Fjordane County Research Articles

Helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) activity after increased distance to out-of-hours services: an observational study from Norway

BackgroundOrganizational changes in out-of-hour (OOH) services may have unintended consequences for other prehospital services. Reports indicate an increased use of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) after changes in OOH services in Norway due to greater geographical distances for the on-call doctors. We investigated whether HEMS dispatches increased when nine municipalities in Sogn og Fjordane County merged into one large inter-municipal OOH district.MethodsAll primary dispatches of the HEMS in the county between 2004 and 2013 were included. We applied interrupted time series regression to monthly aggregated data to evaluate the impact of the organizational change 1 April 2009. The nine target municipalities were compared to the rest of the municipalities in the county, which served as a control group. A quasipoisson model adjusted for seasonality was found to be most applicable.ResultsWe included 8,751 dispatches, 5,009 (57.2%) of which were completed with a patient encounter. Overall, we found no alteration in requests for HEMS after 2009 (p = 0.251). Separate analyses of the target municipalities and control group revealed no significant increase after 2009 (p = 0.400 and p = 0.056, respectively). When categorizing the municipalities into urban or rural, we found a general increase in HEMS dispatches for the rural group over the 10-year span (p = 0.045) but no added increase after 2009 (p = 0.502). The urban subgroup showed no change. Distance from the OOH service in regards to travel increased within the nine municipalities after 2009, median [quartiles] (5.0[3.0, 6.2] km vs 26.5[5.0, 62.2] km, p < 0.001).ConclusionAfter relocating nine local OOH services into one large inter-municipal OOH district, we found no increase in requests for HEMS.

Effects of the Active Smarter Kids (ASK) physical activity intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in children: A cluster-randomized controlled trial

The onset of cardiometabolic diseases are recognized to occur in childhood. We aimed to investigate the effect of a school-based cluster-randomized controlled trial of physical activity (PA) on single and clustered cardiometabolic risk factors.We included 1129 fifth-grade children from 57 schools (≥seven children in each class) in Sogn and Fjordane County, Norway, randomized to 28 intervention schools and 29 control schools. The PA intervention was conducted between November 2014 and June 2015. Cardiometabolic risk factors were waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC):high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-ratio, triglycerides (TG), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-score, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). PA was measured by accelerometry.No significant intervention effects were found for single or clustered cardiometabolic risk factors. However, in children with the less favorable baseline values, beneficial effects were found for SBP (p = 0.07 for group ∗ tertile interaction), TC:HDL ratio (p = 0.03 for group ∗ tertile interaction) and the clustered cardiometabolic risk score (p = 0.01 for group ∗ tertile interaction). Compared to boys, girls had a greater effect of the intervention on WC (p = 0.03 for group ∗ sex interaction) and CRF (p < 0.001 for group ∗ sex interaction).The majority of the children had high PA levels, thus limited potential for change, and we found no effects of the PA intervention on cardiometabolic risk in the total sample. However, the intervention had a significantly enhanced effect on fatness and fitness of girls compared to boys. Furthermore, the data suggest that children with the least favorable cardiometabolic risk profile and therefore most in need of change can benefit from school-based PA interventions.Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov ID no.: NCT02132494.

Variation in staff perceptions of patient safety climate across work sites in Norwegian general practitioner practices and out-of-hour clinics.

IntroductionMeasuring staff perceptions with safety climate surveys is a promising approach to addressing patient safety. Variation in safety climate scores between work sites may predict variability in risk related to tasks, work environment, staff behavior, and patient outcomes. Safety climate measurements may identify considerable variation in staff perceptions across work sites.ObjectiveTo explore variation in staff perceptions of patient safety climate across work sites in Norwegian General Practitioner (GP) practices and Out-of-hours clinics.MethodsThe Norwegian Safety Attitudes QuestionnaireAmbulatory Version (SAQ A) was used to survey staff perceptions of patient safety climate across a sample of GP practices and Out-of-hours clinics in Norway. We invited 510 primary health care providers to fill out the questionnaire anonymously online in October and November 2012. Work sites were 17 regular GP practices in Sogn & Fjordane County, and seven Out-of-hours clinics, of which six were designated as “Watchtower Clinics”. Intra–class correlation coefficients were calculated to identify what proportion of the variation in the five factor scores (Teamwork climate, Safety climate, Job satisfaction, Perceptions of management, and Working conditions) were at work site-level.ResultsOf the 510 invited health care providers, 266 (52%) answered the questionnaire. Staff perceptions varied considerably at the work site level: intra–class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were 12.3% or higher for all factors except for Job satisfaction–the highest ICC value was for Perceptions of management: 15.5%.ConclusionAlthough most of the score variation was at the individual level, there was considerable response clustering within the GP practices and OOH clinics. This implies that the Norwegian SAQ A is able to identify GP practices and OOH clinics with high and low patient safety climate scores. Patient safety climate scores produced by the Norwegian version of the SAQ A may, thus, guide improvement and learning efforts to work sites according to the level of their scores.

