scholarly journals Risk Factors for Transport-Related Problem Behaviors in Horses: A New Zealand Survey

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Padalino ◽  
Chris Rogers ◽  
Danielle Guiver ◽  
Janis Bridges ◽  
Christopher Riley

Transport-related problem behaviors (TRPBs) are common in horses and can cause injury to both the horses and their handlers. This study aimed to identify possible risk factors for TRPBs to inform approaches to mitigate TRPBs incidence and enhance horse welfare. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the prevalence of TRPBs and their association with human-, training- and transport management-related factors in New Zealand. The survey generated 1124 valid responses that were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analyses. Having at least one horse with TRPB was reported by 249/1124 (22.2%) respondents during the two previous years. Of these, 21/249 (8.4%) occurred during pre-loading, 78/249 (31.3%) during loading, 132/249 (53.0%) while travelling, and 18/249 (7.3%) during unloading. Our findings indicate that the use of negative reinforcement and positive punishment as training methods, using a whip or food for loading, and travelling in a straight load trailer/float while offering food were associated with a higher likelihood of TRPBs. Cross-sectional studies cannot determine causality and findings should be interpreted with caution, and evaluated in further experimental studies. The authors suggest that education on appropriate training methods for transport, and vehicle selection may mitigate the risk for TRPBs in horses.

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vili Nosa ◽  
Dudley Gentles ◽  
Marewa Glover ◽  
Robert Scragg ◽  
Judith McCool ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Pacific New Zealanders have a high prevalence of smoking, with many first smoking in their pre-adolescent years. AIM: To identify risk factors for tobacco smoking among Pacific pre-adolescent intermediate school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2208 Pacific students aged between 10 and 13 years from four South Auckland intermediate schools who were asked about their smoking behaviour between the years 2007 and 2009. RESULTS: The prevalence of Pacific ever-smokers (for 2007) in Year 7 was 15.0% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 12.0%–18.3%) and Year 8, 23.0% (95% CI 19.5%–26.7%). Multivariate modelling showed the risk factors for ever-smoking were Cook Island ethnic group (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.26–2.36, ref=Samoan), boys (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14–1.89), age (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.36–2.00), exposure to smoking in a car within the previous seven days (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.67–3.01), anyone smoking at home within the previous seven days (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.12–2.04) and receiving more than $NZ20 per week as pocket money/allowance (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.23–2.96). DISCUSSION: Parents control and therefore can modify identified risk factors for Pacific children’s smoking initiation: exposure to smoking at home or in the car and the amount of weekly pocket money the child receives. Primary health care professionals should advise Pacific parents to make their homes and cars smokefree and to monitor their children’s spending. This study also suggests a particular need for specific Cook Island smokefree promotion and cessation resources. KEYWORDS: Adolescent; child; ethnic group; New Zealand; Pacific; smoking


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1952
Author(s):  
Charlotte F. Bolwell ◽  
Chris W. Rogers ◽  
Jackie Benschop ◽  
Julie M. Collins-Emerson ◽  
Brooke Adams ◽  
...  

