cuanto al grado de importancia se identificó que los individuos valoran los papeles ocupacionales, atribuyendo mayor valoración a los papeles de miembro de la familia y trabajo, y menor valorización al papel de participación en organizaciones. Conclusión: la condición de la obesidad puede interferir en la forma en que el individuo se involucra y realiza sus ocupaciones, colocando así al profesional de la terapia ocupacional como un miembro importante para hacer frente a la obesidad.Palabras clave: Obesidad, Actividades Cotidianas, Ocupaciones, Terapia Ocupacional.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Dutheil ◽  
Sarah de Saint Vincent ◽  
Bruno Pereira ◽  
Jeannot Schmidt ◽  
Farès Moustafa ◽  
...  

Background: Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched on March 19, 2021 using the keywords “acute stress” AND “DHEA” OR “Dehydroepiandrosterone.” Articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., induction of acute stress and at least two measures of DHEA.Results: We included 14 studies, with a total of 631 participants, in our meta-analysis. The DHEA levels increased overtime after acute stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.13–1.99]. Stratification by time showed a main peak at the end of stress (SMD = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.59–3.27), followed by a progressive decrease (coefficient = −0.11, 95%CI = −0.19 to −0.17, p = 0.020). There was no significant change 1 h after the end of acute stress. Metaregressions showed an impact of mental stress (SMD = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.43–2.65), sex (SMD = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.00–0.04), age (SMD = −0.12, 95%CI = −0.2 to −0.05), and obesity (SMD = 0.31, 95%CI = −0.00 to 0.63). There was no difference whatever the type of fluid (blood or saliva) and the measurement technique used.Conclusions: DHEA is a biomarker of acute stress, with a short-term increase (1 h). DHEA increases following acute mental stress, whatever the type and duration of mental stress. Women, young people, and obese individuals had a higher response. Blood and saliva measures were comparable.


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