Portuguese Adult Population Research Articles

Evaluation of partial-mouth recording systems of gingival parameters in a Portuguese adult population

To analyze the diagnostic reliability of various partial-mouth recording systems (PMRS) for the simultaneous assessment of supragingival plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation in a population of Portuguese adults. A single examiner determined the levels of plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation in 108 subjects using quantitative and dichotomous indices. Half-mouth and ≤ 10-tooth PMRS were compared with full-mouth examination (FME). On comparison with FME, Q1+Q3, Q1+Q4, Q2+Q3, Q2+Q4 combinations and the Ramfjord teeth did not show statistically significant differences in the simultaneous assessment of plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation using both quantitative and dichotomous indices. Comparison of the prevalence of subjects that presented discrepancy in the three clinical parameters between FME and PMRS, Q1+Q3 combination was associated with lower percentages of discrepancy (range of discrepancies=0.9-6.4 percent) and a higher specificity (≥ 0.90) and sensitivity (≥ 0.89). The Q1+Q3 combination could be particularly applicable in studies investigating relationships between the state of gingival health and environmental or patient-related systemic factors, as well as in the development of oral health scales that include gingival parameters.

Smoking prevalence in Portuguese school-aged adolescents by gender: Can we be optimistic?

IntroductionAccording to the MPOWER approach adopted in 2008 by the WHO, monitoring smoking epidemics is necessary in order to assess the effectiveness of the preventive measures used in smoking control in adolescents and adults. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of smoking in Portuguese school-aged adolescents by region. Material and methodsThe sample is made up of 8764 students, 4060 boys and 4704 girls, and is representative of the Portuguese students in regular public education. The data was collected in the 2008/2009 academic year, through a quantitative self-report questionnaire. ResultsIn the total sample, 10.2% of boys and 9.1% of girls are regular smokers. Smoking increases with age. At 15 years old 12.3% of the boys and 8.6% of the girls are regular smokers and 6.1% of the boys and 4.0% of the girls are occasional smokers. Looking at prevalence by region, the highest prevalence of regular smoking is found in Alentejo (14.7%), followed by Azores (11.8%) and the lowest is found in Algarve (4.1%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of smokers among Portuguese school-aged adolescents varies within the several regions of the country, similar to what happens in the adult Portuguese population.

Self-reported frequency of alcohol consumption in a representative sample of the Portuguese adult population: associations with obesity and waist circumference

Self-reported frequency of alcohol consumption in a representative sample of the Portuguese adult population: associations with obesity and waist circumferenceAuto-relato da frequencia de consumo de alcool numa amostra representativa da populacao adulta Portuguesa: associacoes com a obesidade e o perimetro da cintura

Fruit and vegetable consumption among migrants in Switzerland.

To assess the relative risk of low daily fruit and vegetable consumption for six large migrant groups in Switzerland. Cross-sectional health survey carried out 2007 (Swiss Health Survey) and 2010 (Swiss Migrant Health Survey) in Switzerland. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risk rates (RRR) of migrants relative to Swiss nationals. Data obtained from representative samples of Swiss and foreign nationals living in Switzerland. A random sample (n =14637) of the Portuguese, German, Italian, Turkish, Serbian, Kosovan and Swiss permanent resident adult population (17-64 years old) was interviewed. The proportion of participants who adhered to the recommended fruit and vegetable consumption was below one-third in all study populations. Compared with Swiss nationals, the relative risk of low daily fruit and vegetable intake relative to recommended intake was higher in Turkish nationals (RRR = 2.92, 95 % CI 1.91, 4.48; P = 0.0000) and Kosovan nationals (RRR = 4.76, 95 % CI 3.01, 7.55; P = 0.0000). The respective relative risks of Portuguese, Serbian, German and Italian nationals were not significantly different from the Swiss reference group. Initiatives for the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption should continue to address the population at large. At the same time, programmes that are tailored to the specific needs of migrants from Turkey and Kosovo should be considered.

Prevalência do consumo de tabaco em adolescentes escolarizados portugueses por sexo: podemos estar otimistas?

