Hepatitis C in health care professionals: prevalence and association with risk factors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among health care professionals. METHODS: The study was carried out at a university hospital in the municipality of S?o José do Rio Preto, Southeastern Brazil, between January 1994 and December 1999. There were included 1,433 health care professionals, 872 administrative workers, and 2,583 blood donor candidates. Data were collected during admission examinations, periodic screenings, and after occupational accidents. Occupational and non-occupational information was obtained by means of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among health care professionals (1.7%) was significantly higher than among administrative workers (0.5%; p=0.007) and blood donor candidates (0.2%; p=0.001). Regarding occupational factors, time in the job was significantly longer (p=0.016) among health care professionals with positive serology than among those with negative serology. Multiple regression analysis showed a 50% increase in risk for every five years of age. There was a significant association between blood transfusion and positive serology among health care workers. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals show greater prevalence of hepatitis C than administrative workers and blood donation candidates. Among those with positive serology, occupational and non-occupational factors of greatest risk were age, time in the job, and blood transfusion.     

Hepatitis B and C prevalence among the high risk groups of Pakistani population. A cross sectional study

Background

Microbiology reference laboratories are critical in the development of high-quality clinical and public health services. In Belgium, the reference laboratories performed their activities on a voluntary basis and lacked a legal status.

Methods

Pathogens or groups of pathogens necessitating a national reference center (NRC) were prioritized based on diagnostic and epidemiologic relevance. Terms of reference for each of these pathogens were developed.

Results

Recently, 40 NRCs for different pathogens or groups of pathogens have been installed in Belgium to fulfill the following core functions: offering reference diagnostics, collecting reference materials, sharing information and scientific advice, participating in national and international networks, collaborating with research workgroups, and contributing to surveillance activities.

Conclusions

These NRCs are important focal points of the national and international network in public health microbiology.     

Hepatitis C virus prevalence and associated risk factors among Indigenous Australians who inject drugs

Objective: To examine factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among a national sample of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. Methods: Respondents were recruited from Australia's Needle Syringe Program Survey; an annual bio‐behavioural surveillance project that monitors HCV antibody prevalence among PWID. Data from 2006–2015 were de‐duplicated to retain only one record where individuals participated in >1 survey round. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression examined demographic characteristics and injection‐related behaviours associated with exposure to HCV. Results: Among 17,413 respondents, 2,215 (13%) were Indigenous Australians. Compared to their non‐Indigenous counterparts, Indigenous respondents were significantly more likely to be exposed to HCV infection (53% vs. 60% respectively, p<0.001). Among Indigenous respondents, HCV antibody positivity was independently associated with a history of imprisonment (Adjusted Odd Ratio [AOR] 2.13, 95%CI 1.73–2.64), opioid injection (AOR 1.53, 95%CI 11.43–2.16), recruitment in a metropolitan location (AOR 1.27, 95%CI 1.02–1.59), engagement in opioid substitution therapy (AOR 2.83, 95%CI 2.23–3.59) and length of time since first injection (p<0.001). Conclusion: Indigenous PWID are more likely to be exposed to HCV infection than their non‐Indigenous counterparts. Implications for public health: Increased access to culturally sensitive harm reduction programs is required to prevent primary HCV infection and reinfection among Indigenous PWID. Given recent advances in HCV treatment, promotion of treatment uptake among Indigenous PWID may reduce future HCV‐related morbidity and mortality.     

Hepatitis B and C risk factors in Germany--results of the national surveillance

Collection of risk factor data is part of the national surveillance of hepatitis B and C in Germany. After modifications of risk factor surveillance had been implemented in September 2003, the response rate for data on risk factors increased markedly. For the period between September 2003 and August 2004, information on risk factors (at least one "yes" or "no" answer) was available for 66% (1853) of all notified hepatitis B cases and for 67% (5813) of all notified hepatitis C cases. More than 30% of those hepatitis B cases occurred among risk groups for whom hepatitis B immunisation is recommended by the German Advisory Committee on Immunisation (STIKO). Of the hepatitis C cases with risk factor data, 40% reported previous or continuing injecting drug use (IDU). IDU was predominant among young men (78% among men, aged 15 to 29 years) and can explain the comparatively high incidence observed in young adults, especially among men. The impact of other risk factors (e. g. medical interventions) cannot be quantified without a proper control group. The results of this study demonstrate that--in addition to the hepatitis B immunisation of children and adolescents--vaccination coverage of specific risk groups, as defined by the STIKO, should be increased. Measures to prevent hepatitis C have to focus on intravenous drug users and clearly have to be intensified.     

