Age-adjusted Prevalence Odds Ratios Research Articles

Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Among Adult Patients With Rheumatologic Disease.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity (PA) levels of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to examine factors associated with decreased PA. A sample of adult patients with RMDs (n=7,776) was identified through electronic medical records from an academic health care system in North Carolina. Invitations to participate in an online survey were sent between July 2020 and September 2020 to assess self-reported changes in PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics, age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to examine patient characteristics associated with decreased PA. A total of 893 eligible participants completed the survey (mean age 57.8 ± 14.9 years, 75.8% female). The most common primary diagnoses reported among participants included rheumatoid arthritis (27.3%), osteoarthritis (16.0%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (13.0%). More than half of participants (56.8%) reported engaging in less PA since the pandemic began. Factors associated with engaging in less PA included lower self-reported general health (POR, 2.21; CI, 1.64-2.97) and a diagnosis of SLE (POR, 1.57; CI, 1.03-2.38). Comorbidities associated with decreased PA included chronic pain (POR, 1.38; CI, 1.04-1.82), depression (POR, 1.48; CI, 1.09-2.01), and hypertension (POR, 1.44; CI, 1.10-1.90). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated barriers to PA in patients with RMDs. There is a critical need to provide resources, support, and multifaceted programs to encourage PA in patients with RMDs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current smoking, former smoking, and adverse outcome among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and effects of current smoking on adverse outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Methods:A systematic review of the literature (PubMed) identified 18 (from a total of 1398) relevant studies. Pooled current smoking prevalence was compared with the gender-adjusted and gender and age-adjusted, population-based expected prevalence by calculating prevalence odds ratio (POR). The association between current, compared with non-current and former, smoking and adverse outcome was examined. A secondary analysis was performed by including 12 pre-publications (30 studies in total). All analyses were performed using random-effects meta-analysis.Results:Among 6515 patients, the pooled prevalence of current smoking was 6.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.8–9.1%]. The gender-adjusted POR was 0.20 (95% CI: 0.16–0.25, p < 0.001), and the gender and age-adjusted POR was 0.24 (95% CI: 0.19–0.30, p < 0.001). Current smokers were more likely to have an adverse outcome compared with non-current smokers [odds ratio (OR): 1.53, 95%CI: 1.06–2.20, p = 0.022] but less likely compared with former smokers (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.27–0.74, p = 0.003). When pre-publications were added (n = 10,631), the gender-adjusted POR was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.19–0.38, p < 0.001) and the gender and age-adjusted POR was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.24–0.48, p < 0.001).Conclusion:This meta-analysis of retrospective observational case series found an unexpectedly low prevalence of current smoking among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Hospitalized current smokers had higher odds compared with non-current smokers but lower odds compared with former smokers for an adverse outcome. Smoking cannot be considered a protective measure for COVID-19. However, the hypothesis that nicotine may have a protective effect in COVID-19 that is partially masked by smoking-related toxicity and by the abrupt cessation of nicotine intake when smokers are hospitalized should be explored in laboratory studies and clinical trials using pharmaceutical nicotine products.

Abstract P292: Cardiovascular Risk Factors in U.S. Men With and Without History of Prostate Cancer: NHANES 1999-2014

In 2017 161,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the U.S. With improved survival from prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease has emerged as competing cause of morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have assessed CVD risk factors among prostate cancer survivors. We analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2014 to assess CVD risk factors, as defined by AHA/ACC, in adult men with and without a history of prostate cancer. A total of 602 men, age 50 years and older, with prostate cancer history and 8,226 men without cancer history were included in the analysis. Among men with prostate cancer history, the mean (SE) age at survey was 72.3(0.4); 41% of the survivors had their diagnoses less than 5 years ago, while 31% survived more than 10 years after diagnosis. Compared to men without cancer, prostate cancer survivors were older (mean age 72 (0.4) vs 62y (0.1)), but with similar education level ( p =0.41). For CVD risk factors, prostate cancer survivors were less likely to be current smokers (6.5% vs 20.3%), but more likely to have hypertension and on anti-hypertensive medication (95.6% vs 88.9%) with age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio of 1.53 ([95% CI, 1.2 - 1.9]; p =0.001) and 1.78 ([95% CI, 1.1 - 2.9]; p =0.024), respectively. There were no differences in lipids profiles between men with and without prostate cancer. In stratified analysis, non-Hispanic blacks’ survivors have almost two times the prevalence of hypertension compared to non-Hispanic blacks free of cancer, with age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio of 1.9 ([95% CI, 1.2 - 2.96]; p=0.005). In conclusion, CVD risk factors were prevalent in prostate cancer survivors. Improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle change and preventive strategies is a public health priority, particularly among non-Hispanic Blacks.