Loss of life years due to unavailable helicopter emergency medical service: a single base study from a rural area of Norway

Background: Despite the potential benefits of physician-staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), many dispatches to primary HEMS missions in Norway are cancelled before patient encounter. Information is sparse regarding the health consequences when medically indicated HEMS missions are cancelled and the patients are treated by a GP and ambulance staff only. We aimed to estimate the potential loss of life years for patients in these situations.Method: We included all HEMS requests in the period 2010–2013 from Sogn and Fjordane County that were medically indicated but subsequently cancelled. This provided a selection of patients, with the purpose of studying cancellations independently of the patient’s medical status A multidisciplinary expert panel retrospectively assessed each patient’s potential loss of life years due to the lack of helicopter transport and intervention by a HEMS physician.Results: The study included 184 patients from 176 missions. Because of unavailable HEMS, seven patients (4%) were anticipated to have lost a total of 18 life years. Three patients suffered from myocardial infarction, three from stroke and one from abdominal haemorrhage. The main contribution from HEMS care in these seven cases might have been rapid transport to definitive care. The probability of a patient losing life years when in need of HEMS evacuation was found to be 0.2%.Conclusion: During the four years period seven patients lost 18 life years. Lack of rapid transport seems to be the primary cause of lost life years in this specific geographical area.Key PointsKnowledge about to what extent HEMS contributes to an increased survival and a better outcome for patients is limited.Compared to similar studies on life years gained the estimated loss of life years was minor when HEMS evacuation was unavailable in this rural area.The findings indicates that lack of rapid HEMS transport was the primary cause of the estimated loss of life years.

En grav med smedverktøy fra tidlig vikingtid på Nordheim i Sogndal. En analyse av gravgods, handlingsrekker og symbolikk

A grave with tools for metalworking from early Viking age at Nordheim in Sogndal. An analysis of grave goods, chains of actions and symbolismA recently excavated early Viking-age grave from Sogndal in Sogn and Fjordane County in Western Norway contained numerous tools. The excavation revealed detailed information about the cremation and burial sequences. Weapons and numerous tools for metalworking were among the deposited objects. In this article, we describe the observable chains of actions in the cremation- and post-cremation rituals. We review the identified objects deposited in the grave and suggest some preliminary interpretations about the grave goods and location of the grave in its local context in Sogn and Fjordane County. Finally, we discuss the so-called Norwegian «smiths’ graves» and suggest a more nuanced interpretation.

Effects of a physical activity intervention on schoolchildren's health-related quality of life: The active smarter kids (ASK) cluster-randomized controlled trial

We investigated whether a seven-month (November 2014 to June 2015), school-based cluster-randomized controlled physical activity intervention improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 10-year old children. The participants (N = 1229) from 57 elementary schools in Sogn og Fjordane County, Norway, were cluster-randomized by school either to the intervention (I) or control (C) group. The planned intervention in the 28 I-schools was 300 min of physical activity per week, compared to 135 min in the 29C-schools. HRQoL was assessed by self-report, using the Kidscreen-27 questionnaire. Objectively measured physical activity did not differ between the I–schools and C-schools during the intervention. No effect of the intervention was found for HRQoL: Physical well-being (P = 0.789), Psychological well-being (P = 0.682), Autonomy & parents (P = 0.662), Social support & peers (P = 0.828) and School environment (P = 0.074). In conclusion, the ASK school-based physical activity intervention showed no significant effect on HRQoL.

Treatment, transport, and primary care involvement when helicopter emergency medical services are inaccessible: a retrospective study

Objective: To examine handling of cancelled helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions with a persisting medical indication.Design: Retrospective observational study.Setting and subjects: Cancelled HEMS missions with persisting medical indication within Sogn og Fjordane county in Norway during the period of 2010–2013. Both primary and secondary missions were included.Main outcome measures: Primary care involvement, treatment and cooperation within the prehospital system.Results: Our analysis included 172 missions with 180 patients. Two-thirds of the patients (118/180) were from primary missions. In 95% (112/118) of primary missions, GPs were alerted, and they examined 62% (70/112) of these patients. Among the patients examined by a GP, 30% (21/70) were accompanied by a GP during transport to hospital. GP involvement did not differ according to time of day (p = 0.601), diagnostic group (p = 0.309), or patient’s age (p = 0.409). In 41% of primary missions, the patients received no treatment or oxygen only during transport. Among the secondary missions, 10% (6/62) of patients were intubated or received non-invasive ventilation and were accompanied by a physician or nurse anaesthetist during transport.Conclusions: Ambulance workers and GPs have an important role when HEMS is unavailable. Our findings indicated good collaboration among the prehospital personnel. Many of the patients were provided minimal or no treatment, and treatment did not differ according to GP involvement.Key PointsKnowledge about handling and involvement of prehospital services in cancelled helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions are scarce.Ambulance workers and general practitioners have an important role when HEMS is unavailableMinimal or no treatment was given to a large amount of the patients, regardless of which health personnel who encountered the patient.

