Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity levels among South African adults in Cape Town and Mount Frere communities in 2008-2009

Background

Physical activity has been linked to reduced risk of various cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and premature mortality. We investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among adults in urban and rural communities in South Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey comprising 1733 adults aged ≥35 years from the Cape Town (urban) and Mount Frere (rural) sites of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. Physical activity was assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to relate physical activity with socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

Overall, 74% of participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In the adjusted regression models, women were 34% less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR =0.66, 95%-CI?=?0.47-0.93). Physical activity decreased with age, varied with marital status, education and occupation, always in differential ways between urban and rural participants (all interactions p?≤?0.047). For instance, in urban settings, those with secondary education were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR?=?2.06, 95%-CI?=?1.08-3.92) than those with tertiary education. Single people were more likely to engage in high physical activity (OR?=?2.10, 95%-CI?=?1.03-4.28) than divorced. Overall, skilled participants were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR?=?2.07, 95%-CI?=?1.41-3.05) driven by significant effect in rural area (OR?=?2.70, 95%-CI?=?1.51-4.83). Urban participants were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR?=?1.67, 95%-CI?=?1.31-2.13) than rural participants.

Conclusions

To prevent chronic diseases among South Africans, attention should be paid to specific policies and interventions aimed at promoting PA among young adults in rural and urban setting, and across the social-economic diversity.

     

Variation in somatic symptoms by patient health questionnaire-9 depression scores in a representative Japanese sample

Background

This study aims to evaluate variation in somatic symptoms by age using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ) depression scores, which may be helpful in identifying depression.

Methods

The study evaluated a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of community-dwelling adults in Japan in 2013. We utilized the PHQ to identify risk for depression, with PHQ?≥?10 defining at least moderate depression. Bivariate and factor analyses were used to capture underlying patterns in self-reported symptoms over a 30?day period; aged-stratified multivariate logistic regression was performed to further explore associations between age, symptoms, and depression.

Results

Of 3753 respondents, 296 (8, 95% CI 7.0–8.8) reported a PHQ?≥?10; 42% of these were male and mean age was 51.7?years old (SD?=?18.6). Multivariate analysis showed that presence of fatigue and malaise (OR?=?1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.4) was significantly associated with PHQ?≥?10. After stratification by age, PHQ?≥?10 was associated with gastrointestinal complaints among 18–39?year olds (OR?=?1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.9); fatigue and malaise (OR?=?1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1) among 40–64?year olds; and fatigue and malaise (OR?=?1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0) as well as extremity pain (OR?=?1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.8) in over 65?year olds.

Conclusion

Age-related somatic symptom correlates of PHQ?≥?10 differ across the lifespan. Predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms in younger patients, and generalized fatigue, malaise, and musculoskeletal pain in older groups were observed. In order for screening physicians to proactively identify depression, awareness of age-related somatic symptoms is warranted.

     

The diabetes-obesity-hypertension nexus in Qatar: evidence from the World Health Survey

Background

As countries develop economically, an “epidemiological transition” occurs whereby a set of chronic diseases increasingly becomes a country’s health challenge. Against this background, this paper examines the most common conditions associated with the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, with a specific focus on the diabetes-obesity-hypertension nexus.

Methods

We analyzed data from the World Health Organization’s World Health Survey conducted in the State of Qatar in 2006. The survey included demographic, anthropometric, and blood chemistry measurements. Using multivariate logistical regression analysis, we assessed the most common conditions associated with diabetes, using both objective and subjective measures of diabetes. The objective measures relied on random blood sugar tests, and the subjective measure included respondents who affirmatively answered the question on diabetes diagnosis. We repeated our analysis on respondents who had blood glucose levels high enough to be considered diabetic/glucose intolerant but did not answer affirmatively on the question of diabetes diagnosis.

