Community-based Prevention Measures Research Articles

The Epidemiology of Geriatric Fractures: A Nationwide Analysis of 1 Million Fractures

ObjectiveFractures among the geriatric population impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. This study aims to investigate the incidence and distribution of fractures among geriatric individuals over seven years, analyzing changes by age and sex. The findings will inform national healthcare strategies for addressing the growing impact of geriatric fractures. Materials and MethodsElectronic health records from a nationwide personal health records system were analyzed, focusing on ICD-10 codes for fractures. Recurrent codes for the same patients within three months were excluded. Patients were categorized into three age groups (65-74, 75-84, and 85+ years), and fractures were grouped anatomically. Incidence rates for specific fracture locations were calculated based on the actual population at risk annually. Incidence rates were further stratified by sex and age groups using Turkey's age- and sex-specific populations. ResultsA total of 1,004,663 geriatric fractures (66.9% female, 33.1% male) were identified over seven years. The overall fracture incidence among the geriatric population was 1.9% (1910/100,000). Hip fractures were the most common (25.2%), followed by wrist (15%) and lumbar-pelvic fractures (11.9%). Femur fractures were predominant in the 75-84 and 85+ age groups, while wrist fractures were more common in the 65-74 age group. Fracture incidences generally increased with age, except for ankle, foot, and toe fractures, which decreased with age for both sexes (p<0.05). The male/female ratio was lowest for wrist, elbow, and humeral shaft fractures (1:3.2, 1:2.7, and 1:2.7, respectively). The lowest overall fracture incidence was observed in 2020 (1568/100,000), while the highest was in 2017 (2523/100,000). ConclusionWith Turkey's aging population, the socioeconomic impact of geriatric fractures is anticipated to rise. Fracture patterns and incidence vary by age and sex among geriatric individuals. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare planning and the development of community-based preventive measures tailored to specific fracture locations and demographics.

A review of dengue transmission and dengue therapy among people

Dengue fever is a significant threat to global health, caused by the dengue virus and transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. It is crucial to understand the transmission dynamics of the virus to develop effective control and prevention strategies. Epidemiological studies have provided valuable insights into outbreaks' spread patterns, risk factors, and nature. These are essential for targeted interventions such as vector control, reducing human-mosquito contact, and community-based preventive measures. At the same time, there is a pressing need to develop effective therapies to alleviate the disease burden and reduce mortality associated with dengue outbreaks. Current therapeutic research focuses on antiviral treatments, supportive care strategies, and vaccine development to combat the diverse clinical manifestations of dengue. To address the multifaceted challenges of dengue, there must be a concerted effort toward developing robust preventive measures, innovative therapies, and enhanced diagnostic tools. A comprehensive understanding of its transmission dynamics coupled with effective therapeutic interventions is pivotal in pursuing dengue control and mitigation, as it poses a formidable global health challenge.

Recurrent West Nile virus outbreak in the United States in 2022: Current challenges and recommendations

West Nile virus (WNV) has afflicted various countries around the world, affecting not only humans but also non-human animals, such as horses and birds. WNV is an arbovirus that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. The WNV epidemic was initially localized to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. An outbreak of WNV recently occurred in the United States (US), and is currently ongoing. This article aims to elucidate the trajectory of this ongoing outbreak in the US to inform efforts to control the recurring infection. As of November 15, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 913 cases of WNV in humans in the US, of which 639 (70%) were categorized as neuroinvasive and 274 (30%) were categorized as non-neuroinvasive disease. Health authorities should swiftly act before WNV reaches a severe level, to prevent aggravation of existing challenges amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 and monkeypox pandemics in the US. Decreasing breeding habitats, ongoing surveillance of mosquito larvae, biological and microbial larval control methods (fish and copepods), chemical control methods (larvicides), controlling adult mosquito vector populations (hot or cold aerosols), and active practice of community-based preventive measures may avoid widespread outbreaks of WNV in the US. This brief article discusses the ongoing outbreak of WNV in the US, and highlights epidemiological and preventive measures related to WNV infection.

Antibiotic resistance, biofilm forming ability, and clonal profiling of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from southern and northeastern India.

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen endemic in India and sometimes deadly for patients in intensive care units. To determine the antibiotic-resistance pattern, biofilm forming ability, and clonal type of S. aureus from isolates collected in Tamil Nadu (south) and the Mizoram (northeast) regions of India. We collected S. aureus isolates from diagnostic laboratories in Tamil Nadu and Mizoram. An antibiotic susceptibility test was performed according to Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute methods. Antibiotic-resistant determinants such as mecA, mecC, blaZ, vanA, vanB, and vanC were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All isolates were further studied for biofilm forming ability. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR was used for clonal analysis. A study of 206 clinical isolates showed 52.9% prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in Tamil Nadu and 49.4% in Mizoram. Minimum inhibitory concentration tests showed a high prevalence of 67% oxacillin resistance in isolates from Tamil Nadu and 49% in isolates from Mizoram. PCR showed 53% mecA in Tamil Nadu and 49% mecA in Mizoram. Vancomycin-intermediate resistance S. aureus (VISA) prevalence was lower in isolates from Tamil Nadu (4%) and Mizoram (5%). All methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates formed biofilms. Clonal analysis revealed a genetic relatedness between the isolates. The prevalence of MRSA is high in the regions studied, with most of the clinical isolates being multidrug resistant. Adopting appropriate community-based preventive measures and establishing antimicrobial stewardship is highly recommended to minimize the dissemination in antibiotic resistance.