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira in a cohort of horses and to evaluate potential risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity in horses in New Zealand. The convenience sample included 499 Thoroughbred racing and breeding horses from 25 commercial properties in North Island, New Zealand. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data on horses and property-level information on grazing and management practices, pest (rodent) management, access to natural waterways, other livestock on the property, and possible contact with wildlife. The microscopic agglutination test was used to test sera for serovars Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity to at least one serovar and for each serovar individually. A total of 124 (25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21–29%) horses had positive titres to any one of the five serovars. The seroprevalence of Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi was 5% (95% CI 3–7%), 9% (95% CI 7–12%), 6% (95% CI 4–8%), 6% (95% CI 4–8%), and 6% (95% CI 4–8%), respectively. Broodmares, compared to racehorses and alternately grazing horses with sheep, increased the odds of exposure to any one serovar, whilst grazing the same time as sheep and alternately grazing horses with cattle increased the odds of exposure to Ballum and Hardjo (bovis), respectively. Historical exposure to Leptospira in racing and breeding horses was identified, and risk factors were consistent with pasture-based exposure.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guang-hui Zhu ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Bo-wen Xu ◽  
He-ping Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose This study aims to explore the characteristics, related factors and risk factors of insomnia of patients after operation for gastric cancer. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out and finally 115 patients with insomnia after operation for gastric cancer were included. The general information, gastric cancer related information, sleep quality and other symptoms were investigated. Results ①The Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of most insomnia patients after gastric cancer surgery was 11–15 points, the sleep quality rating was “Poor”. ②The sleep quality of patients with insomnia after surgery for gastric cancer is related to the number of chemotherapy cycles, fatigue and depression. ③The risk of reduced sleep quality with the number of chemotherapy cycles > 6 is 3.640 times that of ≤ 6. The risk of reduced sleep quality during moderate to severe fatigue was 4.390 times that of patients with no or mild fatigue. Conclusion Attention to related factors and risk factors may be associated with improvement of sleep quality in patients with gastric cancer after surgery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyan Wang ◽  
Xiaoling Dai ◽  
Zichuan Yao ◽  
Xianqing Zhu ◽  
Yunzhong Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the associated risk factors in frontline nurses under COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20, 2020 to March 20, 2020 and involved 562 frontline nurses. The effective response rate was 87.68%. After propensity score matched, there were 498 participants left. Extensive characteristics, including demographics, dietary habits, life-related factors, work-related factors, and psychological factors were collected based on a self-reported questionnaire. Specific scales measured the levels of sleep quality, physical activity, depressive symptoms, perceived organization support and psychological capital. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined by binary paired logistic regression. Results Of the nurses enrolled in the study, 50.90% had depressive symptoms. Three independent risk factors were identified: poor sleep quality (OR = 1.608, 95% CI: 1.384–1.896), lower optimism of psychological capital (OR = 0.879, 95% CI: 0.805–0.960) and no visiting friend constantly (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.286–0.920). Conclusions This study revealed a considerable high prevalence of depressive symptoms in frontline nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak, and identified three risk factors, which were poor sleep quality, lower optimism of psychological capital, and no visiting friend constantly. Protecting mental health of nurses is important for COVID-19 pandemic control and their wellbeing. These findings enrich the existing theoretical model of depression and demonstrated a critical need for additional strategies that could address the mental health in frontline nurses for policymakers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Feng ◽  
Kedi Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhu ◽  
Wing-Yuk Ip ◽  
Lars L. Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS. Results The clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)). Conclusions The prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Haroon ◽  
S. S. Owais ◽  
A. S. Khan ◽  
J. Amin

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Huang ◽  
Jian-Gao Fan ◽  
Jun-Ping Shi ◽  
Yi-Min Mao ◽  
Bing-Yuan Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a multi-dimensional construct that can comprehensively evaluate the patient’s health status, including physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on HRQL in a Chinese population. Methods In this national multicenter cross-sectional survey, patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-NAFLD was used to qualify HRQL. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of HRQL. Results A total of 5181 patients with NAFLD from 90 centers were enrolled in this study (mean age, 43.8 ± 13.3 years; male, 65.8%). The overall CLDQ score was 5.66 ± 0.89. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI: HR, 1.642; 95% CI, 1.330–2.026), alanine transaminase (ALT: HR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001–1.011), triglyceride (HR, 1.184; 95% CI, 1.074–1.305), disease severity (HR, 3.203; 95% CI, 1.418–7.232) and cardiovascular disease (HR, 4.305; 95% CI, 2.074–8.939) were independent risk factors for overall CLDQ score. In the logistic analyses of individual domain, BMI and triglyceride were independent risk factors of all domains. ALT, disease severity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease were influencing factors for the CLDQ score of several domains. Conclusions This national multicenter cross-sectional survey in China indicated that the HRQL in patients with NAFLD was impaired. HRQL was found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Attention should be paid to the optimally managing care of patients with NAFLD to improve their HRQL.


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