IntroductionAccording to the MPOWER approach adopted in 2008 by the WHO, monitoring smoking epidemics is necessary in order to assess the effectiveness of the preventive measures used in smoking control in adolescents and adults. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of smoking in Portuguese school-aged adolescents by region. Material and methodsThe sample is made up of 8764 students, 4060 boys and 4704 girls, and is representative of the Portuguese students in regular public education. The data was collected in the 2008/2009 academic year, through a quantitative self-report questionnaire. ResultsIn the total sample, 10.2% of boys and 9.1% of girls are regular smokers. Smoking increases with age. At 15 years old 12.3% of the boys and 8.6% of the girls are regular smokers and 6.1% of the boys and 4.0% of the girls are occasional smokers. Looking at prevalence by region, the highest prevalence of regular smoking is found in Alentejo (14.7%), followed by Azores (11.8%) and the lowest is found in Algarve (4.1%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of smokers among Portuguese school-aged adolescents varies within the several regions of the country, similar to what happens in the adult Portuguese population.

Physical activity and body mass index in the adult Portuguese Population

In Portugal, there is lack of data about the prevalence of physical activity regular practice, when stratified by body mass index categories. The objective of the present project is to study the association of physical activity practice with (a) sociodemographic characteristics and (b) body mass index. This was an observational and cross-sectional study with data collected between January/2003 and January/2005 through standardized questionnaire (face-to-face interviews), followed by anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist and hips circumferences). Collected sample is representative of the adult (18-64 years old) continental Portuguese population. For the assessment of physical activity, Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity was used. Overall, 8116 portuguese adults participated in this survey. 27.9% reported to practice some kind of sports-related activity. The proportion of those who practice sport decreases with age. The proportion of men who reported higher levels of physical activity was significantly higher than the proportion in women. Scores in physical activity for any context are significantly correlated with educational level (stronger for leisure time physical activity). In leisure and sport activities, the score of physical activity is negatively correlated with body mass index. Regarding physical activity in work context, it was found a positive correlation with body mass index. In conclusion, there is a need for public health strategies that facilitate and promote physical activity in leisure time, most especially addressing elderly and low educational level groups

Ten-year trends in overweight and obesity in the adult Portuguese population, 1995 to 2005

BackgroundThere is little information regarding the trends in body mass index (BMI) and obesity in the overall Portuguese population, namely if these trends are similar according to educational level. In this study, we assessed the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Portuguese population, overall and by educational level.MethodsCross-sectional national health interview surveys conducted in 1995-6 (n = 38,504), 1998-9 (n = 38,688) and 2005-6 (n = 25,348). Data were derived from the population and housing census of 1991 and two geographically-based strata were defined. The sampling unit was the house, and all subjects living in the sampling unit were surveyed. Height and weight were self-reported; the effects of gender, age group and educational level were also assessed by self-reported structured questionnaires. Bivariate comparisons were performed using Chi-square or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Trends in BMI levels were assessed by linear regression analysis, while trends in the prevalence of obesity were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsMean (±standard deviation) BMI increased from 25.2 ± 4.0 in 1995-6 to 25.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2 in 2005-6. Prevalence of overweight remained stable (36.1% in 1995-6 and 36.4% in 2005) while prevalence of obesity increased (11.5% in 1995-6 and 15.1% in 2005-6). Similar findings were observed according to age group. Mean age-adjusted BMI increase (expressed in kg/m2/year and 95% confidence interval) was 0.073 (0.062, 0.084), 0.016 (0.000, 0.031) and 0.073 (0.049, 0.098) in men with primary, secondary and university levels, respectively; the corresponding values in women were 0.085 (0.073, 0.097), 0.052 (0.035, 0.069) and 0.062 (0.038, 0.084). Relative to 1995-6, obesity rates increased by 48%, 41% and 59% in men and by 40%, 75% and 177% in women with primary, secondary and university levels, respectively. The corresponding values for overweight were 6%, 1% and 23% in men and 5%, 7% and 65% in women.ConclusionBetween 1995 and 2005, obesity increased while overweight remained stable in the adult Portuguese population. Although higher rates were found among lesser educated subjects, the strong increase in BMI and obesity levels in highly educated subjects is of concern.

