静脉吸毒人群3年随访的HIV新发感染率和保持率研究

[目的]了解静脉吸毒人群前瞻性研究队列3年随访的HIV血清抗体阳转率和队列保持率情况。[方法]于2002年11月，在四川省西昌市从社区招募了HIV血清抗体阴性的静脉吸毒人群前瞻性研究队列333人，队列每6个月随访1次并采集血样进行HIV抗体检测，以及分析队列本底的社会人口学和HIV高危行为特征与队列保持率的关系。[结果]静脉吸毒人群研究队列3年随访的HIV新发感染率为2．26／100人年（95％CI：1．08～3．45）和保持率为68.8％（229／333）。在多因素logistic回归模型分析中，与队列保持率的关系有统计学意义的变量为：彝族（OR：0．35；95％CI：0．21-0．59；P〈0．0001）、6个月回访（OR：3．10；95％CI：1．81-5．31；P〈0．0001）和近3个月静脉吸毒频率高（OR：1．79；95％CI：1．00-3．19；P=0．0485）。[结论]本研究结果表明该地区静脉吸毒人群HIV新发感染率较高，彝族和6个月未随访到的静脉吸毒人群队列保持率低。     

直接和间接共用注射器具静脉吸毒方式与HIV感染关系的研究

目的了解四川省凉山彝族自治州地区吸毒人群直接和间接共用注射器具静脉吸毒方式与HIV感染的关系。方法于2004年5月至7月，从社区中招募吸毒人群调查其社会人口学特征、近3个月直接和间接共用注射器具静脉吸毒方式、近6个月性行为情况。采集研究对象的血样进行HIV抗体检测。结果在调查的吸毒人群中HIV感染率为15．1％（68／451），其中静脉吸毒人群HIV感染率为17．8％（66／370）。多因素Logistic分析结果显示，民族（OR为2．40；95％CI为1．39～4．13）、近3个月共用针头和注射器（OR为2．02；95％CI为1．12～3．63）、近3个月共用洗针头或注射器用水（OR，4．00；95％；CI，1．28～12．54）与HIV感染关系有统计学意义。结论四川省凉山彝族自治州吸毒人群HIV感染率高，直接和间接共用注射器具静脉吸毒行为以及高危性行为普遍，应加强对此类行为的干预。     

社区美沙酮维持治疗对海洛因成瘾者吸毒行为影响的初步研究

目的 了解四川省西昌市社区美沙酮维持治疗对海洛因成瘾者吸毒行为的影响情况。方法于2004—05／07，以社区为基础招募海洛因成瘾者，调查其社会人口学、毒品使用及共用注射器具行为特征，了解社区美沙酮维持治疗（MMT）对吸毒行为的影响情况。结果 在调查的海洛因成瘾者中参加过MMT的为30．4％（105／346），参加MMT时间的中位数为49d。在控制社会人口学等因素后，多因素Logistic分析结果显示，MMT与海洛因成瘾者近3个月吸毒行为的关系有统计学意义的变量为：静脉吸毒频率（OR：0．40；95％CI：0．24～0．66）、海洛因口吸频率（OR：3．06；95％CI：1．87～5．00）、海洛因混合其他毒品使用频率（OR：0．43；95％CI：0．26～0．73）、共用针头或注射器（OR：0．03；95％CI：0．01-0．13）、共用洗针头或注射器用水（OR：0．06；95％CI：0．01～0．24）和共用吸毒器皿（OR：0．02；95％CI：0．00～0．18）。结论 研究结果表明我国第一批海洛因成瘾者美沙酮维持治疗试点项目在减少吸毒人群毒品使用和艾滋病相关高危吸毒行为等方面具有明显的效果。     