Results

When using the objective measure of diabetes, the following conditions appeared significant: obesity (OR?=?1.5, 95% CI?=?1.2 – 1.9), higher income (OR?=?1.4, 95% CI?=?1.0 – 1.9), high cholesterol (OR?=?1.4, 95% CI?=?1.0 – 1.9), having Qatari origin (OR?=?1.3, 95% CI?=?1.0 – 1.7), and increasing systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120–139 mmHg (OR?=?1.5, 95% CI?=?1.2 – 2.0), SBP 140–159 mmHg (OR?=?2.2, 95% CI?=?1.6 – 3.1), SBP?>?160 mmHg (OR?=?3.2, 95% CI?=?2.0 – 5.3). Similar results were obtained using the subjective measure of diabetes as a dependent variable. When applied to the group of respondents that included pre-diabetics and those who did not know they were diabetic, obesity and hypertension appeared as the only statistically significant explanatory variables.

Conclusion

High prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and especially obesity is documented among residents of Qatar. Further steps are required to tackle the most common conditions associated with the rising diabetes epidemic in the country, which might also pose significant fiscal challenges in the future.

     

Cross sectional study on attitudes of Serbian mothers with preschool children: should a HIV-positive female teacher be allowed to continue teaching in school?

Background

HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious challenge to public health and human rights in the new millennium. The objective of this survey was to identify the correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers with preschool children, and their attitude towards whether a HIV-positive female teacher should be allowed to continue teaching in school.

Method

This survey was additional study analysis of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in the Republic of Serbia conducted in the period November–December 2010 following the UNICEF methodology. Women deemed eligible for the survey were those who had children under five, had never lost a child, were not pregnant at the time of inquiry and who had a clear attitude (“yes” or “no”) towards whether a HIV-positive female teacher should be allowed to continue teaching in school. The criteria were met by 2309 out of 2992 interviewed women. Pearson chi-square and t-test were used to analyse the differences in respondents’ attitude towards whether a HIV-positive female teacher should be allowed to continue teaching in school. Variables that were significantly associated with the dependent variable (p?<?0.05) were entered into a multiple logistic regression model.

Results

The respondents who were more likely to think that a HIV positive teacher should not be allowed to teach in school were those: who did not know that a healthy-looking person can be HIV-positive (OR?=?1.84; 95 % CI?=?1.19–2.83), who would not buy (OR?=?29.90; 95 % CI?=?22.52–39.71) or did not know/were not sure (OR?=?2.21; 95 % CI?=?1.46–3.33) whether they would buy vegetables from a HIV-positive vendor and women who did not know/were not sure (OR?=?2.97; 95 % CI?=?1.64–5.39) whether they would take care of a family member sick with AIDS in their own home.

Conclusion

Misconceptions about HIV transmission represent a major barrier to combating HIV/AIDS epidemic and HIV/AIDS-related stigma. It is, therefore, necessary to continue education and raising awareness of human rights both among the population living with HIV and the general population.

     

General health status in army personnel: relations with health behaviors and psychosocial variables

Purpose

Poor self-rated health (SRH) is linked to an increased risk of injury, future healthcare services utilization, and morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify correlates of a single-item measure of health in 8070 US Army personnel.

Methods

Responses were collected from the Army’s global assessment tool (GAT) 2.0, an online questionnaire that assesses physical and psychosocial health. SRH was measured by the item, “How do you consider your health?” (four response categories: “poor,” “fair,” “good,” and “excellent”). Ordinal logistic regression (OLR) was used to evaluate how various health and psychosocial factors contribute to Soldiers’ ratings of SRH. Unadjusted and adjusted cumulative odds ratios (ORs) are presented and discussed.

Results

Most participants reported “good” health (57%), followed by “excellent” (24%), “fair” (17%), and “poor” (2%). Sleep quality (OR 2.48; 95% CI 2.34, 2.63) was the largest correlate of SRH, followed by obesity (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.43, 0.58), emotional fitness (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.56, 1.82), and Army physical fitness test (APFT) scores (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.36, 1.51).

Conclusions

Single-item measures of self-reported health can cover a broad spectrum across physical and mental health. Among a large US Army sample, sleep quality was most strongly associated with SRH, followed by emotional fitness and APFT scores. In contrast, service-component and other sociodemographic characteristics had relatively small effects on general health. Military investigators and leaders who must rely on various subjective general health measures should interpret them as a combination of these factors.