Abstract B70: Never screened: Understanding breast cancer nonadherence in Puerto Rico

Abstract Background: In Puerto Rico (PR), breast cancer was reported to be the leading cancer among women, accounting for approximately 31% of new cancer cases and 52% of cancer deaths. Mammography screening can reduce mortality approximately 20% by detecting breast cancer at early stages, for which less aggressive treatments and therapies are available. There is little published data regarding factors in PR that could explain mammography non-adherence and if those factors are different between previously screened and never screened women. Objectives: To analyze factors associated with breast cancer screening non-adherence between never screened and previously screened, but not currently adherent women. Methods: Cultivando La Salud is a breast and cervical cancer screening promotion program originally designed for low-income Hispanic women over 50 years old that was minimally adapted for Hispanic woman over 21 years old living in PR. The main objectives of Cultivando La Salud PR were to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of Cultivando La Salud PR, an evidence-based educational intervention aimed to increase breast and cervical cancer screening tests; (2) increase breast and cervical cancer screening tests among women participants in the study; (3) increase the capacity of a community-based organization in the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based interventions in cancer prevention. Women were eligible to participate in Cultivando La Salud PR if they were non-adherent to breast cancer screening (women age 40 years or older that reported not having a mammography in the past year) or non-adherent to cervical cancer screening (women age 21 years or older that reported not having a Pap test in the last three years) and in good health. This program took place in Canóvanas, a municipality of PR, during the 2012-2013 year period. For purpose of this analysis, only data from not-adherent women to breast cancer screening guidelines (n=301) were used. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize the study population. Bivariate analysis was used to assess breast cancer screening non-adherence (never screened vs. previously screened women) as the dependent variable and variables who achieved statistical significance (p &amp;lt;0.05) in the bivariate analysis were then included in an age-adjusted logistic regression model. Age-adjusted Prevalence Odds Ratio (POR) with their 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Results: Data from the baseline survey indicated that 22.0% of the participants older than 40 years old never had a mammography. Never screened women were 4 times more likely to report having Mi Salud, a governmental healthcare plan (age-adjusted POR=4.1, 95%CI:1.3-7.5) and were 3 times more likely to have a family income of less than $15,000 than women previously screened but not adherent (age-adjusted POR=3.1, 95%CI:1.3-7.5). Never screened women were also approximately 3 times more likely to report not having an usual place for receiving routine health care (age-adjusted POR=2.9, 95%CI:1.5-5.3) and were 2 times more likely to have not have a Pap test in the last three years (age-adjusted POR=2.3, 95%CI:1.2-4.3). Discussion: Never screened women reported significant socioeconomic disparities that might be affecting mammography screening practices. A better understanding of the barriers that prevent breast cancer screening in this group will help in the design of educational interventions and public health policies targeted to increase mammography rates in PR. Citation Format: Aleli M. Ayala-Marin, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Camille Velez, Natalie Fernandez-Espada, Maria E. Fernandez. Never screened: Understanding breast cancer nonadherence in Puerto Rico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B70. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-B70

Chronic lung disease and detection of pulmonary artery dilatation in high resolution computerized tomography of chest in chronic arsenic exposure