我国不同地区吸毒人群梅毒感染状况分析

目的了解我国不同地区吸毒者梅毒感染状况,为艾滋病、性病综合防治提供依据。方法采取简单抽样或滚雪球法,在广西南宁、新疆喀什和广东东莞抽取995名吸毒者进行问卷调查并抽血,收集人口学及性行为特征,采用快速血浆反应素试验法检测梅毒抗体。结果广西南宁、新疆喀什和广东东莞吸毒者的梅毒感染率分别为17．5％、10．4％和9．6％。Logistic回归分析结果显示广西南宁吸毒者梅毒感染的主要危险因素为女性（OR8．50;95％CI：2．51～28．78;P=0．001）;新疆喀什吸毒者梅毒感染的主要危险因素为女性（OR7．44;95％CI：1．40～39．57;P〈0．05）、有配偶（OR2．51;95％CI：1．05～6．00;P〈0．05）、低教育程度（OR3．06;95％CI：1．12～8．39;P〈0．05）;广东东莞吸毒者梅毒感染的主要危险因素为女性（OR4．52;95％CI：1．81～11．28;P=0．001）、有配偶（OR3．96;95％CJ：1．71～9．17;P=0．001）、低收入（OR3．12;95％CI：1．41～6．89;P〈0．01）、注射吸毒（OR2．81;95％CI：1．09～7．24;P〈0．05）。结论目前我国艾滋病传播以性传播为主,吸毒人群高危性行为是艾滋病由高危人群向一般人群传播的重要途径。因此,对高危人群实施预防干预措施应具有针对性。     

吸毒严重地区的暗娼HIV和梅毒新发感染及队列保持研究

目的 了解吸毒严重地区暗娼HIV和梅毒新发感染及队列保持情况。方法 2004年12月至2005年1月，在四川省西昌市以社区为基础招募343名暗娼开展前瞻性队列研究，在6个月随访时进行HIV和梅毒血清抗体检测，估算HIV和梅毒血清抗体阳转率，以及分析队列本底的社会人口学和高危行为特征与队列6个月保持率的关系。结果 暗娼队列6个月的HIV和梅毒血清抗体阳转率分别为1．00／100人年和6，23／100人年。队列6个月保持率为53．6％（184／343），在队列保持率影响因素的多因素logistic回归模型分析中，少数民族（OR=0．36，95％CI：0．18～0．74）、参加过艾滋病防治项目（OR：1，83，95％CI：1．17～2．86）、近6个月嫖客人数≥50人（OR=1．75，95％CI：1．11～2．77）和住所或工作场所变化（OR=0．56，95％CI：0．33～0．94）与6个月仍旧能随访的关系有统计学意义。结论 该地区有高的暗娼梅毒新发感染率和高危性行为，汉族、参加过艾滋病防治项目及住所或工作场所稳定的暗娼队列保持率高。     

某县注射吸毒人群HIV感染率和危险因素研究

目的 评估某县注射吸毒人群HIV感染率，探讨HIV感染相关的危险因素。方法 在某县戒毒所和社区征集满足条件的吸毒者，由经统一培训的调查员在单独的房间内进行访谈，同时采集血样进行HIV抗体检测。结果 调查注射吸毒人群269人，HIV感染率为26．0％（70／269）。在多因素非条件Logistic回归模型中，注射吸毒人群HIV感染有统计学意义。危险因素包括家庭所在地为县城（相对于其他乡镇）（OR=4．08，95％CI：1．65～10．08）、注射总次数≥1000次组（OR=7．45，95％CI：2．62～21．16）或注射总次数100～999次（OR=3．03，95％CI：1．04～8．86），在戒毒所内有共用针具行为（OR=8．32，95％CI：2．77～24．98）或仅有戒毒所外共用针具行为（OR=5．54，95％CI：1．97～15．60）。结论 目前该县注射吸毒人群HIV流行处于较高水平，需加强共用针具危险性的宣传教育，加强打击毒品隐蔽进入戒毒所的力度。     

西昌市吸毒人群HIV感染模式研究

目的：了解四川省西昌市吸毒人群吸毒方式及性行为与HIV感染的关系.方法：采用现况调查对四川省西昌市吸毒人群的社会人口学、共用注射器具静脉吸毒方式、伙伴人数和性行为情况与HIV感染的关系进行调查.同时采集血样进行HIV和梅毒抗体检测.结果：吸毒人群619人中,HIV感染率为8.6%（53/619）,其中静脉吸毒者的HIV感染率为10.1%（33/327）.在单因素分析和控制其他因素分析中,至今共用注射器具静脉吸毒的伙伴总人数与HIV感染差异均有统计学意义.趋势性检验发现随着至今共用注射器具静脉吸毒的伙伴人数的增加,吸毒人群HIV感染率也在增加.在多因素Logistic回归模型分析中,发现与HIV感染差异有统计学意义的变量是共用注射器具静脉吸毒的伙伴总人数（1～3人OR=2.47,95%CI为1.21～5.04;≥4人OR=5.13,95%CI为2.30～11.46）和彝族（OR=3.71,95%CI为2.04～6.75）.结论：吸毒人群共用注射器具静脉吸毒的社会网络大小与HIV感染有关.     

