scholarly journals Anaemia prevalence and factors associated with haemoglobin change following radiotherapy in individuals with cancers at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Makubi ◽  
Andrew Shiyo ◽  
Crispin Kahesa
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Before And After

Background: Despite the fact that anaemia is common worldwide, limited studies have been done in most developing countries to estimate its prevalence and factors associated with haemoglobin change in patients with cancers receiving radiotherapy.               Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. All individuals with cancers who were admitted in the wards for radiation treatment from August to December 2013 were included. Information on social-clinical characteristics, cancer type and associated factors as well as haemoglobin level before and after radiation were obtained. The prevalence of anaemia was determined as a proportion and linear regression was used to determine factors associated with haemoglobin change.Results: A total of 230 study subjects were available for analysis, of whom 82% were females. The overall mean age was 50±14 years. Most of the subjects (44%) were residing in the coastal regions, 50% had never attended school and 77% had no formal employment. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 77% before and 82% after radiotherapy. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that history of blood transfusion (beta-coefficient= 1.193; p=0.004) was the only factor associated with absolute change in haemoglobin.Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia was high, regardless of the cancer type. Blood transfusion appeared to have a positive change in haemoglobin following radiotherapy. Awareness should be increased to provide early detection of the condition with appropriate corrective measures.

scholarly journals Longer shared parental leave is associated with longer duration of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study among Swedish mothers and their partners

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grandahl ◽  
Jenny Stern ◽  
Eva-Lotta Funkquist
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Parental Leave ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaginal Birth ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is associated with health benefits for both the mother and infant and is therefore important to support; moreover, parental leave is a beneficial factor for breastfeeding. The Swedish parental leave is generous, allowing each parent to take 90 days; additionally, a further 300 days can be taken by either parent. Generally, mothers take 70% of the parental leave days, mainly during the first year. However, breastfeeding duration has declined in the last decade, and it is not known how shared parental leave is associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Aim To investigate how parental leave is associated with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding of the infant during the first 12 months after birth. An additional aim was to describe infants’ and parents’ characteristics and mode of birth in association with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Study, conducted in Sweden in 2012–2015. The parents were recruited at 153 antenatal clinics in nine counties. In total, 813 couples completed a follow-up questionnaire 1 year after birth. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between parental leave and the duration of breastfeeding. Results Infants were exclusively breastfed for, on average, 2.5 months (range 0–12 months) and partially breastfed, on average, 7 months (range 0–12 months). Most of the parental leave was taken by the mother (mean = 10.9 months) during the infant’s first 12 months, while the partner took 3 months, on average. The parental leave (used and planned) during the infant’s first 24 months were, on average, 21 months. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, mothers’ and partners’ high level of education (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively), mothers’ higher age (p = 0.049), non-instrumental vaginal birth (p = 0.004) and longer parental leave for the first 24 months (p < 0.001) were associated with longer duration of partial breastfeeding. Conclusion The duration of partial breastfeeding was associated with higher parental educational level, higher age, non-instrumental vaginal birth and longer parental leave.

scholarly journals Structural and Biomechanical Corneal Differences between Type 2 Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
João N. Beato ◽  
João Esteves-Leandro ◽  
David Reis ◽  
Manuel Falcão ◽  
Vítor Rosas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose. To analyze and compare corneal structural and biomechanical properties, characterized by corneal hysteresis (CH) and resistance factor (CRF), between patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and determine the main ocular variables that influence them. Methods. Sixty diabetic and 48 age- and sex-matched non-DM patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The DM group was analyzed according to DM duration (<or ≥ 10 years), HbA1c levels (<or ≥ 7%), and presence of retinopathy. CH and CRF were evaluated using the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined by Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam® HR). Intraocular pressure was obtained with ORA (IOPcc) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-GAT). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between demographical, clinical, and ocular variables with the biomechanical properties. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the CH and the CRF between DM and non-DM groups (p=0.637 and p=0.439, respectively). Also, there was no statistical difference between groups for the CCT, IOPcc, or IOP-GAT. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CH was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and negatively associated with IOPcc (p<0.001), while CRF was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and IOPcc (p=0.014). Conclusion. The CCT and IOPcc were found to be the main parameters that affect corneal biomechanical properties both in diabetics and controls. In this study, there was no significant effect of DM type 2 on corneal biomechanics.