Lung affection in chronic arsenicosis developing from chronic ingestion of arsenic contaminated groundwater has been known but little is known on its effect on pulmonary arterial system. A cross sectional study was carried out at two geographically similar areas and demographically similar populations with or without evidence of chronic arsenic exposure in West Bengal, India. The willing participants in both the groups with chronic respiratory symptoms were evaluated with High Resolution Computerized Tomography (HRCT) of Chest. Evaluation of High Resolution Computerized Tomography of chest followed clinical assessment of lung disease in194 and 196 subjects from the arsenic exposed and unexposed people; the former had a higher prevalence of cough OR(Odds Ratio) 3.23 (95% CI(Confidence Interval): 1.72–6.07) and shortness of breath OR1.76 (95% CI: 0.84–3.71), respectively. The arsenic exposed individuals showed higher score for bronchiectasis [mean ± SD(Standard Deviation)] as 2.41 ± 2.32 vs. 1.22 ± 1.48 (P <0.001), pulmonary artery branch dilatation (PAD) as 2.48 ± 2.33 vs. 0.78 ± 1.56, (P <0.001) and pulmonary trunk dilatation as 0.26 ± 0.45 vs. nil. Age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) for Pulmonary Artery Dilatation Found in HRCT comparing those exposed to arsenic (Group 1) to unexposed participants (Group 2) was found to be 6.98 (CI: 2.26–16.48). There was a strong dose–response relationship between the PAD (Pulmonary Artery Dilatation) and cumulative arsenic exposure. Pulmonary trunk and branch dilatation in chronic arsenicosis is a frequent abnormality seen in HRCT Chest of arsenicosis patients. The significance of such finding needs further investigation.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of antinuclear antibodies in the United States.

To estimate the prevalence, types, and sociodemographic and biobehavioral correlates of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the US. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 4,754 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. ANAs were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. In ANA-positive individuals, cellular staining patterns were determined, and specific autoantibody reactivities were assessed by immunoprecipitation. The ANA prevalence in the US population of individuals ages 12 years and older was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 12.2-15.5%). ANA prevalence increased with age (P=0.01), and ANAs were more prevalent among females than males (17.8% versus 9.6%; P<0.001), with the female-to-male ratio peaking at 40-49 years of age. ANA prevalence was modestly higher in African Americans compared with whites (age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio [POR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.70). Remarkably, ANAs were less common in overweight and obese individuals (age-adjusted POR 0.74) than in persons of normal weight. No significant associations of ANA with education, family income, alcohol use, smoking history, serum levels of cotinine, or C-reactive protein were observed. In ANA-positive individuals, nuclear patterns were seen in 84.6%, cytoplasmic patterns were seen in 21.8%, and nucleolar patterns were seen in 6.1%; the most common specific autoantibodies were anti-Ro (3.9%) and anti-Su (2.4%). These findings suggest that more than 32 million persons in the US have ANAs, and that the prevalence is higher among females, older individuals, African Americans, and those with a normal body weight. These data will serve as a useful baseline for future investigations of predictors and changes in ANA prevalence over time.

The STAGE cohort: A prospective study of tobacco use among Swedish twins

We investigated patterns of cigarette smoking and Swedish snus (oral smokeless tobacco) use in a population-based sample of 19,073 Swedish twins 20-47 years old who participated in the baseline assessment of a prospective study of tobacco use and cessation in 2005-2006. Age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI ) describe the association between tobacco use and sex, after adjustment for non-independence of twin pairs. Kaplan-Meier survival methods produced cumulative incidence curves of age at initiation of tobacco use. Slightly more than half of the baseline population was female (55.2%); the mean age at interview was 33.3 (+/-7.2) years and did not differ by sex. Having ever smoked daily was less common among males than females (11.9% vs. 15.3%; POR = 0.70 [0.64-0.77]), while having ever used snus daily was more common among males than females (31.1% vs. 4.8%; POR 11.7 [95% CI = 10.6-13.1]). The median age at initiation of smoking was 15 years for both sexes; median age at onset of snus use was 15 years for males and 18 years for females. Nicotine dependence scores were higher for males than females, and for current than former smokers. Findings from this study are in contrast to our previously published report on tobacco use among 32,123 Swedish twins 42-64 years old who completed a similar survey, and reported lower rates of snus use at later ages. Patterns of tobacco use may be changing in Sweden; snus use appears to be increasing, while daily smoking appears to be decreasing in popularity among the younger Swedish twins.

The association between diabetes mellitus and the prevalence of intermittent claudication: the HUNT study

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence of intermittent claudication (IC). Between 1995 and 1997, all residents aged 20 years or older in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway were mailed an invitation to participate in a health survey (HUNT 2). A total of 19,712 participants aged 40-69 years old completed and returned the questionnaire included with the invitation. They also attended an examination where brachial blood pressure was measured and non-fasting venous blood was collected. The venous blood sample was subsequently analysed for concentrations of blood lipids. Responses to 12 questions on IC were previously tested against ankle blood pressure measurements (ABPI < 0.9) and the algorithm with the best test properties was used to identify individuals with IC. Participants reported a history of DM by simple questions in the questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was then used to compute age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios for the association between exposure variables and the prevalence of IC. Potential confounding by smoking, blood lipids and brachial blood pressure was investigated in multivariate analyses. For both sexes IC was more common in individuals with DM (OR(women) = 3.8, CI, 1.9-7.6; OR(men) = 2.8, CI, 1.4-5.8) compared to participants without DM. Adjustment for smoking, blood lipids and brachial blood pressure did not substantially change these results. In conclusion, the prevalence of IC was more than three times higher in patients with DM compared to non-diabetic participants.