温州市麻疹疫情流行病学调查分析

[目的]调查疫情上升原因。[方法]分析流行病学特征，对危险因素进行病例-对照分析。[结果]2004年～2005年3月8日．温州市市辖区≤14岁人群发病率最高（513／10万）。病例中≤7岁流动儿童占60％，而人群中仅占35％。多元线性回归分析显示，流动人口估计发病率为8．2／万（95％CI：6．0～10），常住人12估计发病率为1．2／万（95％CI：0．0～2．5）。医院暴露OR=9．5（95％CI：5．1～18）；有接触史OR=7．9（95％CI：3．2～20）；疫苗接种率病例组12％，对照组45％，疫苗效力85％（95％CI=69％~93％）。[结论]麻疹接种率低、院内感染的存在、大量的流动人口是造成本次疫情传播主要因素。建议应急接种。控制院内感染。     

西昌市社区女性性工作者梅毒感染及影响因素

目的 了解四川省西昌市社区女性性工作者梅毒感染状况及其影响因素.方法 在西昌市社区中招募女性性工作者404人,调查其社会人口学、高危行为特征,并进行人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)和梅毒抗体检测.结果 调查对象中,近1个月与嫖客发生性行为时从未使用安全套的比例为1.0％;HIV、梅毒、乙肝、丙肝感染率分别为1.5％、12.1％、7.9％、1.2％;多因素logistic回归分析显示,少数民族(OR=3.091,95％ CI=1.506～6.347)、从事性服务工作时间≥4年(OR=3.012,95％ CI=1.447 ～6.266)、兼职(OR=3.856,95％ CI=1.463 ～10.165)是女性性工作者梅毒感染的危险因素.结论 西昌市社区女性性工作者梅毒感染率较高,作为性病传播的桥梁人群,应采取有效措施予以干预.     

四川省吸毒人群艾滋病病毒和梅毒新发感染的队列研究

目的调查四川省某地区静脉吸毒人群艾滋病病毒（HIV）和梅毒血清抗体阳转情况及其危险因素.方法2002年11月在四川省西昌市以社区为基础招募HIV血清抗体阴性的静脉吸毒人群前瞻性研究队列333人,在队列每6个月随访时调查静脉吸毒人群高危吸毒行为和性行为情况,并采集血样进行HIV和梅毒抗体检测.结果队列随访2年,静脉吸毒人群队列保持率和HIV血清抗体阳转率分别为75.7%和2.53/100人年（95%CI：1.10～3.97）,在多因素Poisson回归模型分析中,民族（RR=12.42,95%CI：2.72～56.74,P=0.0012）、近3个月共用针头或注射器（RR=4.06,95%CI：1.29～12.81,P=0.0168）与HIV血清抗体阳转的关系有统计学意义.该研究队列梅毒血清抗体阳转率为4.71/100人年（95%CI：2.59～6.82）,在多因素Poisson回归模型中,女性（RR=4.42,95%CI：1.78～10 99,P=0.0014）与梅毒血清抗体阳转的关系有统计学意义.结论该地区静脉吸毒人群HIV和梅毒新发感染率高,应采取有效的干预措施以控制HIV的传播流行.     

The human drama of genetics: 'hard' and 'soft' media representations of inherited breast cancer

This paper examines media coverage of 'breast cancer genetics', and explores its implications for public understanding. We present a content analysis of coverage in British newspapers and look at a variety of popular forms, including women's magazines, television soap opera and radio drama. Genetic/inherited risk receives a great deal of coverage across a wide range of media formats and outlets. Much of this attention has focused on individuals from 'high risk families' and dilemmas around prophylactic mastectomies. Through examining media coverage, combined with interviews with media personnel and their sources, we show why this story proved so attractive to the media and highlight the different production values which influence coverage. Finally, we introduce preliminary findings from focus group discussions to demonstrate how such 'human interest' framing has engaged audience attention and influenced public understandings. The paper concludes by highlighting the implications for analysing, predicting, and engaging with, media representations of science.     

