Awareness of cardiovascular diseases risk factors, attitude towards their health and sleep disorders among the 25–64 years old population in Russia/Siberia (WHO International «MONICA-psychosocial» program)

Objective: to establish associations of awareness and attitude towards cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) prevention in people with sleep disorders in an open population of Novosibirsk aged 25–64 years.Patients and methods. We carried out screening surveys of representative samples of the 25–64 years old population: in 2013–2016 – V screening (427 men, mean age– 34±0.4 years, response rate – 71%; 548 women, mean age– 35±0.4 years, response rate – 72%); in 2015–2018 – VI screening (275 men, mean age – 49±0.4 years, response rate – 72%; 390 women, mean age – 45±0.4 years, response rate – 75%) using the protocol of the WHO international program «MONICA-psychosocial». Jenkins sleep evaluation questionnaire was used to evaluate sleep disorders in the study population.Results and discussion. Participants with sleep disorders believed that they were «not entirely healthy» (men – 65.5%, χ2 =57.825, df=8, p<0.001 and women – 69.6%, χ2 =96.883, df=4, p<0.001); had health related complaints (men – 78.2%, χ2 =24.179, df=2, p<0.001 and women – 85.2%, χ2 =55.144, df=2, p<0.001), and clearly did not care enough about their health (men – 32.7%, χ2 =29.31, df=4, p<0.001 and women – 34.1%, χ2 =28.116, df=4, p<0.001). Men with sleep disorders more often assumed that they were more likely to get a serious illness within the next 5–10 years (χ2 =12.976, df=4, p<0.01). Participants with sleep disorders were confident that modern medicine can prevent (men – 10.9%, χ2 =19.079, df=2, p<0.001 and women – 13.3%, χ2 =21.944, df=2, p<0.01) and successfully treat (men – 3.6%, χ2 =24.142, df=8, p<0.01 and women – 3.7%, χ2 =15.538, df=8, p<0.05) only some heart diseases. Men and women with sleep disorders are more likely to seek medical attention in case of severe pain or discomfort in the heart area, but do not seek medical advice if this pain or unpleasant sensation is mild (men – 63.6%, χ2 =14.867, df=6, p<0.05 and women – 60%, χ2 =17.872, df=6, p<0.01). Among the participants with sleep disorders men more often believe that the doctor «knows more than me» (36.4%), and women (48.1%) chose an answer: «I will not necessarily agree with the opinion of the doctor after a general examination, until a thorough evaluation has been carried out by specialists» (χ2 =5.917, df=2, p<0.05). Women with sleep disorders were more likely to continue to work if they did not feel very well (54.1%, χ2 =12.455, df=4, p<0.05) or their body temperature rose (37.8%, χ2 =12.937, df=4, p<0.05).Conclusion. People with sleep disorders generally have a more negative attitude towards their health and are skeptical about the possibilities of modern medicine to prevent and treat CVDs, which is reflected in their attitude to work and preventive check-ups.

Prevention of dentoalveolar anomalies at an early age. Preventive check-ups

The article is focused on organizational measures that ensure the prevention of dentoalveolar anomalies in the system of dispensary observation, which should be set up taking into account the age periods of the child's development.