Gender differences in workers with identical repetitive industrial tasks: exposure and musculoskeletal disorders

For unknown reasons, females run a higher risk than males of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether male and female workers, with identical repetitive work tasks, differ concerning risk of disorders, physical or psychosocial exposures. Employees in two industries were studied; one rubber manufacturing and one mechanical assembly plant. These industries were selected since in both, large groups of males and females worked side by side performing identical repetitive work tasks. Physical exposure was measured by technical equipment. Postures and movements were registered by inclinometry for the head and upper arms, and by electrogoniometry for the wrists. Muscular activity (muscular rest and %max) was registered by surface electromyography for m. trapezius and the forearm extensors (18 males and 19 females). Psychosocial work environment was evaluated by the demand-control-support model (85 males and 138 females). Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed (105 males and 172 females), by interview (last 7-days complaints), and by physical examination (diagnoses). Concerning physical exposure, females showed higher muscular activity related to maximal voluntary contractions [(%MVE); m. trapezius: females 18 (SD 9.2), males 12 (SD 4.3); forearm extensors: females 39 (SD 11), males 27 (SD 10), right side, 90th percentile]. Working postures and movements were similar between genders. Also, concerning psychosocial work environment, no significant gender differences were found. Females had higher prevalences of disorders [complaints: age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-3.8) for neck/shoulders, 2.4 (1.4-4.0) for elbows/hands; diagnoses: neck/shoulder 1.9 (1.1-3.6), elbows/hands 4.1 (1.2-9.3)]. In 225 workers, PORs were adjusted for household work, personal recovery and exercise, which only slightly affected the risk estimates. In identical work tasks, females showed substantially higher muscular activity in relation to capacity, and higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity, than did males.

Arsenic and non-malignant lung disease

Many aquifers in various parts of the world have been found to be contaminated with arsenic at concentration above 0.05 mg/L. However reports of large number of affected people in India and Bangladesh are unprecedented. Characteristic skin lesions (pigmentation, depigmentation and keratosis) are the hallmark signs of chronic arsenic toxicity. Emerging evidences show that ingestion of arsenic through drinking water may also lead to non-malignant respiratory effects. Early report of non-malignant pulmonary effect of chronic ingestion of arsenic was available from studies in children in Chile as early as 1970. However on the basis of case studies, respiratory effect of chronic arsenic toxicity in adults following dinking of arsenic contaminated water in West Bengal was first reported in 1997. Epidemiological studies carried out in West Bengal on a population of 7683 showed that the prevalence odds ratio (POR) estimates were markedly increased for participants with arsenic induced skin lesions who also had high levels of arsenic in their current drinking water source (≥0.5 mg/L) compared with individuals who had normal skin and were exposed to low levels of arsenic (< 0.05 mg/L). In participants with skin lesions, age-adjusted POR estimates for chronic cough were 7.8 for females (95% CI:3.1–19.5) and 5.0 for males (95% CI:2.6–9.9). In Bangladesh, similar study carried out on a population of 218 showed that the crude prevalence ratio for chronic bronchitis was found to be 10.3 (95% CI:2.4–43.1) for females and 1.6 (95% CI:0.8–3.1) for males. Reports of lung function tests were available from both hospital and population based studies. Results show evidences of restrictive, obstructive and combined obstructive and restrictive lung disease in different people having chronic lung disease associated with chronic arsenic toxicity. On the basis of clinical study, chest X-ray and HRCT done in Arsenicosis patients with features of chronic lung disease, the abnormalities observed were varied. Evidences of obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis were found in some of the cases. Results of studies carried out on people showing features of Arsenicosis due to drinking arsenic contaminated water provide evidence that arsenic is a potent respiratory toxicant, even following ingestion.