合肥市农村地区高血压患病情况及危险因素分析

目的 了解合肥市农村地区居民高血压患病情况及其危险因素。方法 整群抽取合肥市6个农村乡镇12个自然村，对15岁以上常住居民进行调查，测量血压、身高、体重。结果 调查人群高血压标化患病率为13．2％，患病率随年龄增高而升高；高血压知晓率、治疗率、控制率分别为41．6％、28．7％、11.1％；农村高血压主要影响因素有年龄、体质指数（BMI）、高血压家族史、吸炯年限、婚姻状况、性别、睡眠时间、体力活动及蔬菜日食用量等。结论 合肥市农村地区高血压患病率较高。降低BMI值、戒烟、良好的睡眠、适当的体力活动和常食用蔬菜等是预防高血压发病的重要环节。     

Headache in the population of schoolchildren: prevalence, pattern, risk factors

The paper discusses the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of childhood headache (HA) according to questionnaire data from 1074 general educational school pupils. Periodic HA was reported by 42.1% of the children. There was a preponderance of exercise-induced HA (30.6%) and migraine (7.8%). There was an age and gender determination of childhood HA frequency; there was a predominance of chronic exercise-induced HA, migraine, and their concomitant forms in female adolescents. There was a high comorbidity of primary HA with other psychosomatic disorders mainly with autonomic dysfunction and emotional disorders. The risk factors for chronic HA were a poor family history (familial psychogenias, pain family history, low'socioeconomic status family), and school stress. The clinical form of cephalgia, comorbidities, and predictive factors should be taken into account to prevent and treat HA. The use of the international diagnostic criteria developed by the experts of the HA Association is of cardinal importance in improving the diagnosis of childhood HA.     

宁波市农村体检人群脂肪肝患病率及危险因素分析

目的探讨农村体检人群脂肪肝患病率及相关危险因素。方法对41 677例农保体检人员的体检结果进行系统分析,统计不同年龄、性别体检人群脂肪肝患病率及其与血脂、血压、血糖、肥胖等多因素之间的关系。数据SPSS 16.0统计软件统计分析。计量资料采用t检验,计数资料采用χ2检验,采用二项分类logistic回归进行多因素回归分析,以P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果农村体检人群脂肪肝总患病率为14.70%,男女间差异无统计学意义,年龄层分布男性以40~49岁组最高,女性以60~69岁组最高。脂肪肝患病风险随血脂、血糖、血压、体质指数的增高而显著增加(P<0.05),尤以肥胖最为显著。脂肪肝患病率与血脂成分相关,混合型高脂血症组最高,单纯性高甘油三酯血症组次之,单纯性高胆固醇血症组最低。结论农村体检人群脂肪肝患病率为14.70%,高血脂、高血糖、高血压、肥胖是脂肪肝发病的危险因素,应加强对脂肪肝的预防及相关危险因素的监测。     

北方农村地区心血管病危险因素调查与高血压患病分析

目的 了解北方农村地区心血管病危险因素暴露情况,分析高血压危险因素,为农村心血管病防治提供科学建议.方法 采用整群随机抽样的方法,分别抽取北京市顺义区、甘肃省榆中县、吉林省东丰县3个县区,每个县区抽取4个村,调查年龄≥35岁常住人口.使用统一方法收集血压、血脂、体重、抽烟等相关资料,共得到有效样本3 250例.结果 3县区年龄≥35岁人群心血管病危险因素高血压患病率、吸烟率、超重率、肥胖率、血脂异常率和糖尿病患病率标化后分别为27.7％、25.9％、34.6％、14.8％、54.3％和6.7％.女性肥胖率和血脂异常率高于男性,差异有统计学意义(均有P ＜0.05).北京地区高血压患病率、超重率、肥胖率和糖尿病患病率高于其他两地.3县区高血压患病率主要危险因素为年龄、体质指数(body mass index,BMI)和糖尿病.结论 北方农村地区心血管病危险因素暴露严重,不同地区、不同性别之间存在差异(均有P＜0.05),需确定重点人群积极防治.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者肺气肿改变对气道重塑与气流受限相关性的影响