Biochemical profile of urine in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Guinea pigs are common patients in veterinary clinics. Knowledge of the urine composition is necessary for the evaluation of their health. We, therefore, analysed the urine of fifty guinea pigs, thirty-two males, and eighteen females, aged between four months and seven years. None of these guinea pigs showed clinical signs of urinary tract diseases. The urine samples were obtained as part of a preventive check-up, during a regular dental check-up or another minor procedure. The urine was acquired by spontaneous micturition after inducing a short-term, light isoflurane anaesthesia. A macroscopic evaluation of the urine samples and a urine dipstick test were used for the preliminary examination. The average pH was determined to be 8.5 ± 0.5, and in three animals, moderate glycosuria was detected using the urine dipsticks. No urobilinogen, ketone bodies, haemoglobin, or blood traces were present in any of the samples. Severe proteinuria was detected in all the samples. The samples were subsequently evaluated in a laboratory for the following values: specific gravity 1 024.40 ± 1.83 kg/m³, osmolality 601.14 ± 52.28 mOsm/kg, total protein 290.16 ± 34.73 mg/l, albumin 12.04 ± 1.92 mg/l, glucose 0.77 ± 0.20 mmol/l, urea 217.60 ± 24.23 mmol/l, creatinine 3.98 ± 0.48 mmol/l, bilirubin 9.63 ± 1.73 μmol/l, calcium 6.14 ± 0.40 mmol/l, phosphorus 4.95 ± 1.30 mmol/l, magnesium 9.86 ± 0.57 mmol/l, sodium 49.15 ± 6.67 mmol/l, potassium 152.21 ± 10.62 mmol/l, chloride 51.14 ± 5.81 mmol/l, activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase 0.72 ± 0.14 μkat/l, alkaline phosphatase 0.56 ± 0.11 μkat/l and lactate dehydrogenase 0.68 ± 0.14 μkat/l. The descriptive values of the urine biochemical parameters of guinea pigs were determined for the first time in this study.

PENANGGULANGAN COVID-19 DALAM KERANGKA TEORI KEPENDUDUKAN MALTHUS

This paper was not necessarily discussing COVID-19 as Malthus' positive check, but it examines the current efforts to overcome and control the COVID-19 pandemic as a preventive and positive check. COVID-19 gives credence to the Malthusian Theory of Population. The key features of this model are that the preventive checks that should be carried out by men are not only limited to controlling the population through family planning but also to control the pressure on the existing resources. The two forces will act to restore equilibrium: preventive check and positive check. From the Malthusian theory, herd immunity in the time of COVID-19 regarded as a positive check. As Indonesia's home to more than 270 million population, the mortality rate likely uncontrollable. Thus herd immunity should not be chosen as a policy option.

Prevención 365 (Prevention 365)

In Peru every year there are 1200 new cases of skin cancer, of which 80% is caused by overexposure to unprotected ultraviolet rays. In Peru, there was no culture of ultraviolet prevention. The population believed that they should only be protected from solar radiation in the summer season. Therefore, in 2017 the League Against Cancer - Peru, two major objectives were set: breaking the paradigm about protection only in summer and/or in aggressive solar exposure, and generate annual preventive check-ups. To achieve this, we created “Prevention 365”, a campaign designed to sensitize the population about the importance of protecting from the ultraviolet rays 365 days a year and not only in summer (Fig 1). Aim: Promote a change in the culture of skin cancer prevention in Peru, breaking the paradigm that you only have to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays in summer, and generate annual preventive check-ups. Strategy/Tactics: We identified the regions with the highest index of ultraviolet radiation at national level and the group of people who work under solar radiation who are more vulnerable for developing the disease, such as policemen, serene, cleaning staff, workers, journalists, taxi drivers, fishermen, among others, to carry out awareness actions. To achieve a greater impact, we convinced various characters from theater, television and sports to become spokespersons and image of the campaign, and to influence Peruvians to prevent skin cancer. We implemented a powerful digital plan that included communication on various platforms - our own and those of third parties. In this way we are able to exponentially expand the scope of our message. The mobile unit of the institution - outpatient clinic - visited municipalities, buildings, police stations, among others, where they conducted screening, educational talks and delivery of information material. Outcomes: More than 900 publications in media, which obtained 389,425,940 views and an advertising investment savings of more than US $5,660,452.00 dollars. More than 200 celebrities who shared each of our messages. More than 10 thousand people who were sensitized through outdoor advertising and media. More than 100 thousand Peruvians from areas more exposed to ultraviolet rays sensitized by materials and informative talks. More than 2 million people who received our message through our official fan page. Thanks to the campaign “Prevention 365” more than 130 thousand people made for the first time a preventive skin check. That is, more than 300% of what was projected. We have understood that a well-structured communication campaign can achieve great results. Thanks to this, the League Against Cancer has helped to reduce the incidence of skin cancer thanks to the fact that more than 130,000 Peruvians were screened for skin cancer for the first time. [Figure: see text]