     

Association Between Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Frailty Among Older Adults

Objectives

Frailty is a course experienced in advanced aging. Identification of a biological factor associated with frailty is required. Although serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potential factor related with frailty, consensus has not been reached regarding this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the association between IGF-1 and frailty in older adults.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Cohort study that was part of the “National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes.”

Participants

The study participants were 4133 older adults (mean age, 71.8 ± 5.4 years).

Measurements

We assessed serum IGF-1 levels and frailty status and collected demographic variables, including cognitive function, as covariates.

Results

Frailty and pre-frailty were present in 274 subjects (7%) and 1930 subjects (47%), respectively. Subjects were divided into four groups based on quartiles of IGF-1 levels. Multinomial logistic analysis showed that the lowest group had significant odds of pre-frailty (crude model: odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.90, p <.001; adjusted model: OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.68, p =.002) and frailty (crude model: OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.38-4.92, p <.001; adjusted model: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02–2.32, p =.039), compared with the highest group.

Conclusion

Lower serum IGF-1 levels were independently related with frailty in older adults.

     

Association of serum glycine levels with metabolic syndrome in an elderly Chinese population

Background

Several studies have identified a negative association between serum glycine (Gly) levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, this association has not been fully established in the elderly.

Methods

A total of 472 Chinese individuals (272 males and 200 females, 70.1?±?6.6?years old) participated in a population-based, cross-sectional survey in Beijing Hospital. The MetS and its components were defined based on the 2006 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) standard for Asians. Serum Gly concentration was determined using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Result

The proportion of patients with MetS decreased gradually with increasing Gly levels (p for trend <?0.001), and serum Gly concentrations declined gradually with increasing numbers of MetS components (p?=?0.03 for trend). After adjusting for age and gender, lower Gly levels were significantly associated with MetS and central obesity, with OR (95% CI) of 0.40 (0.25–0.65) and 0.46 (0.28–0.74). The stratified analysis conducted according to age showed that the OR between serum Gly levels and MetS was greater in those older than 65 (OR?=?0.66; 95% CI, 0.51–0.86) than in those younger than 65 (OR?=?0.89; 95% CI, 0.54–1.46). In the stratified analysis, using other age cut-off points, the results consistently showed that the association between serum Gly levels and MetS was more remarkable in the older groups.

Conclusions

Gly levels are associated with cardiometabolic characteristics and MetS in the elderly, and the association is more pronounced in very old people than in younger old people.

     

Coffee consumption is positively related to insulin secretion in the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) Study

Background

It has been proved that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. But the benefit effect of coffee on hyperglycemia in Chinese population was largely unknown. Besides, the relationship of coffee intake and diabetic pathogenesis was still unclear.

Methods

The study population was selected from the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) project. A total of 1328 individuals over 18?years of age who have the information of coffee intake were enrolled in the study from 2012 to 2016. Each participant finished a five-point 75?g oral glucose tolerance test and finished a standard questionnaire. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-IR and insulin secretion was evaluated by HOMA-β, Stumvoll first phase and second phase indexes.

Results

Coffee consumption group had lower plasma glucose levels at 2-h and 3-h and higher insulin levels at fasting, 30-min and 1-h during OGTT after adjustment with age, fat%, BMI, waist, tea intake, smoking habit, alcohol intake, diabetes family history and educational status (P for PG2h?=?0.002; P for PG3h?=?0.010; P for FIN?=?0.010; P for IN30min?=?0.001; P for IN1h?=?0.002). Both HOMA-β and Stumvoll formula indexes were positively related to coffee consumption (P for HOMA-β?=?0.033; P for Stumvoll first phase?=?0.003; P for Stumvoll second phase?=?0.001). Logistic regression analysis further confirmed that coffee intake was independently associated with higher levels of HOMA-β and Stumvoll insulin secretion indexes [OR (95% CI) for HOMA-β?=?2.270 (1.456–3.538); OR (95% CI) for Stumvoll first phase?=?2.071 (1.352–3.173); OR (95% CI) for Stumvoll second phase?=?1.914 (1.260–2.906)].