  目的   了解慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者体力活动水平与并发症患病的关系,为减少慢性阻塞性肺疾病并发症提供参考依据。   方法   于2016年9月 — 2017年9月采用分层随机抽样方法在贵州省贵阳市公共卫生救治中心3个院区抽取330例住院慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者进行问卷调查,分析慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者体力活动水平与并发症患病的关系。   结果   本次最终有效调查的315例慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者中,低强度活动水平49例（15.56 %）,中强度活动水平178例（56.51 %）,高强度活动水平88例（27.94 %）;患有并发症者204例,并发症患病率为64.76 %,其中感染、心血管疾病、慢性肾衰竭、认知功能障碍、代谢综合征、骨质疏松、骨骼肌障碍和肺癌等并发症的患病率分别为28.25 %、11.75 %、11.11 %、11.11 %、11.11 %、7.30 %、6.03 %和3.49 %。204例患并发症慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者中,患1种并发症者56例（27.45 %）,患2种并发症者61例（29.90 %）,患 ≥ 3种并发症者87例（42.65 %）。在调整了性别、年龄、文化程度、婚姻状况、在职状况、居住地、吸烟情况、饮酒情况、病程、肺功能分级、是否疲劳、是否焦虑和是否抑郁等混杂因素后,多因素非条件logistic回归分析结果显示,中强度活动水平慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者并发症患病风险为低强度活动水平慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的0.486倍（OR = 0.486,95 % CI = 0.243～0.973）,高强度活动水平慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者并发症患病风险为低强度活动水平慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的0.368倍（OR = 0.368,95 % CI = 0.151～0.897）。   结论   慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者并发症患病类型多样,其中以感染和心血管疾病居多;体力活动强度越大的患者,其并发症患病风险越低。     

湖北省15岁及以上居民恶性肿瘤患病状况

  目的  了解贵州黔南地区≥15岁居民恶性肿瘤患病情况及其影响因素,为采取相应的干预措施提供参考依据。  方法  于2016年5月 — 2017年10月采用整群随机抽样方法在贵州黔南地区抽取99 867名≥15岁居民进行问卷调查和体格检查。  结果  贵州黔南地区99 867名 ≥ 15岁居民中,患恶性肿瘤者397例,患病率为397.53/10万,标化患病率为395.46/10万;多因素非条件logistic回归分析结果显示,女性、≥ 40岁、布依族、家庭人均年收入 > 10 000元、失业/无业、退休、有肿瘤家族史、肥胖、吸烟、饮酒、喜咸性食物、喜高油食物、喜腌熏食物、偏重辛辣、偏重烫食、有砷环境暴露史和长期紧张或焦虑是贵州黔南地区 ≥ 15岁居民恶性肿瘤患病的危险因素;水族、毛南族、其他民族、在校学生、居住在农村、正常体重、偏重温食和喜欢运动是贵州黔南地区 ≥ 15岁居民恶性肿瘤患病的保护因素。  结论  贵州黔南地区 ≥ 15岁居民恶性肿瘤患病率较高,性别、年龄、民族、家庭人均年收入、就业情况、有无肿瘤家族史、居住地、体质指数、吸烟情况、饮酒情况、饮食类型、饮食种类、饮食口味、饮食习惯、有砷环境暴露史、是否喜欢运动和是否长期紧张或焦虑是该地区 ≥ 15岁居民恶性肿瘤患病的主要影响因素。     

河北阜城县城乡中老年前列腺疾病认知及诊治情况调查

目的 了解贵州省黔南地区农村居民前列腺疾病患病现状及其危险因素,为采取相应的干预措施提供参考依据。 方法 于2016年10月 — 2018年9月,采用整群随机抽样方法抽取黔南地区99 887名 ≥ 30岁农村常住居民进行问卷调查、体格检查、直肠指检、实验室检查、经直肠超声检查、X线检查及穿刺活检,采用SAS 9.1软件进行统计学分析。 结果 贵州省黔南地区农村居民前列腺疾病患病49 367例,患病率为49.42 %,标化患病率为49.27 %。49 367例前列腺疾病患者中,前列腺增生18 387例（37.25 %）,前列腺钙化灶10 862例（22.00 %）,前列腺炎8 817例（17.86 %）,前列腺结石5 598例（11.34 %）,前列腺囊肿3 261例（6.61 %）,其他前列腺疾病2 442例（4.95 %）。多因素非条件logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄50～89岁、消瘦（OR = 2.018,95 % CI = 1.105～3.079）、超重（OR = 3.455,95 % CI = 1.207～4.261）和肥胖（OR = 4.026,95 % CI = 1.235～5.179）、喜辛辣食物（OR = 3.091,95 % CI = 1.121～4.329）、长期睡眠不足（OR = 3.137,95 % CI = 1.129～4.258）、长期手淫（OR = 3.732,95 % CI = 1.258～4.766）、长期骑马（OR = 3.187,95 % CI = 1.215～3.692）、长期骑自行车（OR = 3.225,95 % CI = 1.197～3.982）、长期便秘（OR = 3.104,95 % CI = 1.186～4.021）、长期憋尿（OR = 3.114,95 % CI = 1.201～4.425）、每日饮水量 < 1 L（OR = 3.538,95 % CI = 1.117～4.682）、长期久坐不动（OR = 3.883,95 % CI = 1.227～4.687）、高血压（OR = 2.856,95 % CI = 1.139～5.191）、高血脂（OR = 3.269,95 % CI = 1.212～4.968）、糖尿病（OR = 3.706,95 % CI = 1.325～4.857）和长期焦虑（OR = 3.316,95 % CI = 1.156～4.736）是贵州省黔南地区农村少数民族居民前列腺疾病患病的危险因素;规律性生活（OR = 0.456,95 % CI = 0.209～0.798）、不吸烟（OR = 0.765,95 % CI = 0.237～0.983）、不饮酒（OR = 0.815,95 % CI = 0.211～0.899）是贵州省黔南地区农村少数民族居民前列腺疾病患病的保护因素。 结论 贵州省黔南地区农村少数民族居民前列腺疾病患病率低于国内其他地区水平。     

