scholarly journals Exposure to Mercury in Workers and the Population Surrounding Gold Mining Areas in the Mojana Region, Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Díaz ◽  
Maria Muñoz-Guerrero ◽  
Marien Palma-Parra ◽  
Carolina Becerra-Arias ◽  
Julián Fernández-Niño
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Natural Logarithm ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
High Mercury ◽  
Occupational Exposure To Mercury

In Colombia, the inhabitants of the Mojana region have historically been subjected to high levels of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury; however, there are few robust data on the magnitude of this exposure and associated factors. This study aimed to describe the levels of mercury in the workers and inhabitants in this region, and to identify the main sociodemographic and occupational factors that are associated with this exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which mercury levels were determined in biological samples (blood, urine, hair) from 1119 people in the Mojana region. A questionnaire was also administered, which was adapted from the Global Mercury Assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for the natural logarithm of mercury levels in blood, urine, and hair, using the factors that were explored as independent variables. The study reports high mercury levels in 35.0% of blood samples (95% CI 31.9–38.1%), 28.8% (95% CI 24.9–32.8%) of urine samples, and 56.3% (95% CI 53.1–59.5%) of hair samples. The reported source of water for consumption was associated with high levels of mercury (p-value < 0.05). We provide evidence of high levels of mercury exposure for the population in the Mojana region.

assessing knowledge, attitude and practices of miners and post-occupational miners towards pneumoconiosis in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Zambia:cross sectional study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Banda
Keyword(s):  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Mining Areas

BACKGROUND Occupational conditions are deadly health hazards especially where dust exposure is inevitable causing chronic disabilities, impaired respiratory function and ultimately leading to death if no intensive measures are put in place. Unhealthy practices and negative attitudes rise in the number of cases of pneumoconiosis due to poor health education and awareness strategies. Pneumoconiosis is not only a health problem but also a social and economic burden on the livelihood of people living in mining areas around the globe. OBJECTIVE to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of miners and post-occupational miners towards pneumoconiosis in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Zambia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was employed to conduct a research in Wusakile Township and a questionnaire was customized in order to syphon data relevant to the study as well to be brief. The study was conducted among 73 participants who were randomly selected among miners and post-occupational miners and all satisfied the inclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. The data was entered and analysed using IBM SPSS software version 23. RESULTS Among 73 participants interviewed, 33.99% of participants had poor knowledge on the complications of pneumoconiosis. However, despite this poor knowledge, all participants had an idea about pneumoconiosis particularly silicosis. 13.70% of the respondents had bad practices towards pneumoconiosis while 86.30% had some good practices towards pneumoconiosis. Of the total participants, 19.18% of the participants had a negative attitude towards pneumoconiosis. Correlation between the level of education and practices of participants using Pearson Chi-Square, a p value of 0.021 (significant) was found ruling out the null hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS Information about pneumoconiosis and awareness programs towards pneumoconiosis are not widely disseminated among miners and post-occupational miners. There is still a significant number of participants who need to be educated more about pneumoconiosis and its complications so that attitude and practices are improved and also promote full community participation by involving competent health professionals to help in implementing preventive measures.

scholarly journals Starchy Vegetables and Metabolic Syndrome in Costa Rica

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1639
Author(s):  
Zhongyao Li ◽  
Dongqing Wang ◽  
Edward A. Ruiz-Narváez ◽  
Karen E. Peterson ◽  
Hannia Campos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional

Only a few studies primarily examined the associations between starchy vegetables (other than potatoes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between starchy vegetables consumption and MetS in a population-based sample of Costa Rican adults. We hypothesized that a higher overall intake of starchy vegetables would not be associated with higher MetS prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unhealthy, healthy starchy vegetables, and individual starchy vegetables (potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, etc.), among 1881 Costa Rican adults. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from linear regression models were estimated for each MetS component by categories of starchy vegetable variables. Higher intakes of starchy vegetables were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in crude models, but no significant trends were observed after adjusting for confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between total starchy and healthy starchy vegetables consumption and fasting blood glucose. In this population, starchy vegetables might be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Effect of position on intracranial pressure and compliance: a cross-sectional study including 101 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Linda D’Antona ◽  
Claudia Louise Craven ◽  
Fion Bremner ◽  
Manjit Singh Matharu ◽  
Lewis Thorne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Icp Monitoring ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Csf Dynamics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intracranial Compliance