The Inverse Association of Elevated Serum Bilirubin Levels with Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis

Background: Serum bilirubin is negatively associated with the development of coronary heart disease. In the present study, we have focused on the analysis of intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery in hyper- and normobilirubinemic subjects. Methods: The study was performed on 111 men without manifested atherosclerosis. In all subjects, complete biochemical tests were determined along with the examination of IMT by carotid ultrasound. Results: The mean IMT in hyperbilirubinemic subjects as compared with controls was substantially lower (p = 0.017), and hyperbilirubinemic men also had very low age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios for having IMT above the 50th percentiles of controls, even after adjustment for selected vascular risk factors (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In the present study, we demonstrate the inverse relationship between serum bilirubin and IMT in healthy men.

The association between smoking and the prevalence of intermittent claudication

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between smoking and the prevalence of intermittent claudication (IC). Between 1995 and 1997, all residents aged 20 years or older in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway, were invited to take part in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (Helseundersøkelsen i Nord-Trøndelag: HUNT 2). A total of 19748 participants aged 40-69 years attended. Responses to 12 questions on IC (including a Norwegian translation of the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire) had been previously tested against the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI < 0.9), and an algorithm of the best test properties was used to identify people with IC. Using logistic regression analysis we computed age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios (OR) for the association between smoking and IC. Both current (ORmen = 3.8, confidence interval (CI) 2.1-6.7, ORwomen = 2.2, CI 1.4-3.4) and former smokers (ORmen = 1.7, CI 0.9-3.2, ORwomen = 1.7, CI 1.1-2.7) had a higher prevalence of IC compared with those who had never smoked, and individuals who had stopped smoking more than 20 years previously had a substantially lower prevalence of IC (ORmen = 0.2, CI 0.1-0.5, ORwomen = 0.4, CI 0.2-0.8) than current smokers. We found no association between passive smoking and IC in either men or women. Current and previous smoking habits were positively associated with the prevalence of IC, and smoking cessation was negatively associated in men and women. Passive smoking was not associated with IC in this study.

Chronic Inflammation May Predispose to the Development of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias.

Background: It has been hypothesized that chronic antigenic stimulation in response to chronic inflammation or infection may predispose to the development of plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD) including multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative databases we explored associations between PCD and chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), psoriasis, asthma, the chronic infections hepatitis C (HEPC) and hepatitis B (HEPB), as well as history of agent orange exposure (AO).Methods: To identify a source population of veterans who are regular users of the VA system for medical care, we gathered data on patients seen in the inpatient or outpatient setting with a diagnosis of hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM) or coronary artery disease (CAD) between Oct 1, 1996 and Sept 30, 2003. This source population represents more than 70% of all users of the VA healthcare system. Within this population, we identified from ICD-9 codes all prevalent cases of PCD inclusive of MM and MGUS and also current diagnoses of RA, HEPB, HEPC, IBD, psoriasis and asthma. Agent Orange (AO) exposure was ascertained through administrative records. Crude and age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios for associations with PCD are reported.Results: The source population consisted of 4,050,741 veterans who visited the VA Healthcare System nationwide during this time period. Of these patients, 12,936 (0.32%) carried a diagnosis of PCD, including either multiple myeloma or MGUS or both. Odds ratios are presented in Table I.Table I: Associations of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias and Inflammatory ConditionsChronic Condition# of casesCrude OR (95% CI)Age-adjusted OR (95% CI)RA925112.20 (2.03,2.39)2.15 (1.98,2.32)Hepatitis B229582.03 (1.72,2.38)3.07 (2.60,3.61)Hepatitis C1166151.40 (1.28,1.53)2.326 (2.12,2.55)IBD26752.83 (1.89,4.23)3.26 (2.18,4.87)Asthma1837531.19 (1.10,1.29)1.30 (1.20,1.40)Psoriasis766971.43 (1.29,1.59)1.42 (1.28,1.58)BPH9892711.81 (1.75,1.88)1.53 (1.47,1.58)Agent Orange697101.62 (1.45,1.80)2.37 (2.07,2.58)Conclusions: We have identified strong associations (OR > 2) between plasma cell dyscrasias and inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, IBD and the chronic infections hepatitis B and C. Agent Orange exposure (already known to be associated with plasma cell dyscrasias) served as the positive control and had an age adjusted OR of 2.37. We suspect that residual confounding may be responsible for what appears to be a weak association with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Asthma and psoriasis do not appear to have a strong association with the development of plasma cell dyscrasias. A detailed ethnic and age adjusted analysis that includes other inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions is underway in an effort to identify other associations. This study provides a basis for future research efforts focused on identifying cytokine pathways that may link these disorders and subsequently serve as targets for novel interventions to prevent the development or progression of plasma cell dyscrasias.

