Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among long-distance truck drivers in Tongling, China

Little is known about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among truck drivers in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among truck drivers in Tongling of Anhui Province. A total of 550 truck drivers were interviewed with a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected and tested for HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and urine specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Prevalence was 10.6% for C. trachomatis and 8.1% for N. gonorrhoeae. Antibodies for syphilis were found in 0.7% and for HSV-2 in 4.4%, and none was positive for HIV. About 92 (17.4%) truck drivers had at least one STI. There was no statistically significant association between sociodemographic, occupation or behavioural variables and the presence of a positive test for any STI. Our study suggests a high prevalence of STIs, particularly bacterial infections, among the truck drivers, indicating the need for health education, behavioural change interventions and STI care services in this population.     

Relation between traffic accidents and sleep apnea syndrome in truck drivers

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Falling asleep while driving most often occurs during driving on empty roads, long distance drives, and those drives requiring low motor activity, and causes traffic accidents. We aimed to investigate the frequency of OSAS in long distance truck drivers and to evaluate the relation between OSAS and traffic accidents. A questionnaire containing demographic features, health statuses, OSAS symptoms of truck drivers and information about their accidents was filled with face to face interview. Three hundred and sixteen, male, long distance truck drivers were accepted to the study. Of the major symptoms of OSAS, snoring in 52.8%, excessive daytime sleepiness in 25.6%, witnessed apnea in 9.8%, all three symptoms in 2.8% of the drivers was determined. Ninety four of 316 (29.7%) drivers stated that they had traffic accidents. Twenty eight (29.8%) of those accidents caused loss of life. Nineteen (20.2%) drivers with accidents stated that the cause of the accident was falling asleep while driving. Snoring was present in 78.9% of those who had accidents due to sleeping, whereas in 51.5% of those who had accidents with other causes. Neck circumference and years of driving were significantly higher in drivers with accidents than those without. Snoring was significantly higher in those with a neck circumference > or = 42 cm, body mass index > or = 30 and number of accidents > or = 2. As a conclusion, OSAS risk factors and symptoms are commonly present in truck drivers and increases the risk for traffic accidents.     

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Shahrekord, Iran.

BACKGROUND: As part of a public health program, we studied the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as per the Rome II criteria, in Shahrekord community in Iran. METHODS: The study was conducted between August 2002 and March 2003. Of 5492 randomly selected subjects aged 20 years and above (from a total population of approximately 100,000), 4762 (86.7%) successfully completed interviews to fill in a questionnaire that looked into demographic data and various symptoms during the last one year. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of IBS was 5.8%. The female-to-male ratio among subjects with IBS was 1.17:1 and was similar to that among those without IBS. Pain relieved by defecation was reported by 427 (9%) subjects, pain associated with change in bowel habit by 340 (7.1%), and pain associated with change in the form of stool by 337 (7.1%) subjects. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS in Shahrekord is lower than that reported from Western developed countries and is closer to that in Asian populations.     

Progressive increasing of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kashan district,central of Iran

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in important endemic focus of Kashan district, central of Iran during 2007-2008.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study and 5 098 individuals were selected from thirteen rural and urban districts of Kashan city. Information of positive cases including age, sex, job, number and sites of ulcers or scars, date and place of the ulcer, and results of clinical examination and laboratory tests were recorded. Diagnoses of affected cases were based on clinical examination and microscopic observation of the ulcer parasite. The results were analyzed with statistical Chi-square test.ResultsAn infection prevalence rate of 6.4% was obtained among 5 098 individuals. Regarding to 326 affected cases, 103 (2.0%) and 223 (4.4%) persons were observed with active lesion and scars, respectively. The highest frequency of active ulcer rate (23.3%) was associated with age group of 20-29 years old, while the lowest rate was related to age group of 0-9 years old with 7.8% infection. About 49.5% of the infected cases were under 30 years old. This study showed 64.1% of cases with one and the rest of them with two or more ulcers. Hands (46.6%) were the most affected parts of body.ConclusionsThere is a progressive increasing of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kashan district and this is a warning to local health workers to provide prevention as well as control program of the disease.     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in beta thalassemia major adolescents in southern Iran: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Even though beta thalassemia major (β-TM) patients’ survival has improved, there are growing concerns about long-term...     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Pakistan