PREVENTION OF RISK FACTORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN NURSING

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease, in terms of its frequency, the severity of organ damage, and the consequences for the health of the population constitutes one of the most pressing problems of our population. The prevention of subsequent coronary events and the maintenance of physical functioning in such patients are a major challenge in preventive care. However, many patients opt for a change in their lifestyle, some with the support of a health professional.Objective: This empirical survey focuses on the knowledge of respondents about preventing cardiovascular disease. Statistical methods determine the differences between males and females in attending preventive check-ups, understanding and observing risk factors in their lifestyle, and having an interest in changing their lifestyle.Methods: The survey uses a non-standardized questionnaire. Apart from demographic data, the questionnaire had 10 items assessing the respondent’s knowledge of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, 10 on lifestyle and attitudes to the change in lifestyle, and five regarding their interest in education about the subject. Exploratory data includes answers from 70 respondents, who were outpatients in a general practitioner’s department. Of these, 32 are males (46.0%) and 38 are females (54.0%). Results of the survey are analyzed using the Chi-Squared test. Results: Fifty-four of the 70 respondents (55.7%; 20 males and 34 females) undertake preventive check-ups at the general practitioner’s department at least once in two years. No significant differences present between males and females in attending preventive check-ups (χ2 = 3.455; df = 1; P = 0.05) and in showing a willingness for a lifestyle change (χ2 = 1.789; P = 0.05). However, based on the given data, a significant difference presents between males and females regarding proper regime observance (χ2 = 18.651; df = 1; P = 0.05). For example, females know the observance of a healthy diet is necessary for preventing ischemic heart disease (χ2 = 20.124; df = 1; P = 0.05).Conclusion: The study shows that the difference between males and females is significant regarding their understanding of risk factors related to lifestyle and proper regime observance. Thus, education could lead to reducing or eliminating such risk factors. Prevention of risk factors is complex and lifelong. Under conditions of the Slovak health service, registered nurses are responsible for the education of patients.

Knowledge, attitudes and behavior of children in relation to oral health

Background/Aim. Health education plays a very important role in maintaining health of individuals. Good oral health, as a part of general health, is largely dependent on the level of knowledge, attitudes and habits that children already have. The aim of this study is to examine the level of knowledge and habits in children regarding oral hygiene, diet and bad habits. Methods. The study included 506 school children aged 12 and 15 years in three towns (Foca, Cajnice, Kalinovik, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The survey was conducted in order to assess knowledge, attitudes and habits that children have in relation to their own oral health. Results. Most respondents stated that they began to brush their teeth at the age of 4, while a smaller number linked beginning of tooth brushing to the start of school. The parents more often help the boys during tooth brushing. A total of 54.9% of children brush their teeth after every meal, while 40.1% of them brush teeth only once during the day. Twelve year olds brush their teeth more often, especially after a meal. A total of 92.5% of children had never used fluoride tablets nor are the tablets recommended to them by anyone. More than half of the children (61.7%) visited the dentist for the first time before starting school that is on the regular examination that is performed upon enrollment to school. A pain as a reason for dental visits was present in 43.9%, while the preventive check in only 31.4% of the children. Conclusion. Children included in this study, particularly 15-year-olds, are quite well informed about teeth brushing frequency and proper selection of tools for hygiene maintenance, but this knowledge is not applied. Girls are more responsible for their own health, and come regularly to the preventive dental checkups.

The Preventive Check in Medieval and Preindustrial England

England's post-Reformation demographic regime has been characterized as “low pressure.” Yet the evidence hitherto for the presence of a preventive check, defined as the short-run response of marriage and births to variations in living standards, is rather weak. New evidence in this article strengthens the case for the preventive check in both medieval and early modern England. We invoke manorial data to argue the case for a preventive check on marriages in the Middle Ages. Our analysis of the post-1540 period, based on parish-level rather than aggregate data, finds evidence for a preventive check on marriages and births.