OBJECTIVE A better understanding of the effect of position on intracranial pressure (ICP) and compliance is important for the development of treatment strategies that can restore normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. There is limited knowledge on the effect of position on intracranial compliance. In this cross-sectional study the authors tested the association of pulse amplitude (PA) with position and the day/night cycle. Additionally, they describe the postural ICP and PA changes of patients with “normal” ICP dynamics. METHODS This single-center retrospective study included patients with suspected and/or confirmed CSF dynamics abnormalities who had been examined with elective 24-hour ICP monitoring between October 2017 and September 2019. Patients had been enrolled in a short exercise battery including four positions: supine, lumbar puncture position in the left lateral decubitus position, sitting, and standing. Each position was maintained for 2 minutes, and mean ICP and PA were calculated for each position. The 24-hour day and night median ICP and PA data were also collected. Linear regression models were used to test the correlation of PA with position and day/night cycle. All linear regressions were corrected for confounders. The postural ICP monitoring results of patients without obvious ICP dynamics abnormality were summarized. RESULTS One hundred one patients (24 males and 77 females) with a mean age of 39 ± 13years (mean ± standard deviation) were included in the study. The adjusted linear regression models demonstrated a significant association of ICP with position and day/night cycle, with upright (sitting and standing) and day ICP values lower than supine and night ICP values. The adjusted linear regression model was also significant for the association of PA with position and day/night cycle, with upright and day PA values higher than supine and night PA results. These associations were confirmed for patients with and without shunts. Patients without clear ICP dynamics abnormality had tighter control of their postural ICP changes than the other patients; however, the difference among groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study investigating the effect of postural changes on intracranial compliance. The results of this study suggest that PA, as well as ICP, is significantly associated with posture, increasing in upright positions compared to that while supine. Further studies will be needed to investigate the mechanism behind this association.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic Factors and Depressive Symptoms Among Cardiac Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Larysz ◽  
Izabella Uchmanowicz
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Occupational Education ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The nursing profession is predisposed toward depressed mood and depressive symptoms. The multidirectionality and intensity of stressors in the nurses' occupational environment are of great significance in this respect. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected sociodemographic factors on depressive symptoms among cardiac nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 336 cardiac nurses (302 women and 34 men) and was conducted between December 2019 and September 2020 in four hospital cardiac units in Wroclaw, Poland. Sociodemographic data were collected using a self-developed survey. The following standardized instruments were used for the study outcomes: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results: The study among cardiac nurses showed mild depression in 11.61%, moderate depression in 5.06%, and severe depression in 2.68%. Linear regression models showed that significant (p &lt; 0.05) predictors of the PHQ-9 score included (1) higher occupational education (bachelor's degree), graduation “only” from medical high school or “other” education; (2) work experience of 16–20 years; (3) living in a relationship; (4) living in a rural area. Linear regression models showed that significant (p &lt; 0.05) predictors of the BDI score included (1) higher occupational education (bachelor's degree); (2) graduation “only” from medical high school or “other” education; (3) living in a relationship.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are a significant problem among Polish cardiac nurses. The prevalence of depressive symptoms is affected by the education level, employment form, marital status, and place of residence.

scholarly journals Tempo sedentário e ambiente percebido sobre o bairro em adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 456-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tais Taiana Sarabia ◽  
Mariana Silva dos Reis ◽  
Priscila Bezerra Gonçalves ◽  
Rodrigo Siqueira Reis
Keyword(s):  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
P Value ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Census Tracts ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Perceived Neighborhood Environment

The environment around the residence could contribute to attenuate or increase time spent in sedentary activities, and in low energy expenditure activities (1.5 METS) in adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between sedentary time and perceived neighborhood environment in adolescents aged 12-17 years living in southern Brazil. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted from August 2013 to May 2014, with a sample of adolescents (12-17 years), recruited from 32 census tracts in Curitiba, Brazil. All census tracts were selected according to walkability and income characteristics. Perceived environment was assessed through the NEWS-Y questionnaire, and sedentary time along seven days was obtained through accelerometers (GT1M, GT3x and GT3x+). Linear regression models were used to test the associations, and included age, nutritional status, socioeconomic level and education level as confounding variables. All analyses were performed considering p-value <0.05 through SPSS software 20.0. The analytical sample included 364 adolescents (girls=50.5%; mean age=14.7, SD=1.7) with valid accelerometry data, showing on 489.6 minutes/day (SD=99.5) spent in sedentary time activities. After adjusting for confounding variables, only the perception of places for walking and cycling remained associated with sedentary time for both boys (B=-23.402, p=0.016) and girls (B=-15.572; p=0.079). Perception of places for walking and cycling has an inverse relationship with sedentary time among adolescents living in places with extremes of walkability and income.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with High Mercury Levels in Women and Girls from The Mojana Region, Colombia, 2013–2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1827
Author(s):  
Sonia Mireya Diaz ◽  
Ruth Marien Palma ◽  
Maria Nathalia Muñoz ◽  
Carolina Becerra-Arias ◽  
Julián Alfredo Fernández Niño
Keyword(s):  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
High Mercury ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
The Relationship