Conclusions

Coffee intake is independently and positively related to pancreatic beta cell function in a large high-risk diabetic Chinese population.

     

Risk of lymphoma subtypes by occupational exposure in Southern Italy

Background

Occupational exposure is known to play a role in the aetiology of lymphomas. The aim of the present work was to explore the occupational risk of the major B-cell lymphoma subtypes using a case–control study design.

Methods

From 2009 to 2014, we recruited 158 lymphoma cases and 76 controls in the provinces of Bari and Taranto (Apulia, Southern Italy). A retrospective assessment of occupational exposure based on complete work histories and the Carcinogen Exposure (CAREX) job-exposure matrix was performed.

Results

After adjusting for major confounding factors, farmers showed an increased risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) [odds ratio (OR)?=?10.9 (2.3–51.6)] and multiple myeloma (MM) [OR?=?16.5 (1.4–195.7)]; exposure to the fungicide Captafol was significantly associated with risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) [OR?=?2.6 (1.1–8.2)], particularly with the risk of DLBCL [OR?=?5.3 (1.6–17.3)].

Conclusions

Agricultural activity seems to be a risk factor for developing lymphoma subtypes, particularly DLBCL, in the provinces of Bari and Taranto (Apulia Region, Southern Italy). Exposure to the pesticides Captafol, Paraquat and Radon might be implicated.

Trial registration

Protocol number UNIBA 2207WEJLZB_004 registered 22/09/2008.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydia trachomatis</Emphasis> and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Meta-analysis of Patients With and Without Infection

Objectives

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between Chlamydia trachomatis and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched between 1970 and 2013. Included studies reported perinatal outcomes in women with and without chlamydia. Summary odds ratios were calculated using fixed- and random-effects models. Study bias was assessed using a Funnel Plot and Begg’s test.

Results

Of 129 articles identified, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria encompassing 614,892 subjects. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy was associated with preterm birth (OR?=?1.27, 95% CI 1.05, 1.54) with a large quantity of heterogeneity (I²?=?61%). This association lost significance when limiting the analysis to high-quality studies based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy was also associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR?=?1.81, 95% CI 1.0, 3.29), endometritis (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.20, 2.38), low birthweight (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21, 1.48), small for gestational age (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.25) and intrauterine fetal demise (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06, 1.94).

Conclusions

This review provides evidence that chlamydia in pregnancy is associated with a small increase in the odds of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. The literature is complicated by heterogeneity and the fact that the association may not hold in higher quality and prospective studies or those that use more contemporary nucleic acid testing.

     

Work stress,family stress and asthma: a cross-sectional study among women in China

Purpose

Research addressing links of work stress or family stress with asthma is constrained by (1) inconsistent evidence, (2) failure to consider the combined exposure to work stress and family stress, and (3) its primary focus on Western study populations. We aimed to address these knowledge gaps.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data collected in 2015 among 7816 women from five professional groups in five Chinese cities. Work stress was measured by the 10-item effort–reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. Family stress was assessed by a psychometrically evaluated instrument comprising five items on, e.g., familial conflicts or domestic workload. Asthma was operationalized by self-reports of a physician diagnosis. Associations were examined by multivariable logistic regression estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Both high work stress (i.e., ERI score >1) and high family stress (i.e., score above the median) were associated with asthma (OR?1.66, 95% CI 1.22–2.27 and OR?1.48, 95% CI 1.10–1.99, respectively). Women with combined exposure (versus none) had somewhat higher odds of asthma (OR?2.13, 95% CI 1.42–3.19) than those with sole exposure to either work stress (OR?1.89, 95% CI 1.20–2.96) or family stress (OR?1.71, 95% CI 1.03–2.84). Interaction terms were significant for continuous variables (p?=?0.046), but not for dichotomized variables (p?=?0.199).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that both work stress and family stress are positively associated with asthma in women in China. Further, the combined exposure may be associated with a further excess of asthma occurrence. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings and to explore potential temporal relationships.