Avoidable healthcare costs of spinning-induced rhabdomyolysis: a case series.

Spinning-induced rhabdomyolysis (SIR) is a well documented cause of exertional rhabdomyolysis. We aim to raise awareness and to call for preventive action towards avoidable healthcare costs associated with SIR. To this end, we describe three cases of SIR, associated healthcare costs and possible preventive strategies. We propose that community-based preventive measures should be considered in addressing the economic consequences of SIR.

The Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) in London: Countering Overseas Terrorist Financing and Support with “Nudge” and Situational Approaches

ABSTRACT Overseas diasporas have long been exploited by terrorist organisations seeking funding and support from areas beyond their operation. The Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), active in south-eastern Turkey, is no exception and maintains a significant international presence. This paper uses seventy-three survey responses and thirteen interviews amongst London’s Turkish and Kurdish diaspora to provide an original and comprehensive insight into the PKK’s overseas operations, including their offending patterns, methods, hotspots, offender/victim profiles and existing countermeasures. Respondents were also consulted on new community-based prevention measures designed to address limited law enforcement responses and the laissez-faire approaches of diaspora host countries. This strategy, which combines crime science and behavioural economic theories, consists of Clarke’s “Situational Crime Prevention” theory and Thaler and Sunstein’s “Nudge” theory (SCP+N). The results indicate that the PKK creates criminal opportunities by “legitimising” itself across diasporas by invoking ideological sympathy and social dependence (conceptualised as “constructed legitimisers”), ensuring minimal resistance to its activities. SCP+N is motivated as an effective counterstrategy, addressing both the rational and impulsive nature of offending. The overall theoretical contribution of this paper is to assess overseas terrorist financing through a prevention-oriented, situational and behavioural framework, and to propose a community-based strategy to effectively counter such activities.

Relationship between patient understanding and timeliness of penicillin prophylaxis in rheumatic heart disease prevention programmes in American Samoa.

While mostly eradicated in developed nations, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still the leading cause of preventable cardiovascular disease in children. RHD and its antecedent acute rheumatic fever remain endemic in many low to middle income countries, as well as in vulnerable communities in wealthy ones. Evidence-based interventions are particularly important in resource-poor settings. We sought to determine if efforts directed at patient and family education impact degree of participation in community-based prevention measures, and with short-term disease progression. We performed an observational, cross-sectional study of children with RHD aged 5-19 years, along with their parents, in American Samoa. A survey was administered in November 2016 to assess patient and parent knowledge of RHD. Scores were compared to percent timeliness of penicillin prophylaxis via chart review. We collected a total of 70 surveys of child-parent dyads with a patient mean age of 14.28 years ±2.71. An increased knowledge score was predictive of increased penicillin compliance for both children (12.70% increase in compliance per 1-unit increase in score (P = 0.0004)) and parents (10.10% increase in compliance per 1-unit increase in score (P = 0.0012)). A clear relationship exists between patient and parent knowledge of RHD and timeliness of penicillin prophylaxis doses. This study was the first to link patient understanding of RHD to engagement with preventative measures.

How to Defend COVID-19 in Taiwan? Talk about People's Disease Awareness, Attitudes, Behaviors and the Impact of Physical and Mental Health.

This study explored awareness, attitudes, and behavior in relation to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention among Taiwanese citizens and their physical and mental health statuses. Through collection of 2132 questionnaire responses in field research, the present researchers analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and various approaches. In conclusion, the public’s high level of willingness to share information, sufficient knowledge of and consensus on epidemic prevention between individuals and families, strict compliance with relevant regulations, effective preventive measures, and adequate public facilities have contributed to control of COVID-19. However, vigilance and awareness of the pandemic in some individuals, epidemic-prevention campaigns, and community-based preventive measures were insufficient. Some citizens subsequently suffered from headaches, anxiety, and mood instability. Furthermore, demographic variables (place of residence, sex, age, and occupation) and physical and mental health status produced various effects on citizens’ awareness, attitude, and behavior regarding epidemic prevention as well as the perceived effect of COVID-19 on physical and mental health.

A Population-Based Approach to Mapping Vulnerability to Diabetes.