Factors associated with the inflammatory potential of the Brazilian population’s diet

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Natália Oliveira Pereira ◽  
Carolina Abreu de Carvalho ◽  
Naiara Sperandio ◽  
Karla Danielle Silva Marques ◽  
Poliana Cristina de Almeida Fonseca Viola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Consumer Expenditure ◽  
White People ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Inflammatory Index

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory potential of the Brazilian population’s diet and its association with demographic, socio-economic and anthropometric characteristics. A cross-sectional study was performed with 34 003 individuals aged 10 years and older, evaluated by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (POF 2008–2009). The Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) was determined using thirty-four dietary parameters calculated through non-consecutive 2-d dietary records. Positive scores indicate a pro-inflammatory diet, while negative scores indicate an anti-inflammatory diet. A bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis based on a hierarchical theoretical model was performed to verify the factors associated with the E-DII. The mean of the E-DII was 1·04 (range of −4·77 to +5·98). The highest values of the pro-inflammatory E-DII were found among adolescents (1·42; P < 0·001) and individuals with higher income (1·10; P < 0·001) and level of education (1·18; P < 0·001). In the final model, the E-DII was associated with higher income quartiles and was higher in the Northeast and South regions, in white people, individuals with ≥9 years of education and adults and adolescents age group. The Brazilian population consumes a diet with high inflammatory potential, especially adolescents, white people and those with higher income and level of education. Thus, the index presented uneven distribution among the population, emphasising groups with higher dietary inflammatory potential. The socio-economic risk profile of a diet with higher inflammatory potential in medium-income countries is different from what is observed in high-income nations.

scholarly journals The relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma and arterial stiffness in essential hypertensive patients from China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Yin ◽  
Minghui Li ◽  
Lingling Yu ◽  
Feng Hu ◽  
Yu Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Atherogenic Index ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with arterial stiffness, however, this association has not been fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth in large hypertensive patient populations. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in Chinese patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels indicated in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, the same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR1800017274.

Health and nutrition literacy in adults: Links with lifestyle factors and obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-370
Author(s):  
Maria Michou ◽  
Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos ◽  
Christos Lionis ◽  
Vassiliki Costarelli
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Low Health Literacy (HL) and Nutrition Literacy (NL) are associated with serious negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate certain lifestyle factors and obesity, in relation to HL and NL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of the Attica region, in Greece. The sample consisted of 1281 individuals, aged ≥18 years. HL, NL sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption,) were assessed. Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskall Wallis, Pearson chi-square tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis has shown that smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, were associated with HL levels (–1.573 points for ex-smokers in comparison to smokers, p = 0.035, –1.349 points for alcohol consumers in comparison to non-consumers, p = 0.006 and 1.544 points for physically active individuals to non-active, p = 0.001). With respect to NL levels, it was also not associated with any of these factors. Obesity was not associated with HL and NL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Certain lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are predicting factors of HL levels, in Greek adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle factors and HL and should be taken into account when HL policies are designed.

Sex Dependent Association of Vitamin D with Insulin Resistance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Chen ◽  
Chang Chu ◽  
Cornelia Doebis ◽  
Volker von Baehr ◽  
Berthold Hocher
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Entire Study

Abstract Background Animal studies suggested that vitamin D might decrease insulin resistance. Estrogen increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in rodents. However, sex-specific association of vitamin D with insulin resistance in humans remains unclear. Objectives To investigate the sex-dependency of the association of insulin resistance and 25(OH)D in a large Caucasian population. Methods Cross-sectional study from out-patients’ blood samples with measurements of 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR drawn at exactly the same day (N=1887). This cohort was divided into three groups: i) group with vitamin D deficiency (n=1190), ii) group with vitamin D sufficiency (N=686)), iii) vitamin D excess groups (n=11), the vitamin D excess group was excluded from further analysis due to the small size. Results Analysis of the entire study population showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (rs=-0.19, P&lt;0.0001). When considering the vitamin D status, this association was only seen in the vitamin D deficiency group, but not in the vitamin D sufficient group. The correlation was sex-dependent: HOMA-IR was inversely correlated with vitamin D in women with vitamin D deficiency (rs=-0.26, P&lt;0.0001) but not in men with vitamin D deficiency (rs=0.01, P=0.714). After multivariate linear regression analysis considering confounding factors, this relationship was again only seen in women. Conclusion Vitamin D was inversely and independently associated with insulin resistance only in women with vitamin D deficiency. Based on our data, we suggest that in particular vitamin D deficient women might benefit from vitamin D substitution by improving insulin resistance. This, however, needs to be proven in adequately designed double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies.