Associations between health-related quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, physical activity and waist circumference in 10-year-old children: the ASK study

To examine the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, physical activity and waist circumference with self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis that included 1129 school children aged 10years from 57 schools in Sogn and Fjordane County, Norway. The HRQoL outcome was assessed by the self-reported KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire, which covers five life domains. Independent variables were cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by the Andersen intermittent field running test, handgrip strength measured by a hand dynamometer, explosive strength in the lower body using a standing broad jump test, physical activity (counts per minute) using an accelerometer and abdominal adiposity measured by waist circumference. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models including school site as a random effect. Age and sex were entered as covariates. Only cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with higher scores on all five KIDSCREEN-27 domains (P<0.047 for all). Explosive strength in the lower body was positively associated with higher autonomy and parents scores (P=0.018), while physical activity was positively associated with higher physical well-being scores (P=0.008). Improving cardiorespiratory fitness might be especially useful for improving HRQoL in children.

Understanding attitudes toward information and communication technology in home-care: Information and communication technology as a market good within Norwegian welfare services

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to better understand nurses’ and other staff members’ attitudes toward the usefulness of information and communication technology in home-care settings. Research has found that beliefs about the expected benefits of information and communication technology impact the use of technology. Furthermore, inexperience with using information and communication technology may cause negative attitudes. This article is based on a questionnaire to 155 nurses and other staff members in home-care in Sogn og Fjordane county in Norway. The results revealed minimal use of information and communication technology at work; however, participants had positive attitudes regarding the potential benefits of information and communication technology use in home-care. Individuals’ extensive use of and familiarity with different solutions in private lives could be an important context for explaining employees’ attitudes. Given that information and communication technology is both a welfare service and a market good, this may explain individuals’ positive attitudes toward information and communication technology despite their lack of experience with it at work. Experiences with information and communication technology as a market good and the way new technologies can affect work routines will affect the implementation of information and communication technology in home-care.

Effects of physical activity on schoolchildren's academic performance: The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) cluster-randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a seven-month, school-based cluster-randomized controlled trial on academic performance in 10-year-old children. MethodsIn total, 1129 fifth-grade children from 57 elementary schools in Sogn og Fjordane County, Norway, were cluster-randomized by school either to the intervention group or to the control group. The children in the 28 intervention schools participated in a physical activity intervention between November 2014 and June 2015 consisting of three components: 1) 90min/week of physically active educational lessons mainly carried out in the school playground; 2) 5min/day of physical activity breaks during classroom lessons; 3) 10min/day physical activity homework. Academic performance in numeracy, reading and English was measured using standardized Norwegian national tests. Physical activity was measured objectively by accelerometry. ResultsWe found no effect of the intervention on academic performance in primary analyses (standardized difference 0.01–0.06, p>0.358). Subgroup analyses, however, revealed a favorable intervention effect for those who performed the poorest at baseline (lowest tertile) for numeracy (p=0.005 for the subgroup∗group interaction), compared to controls (standardized difference 0.62, 95% CI 0.19–1.07). ConclusionsThis large, rigorously conducted cluster RCT in 10-year-old children supports the notion that there is still inadequate evidence to conclude that increased physical activity in school enhances academic achievement in all children. Still, combining physical activity and learning seems a viable model to stimulate learning in those academically weakest schoolchildren.

Muscle Fitness, Executive Function And Academic Performance In 10-year-old Children

Recent literature emphasizes a positive relationship between physical activity and physical fitness with executive function and academic performance. However, data on the association of muscle fitness with executive function and academic performance is scarce. PURPOSE: To examine the association of muscle fitness with executive function and academic performance in 10-year-old children. METHODS: We included 1069 children (mean (SD) age 10.2 (0.29) years, 48% girls from 58 schools in Sogn and Fjordane county, Norway. Data were collected from August to October 2014. Independent variables were muscle fitness index (standing broad jump and handgrip strength) as well as sex and parental education. Dependent variables were executive function (sumscore of inhibition, flexibility and working memory) and academic performance (mean of grades in Reading, English and Math). We used multiple regression models to examine the association of muscle fitness with executive function and academic performance after controlling for potential confounders. Moreover, we used logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for being in the upper quartile of executive function and academic performance across quartiles of muscle fitness. RESULTS: Muscle fitness index was associated with executive function (β = 0.102, P = 0.001) and academic performance (β = 0.067, P = 0.031) after adjustment for sex and parental education. Moreover the OR for scoring in the top quartile of executive function were 2.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47 - 3.35) for those in the upper quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile of muscle fitness. Similarly, OR for scoring in the top quartile of academic performance were 1.55 (95% CI 1.04 - 2.32) for those in the upper quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile of muscle fitness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that muscle fitness is associated with executive function and academic performance in children. Physical activities that improves muscle fitness should be considered as part in the overall strategy for improving executive function and academic performance in schools.