Worker education in the primary prevention of occupational dermatoses

This paper reports the evaluation of a skin care education programmeconducted on a fine chemicals manufacturing site where over1,000 employees are located. Approximately 60% are involvedin chemical manufacture. Over a 12 month period production staffreceived training in prevention of occupational dermatoses linkedto a site-wide poster initiative. The incidence of new casesof occupational dermatoses fell from 0.055 (70 cases in 1,277employees) to 0.021 (27 cases in 1,277 employees) before andafter the intervention respectively (p<0.0001). After otherfactors such as chemicals handled, observer bias and changesin reporting related to socioeconomic climate were taken intoaccount it is concluded that this study demonstrates the importanceof worker education as a tool for primary prevention of disease.Training materials such as video and poster presentations maybe effectively used in the chemical manufacturing industry asan adjunct to prevention and control of exposure to substanceshazardous to the skin. Such methods may also be used in otherindustries where there are significant risks of dermatoses.     

Regional Variation in Travel-related Illness acquired in Africa,March 1997–May 2011

To understand geographic variation in travel-related illness acquired in distinct African regions, we used the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network database to analyze records for 16,893 ill travelers returning from Africa over a 14-year period. Travelers to northern Africa most commonly reported gastrointestinal illnesses and dog bites. Febrile illnesses were more common in travelers returning from sub-Saharan countries. Eleven travelers died, 9 of malaria; these deaths occurred mainly among male business travelers to sub-Saharan Africa. The profile of illness varied substantially by region: malaria predominated in travelers returning from Central and Western Africa; schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and dengue from Eastern and Western Africa; and loaisis from Central Africa. There were few reports of vaccine-preventable infections, HIV infection, and tuberculosis. Geographic profiling of illness acquired during travel to Africa guides targeted pretravel advice, expedites diagnosis in ill returning travelers, and may influence destination choices in tourism.     

The design of hazard risk assessment matrices for ranking occupational health risks and their application in mining and minerals processing

Two hazard risk assessment matrices for the ranking of occupational health risks are described. The qualitative matrix uses qualitative measures of probability and consequence to determine risk assessment codes for hazard-disease combinations. A walk-through survey of an underground metalliferous mine and concentrator is used to demonstrate how the qualitative matrix can be applied to determine priorities for the control of occupational health hazards. The semi-quantitative matrix uses attributable risk as a quantitative measure of probability and uses qualitative measures of consequence. A practical application of this matrix is the determination of occupational health priorities using existing epidemiological studies. Calculated attributable risks from epidemiological studies of hazard-disease combinations in mining and minerals processing are used as examples. These historic response data do not reflect the risks associated with current exposures. A method using current exposure data, known exposure-response relationships and the semi-quantitative matrix is proposed for more accurate and current risk rankings.     

Psychopathological features of a patient population of targets of workplace bullying

BACKGROUND: A strong association between workplace bullying and subsequent anxiety and depression, indicated by empirical research, suggests that bullying is an aetiological factor for mental health problems. AIMS: To evaluate levels of stress and anxiety-depression disorder developed by targets of workplace bullying together with outcome at 12 months and to characterize this population in terms of psychopathology and sociodemographic features. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (36 women and 12 men) meeting Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror criteria for bullying were included in a prospective study. Evaluations were performed at first consultation and at 12 months using a standard clinical interview, a visual analogue scale of stress, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, the Beech scale of stress in the workplace and a projective test (Picture-Frustration Study). RESULTS: At first consultation, 81% of patients showed high levels of perceived stress at work and 83 and 52% presented with anxiety or depression, respectively. At 12 months, only 19% of working patients expressed a feeling of stress at work. There was a significant change in symptoms of anxiety while there was no change in symptoms of depression. Stress at work and depression influenced significatively capacity to go back to work. At 12-month assessments, workers showed a significantly better score on the HAD scale than non-workers. Over half the targets presented a neuroticism-related predominant personality trait. CONCLUSION: Workplace bullying can have severe mental health repercussions, triggering serious and persistent underlying disorders.     

The rise and fall in incidence of malignant mesothelioma from a British Naval Dockyard, 1979-1999