scholarly journals Sources of psychological distress among primary care physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave in Spain: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cebrián-Cuenca ◽  
José Joaquín Mira ◽  
Elena Caride-Miana ◽  
Antonio Fernández-Jiménez ◽  
Domingo Orozco-Beltrán
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people worldwide. In Spain, the first wave was especially severe. Objectives: This study aimed to identify sources and levels of distress among Spanish primary care physicians (PCPs) during the first wave of the pandemic (April 2020). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey that included sociodemographic data, a description of working conditions related to distress [such as gaps in training in protective measures, cleaning, and hygiene procedures in work setting, unavailability of personal protective equipments (PPEs) and COVID-19 RT-PCR test, and lack of staff due to be infected] and a validated scale, the ‘Self-applied Acute Stress Scale’ (EASE). The survey was answered by a non-probability sampling of PCPs working in family healthcare centres from different regions of Spain. Analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed. Results: In all, out of 518 PCP participants, 123 (23.7%) obtained high psychological distress scores. Only half of them had received information about the appropriate use of PPE. PCP characteristics associated with higher levels of distress include female gender [1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54, 2.84]; lack of training in protective measures (1.96; 95% CI 0.94, 2.99); unavailable COVID-19 RT-PCR for health care workers after quarantine or COVID-19 treatment (−0.77 (−1.52, −0.02). Reinforcing disinfection of the work environment (P < 0.05), availability of PPEs (P < 0.05), and no healthcare professional was infected (P < 0.05) were related to the lowest distress score. Conclusions: A better understanding of the sources of distress among PCPs could prevent its effect on future outbreaks.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Arterial Stiffness in Essential Hypertensive Patients from China: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Yin ◽  
Minghui Li ◽  
Lingling Yu ◽  
Feng Hu ◽  
Yu Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Atherogenic Index ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with the arterial stiffness, however, in large hypertensive patient populations, this relation is not fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension in China.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels indicates as in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).Results: Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, after which a multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, this same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2.

scholarly journals Do aggregates of multiple questions better capture overall fish consumption than summary questions?

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kym Mina ◽  
Lin Fritschi ◽  
Matthew Knuiman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Fresh Frozen

AbstractObjectiveTo compare intake estimates, validity and reliability of two summary questions to measure fish consumption with information from a detailed semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on fish consumption.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study. Participants completed an FFQ and provided blood samples for erythrocyte membrane eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) analysis. Aggregate measures of consumption of fresh/frozen/canned fish (fresh fish) and smoked/salted/dried fish (preserved fish) were generated from the FFQ and were compared with responses to the summary questions regarding intakes of similar items. Both methods were tested for validity, using correlation and linear regression techniques with EPA, and retest reliability.SettingPerth metropolitan area, Western Australia.SubjectsOne hundred and nine healthy volunteers of both sexes, aged 21–75 years.ResultsThe summary fresh fish measure underestimated frequency and grams per week given by the aggregate question by about 50%, while estimates from the summary preserved fish measure were approximately three times that of the aggregate measure. Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that the aggregates accounted for more of the variation in EPA levels, but the difference was minimal. Intra-class correlations confirmed that both methods were reliable.ConclusionsOur study indicates that extensive questioning results in different absolute intakes of fish compared with brief questioning, but does not add any information if ranking individuals according to overall consumption of fish.

scholarly journals Hospitalization costs among immobile patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongpeng Liu ◽  
Chen Zhu ◽  
Jing Cao ◽  
Jing Jiao ◽  
Baoyun Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Hospital Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Hospitalization Costs

Abstract Background In this study, we aimed to analyze the hospitalization costs for immobile patients with hemorrhagic stroke (IHS) or ischemic stroke (IIS) in China and to determine the factors associated with hospitalization costs. Methods We evaluated patients with IHS and IIS hospitalized between November 2015 and July 2016 in six provinces or municipality cities of China. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association with hospitalization costs and predictors. Results In total, 1573 patients with IHS and 3143 with IIS were enrolled and analyzed. For IHS and IIS, the average length of stay (LoS) was 17.40 ± 12.3 and 14.47 ± 11.55 days. The duration of immobility was 12.11 ± 9.98 and 7.36 ± 9.77 days, respectively. Median hospitalization costs were RMB 47000.68 (interquartile range 19,827.37, 91,877.09) for IHS and RMB 16578.44 (IQR 7020.13, 36,357.65) for IIS. In both IHS and IIS groups, medicine fees accounted for more than one-third of hospitalization costs. Materials fees and medical service fees accounted for the second and third largest proportions of hospital charges in both groups. Linear regression analysis showed that LoS, hospital level, and previous surgery were key determinants of hospitalization costs in all immobile patients with stroke. Subgroup analysis indicated that hospital level was highly correlated with hospitalization costs for IHS whereas pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis were key factors associated with hospitalization costs for IIS. Conclusions We found that hospitalization costs were notably higher in IHS than IIS, and medicine fees accounted for the largest proportion of hospitalization costs in both patient groups, perhaps because most patients ended up with complications such as pneumonia thereby requiring more medications. LoS and hospital level may greatly affect hospitalization costs. Increasing the reimbursement ratio of medical insurance for patients with IHS is recommended. Decreasing medicine fees and LoS, preventing complications, and improving treatment capability may help to reduce the economic burden of stroke in China.

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