     

Impact of socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in Andhra Pradesh,India

Aim

Lymphatic filariasis is an important public health problem that causes economic loss and poverty in many endemic regions of India. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic factors on filariasis prevalence in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

Subjects and methods

To understand the influence of socioeconomic variables on lymphatic filariasis, a pilot-scale epidemiological and socioeconomic study was conducted in 30 villages of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India, from 2004 to 2007. Data were analyzed statistically by frequency distribution, multivariate logistic regression and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

A total of 5133 blood samples were collected and screened for microfilaria; 77 were found to be positive (1.52 %). The multivariate analysis showed that variables such as age (OR?=?2.4, 95 % CI: 1.47–4.01), income [Indian rupees (INR): <1000: OR?=?4.2, 95 % CI: 1.48–11.76; INR: 1000–3000: OR?=?3.84, 95 % CI:1.92–7.68], drainage system (OR?=?3.5, 95 % CI: 1.62–7.5), mosquito avoidance (OR?=?1.41, 95 % CI: 0.69–2.87) and participation in mass drug administration (MDA) programs (OR?=?1.33, 95 % CI:0.74–2.38) were risk factors for filariasis. The socioeconomic index derived from the PCA was categorized into low (1.7 %), medium (1.7 %) and high (1.3 %) in relation to the percentage of parasite prevalence.

Conclusion

This study reveals that filariasis is largely associated with various socioeconomic factors. Hence, health officials should focus on improving the quality of life to minimize the filarial incidence in the endemic villages by considering the socioeconomic index as a marker for targeting low and medium socioeconomic level groups for disease control programs.

     

Presenting comparative study PRO results to clinicians and researchers: beyond the eye of the beholder

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) results from clinical trials can inform clinical care, but PRO interpretation is challenging. We evaluated the interpretation accuracy and perceived clarity of various strategies for displaying clinical trial PRO findings.

Methods

We conducted an e-survey of oncology clinicians and PRO researchers (supplemented by one-on-one clinician interviews) that randomized respondents to view one of the three line-graph formats (average scores over time for two treatments on four domains): (1) higher scores consistently indicating “better” patient status; (2) higher scores indicating “more” of what was being measured (better for function, worse for symptoms); or (3) normed scores. Two formats displayed proportions changed (pie/bar charts). Multivariate modeling was used to analyze interpretation accuracy and clarity ratings.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-three clinicians and 248 researchers responded; ten clinicians were interviewed. Line graphs with “better” directionality were more likely to be interpreted accurately than “normed” line graphs (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.01–2.38; p?=?0.04). No significant differences were found between “better” and “more” formats. “Better” formatted graphs were also more likely to be rated “very clear” versus “normed” formatted graphs (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.44–2.54; p?<?0.001). For proportions changed, respondents were less likely to make an interpretation error with pie versus bar charts (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.2–0.6; p?<?0.001); clarity ratings did not differ between formats. Qualitative findings informed the interpretation of the survey findings.

Conclusions

Graphic formats for presenting PRO data differ in how accurately they are interpreted and how clear they are perceived to be. These findings will inform the development of best practices for optimally reporting PRO findings.

     

Subjective social status in association with various health and socioeconomic indicators in Tehran

Aim

Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the most important determinants of health. Subjective social status (SSS) is a popular SES indicator. The objective of this study is to compare the associations between health and various SES indicators in order to examine whether SSS is a proper SES indicator.

Subject and methods

In this 2013 cross-sectional study, 1,995 Tehrani residents were selected through multi-stage random sampling. The questionnaires included items on subjective and objective SES, self-rated health (SRH) and objective health status. The crude and adjusted associations between health and SES indicators were assessed using bivariate and multiple logistic regressions.

Results

The crude associations between SSS and all assessed health outcomes were significant. After adjustment of the wealth index, consumption, education and occupation, the associations between SSS and SRH (OR?=?0.69, CI 95 %: 0.55–0.86) and having cardiovascular (OR?=?0.73, CI 95 %: 0.58–0.92), musculoskeletal (OR?=?0.81, CI 95 %: 0.70–0.94), asthma and other respiratory diseases (OR?=?0.71, CI 95 %: 0.54–0.92) still remained significant. The adjusted associations between SSS and having hypertension and diabetes were not significant. SSS had a stronger correlation with the wealth index (Spearman r?=?0.42) compared to other SES indicators.