Of the 382 million people worldwide with diabetes, and if current trends continue, nearly half a billion people worldwide will have diabetes by 2035. Two-thirds of current diabetics are living in urban centers and the urban concentration of individuals with diabetes is on the rise. The problem is that in the absence of widespread clinical testing, there is no reliable way to predict which segments of the population are the most vulnerable to the onset of diabetes. Knowing who the most vulnerable are, and where they live, can guide the efficient allocation of prevention resources. Toward this end, we introduce the concept of composite vulnerability, which includes both group and individual-level attributes, and we provide a demonstration of its application to a large urban setting. The components of composite vulnerability are estimated using a novel, population-based, procedure that relies on sample survey data and nonparametric statistical techniques. First, cluster analysis identified three multivariate profiles of adult residents with type 2 diabetes, based on 35 socioeconomic indicators. Second, the undiagnosed population was screened for vulnerability based on their resemblance or fit to these multivariate profiles. Geographic neighborhoods with high concentrations of “vulnerables” could then be identified. In parallel, recursive partitioning found the best predictors of type 2 diabetes in this urban population, combined them with indicators of disadvantage, and applied them to residents in the selected neighborhoods to establish relative levels of composite vulnerability. Neighborhoods with high concentrations of residents manifesting composite vulnerability can be easily identified for targeting community-based prevention measures.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among Elementary School Girls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Aim To assess caries prevalence among 6- to 9-year-old female children in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and compare between results based on nationality and age levels. Materials and methods A total of 17,891 female students from 120 public female elementary schools in Riyadh city were examined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. The decayed [dt], missing due to caries [mt], and filled [ft] primary teeth (dmft) index and its components were measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test, and Chi-squared test were used to determine the significance differences, at α = 0.05. Results The overall mean [dt] for all children was 3.89 [standard deviation (SD) 3.38], which increased to 5.0 (SD 3.02) when excluding children without active caries. The mean dmft was 5.69 (SD 4.0). However, excluding children with dmft = 0, the mean dmft was raised to 6.41 (SD 3.65). The caries prevalence was 88.82%. The non-Saudi children showed slightly higher values compared with Saudi children. However, statistically, there were only significant differences in values of [dt] mean, dt = 0, and [ft] mean (p &lt; 0.05). The dmft index was higher for 7- to 8-year-old group (5.81, SD 3.98) followed by the 8- to 9-year-old group (5.79, SD 3.79) and the 6- to 7-year-old group (5.47, SD 4.18). However, there were no statistically significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) between 7- to 8-year-old and 8- to 9-year-old children. The 6- to 7-year-old children were statistically different from the 7- to 8 and 8- to 9-year-old children. Conclusion The dental caries prevalence among the study population was high, with the majority of children having untreated caries. This highlights the need for initiating deliberate community-based preventive measures for improvement in public health education and services provided. How to cite this article Alshiha SA, Alwayli HM, Hattan MA, Alfraih YK, Alamri AA, Aldossary MS. Prevalence of Dental Caries among Elementary School Girls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Survey. J Oral Health Comm Dent 2017;11(2):29-33.

English

Background and Aim: Hepatitis B continues to pose a tremendous burden of disease globally. Information is very scarce on the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Davangere. This study was carried out to assess the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBs Ag) among patients attending a tertiary care centre in Davangere. Method: This is a retrospective study in which patients tested for HBV using HBsAg as a marker were reviewed over six months. A total of 1602 patients comprising of 982 males and 620 females in the age groups 15 to 65 years (yrs) were tested for HBsAg from March 2011 to August 2011 using a commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test kit. HBsAg seroprevalence rate of patients was calculated and stratified by age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-Square test and Confidence Intervals(CI).Results: The study showed that, out of 1602 patients tested,58 (3.62 %) were HBsAg positive (95% CI: 2.7-4.5).Higher prevalence of HBsAg was found among males (4.79%)than females (1.77%)(p =0.002).The age specific prevalence rate rose from 1.85%( 95% CI:0.4-3.2) in patients aged 15-25 yrs to a maximum of 5.74%(95% CI:3.09-8.39) in patients aged 46-55 yrs and decreased in older age groups(p<0.001).The peaks were detected in male patients aged 46-55yrs and in females aged 36-45 yrs. Jaundice was present in 8.62%(5/58) of HBsAg positive patients. Conclusion: It was found that variables such as age and sex were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. HBsAg seropositivity in our study population was significant enough to implement strict community-based preventive measures and improved strategies for vaccination programmes.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-B VIRUS IN MID AND FAR WESTERN REGION IN NEPAL