Women are primarily exposed to mercury through the consumption of fish contaminated by gold mining activities. The main systems affected are the central nervous and renal systems, although effects on the reproductive system have also been found. Objective: To explore the relationship between mercury levels in women and their possible sources of contamination. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 with women residing in 11 municipalities in La Mojana, Colombia, using non-random sampling. Standardized instruments were used to identify sociodemographic characteristics, mercury use, mining-related activities, water and fish consumption, and other factors. Blood, urine, and hair samples were taken to quantify mercury levels. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with elevated mercury values in the participants’ samples. A total of 428 women were included, with an average age of 36.7 ± 16.7 years, 3.3% of whom were pregnant at the time of the survey and 8.4% of whom were exposed occupationally. High levels of mercury were present in 62.8% of the women, in any one of the three samples processed. Those exposed occupationally and environmentally had similar values (p = 0.821). Frequency of fish consumption and source of drinking water were associated with higher levels of mercury (p < 0.05).

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Chitwan, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Nepal ◽  
Kalyan Sapkota ◽  
Kalidas Adhikari ◽  
Pramod Paudel ◽  
Bhojraj Adhikari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease that was recently recognized in humans. The number of COVID-19 cases has been gradually increasing in Nepal. The objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Chitwan, one of the districts located in central Nepal. Methods It was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare workers from various health institutions located in Chitwan district of Nepal. A self-reported questionnaire was circulated online. Bivariate analyses were done using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Pearson’s chi square test, and student’s t test as appropriate, whereas multivariate analyses were done using linear regression models. Results A total of 353 responses were analyzed, out of which 47% were nurses, 28.9% were doctors, 11.6% were health assistants, 2% were certified medical assistants, and the remaining 10.5% were categorized as others. The majorities were females (58.9%), were in the age group of 16–29 years (67.1%) and had work experience of less than 5 years (62%). The majority of healthcare workers obtained good to moderate knowledge and practice scores (n = 82.15%, 83.57%, respectively) and had positive attitude scores (n = 90.93%). Mean score values were 21.65 ± 4.71 out of 33 in knowledge section, 8.07 ± 1.49 out of 13 in attitude section and 13.89 ± 5.33 out of 20 in practice section. Mean knowledge and practice scores were significantly associated with job descriptions of healthcare workers (p value – 0.000, 0.007, respectively) with highest mean knowledge scores among doctors (23.70 ± 4.48) and highest mean practice scores among health assistants (15.10 ± 3.61). Higher practice scores (ß = 0.626) and infection prevention training (ß = 1.467) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores; higher knowledge (ß = 1.366) and higher practice scores (ß = 0.110) were significantly associated with higher attitude scores; and higher knowledge scores (ß = 0.308) and higher attitude scores (ß = 0.265) were significantly associated with higher practice scores. Conclusion The majority of healthcare workers from Chitwan, Nepal, had good to moderate knowledge and practice scores and had a positive attitude toward COVID-19. There was a significant association between knowledge, attitude and practice scores regarding COVID-19 among healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Continuous Labor Support and Person-Centered Maternity Care: A Cross-Sectional Study with Women in Rural Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gift Kiti ◽  
Ndola Prata ◽  
Patience A. Afulani
Keyword(s):  
Maternity Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Labor Support ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Rural Kenya ◽  
Continuous Support