Conclusion

SSS showed a significant association with most of the health outcomes, independent of other SES indicators; therefore, it can be used in health research, though it is not an exact alternative for other objective SES indicators.

     

E-Zigaretten und Tabakerhitzer: repräsentative Daten zu Konsumverhalten und assoziierten Faktoren in der deutschen Bevölkerung (die DEBRA-Studie)

Background

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) and heat-not-burn (HNB) devices are relatively new products that are increasingly used alternatively or complementary to ordinary tobacco products.

Objectives

To analyse current data from the German Study on Tobacco Use (DEBRA) regarding the prevalence of EC and HNB device use and associated socioeconomic factors and smoking behaviour; compare reasons for EC use between adolescents and adults; describe the self-perceived risk of HNB devices.

Material and methods

DEBRA is an ongoing, representative, face-to-face household survey of the population aged 14 years and older. We analysed data from the first nine waves (June/July 2016 to October/November 2017; n?=?18,415) for the current study.

Results

During the observation period, 1.9% (95% confidence interval (CI)?=?1.7–2.2%) of the German population used ECs (2.8% of the 14- to17-year-olds) and 74.5% (95% CI?=?69.4–79.2%) of current EC users also smoked tobacco (“dual use”). Three-quarters of adolescents used ECs mainly “for fun”, whereas reasons for use among adults related more to smoking tobacco (e.?g., less harmful, to quit smoking). Among current smokers and recent ex-smokers (<12 months smoke-free), 0.3% (95% CI?=?0.09–0.64%) currently used HNB devices, and 6.0% (95% CI?=?5.0–7.2%) had ever used them. Consumption of HNB products increased with increasing education and income. The majority perceived HNB products as somewhat (41.0%, n?=?25) or much (14.8%, n?=?9) less harmful, and 37.7% (n?=?23) as equally harmful compared with tobacco cigarettes.

Conclusions

In Germany, ECs are mainly consumed as “dual use” together with tobacco. Consumption of HNB products currently occurs at a very low rate and is relatively more common among smokers with higher education and income. It remains important to monitor the use of new electronic inhalation products in the total population and in relevant subgroups.

     

Dyslipidemia and non-small cell lung cancer risk in Chinese population: a case-control study

Background

Numerous studies reported that dyslipidemia was associated with cancer risk. However, few studies investigated the associations between dyslipidemia and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Four hundred twenty-four histologically confirmed NSCLC cases and 414 controls, matched for age and sex, were enrolled to examine the relationship between dyslipidemia and NSCLC. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients’ medical records and telephone interviews. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

Abnormal triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels showed statistically significant coexistence with NSCLC compared with controls. Higher levels of TG were associated with a higher risk of NSCLC (OR?=?1.541, 95% CI, (1.072–2.215)). The odds ratios (ORs) for NSCLC for normal and high levels of HDL-C versus those with a low level of HDL-C were 0.337(95% CI, (0.242–0.468)) and 0.288(95% CI, (0.185–0.448)), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, hypertension, body mass index, diabetes and lipid profiles, the adjusted OR for normal and high levels of HDL-C were 0.320(95% CI, (0.218–0.470)) and 0.233(95% CI, (0.134–0.407)), respectively. However, after adjustment, high levels of TG increased the risk of NSCLC but not significantly (OR?=?1.052, 95% CI (0.671–1.649)).

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that dyslipidemia increased the risk of NSCLC in Chinese population.

     

Association of alcohol use with problematic mobile phone use and depressive symptoms among college students in Anhui,China

Aim

Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) is defined as an inability to regulate one’s use of the mobile phone, including excessive use, gradual increase in use to get the gratification, interference with school and other personal activities, and the need to avoid emotional alterations when mobile phone use is impeded. The potential health risks of PMPU have attracted increasing research attention. This study investigated the proportion of PMPU and the interactive effect of PMPU and depressive symptoms with alcohol use among college students in Anhui Province, China.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,376 college students between May and June 2012. PMPU, depressive symptoms and alcohol use were measured by self-reported validated instruments. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the independent and interactive effects of PMPU and depressive symptoms with alcohol use.