A comparison of users and non‐users of banking self‐service technology in Portugal

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the behaviour of Portuguese users and non‐users of self‐service technologies (SSTs) in banking services.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study is conducted by means of a survey questionnaire. Data are collected from a sample of 300 respondents chosen to represent the Portuguese adult population in terms of age, gender, and geographical place of residence.FindingsThe results show that Portuguese users of SST banking services are likely to be young to middle‐aged individuals, with medium to high levels of education. They have a greater propensity to complain and are more price‐sensitive than non‐users of such services.Research limitations/implicationsOnly six dimensions of consumer behaviour were investigated: price sensitivity, satisfaction, word‐of‐mouth, repurchase intention, propensity to change banks, complaint behaviour. Only three forms of SST contact were examined (ATMs, telephone banking, and internet banking). Other behaviours and SSTs could be examined in future research.Practical implicationsBanks investing in SST can expect: more sales (consumers with higher intention to repurchase); more opportunities for service recovery (consumers with higher propensity to complain); and more price competitiveness (more price‐sensitive consumer behaviour).Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine consumer behaviour among Portuguese customers of SST banking services. The study shows that SST does not ensure consumer satisfaction and positive word‐of‐mouth; moreover, it is not a barrier to changing banks.

Psychometric Properties of a Portuguese Version of the Subjective Happiness Scale

The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) constitutes an instrument for assessing subjective happiness. This study aims to present the validation of the SHS in a Portuguese adult population. A large representative sample (1,017 participants), from five different age groups was considered. Configurational invariance of the unidimensional structure of the scale was tested through multi-group confirmatory factorial analysis, and reliability and criterion-validity were investigated. The results support the single factorial structure and reliability of the SHS. Furthermore, the SHS correlated positively with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, thus supporting its criterion validity. Therefore, the Portuguese version of the SHS is a valid instrument to use with an adult Portuguese Sample.

Assessment of the factor structure and reliability of the Portuguese version of the General Health Questionnaire-28 among adults

Background: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, Goldberg & Hillier, , Psychological Medicine, 9, 139–145) is a self-administered questionnaire used to measure non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. There is a study using a Portuguese version of this questionnaire (n = 60) including a group of inpatients with infectious diseases (Ribeiro & Antunes, , Revista Portuguesa de Psicossomática, 5(1), 37–45), but there are no larger studies in non-clinical Portuguese population.Aims: The primary aim of the study was to confirm the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the GHQ-28 among 171 Portuguese adults in non-clinical settings.Methods: The Portuguese version of the GHQ-28 was administered to 171 adult subjects of Portuguese general population.Results: The Portuguese version of the GHQ-28 has an internally consistent measure Cronbach's α 0.922 for the GHQ-28 total scale. For the subscale somatic symptoms Cronbach's α was 0.825; for the subscale Anxiety/ Insomnia, Cronbach's α was 0.873; for the subscale Social dysfunction Cronbach's α was 0.873 and for the subscale Severe Depression was 0.838. Four factors were extracted using factor analysis: somatic symptoms (items 1–7); anxiety/insomnia (items 8–14); psychosocial dysfunction (items 15–21); and severe depression (items 22–28).Conclusions: The findings suggest that the GHQ-28 is a suitable screening instrument for adult Portuguese population in non-clinical settings.

Seasonal Variation of Steps Taken by a Portuguese Adult Population - a Pilot Study

Seasonal Variation of Steps Taken by a Portuguese Adult Population - a Pilot Study

Facial soft tissue thicknesses for the Portuguese adult population

In recent years there has been an important increment of studies on the determination of facial soft tissue thicknesses for craniofacial identification purposes. In spite of this, there is no information on the particularities of the facial soft tissue depths for the Portuguese adult population. In order to address this lack, the soft tissue thicknesses of a Portuguese cadaver sample of 151 individuals, 103 males and 48 females with ages between 20 and 99 years old, autopsied at the South Branch of the National Institute of Legal Medicine, were measured using published needle puncture methods at 20 anatomical points. The stature and weight of all cadavers were determined and their body mass index (BMI) calculated. In order to prevent post-mortem distortion, soft tissue depths were assessed prior to the individual's autopsy in cadavers whose time of death did not exceed 24 h. From these data, descriptive statistics were calculated and the average soft tissue depths were reported considering the BMI and the sex of the cadavers. In general, males were found to have greater soft tissue depths than females but some landmarks showed the opposite while others presented the same values for both sexes. In spite of this, almost all the differences among the sexes were found to be not statistically significant. The Post Hoc Gabriel test performed between the different BMI categories for mixed sexes and for each sex suggested BMI-related differences on the soft tissue thicknesses, although these vary considerably within and between the sexes with no linear correspondence between the anatomical landmarks. These results, point not only to the necessity to present data in accordance with the sexual dimorphism, but also to consider the BMI as an important variable for better results in the achievement of the likeness of the deceased individuals in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional facial approximations or superimpositions. Additionally, evidence of interpopulation differences in the average soft tissue thicknesses were observed by the comparison of this data set with similar studies from Caucasian groups with different geographic origin.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Portugal: the PAP study