A geographic comparison of the prevalence and risk factors for postnatal depression in an Australian population

Objective: This study sought to compare the contribution of demographic and psychosocial variables on the prevalence of, and risk for, PND in urban and rural women. Methods: Demographic, psychosocial risk factor and mental health data was collected from urban (n=908) and rural (n=1,058) women attending perinatal health services in Victoria, Australia. Initial analyses determined similarities and significant differences between demographic and psychosocial variables. The association between these variables and PND case/non‐case was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: There were a number of significant differences between the two cohorts in terms of socio‐economic status (SES), age, marital status and past history of psychopathology Antenatal depression was more common in the urban group compared to the rural group (8.5% vs 3.4%, p=0.006); there was no significant difference in the prevalence of PND (6.6% vs 8.5%, p=0.165). For urban mothers, antenatal EPDS score was the best predictor of PND. For rural mothers antenatal EPDS score, SES and psychiatric history had a significant influence on postnatal mood. Conclusions: Findings confirm the contribution of established risk factors such as past psychopathology, antenatal EPDS score and SES on the development of PND and reiterate the need for procedures to identify and assess psychosocial risk factors for depression in the perinatal period. Other predictors such as efficacy of social support and perceived financial burden may strengthen statistical models used to predict PND for women living in a rural setting.     

The prevalence and risk factors of infantile haemangiomas: a case-control study in the Dutch population

Haemangiomas are considered to be the most common tumours of infancy. However, despite their frequent occurrence the aetiological determinants of their development remain unknown. Identifying these factors may provide insight on their pathogenesis. We performed cross-sectional screening for haemangiomas in newborns (0-16 months of age) in the general Dutch population. Haemangioma-specific and pregnancy-related data were collected in children with a haemangioma. These data were compared in a case-control design using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Among 2204 newborns, 219 (9.9%) had a haemangioma. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2. The majority of haemangiomas were located on the trunk (37%). The general practitioners or medical specialists were consulted in only a minority of cases (<7%). Amniocentesis [odds ratio (OR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 11.42], breech presentation [OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.14, 4.44], being first-born [OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03, 2.33] and a birthweight ≤2500 g [OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.63, 15.05] were independent factors associated with the development of a haemangioma. Duration of pregnancy did not differ between study groups. Our study showed that the prevalence of a haemangioma is 9.9% in the general (Dutch) population. Four factors appear relevant in the development of haemangiomas. These factors may provide clues to its pathogenesis.     

Hepatitis C prevalence in persons with mental retardation

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was identified in 1989 and has since been found in most of the world. Due to the lack of information about the prevalence of HCV in institutions for the mentally retarded it was decided to conduct a study in this population in Israel. METHODS: The Division for the Mentally Retarded in Israel provides service to 6,022 persons in 53 institutions. Four institutions in the central part of the country were selected for this pilot study. In connection with routine blood examinations a blood specimen was drawn to detect serologic markers for hepatitis C by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). RESULTS: Of the 251 subjects tested (56% male), 10% had mild, 30% moderate, 29% severe, and 31% profound mental retardation. 4% were aged 11-18 years, 61% aged 19-45, 30% 46-60, and 5% over 61 years. In the four institutions, two subjects (0.8%) with antibodies to HCV were found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV in institutions for the mentally retarded (0.8%) does not differ appreciably from the general population in Israel (0.5%). This study, together with studies from the United States, Canada, England, Spain, Denmark, and Italy, appears to indicate that HCV is not a major public health problem in institutions for the mentally retarded.     