Over the past two decades, there has been a striking increase in the number of people with metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies due to lack of an internationally agreed upon definition. Considering the increased cardiovascular risk among Asian people, a lower cutoff for waist circumference is defined. Obesity in terms of waist circumference is found to be 46-68% of the Pakistani population, with a strong association found between arm fat and insulin insensitivity. In studying dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia is found in 27-54% of the population, whereas 68-81% have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Fifty percent were found to be at high risk of metabolic syndrome and as being hypertensive. With the high prevalence of all of these metabolic risk factors, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Pakistan according to different definitions is reported to be from 18% to 46%, comparable to the data from other South Asian countries. Thus, metabolic syndrome should be considered as a prime target for preventive medicine. The primary management goals for metabolic syndrome are to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lifestyle-related risk factors are associated with the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Unless preventive programs are properly designed and implemented, we will continue to treat the majority of the cases after they have already developed the complications. A prospective primary prevention study is underway in Pakistan that will help to create a base for public awareness strategies and nationwide surveillance and prevention programs against noncommunicable diseases.     

Sleepiness and sleep-disordered breathing in truck drivers

Background

Portugal has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in Europe. A clear association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and traffic accidents has been previously demonstrated. This study aimed to determine prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and other sleep disorder symptoms among truck drivers and to identify which individual traits and work habits are associated to increased sleepiness and accident risk.

Methods

We evaluated a sample of 714 truck drivers using a questionnaire (244 face-to-face interviews, 470 self-administered) that included sociodemographic data, personal habits, previous accidents, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Berlin questionnaire (BQ).

Results

Twenty percent of drivers had EDS and 29 % were at high risk for having obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Two hundred sixty-one drivers (36.6 %) reported near-miss accidents (42.5 % sleep related) and 264 (37.0 %), a driving accident (16.3 % sleep related). ESS score ≥11 was a risk factor for both near-miss accidents (odds ratio (OR)?=?3.84, p?<?0.01) and accidents (OR?=?2.25, p?<?0.01). Antidepressant use was related to accidents (OR?=?3.30, p?=?0.03). We found an association between high Mallampati score (III–IV) and near misses (OR?=?1.89, p?=?0.04).

Conclusion

In this sample of Portuguese truck drivers, we observed a high prevalence of EDS and other sleep disorder symptoms. Accident risk was related to sleepiness and antidepressant use. Identifying drivers at risk for OSAS should be a major priority of medical assessment centers, as a public safety policy.     

Prevalence of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of sleep‐­disordered breathing (SDB) and its associated symptoms in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen of 410 bus drivers from three different shifts were interviewed with the Sleep & Health Questionnaire (SHQ) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) at a Hong Kong bus depot. Seventeen subjects from each shift were then randomly selected for at‐home sleep study using the Mesam IV device (Madaus Medizin?Elektronik, Freiburg, Germany). Results: There were 207 men and nine women (mean age 42.4 ± 7.5 years; body mass index (BMI) 25.4 ± 4.5 kg/m²; ESS 5.3 ± 4.2). From the SHQ it was discovered that: (i) daytime sleepiness was reported by 87 subjects (40%), (ii) snoring ≥ 3 times per week was reported by 80 subjects (37%), (iii) witnessed apnoea was reported by 17 subjects (7.9%) and (iv) 29 subjects (13.4%) reported having fallen asleep during driving. Among the 51 subjects who underwent the at‐home sleep study: (i) 31 subjects (61%) had respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥ 5 per hour of sleep, (ii) 21 subjects (41%) had RDI ≥ 10 per hour of sleep, (iii) 12 subjects (24%) had RDI ≥ 15 per hour of sleep and (iv) 35 subjects (68.6%) snored objectively ≥ 10% of the night. Ten subjects (20%) had RDI ≥ 5 and sleepiness at work, while five subjects (9.8%) had RDI ≥ 5 and ESS > 10. No significant differences were noted in the SHQ responses, ESS, objective snoring or RDI among the three groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI and witnessed apnoea were the only positive independent predictors of RDI. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of objective snoring and SDB in a group of commercial bus drivers. Neither self‐reported sleepiness nor the ESS could identify subjects with SDB. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 149?157)     

Endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome: Prevalence,pathogenesis and management

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the presence of central obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Several studies showed that MetS is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vascular events. All components of MetS have adverse effects on the endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and might also increase the risk for insulin resistance and T2DM. We review the prevalence and pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in MetS. We also discuss the potential effects of lifestyle measures and pharmacological interventions on endothelial function in these patients. It remains to be established whether improving endothelial function in MetS will reduce the risk for T2DM and vascular events.     

Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults

We studied the prevalence and trend of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults aged at least 20 years using Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey data from 1998 and 2001. The prevalence of body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg m^?2 among Korean adults in 2001 was 32.9% in men and 27.4% in women, and the number of Korean men with BMI ≥ 25 kg m^?2 has increased markedly since 1998. A significant positive association between obesity and socioeconomic status was found in Korean men, whereas a significant negative association was identified in Korean women. The prevalence rates of waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm in men and WC ≥ 85 cm in women were 23.4% and 23.1% in 2001 respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults was 15–30% according to various criteria of metabolic syndrome. Future studies are needed to determine the changes in prevalence of obesity and contributing factors for obesity in Koreans.     

江苏地区糖尿病、代谢综合征患病率现况调查

目的调查2008年江苏地区糖尿病、代谢综合征（MS）及其相关疾病的患病情况。方法采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样方法,对该人群进行问卷调查,并行空腹血糖、口服葡萄糖耐量试验、血脂、身高、体质量、腰臀围、体质指数、血压检测。糖尿病采用1999年WHO的诊断标准,MS采用中华医学会糖尿病学分会2004年建议的诊断标准,分析患病率。应用卡方检验进行率的比较,并对MS的危险因素做多因素logstic回归分析。结果江苏地区3436名20岁以上人群糖尿病、MS、高血糖、高血压、超重或肥胖、高甘油三酯血症和低高密度脂蛋白胆固醇血症的粗患病率分别为10．9％、18．7％、23．0％、35．4％、39．8％、28．5％和13．3％,标化后患病率分别为8．56％、15．9％、18．9％、27．8％、35．8％、27．1％和13．2％,上述疾病的患病率随年龄的增长而增加。女性MS患病率：农村（19．9％）〉城镇（15．8％）〉城市（14．6％）,男性城镇（23．7％）〉农村（21．7％）〉城市（19．9％）。经logistic回归分析显示性别、年龄、文化程度为MS的危险因素。结论江苏地区20岁以上人群糖尿病、MS患病率分别为8．56％和15．9％,已成为影响城乡居民健康的重大公共卫生问题,应加强防治工作力度。     

Intestinal parasitic infections in different groups of immunocompromised patients in Kashan and Qom cities,central Iran

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with immunocompromising conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in different groups of immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients (HD), renal transplant recipients (RTR), cancer and HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with healthy individuals in two central cities of Iran (Kashan and Qom).

Methods: In this case–control study, the stool samples of 135?HD, 50 RTR, 60 cancer patients, 20 HIV/AIDS patients and 120 healthy subjects were tested using direct-smear, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Agar plate method.

Results: The overall infection rate was 11.7% (31/265) in patient groups and 0% (0/120) in the control group. The frequency of parasites was 25% in HIV/AIDS patients, 11.9% (16/135) in HD, 12.0% (6/50) in RTR and 6.7% (4/60) in cancer patients. Blastocystis hominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.0%) were the most prevalent parasites in patient groups. The infection rate was significantly higher in male (17.6%) than female (5.4%) patients (p?=?.002), but no statistically significant association was observed according to the age and educational levels.

Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of IPIs in immunocompromised patients. The results of this study suggest that periodic stool examinations for screening of IPIs should be included as a part of routine medical care in these patients.