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of hypertension and to determine the status of hypertension awareness, treatment and control in the Portuguese adult population. This study was conducted in 2003, and a multistage cluster sampling method was used to select a national representative sample. A total of 5023 adults, age 18-90 years, were examined. Three blood pressure measurements were obtained by trained observers using an OMROM M4-I sphygmomanometer after a 5-min sitting rest. Information on the history of hypertension and the use of antihypertensive medications was obtained by use of a standard questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as a mean systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mmHg, or the use of antihypertensive medications. Overall, 42.1% of the Portuguese adult population aged 18-90 years, representing 3 311 830 people, had hypertension. The age-specific prevalence of hypertension in the three age groups studied--younger than 35 years, 35-64 years old and older than 64 years--was 26.2, 54.7 and 79% in men and 12.4, 41.1 and 78.7% in women, respectively. Among hypertensive patients, only 46.1% were aware of their high blood pressure, 39.0% were taking antihypertensive medication and 11.2% achieved blood pressure control (< 140/90 mmHg). Our results indicate that hypertension is highly prevalent in Portugal. The percentages of those with hypertension that are aware, treated and controlled are unacceptably low. These results underscore the urgent need to develop national strategies to improve prevention, detection and treatment of hypertension in Portugal.

Circadian energy intake evaluation of a group of office workers in Porto

The importance of food in health promotion and disease prevention is well known. The aims of our study were to evaluate the daily energy intake of an adult group; to study the association of a 24 hour recall (R24h) and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ); to analyse energy intake variation with obesity and to verify if our sample had an ingestion according to DRI's. We studied a convenience sample of Portuguese adult population of 154 office workers (121 women), with a mean of ages of 44.2 +/- 12.1 years. We used a self administered FFQ and a R24h to evaluate food habits. Middle number of meals was 4.8 +/- 1.0 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner were the most frequent). Middle daily ingestion was 1908 +/- 559 kcal. Men had a superior energy intake at all meals, except at afternoon snack and supper. We did not find any relation between BMI and food intake, BMI is only related with age. We compared our sample ingestion with DRI's and verified that vitamins B1, B2, B12, B6, C, niacin, Fe and P, were totally reached, and the inverse was obtained in Zn, folate, vitamin D and E, pantothenic acid and biotin. We conclude that our sample ingestion of protein is higher than the recommended, carbohydrates is less consume than the recommended and only recommendations of fat and alcohol consumption were in agreement with WHO recommendations.

Anthropometric study of Portuguese workers

In spite of the importance of anthropometric data, namely in what concerns the design of machinery safety devices and protective equipment, there is not as yet an extended and validated database of anthropometric measures for adult Portuguese population. The study described here consists of the development of a procedure for data acquisition and of an anthropometric database for Portuguese adult workers. Eight hundred and ninety-one individuals were measured—399 female and 492 male, with ages ranging from 17 to 65 years old. A set of 24 static anthropometric measures plus body weight was obtained for each individual. Results of the pilot study undertaken and the practical application of the procedure suggest that this is a valid one for anthropometric data acquisition. Additionally, the statistical analysis carried out to the data show that some statistical parameters, such as the variation and correlation coefficients, behave as expected, and as observed in other populations. Relevance to industry The data collected will serve as a basis for the design of industrial tools, equipment and clothing. In addition, the data constitutes an essential element for the ergonomic design of workplaces.

Self-reported drug allergy in a general adult Portuguese population.