Correlates of vitamin supplement use in the United States: data from the California Teachers Study cohort.

To describe factors associated with vitamin supplement use in a large cohort of adult women. California teachers and administrators (n = 133,479) completed a questionnaire on lifestyle factors and medical history. Specific supplement users regularly used at least one specific vitamin supplement in the past year; multivitamin users regularly used a multivitamin; and multivitamin and specific supplement users took a multivitamin and one or more specific supplements. Associations between supplement use and other variables were quantified using means, cross-tabulations, and age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios. Multivitamin and specific supplement users tended to be older and Caucasian. Compared to non-users, they were also leaner (odds ratio [OR] for BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 = 0.6 for specific supplement users with or without multivitamins, and OR = 0.7 for multivitamin only users), and were less likely to be current smokers (OR for current smoking = 0.8 for multivitamin plus specific supplement users, OR = 0.9 for specific supplement only users, and OR = 0.7 for multivitamin only users). Specific supplement users (with or without multivitamins) were more likely to use cancer screening tests, eat fruits and vegetables, and exercise than were multivitamin only users or non-users. A variety of demographic, dietary, and health-related factors were associated with different categories of supplement use.

Arsenic in drinking water and the prevalence of respiratory effects in West Bengal, India.

A large population in West Bengal, India has been exposed to naturally occurring inorganic arsenic through their drinking water. A cross-sectional survey involving 7683 participants of all ages was conducted in an arsenic-affected region between April 1995 and March 1996. The main focus of the study was skin keratoses and pigmentation alterations, two characteristic signs of ingested inorganic arsenic. Strong exposure-response gradients were found for these skin lesions. The study also collected limited information concerning respiratory system signs and symptoms, which we report here because increasing evidence suggests that arsenic ingestion also causes pulmonary effects. Participants were clinically examined and interviewed, and the arsenic content in their current primary drinking water source was measured. There were few smokers and analyses were confined to non-smokers (N = 6864 participants). Among both males and females, the prevalence of cough, shortness of breath, and chest sounds (crepitations and/or rhonchi) in the lungs rose with increasing arsenic concentrations in drinking water. These respiratory effects were most pronounced in individuals with high arsenic water concentrations who also had skin lesions. Prevalence odds ratio (POR) estimates were markedly increased for participants with arsenic-induced skin lesions who also had high levels of arsenic in their current drinking water source (> or = 500 microg/l) compared with individuals who had normal skin and were exposed to low levels of arsenic (<50 microg/l). In participants with skin lesions, the age-adjusted POR estimates for cough were 7.8 for females (95% CI : 3.1-19.5) and 5.0 for males (95% CI : 2.6-9.9); for chest sounds POR for females was 9.6 (95% CI : 4.0-22.9) and for males 6.9 (95% CI : 3.1-15.0). The POR for shortness of breath in females was 23.2 (95% CI : 5.8-92.8) and in males 3.7 (95% CI : 1.3-10.6). These results add to evidence that long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic can cause respiratory effects.

Impact of physical exposure on neck and upper limb disorders in female workers

Physical workload [muscular load of the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles using electromyography (EMG), wrist positions and movements by electrogoniometers] and neck and upper limb disorders (from, for example, a physical examination) were studied in women with repetitive industrial work ( n=95) and referents ( n=74). The repetitive work displayed higher ratings for wrist movements, but not for EMG. The prevalences of neck, shoulder and wrist/hand disorders were elevated for women with repetitive work [age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORs) 2.0–7.5]. For the left hand, high frequency of wrist movements (mean power frequency 0.53 Hz) was associated with a high prevalence of disorders (56%), as compared to low (0.28 Hz and 26%; POR 3.5). We found no consistent and significant effect of muscular load, on either neck or shoulder disorders. However, selection and other bias may have diminished our possibility to observe such effects. Psychosocial work environment factors were not confounding the results. Measurements of wrist movements may be used for identification of high-risk work tasks.