Results

Results revealed the proportion of PMPU was 27.9 %, while the prevalence of depressive symptoms and alcohol use was 18.9 and 37.5 %, respectively. PMPU was significantly associated with alcohol use independently (OR?=?1.30, 95 % CI?=?1.04–1.61), and there was no significant increase with alcohol use in students with depressive symptoms (OR?=?1.18, 95 % CI?=?0.93–1.50). There was a multiplicative interaction between PMPU and depressive symptoms with alcohol use (OR?=?1.46, 95 % CI?=?1.04–2.03).

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a significant relationship between PMPU and alcohol use, and a significant multiplicative interactive effect of PMPU and depressive symptoms with alcohol use among college students, in Anhui, China. These findings may have important implications for designing and implementing mental health programs at universities.

     

Methamphetamine use and oral health-related quality of life

Purpose

Methamphetamine (MA) is associated with adverse health effects, including the rampant tooth decay condition called “Meth Mouth.” However, the impact of MA use on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) is unknown. This study assessed the relationship between MA use and self-reported OHRQOL.

Methods

This cross-sectional study uses information from 545 MA-using participants recruited from Los Angeles County, California. Dental examinations were performed by three calibrated dentists using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) protocols. Data on socio-demographic, behavioral, and drug-use history were recorded using questionnaires. Participants were categorized as ‘light’ or ‘moderate/heavy’ users based on reported frequency of MA use in the past 30 days. Route of MA administration was categorized as ‘smoking’ or ‘other.’ Self-reported OHRQOL was based on the Oral Health Impact Profile scale.

Results

Majority of the participants were male (80.9%). Median age was 45.0 years (IQR-13.0). Median number of days of MA use was 10.0 (IQR-12.0). Smoking was the preferred route of MA use (70.2%). Root caries in ≥?3 teeth were reported in 78% of MA users. More than half of the participants reported having painful aching in mouth, avoidance of particular food items, feeling embarrassed, and discomfort while eating in the last 12 months. In unadjusted logistic models, moderate/heavy MA users were more likely to report an affected sense of taste [OR?=?1.58, 95% CI (1.10–2.27)] and avoidance of particular foods [OR?=?1.45, 95% CI (1.02–2.01)] than light users. Among individuals preferring other MA administration routes, moderate/heavy MA users were 3.09 times as likely to report an affected sense of taste than light users [OR?=?3.09, 95% CI (1.52?6.27)].

Conclusion

Oral health and OHRQOL appear to be worse among Methamphetamine users than in the US general population.

     

Relationships between suicidal ideation and psychosocial factors among residents living in Nagano Prefecture of Japan

Objectives

Feeling ashamed for seeking help when distressed is known to be a critical factor promoting suicidal behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between suicidal ideation and psychosocial factors, including worries or anxieties, having a person to confide in, feeling ashamed for seeking help when distressed, and K6 score.

Methods

Fourteen out of 77 municipalities from Nagano Prefecture participated in this questionnaire survey. Participants of both sexes over 20 years of age were randomly selected according to age distribution in each municipality. Association between suicidal ideation and sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, including “feeling ashamed for seeking help”, were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among a total of 11,100 participants, 7394 (66.6 %) returned the questionnaire. 2147 participants responded properly to essential study parameters and were submitted to the final analyses. The adjusted odds ratio of suicidal ideation was 2.09 (95 % CI 1.49–2.94) among participants feeling ashamed for seeking help, compared to those not feeling ashamed. Although the rate of “no person to confide in” was 4.4 %, participants who responded with “no person to confide in” had significantly increased odds ratio of suicidal ideation compared with those who responded with “having a person to confide in” (OR 1.97, 95 % CI 1.12–3.47).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a need for tailored intervention targeting individuals at risk by gatekeepers to encourage individuals at risk to overcome feeling ashamed for seeking help and to cultivate an appropriate person to confide in.