Abstract Objective This study assessed whether having continuous support during labor is associated with better person-centered maternity care (PCMC) among women in rural Kenya. Methods Data are from a cross-sectional survey with women aged 15–49 years who delivered in the 9 weeks preceding survey completion (N = 865). PCMC was operationalized using a validated 13-item scale, with a summative score developed from responses that capture dignity and respect, communication and autonomy, and supportive care from providers (excluding support from a lay companion). Continuous support was operationalized as the continuous presence of a lay companion (friend or family) during labor. We carried out bivariate analyses using chi-squared and t-tests and ran multivariable linear regression models to examine the association between continuous labor support and PCMC. Results The average PCMC score was 24.2 (SD = 8.4) out of a total score of 39. About two-thirds (68%) of women had continuous support during labor. The average PCMC scores among women who had continuous support was 25.7 (SD = 8.4) compared to 21.0 (SD = 7.6) among those who did not have continuous support (p-value ≤ 0.001). After controlling for various confounders this association was still significant (coefficient = 4.0; 95% CI 2.9, 5.2; p-value ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Women who have continuous labor support during childbirth are more likely to have improved PCMC. Efforts to promote PCMC should thus include continuous labor support.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Cluster of Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Overweight and Obese Schoolchildren: Results from a Large Survey in Southwest Germany

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Nagel ◽  
Kilian Rapp ◽  
Martin Wabitsch ◽  
Gisela Büchele ◽  
Anja Kroke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Metabolic Changes ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cardiometabolic Markers

Abstract Background: Obesity is associated with substantial metabolic changes and subclinical inflammation. We explored associations between body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic biomarkers and their clustering in overweight and obese schoolchildren. Methods: In this population-based, cross-sectional study among 450 children 10 years old, we measured adiponectin, leptin, inflammatory markers, apolipoprotein (apo) AI and B, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Except for adiponectin and apoAI (10th percentile) the 90th percentile was used as cutoff point. Body weight was categorized in age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles and overweight and obesity according to International Obesity Task Force definitions. Results: In linear regression models, all cardiometabolic markers except apoB were statistically significantly associated with overweight. In logistic regression models, compared with the reference category (25th–75th percentile of BMI), overweight was associated with increased concentrations of leptin [odds ratio (OR) 59.80; 95% CI 16.68–214.39], C-reactive protein (6.30; 2.95–13.45), fibrinogen (2.82; 1.33–6.01), and low apoAI (2.62; 1.19–5.75). Overweight was positively associated with interleukin-6, Lp-PLA2, and apoB concentrations and inversely with adiponectin concentrations. Most importantly, in obese children 35% showed one, 20% two, 10% three, and 15% four or more abnormal cardiometabolic biomarkers. The number of abnormal cardiometabolic markers increased in overweight (ptrend &lt;0.001) and obese (ptrend &lt;0.001) children. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in children are associated with complex metabolic changes and a low-grade inflammatory response, and thus might not only accelerate cardiovascular disease later on, but may also be associated with the initiation of atherosclerosis in early life.

scholarly journals Individual and joint association of bioavailable testosterone and aging with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in Chinese middle-aged and elderly men

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1515-1523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Zhou ◽  
Yaping Wei ◽  
Yuan Lan ◽  
Jingjing Zuo ◽  
Xiangqing Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Elderly Men ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Bioavailable Testosterone ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background and objectives Accumulating evidences suggest that chronic systemic inflammation (CSI) is independently associated with large number of major non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) ranging from metabolic disorders to cancers, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been accepted as a novel, convenient marker for CSI response. Testosterone deficiency in men is linked to high risk of NCDs. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the individual and joint association of bioavailable testosterone (BIOT) and aging with NLR. Methods A total of 132 male adults were enrolled during Jan. 2011 and Oct. 2017 in the first affiliated hospital of University of Science and Technology of China. Local weighted regression (LOESS) and multivariable generalized linear regression models were utilized to comprehensively examine the individual and joint association between BIOT and age with NLR. Results Obvious linear relationships between NLR and BIOT or age were observed with the LOESS models. NLR was negatively correlated to BIOT after adjusting for some potential confounding factors (P = 0.034). As compared to the lowest quartile of BIOT, the adjusted decrease of NLR for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles were 0.40, 0.64 and 0.72, respectively. Meanwhile, NLR was observed to be independently correlated to elevated age (P = 0.043). Furthermore, as compared to the counterparts, men over 70 years combined with plasma BIOT less than 4.7 nmol/L had the highest NLR level, which suggested that low BIOT and aging jointly correlated to the level of NLR (P = 0.005). Conclusion BIOT deficiency and aging were individually and jointly correlated to CSI. Men over 70 years combined with BIOT < 4.7 nmol/L were more like to have higher grade of CSI than others.

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