To estimate the prevalence of self-reported drug allergy in adults. Cross-sectional survey of a general adult population from Porto (all of whom were living with children involved in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-phase three), during the year 2002, using a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported drug allergy was 7.8% (181/2309): 4.5% to penicillins or other beta-lactams, 1.9% to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 1.5% to other drugs. In the group 'allergic to beta-lactams', the most frequently implicated drug was penicillin G or V (76.2%) followed by the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acids (14.3%). In the group 'allergic to NSAIDs', acetylsalicylic acid (18.2%) and ibuprofen (18.2%) were the most frequently identified drugs, followed by nimesulide and meloxicam. Identification of the exact name of the involved drug was possible in less than one-third of the patients, more often within the NSAID group (59.5%). Women were significantly more likely to claim a drug allergy than men (10.2% vs. 5.3%). The most common manifestations were cutaneous (63.5%), followed by cardiovascular symptoms (35.9%). Most of the reactions were immediate, occurring on the first day of treatment (78.5%). Only half of the patients were submitted to drug allergy investigations. The majority (86.8%) completely avoided the suspected culprit drug thereafter. The results showed that self-reported allergy to drugs is highly prevalent and poorly explored. Women seem to be more susceptible. beta-lactams and NSAIDs are the most frequently concerned drugs.

Blood pressure in Portugal. distribution, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. pap study

P-458 Key Words: Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Epidemiology

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Assessment of its rate of occurrence in the adult population of Portugal

This is the first epidemiological study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the adult population (over 18 years of age) in Portugal. This study is particularly relevant given the proportion of the population exposed to trauma: 800,000 men participated in 14 years (from 1961 to 1975) of Portugal's colonial wars. A representative sample of the adult nation-wide population was defined using bi-phasic and stratified methodology. In accordance with study inclusion/exclusion criteria, subjects from all geographical regions were selected, either randomly from the community or via the protocol defined stratification. Subjects identified as having been exposed to one or more traumatic events were further interviewed and assessed with the Short Screening Scale (Breslau, 1999) to determine the presence/absence of DSM-IV defined PTSD. A representative sample of 2,606 subjects (53.3% men) was selected, aged 18 to 99 years old (mean = 43 years). Overall PTSD prevalence rate was 7.87% (205/2,606 subjects) with a statistically significative different distribution by gender: 4.8% for male and 11.4% for female subjects. Around 75% of the Portuguese adult population was exposed to at least one traumatic situation and 43.5% to more than one. We found that 11.6% of the sample were male exposed to combat/war and 9.9% of those developed PTSD. The most referred traumatic situation was Sudden violent death of family or friend, (29.3%), followed by Robed or assaulted, (22.7%) and Witnessing of serious accident or death, (22.2%). The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (overall and by gender) was similar to that reported for other developed countries; lower than expected, given the extent of the population's exposure to combat.

Estimation of height from the length of long bones in a Portuguese adult population

Research was undertaken on 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) from the northern districts of Portugal, all Caucasian, between the ages of 20 and 59. Height and bones were measured directly. Estimation of stature is obtained by applying a mathematical method based on a multivariable linear regression between the height of the cadaver and the lengths of humerus and femur. Humerus is measured on full length; femur is measured on both physiological and maximum lengths. Regression formulae and tables for males and females are produced for application in forensic anthropology when studying human skeletal remains. Comparisons are made between these tables and those of earlier authors, allowing us to verify important differences. One of the conclusions concerns the application of regression formulae based on some segment measurements. Due to the extremely high values of standard deviations, these may have no practical application.

Estimation of height from the length of long bones in a Portuguese adult population.

Research was undertaken on 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) from the northern districts of Portugal, all Caucasian, between the ages of 20 and 59. Height and bones were measured directly. Estimation of stature is obtained by applying a mathematical method based on a multivariable linear regression between the height of the cadaver and the lengths of humerus and femur. Humerus is measured on full length; femur is measured on both physiological and maximum lengths. Regression formulae and tables for males and females are produced for application in forensic anthropology when studying human skeletal remains. Comparisons are made between these tables and those of earlier authors, allowing us to verify important differences. One of the conclusions concerns the application of regression formulae based on some segment measurements. Due to the extremely high values of standard deviations, these may have no practical application.