泸州地区体检在职人群血脂异常流行情况及危险因素分析

目的 了解泸州地区体检在职人群血脂异常的流行情况及危险因素分析,为制定相关疾病防控策略和措施提供依据。方法 采用方便抽样的方法调查对2020年6-12月泸州地区三家三甲医院18~60岁4878名健康体检在职人群,通过面对面问卷调查、体格检查和血生化检测收集资料,剔除不合格及关键变量缺失问卷,最终有4274名调查对象纳入研究分析中,使用非条件logistic回归进行危险因素分析。结果 调查发现,血脂异常的检出率为48.13%,其中高TG血症、高TC血症、高LDL-C血症、低HDL-C血症检出率分别为41.93%、18.88%、5.85%、1.39%,女性血脂异常及高TG血症、高TC血症、高LDL-C血症、低HDL-C血症检出率低于男性（χ2=541.00,P<0.001;χ2=55.30,P<0.001;χ2=534.32,P<0.001;χ2=34.61,P<0.001;χ2=23.13,P<0.001）,而年龄增高使血脂异常及各成分异常检出率增加（χ2=153.93,P<0.001;χ2=113.31,P<0.001;χ2=168.69,P<0.001;χ2=28.55,P<0.001）,吸烟主要导致血脂异常、高TG血症（OR=1.41,95%CI:1.19~1.66;OR=1.70,95%CI:1.44~2.00）,膳食情况一般或较差是血脂异常的危险因素（OR=1.28,95%CI:1.10~1.48;OR=2.36,95%CI:1.50~3.70）,中心性肥胖、超重、肥胖是血脂异常的危险因素（OR=1.66,95%CI:1.42~1.94;OR=4.06,95%CI:2.42~6.88;OR=5.56,95%CI:3.19~9.69）,吸烟、膳食情况较差、糖尿病、中心性肥胖是HDL-C降低的危险因素（OR=1.95,95%CI:1.08~3.50;OR=4.05,95%CI:1.17~9.24;OR=2.57,95%CI:1.39~4.77）。结论 泸州地区体检在职人群血脂异常程度高于全国平均水平,高TG血症和高TC血症是该地区体检在职人群血脂异常的主要形式,应该从加强运动、控制体重、良好的膳食情况等方面加强血脂异常的防控与管理。     

The prevalence and clustering of four major lifestyle risk factors in an English adult population

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the clustering of four major lifestyle risk factors (smoking, heavy drinking, lack of fruit and vegetables consumption, and lack of physical activity), and to examine the variation across different socio-demographic groups in the English adult population. METHODS: The study population was derived from the 2003 Health Survey for England (n=11,492). Clustering was examined by comparing the observed and expected prevalence of the different possible combinations. A multinomial multilevel regression model was conducted to examine the socio-demographic variation in the clustering of the four risk factors. RESULTS: The study found that, when using British health recommendations, a majority of the English population have multiple lifestyle risk factors at the same time. Clustering was found at both ends of the lifestyle spectrum and was more pronounced for women than for men. Overall, multiple risk factors were more prevalent among men, lower social class households, singles, and people who are economically inactive, but less prevalent among home owners and older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The clustering of multiple risk factors provides support for multiple-behavior interventions as opposed to single-behavior interventions.     

Epidemiological survey of rheumatic heart disease among school children in the Shimla Hills of northern India: prevalence and risk factors.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and study the relationship of this disease to factors such as age, sex, housing, and socioeconomic status in Shimla town and the adjoining rural area. DESIGN: A cross sectional survey, carried out by a specially trained examiner in cardiology. SETTING: The study involved high risk school children (5-16 years of age) from Shimla town and the adjoining rural area of Kasumpti-Suni Block in the period 1992-93. SUBJECTS: A total of 15,080 children on the school register (8120 boys and 6960 girls) were examined generally and specifically for evidence of RHD. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 15,080 children screened, the prevalence of rheumatic fever (RF)/RHD was 2.98 per thousand with no significant difference between the age groups of 5-10 and 11-16 years or in either sex (p > 0.05). The prevalence was significantly greater in rural schools (4.8/1000) than in urban schools (1.98/1000) (p < 0.05). There was overcrowding and poor housing in most cases. There were fewer cases of RHD with severe valvular lesions in the younger age group than in the older children. The mitral valve was the valve most commonly affected by RF/RHD. CONCLUSIONS: RHD continues to be a serious health problem. Regular surveys are needed to identify cases early and to ensure secondary prophylaxis with penicillin is given thereby preventing recurrence of RF and progression of the severity of the valvular lesion. Echocardiography is necessary to identify cases of RF/RHD. Strategies for preventing RHD should involve primary prevention to avert the first attack of carditis and strengthening of secondary prophylaxis through improved education and motivation of patients, parents, and physicians.