Hepatitis B is significant health problems that might involve the late sequel of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study aimed to know the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in mid and far western region in Nepal with various clinical conditions.This was a retrospective study conducted in mid and far western region in Nepal, which was performed in the Central Laboratory of Microbiology at Nepalgunj Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Banke, Nepal during the period of September 2010 to April 2012. The serum samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) by Sandwich immunoassay. Total 7010 patients including 43.72% male and 56.28% female were tested for HBsAg. Of them, 135 were positive and 6875 were negative.In 135 positive cases 84 (62.22%) were male and 51 (37.77% )were female. In 6875 negative cases 2981 were male and 3894 were female. The seroprevalence rate of HBV was 1.93% in mid and far western region in Nepal. Seroprevalence of HBV seems to be higher in male then the female; it was 2.75% in male and 1.29% in female.The study revealed that the seroprevalence of HBV was alarmingly higher in such a population, which probably reflects a high background prevalence of HBV infections should be taken into consideration and Implementation of community-based preventive measures and improved strategies for safe blood supply might prove useful to decrease the seroprevalence.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in blood donors: A study from regional blood transfusion services of Nepal

Background and Objective:Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are significant health problems that might involve the late sequel of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors poses an increased risk of window period transmission through blood transfusion. The present study aimed to know the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among blood donors in regional blood transfusion services of Nepal.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study conducted among blood donors in Banke (5,211), Morang (5,351), and Kaski (5,995) blood transfusion services. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid enzyme immunoassays. The donors information was collected via the donor record register through their respective blood transfusion services. The software “Winpepi ver 3.8” was used for statistical analysis.Results:The seroprevalence rate of HBV was highest in the Banke (1.2%) followed by Biratnagar (0.87%) and Kaski (0.35%) (P < 0.0001). The seroprevalence of HCV was highest in the Morang (0.26%) followed by Kaski (0.16%) and Banke (0.11%) (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of HBV was significantly higher than HCV in all three blood transfusion services. The burden of HBV as well as HCV seems to be higher in male donors (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The study revealed that the seroprevalence of HBV was alarmingly higher in two of the three blood transfusion services. Implementation of community-based preventive measures and improved strategies for safe blood supply might prove useful to decrease the seroprevalence.

The effects of zooprophylaxis and other mosquito control measures against malaria in Nouna, Burkina Faso

BackgroundIn the absence of large scale, organized vector control programmes, individual protective measures against mosquitoes are essential for reducing the transmission of diseases like malaria. Knowledge of the types and effectiveness of mosquito control methods used by households can aid in the development and promotion of preventive measures.MethodsA matched, population-based case control study was carried out in the semi-urban region of Nouna, Burkina Faso. Surveys and mosquito captures were conducted for each participating household. Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression and Pearson's product-moment correlations.ResultsIn Nouna, Burkina Faso, the main types of reported mosquito control measures used included sleeping under bed nets (insecticide-treated and untreated) and burning mosquito coils. Most of the study households kept animals within the compound or house at night. Insecticide house sprays, donkeys, rabbits and pigs were significantly associated with a reduced risk of malaria only in univariate analyses.ConclusionGiven the conflicting results of the effects of zooprophylaxis from previous studies, other community-based preventive measures, such as bed nets, coils and insecticide house-spraying, may be of more benefit.

The sentinel chicken revisited: the impact of West Nile virus infection on transplant patients.

The sentinel chicken revisited: the impact of West Nile virus infection on transplant patients.

Prevalence of alcohol consumption, abuse and dependence in a country with high per capita consumption: findings from the German TACOS study

The aim of the Transitions in Alcohol Consumption and Smoking (TACOS) project is to investigate substance use and use disorders in the adult general population in a region of the under-researched north of Germany, focussing on smoking and alcohol consumption. In this study, the design and quality assurance provisions of the baseline cross-section of the longitudinal project are described. Prevalence rates of alcohol use disorders, consumption pattern, and the nature of their association are also analysed with regard to preventive strategies. A random sample of 4075 participants, aged 18 to 64 and drawn from residents registration office files, was interviewed with a DSM-IV adapted version of WHO CIDI. Fieldwork resulted in a response rate of 70.2% and an unbiased database with regard to demographic characteristics. Low lifetime prevalence of alcohol use disorders (4.5% abuse, 3.8% dependence) and hazardous consumption (13.2% lifetime; 6.0% 12-month) was found compared to southern regions of Germany and US American data. In contrast, we found a comparatively high percentage of moderate alcohol uses. Male subjects are more affected by lifetime alcohol use disorders (abuse OR 8.3, 95% CI 5.3-13.2; dependence OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.8-6.4). The association between alcohol use disorders and alcohol consumption pattern revealed a weaker relation for alcohol abuse compared to dependence. National and regional drinking habits and norms have to be considered as a significant source of variance, supporting the need for European epidemiological research on substance use in addition to US American activities, and emphasising the advantages of community-based preventive measures. An evaluation of public recommendations for safe limits of alcohol consumption and prevention targets referring to average consumption is indicated. There is also a need for a clear distinction between alcohol abuse and dependence.