Family History and Risk of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones develop more frequently in individuals with a family history of kidney stones than in those without a family history; however, little information is available regarding whether the increased risk is attributable to genetic factors, environmental exposures, or some combination. In this report, the relation between family history and risk of kidney stone formation was studied in a cohort of 37,999 male participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Information on family history, kidney stone formation, and other exposures of interest, including dietary intake, was obtained by mailed questionnaires. A family history of kidney stones was much more common in men with a personal history of stones at baseline in 1986 than in those without a history of stones (age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio, 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.90 to 3.45). During 8 yr of follow-up, 795 incident cases of stones were documented. After adjusting for a variety of risk factors, the relative risk of incident stone formation in men with a positive family history, compared with those without, was 2.57 (95% CI, 2.19 to 3.02). Family history did not modify the inverse association between dietary calcium intake and the risk of stone formation. These results suggest that a family history of kidney stones substantially increases the risk of stone formation. In addition, these data suggest that dietary calcium restriction may increase the risk of stone formation, even among individuals with a family history of kidney stones.

Body size and risk of kidney stones.

A variety of factors influence the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones, including gender, diet, and urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Several of these factors may be related to body size. Because men on average have a larger body size and a threefold higher lifetime risk of stone formation than women, body size may be an important risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation. The association between body size (height, weight, and body mass index) and the risk of kidney stone formation was studied in two large cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; n = 89,376 women) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS; n = 51,529 men). Information on body size, kidney stone formation, and other exposures of interest was obtained by mailed questionnaires. A total of 1078 incident cases of kidney stones in NHS during 14 yr of follow-up and a total of 956 cases in HPFS during 8 yr of follow-up were confirmed. In both cohorts, the prevalence of a stone disease history and the incidence of stone disease were directly associated with weight and body mass index. However, the magnitude of the associations was consistently greater among women. Specifically, the age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio for women with body mass index > or = 32 kg/m2 compared with 21 to 22.9 kg/m2 was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.50 to 2.07), but 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 1.65) for the same comparison in men. For incident stone formation, the multivariate relative risks for the similar comparisons were 1.89 (1.51 to 2.36) for women and 1.19 (0.83 to 1.70) in men. Height was inversely associated with the prevalence of stone disease but was not associated with incident stone formation. These results suggest that body size is associated with the risk of stone formation and that the magnitude of risk varies by gender. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether a reduction in body weight decreases the risk of stone formation, particularly in women.

Family status and self-reported health in West Germany

The goal of the study was to examine the association between family status and several health-related variables, such as perceived general health, health behavior and self-reported morbidity. Data were derived from Health Surveys conducted in West Germany in the framework of the German Cardiovascular Prevention Study. 25'229 males and 26'097 females, aged 25 to 69 years, were examined. Age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios, calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis, were used as effect measure. The reference category was "married, living with partner" throughout. For most health-related variables significantly higher prevalence odds ratios, indicating unhealthy conditions, were observed for "singles", including persons never married, persons living separated, and divorced or widowed persons. Two or more unhealthy health behaviors were found most frequently for divorced persons of either sex. Age-adjusted odds ratios for self-reporting of three or more chronic diseases were 1.31 (p < 0.01) for divorced males, and 1.66 (p < 0.001) for divorced females. Both men and women who were divorced or separated were characterized by an unfavourable health profile.

Family history and risk of kidney stones.

Kidney stones develop more frequently in individuals with a family history of kidney stones than in those without a family history; however, little information is available regarding whether the increased risk is attributable to genetic factors, environmental exposures, or some combination. In this report, the relation between family history and risk of kidney stone formation was studied in a cohort of 37,999 male participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Information on family history, kidney stone formation, and other exposures of interest, including dietary intake, was obtained by mailed questionnaires. A family history of kidney stones was much more common in men with a personal history of stones at baseline in 1986 than in those without a history of stones (age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio, 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.90 to 3.45). During 8 yr of follow-up, 795 incident cases of stones were documented. After adjusting for a variety of risk factors, the relative risk of incident stone formation in men with a positive family history, compared with those without, was 2.57 (95% CI, 2.19 to 3.02). Family history did not modify the inverse association between dietary calcium intake and the risk of stone formation. These results suggest that a family history of kidney stones substantially increases the risk of stone formation. In addition, these data suggest that dietary calcium restriction may increase the risk of stone formation, even among individuals with a family history of kidney stones.