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Britain is predicted to rise over the next 15-25 years because of past failure to protect the workforce against inhalation of asbestos. In British Naval dockyards, alternative insulation materials and respiratory protection were introduced from the mid-1960s. Aims This study was carried out to investigate the effects of these control measures on mesothelioma deaths in dockyard workers. METHODS: Cases of mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum between 1979 and 1999 in workers from the Devonport Naval Dockyard, south-west England, were sought from coroners' and medico-legal records. RESULTS: Three hundred and one cases were identified, 7% peritoneal. The peak incidence occurred in 1991 with 25 cases per annum (quadratic model fit R(2) = 74.2%, P < 0.001) and we predict that by 2003 the incidence will fall to fewer than five cases per annum. The mean time between first exposure and presentation was 48.5 years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 47.3-49.8], but this was significantly shorter in the more heavily exposed trades, when compared with the less heavily exposed (42 years, 95% CI = 39.0-45.0, versus 49.5 years, 95% CI = 48.2-50.9). Those with higher exposure were also at significantly greater risk of peritoneal disease (P < 0.023, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: The reduction in incidence of mesothelioma is greater than can be accounted for by reduction in numbers of dockyard workers over the last 50 years. Changes in insulation materials and improved industrial hygiene measures introduced into the Devonport Dockyard from the mid-1960s have resulted in an earlier decline in the incidence of malignant mesothelioma than that predicted for the British workforce as a whole.     

Organophosphate toxicity and occupational exposure

The ubiquitous organophosphates present a continuing health hazard in agriculture, public health eradication programmes and as chemical warfare agents. Despite significant progress in understanding the potential mechanisms of toxicity far beyond the commonly accepted mechanism of cholinesterase inhibition in intentional exposures, the precise health effects following occupational exposures are yet to be completely defined. A much greater understanding exists of the clinical features of organophosphate poisoning. These are characterized by a triphasic response involving an initial acute cholinergic phase, an intermediate syndrome (both associated with high mortality) and a disabling but non-lethal delayed polyneuropathy. The delayed polyneuropathy may occur in the absence of the cholinergic or intermediate phases. However, progress is still required in order to improve the quantification and assessment of occupational exposures and the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. Finally, evidence-based guidelines for appropriate or optimal therapeutic interventions following poisoning are required urgently and collaborative work with colleagues in developing countries, where the occurrence of organophosphate exposures is more frequent, may provide the answers.     

Miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in underground miners

This report documents a case series of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in miners at a deep underground metalliferous mine in tropical arid Australia. During the summer months of February and March 1999, all cases of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs in underground miners seen at the mine's medical centre were clinically examined and administered a questionnaire. Twenty-five patients were seen, an incidence of 56.4 cases per million man-hours. Miliaria rubra was most often located between the ankle and knee (88% of cases). Twenty-four percent had concurrent folliculitis and 20% had concurrent tinea. Thirty-two percent had a personal history of asthma. Walking through ground-water and splashing of the legs was common. Three to 4 weeks of sedentary duties in air conditioning was generally required to achieve resolution of miliaria rubra. The incidence of miliaria rubra of the lower limbs is 38% of the incidence of heat exhaustion at the same mine. The length of disablement is greater, however. Atopics may be at increased risk of miliaria rubra. Control measures are discussed.     

Planning research

The starting point for any research project should be a question.Once this has been defined and the relevant scientific literaturereviewed, a protocol should be drawn up. This will be used notonly as a guide to the conduct of the study and in the preparationof the final report, but also in seeking any financial supportand approvals that are required for the investigation. A protocolis normally arranged in sections covering the background tothe study, the question(s) that it will address, the methodsthat will be used for the collection and analysis of data, thestatistical power of the investigation (where relevant), anyethical considerations, and the financial input that will beneeded. A pilot study is often helpful where aspects of thestudy method are untried or of uncertainvalidity.     

Stress in the Norwegian police service

BACKGROUND: High levels of stress have been attributed to the conditions of police work, but there is little empirical evidence for this. AIMS: To develop a new instrument to measure job stress in the police; to assess the most severe and frequent police stressors; to compare levels of stress according to the demographic and organizational factors; and to study stress in relation to personality traits, work locus of control and coping strategies. METHODS: A comprehensive nationwide questionnaire survey of 3272 Norwegian police at all hierarchical levels, including the Norwegian Police Stress Survey (NPSS), the Job Stress Survey, the Basic Character Inventory, the Work Locus of Control Scale, and the Coping Strategies Scale. RESULTS: Work injuries were appraised as the most stressful but least frequent stressor and job pressure was reported the least severe but most frequent stressor. Females experienced job stressors less frequently, but appraised them as more severe than men did. Older police officers reported more job pressure severity and fewer work injuries. The police in districts where peer support was planned but not implemented, and who worked in districts with more than 50,000 inhabitants, perceived the lack of support more severely than others. The correlations between stress and personality traits, work locus of control, and coping were moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The NPSS captures police-specific stressors that are not adequately measured by global stress instruments. The study of stress in police work should preferably involve a nationwide use of police-specific stress instruments.