Testing species of genus Abies for Christmas tree production in Norway

Ten exotic Abies species were tested in two field trials, where the aim was to find suitable species and provenances for Christmas tree production in coastal and fjord areas in Norway. The material included 14 provenances of Abies nordmanniana, 3 provenances of Abies bornmuelleriana, 3 provenances of Abies koreana, 2 provenances of Abies amabilis, and 1 provenance each of Abies equi-trojani, Abies alba, Abies procera, Abies homolepis, Abies nephrolepis, and Abies forrestii. Field trials were established at Gulen in Sogn og Fjordane County and at Verdal in Nord-Trøndelag County. Christmas tree classification was done seven and eight growing seasons after establishment. The Christmas tree yield was higher in Gulen (64%) than in Verdal (45%), which is situated further north. Also, the survival and the height growth were higher in Gulen than in Verdal. A more humid climate and a longer growth season in Gulen may explain some of the differences. Of the 10 species, A. nordmanniana, A. homolepis, and A. bornmuelleriana produced the highest Christmas tree yield at Gulen, while A. homolepis and A. koreana had the highest yield at Verdal. Due to early bud burst, A. equi-trojani and A. bornmuelleriana are only suited for Christmas tree growing in the best climatic areas.

Active Smarter Kids (ASK): Rationale and design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of daily physical activity on children's academic performance and risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

BackgroundEvidence is emerging from school-based studies that physical activity might favorably affect children’s academic performance. However, there is a need for high-quality studies to support this. Therefore, the main objective of the Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study is to investigate the effect of daily physical activity on children’s academic performance. Because of the complexity of the relation between physical activity and academic performance it is important to identify mediating and moderating variables such as cognitive function, fitness, adiposity, motor skills and quality of life (QoL). Further, there are global concerns regarding the high prevalence of lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The best means to address this challenge could be through primary prevention. Physical activity is known to play a key role in preventing a host of NCDs. Therefore, we investigated as a secondary objective the effect of the intervention on risk factors related to NCDs. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design of the ASK study, the ASK intervention as well as the scope and details of the methods we adopted to evaluate the effect of the ASK intervention on 5thgrade children.Methods & designThe ASK study is a cluster randomized controlled trial that includes 1145 fifth graders (aged 10 years) from 57 schools (28 intervention schools; 29 control schools) in Sogn and Fjordane County, Norway. This represents 95.3 % of total possible recruitment. Children in all 57 participating schools took part in a curriculum-prescribed physical activity intervention (90 min/week of physical education (PE) and 45 min/week physical activity, in total; 135 min/week). In addition, children from intervention schools also participated in the ASK intervention model (165 min/week), i.e. a total of 300 min/week of physical activity/PE. The ASK study was implemented over 7 months, from November 2014 to June 2015. We assessed academic performance in reading, numeracy and English using Norwegian National tests delivered by The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training. We assessed physical activity objectively at baseline, midpoint and at the end of the intervention. All other variables were measured at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, we used qualitative methodologies to obtain an in-depth understanding of children’s embodied experiences and pedagogical processes taking place during the intervention.DiscussionIf successful, ASK could provide strong evidence of a relation between physical activity and academic performance that could potentially inform the process of learning in elementary schools. Schools might also be identified as effective settings for large scale public health initiatives for the prevention of NCDs.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov ID nr: NCT02132494. Date of registration, 6th of May, 2014.

Subjective health complaints are not associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors in western Norway: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThere is controversy about chronic health consequences of tick-borne infections, especially Lyme borreliosis. This study aims to assess whether general function, physical fitness and subjective health complaints are associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors.MethodsSera from 1,213 blood donors at four different blood banks in Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway were obtained during January to June 2010, and analysed for specific IgG and IgM antibodies. A questionnaire including questions on tick bites, subjective health complaints, general function and physical fitness was completed.ResultsTick bites had been experienced by 65.7 % of the study population. 78 (6.4 %) were positive for IgG (9.7 % in men, 2.4 % in women), and 69 (5.7 %) for IgM (6.1 % in men, 5.1 % in women), verified by immunoblot. No association between number of experienced tick bites or seropositivity for Borrelia antibodies and subjective health complaints, reduced general function or reduced physical fitness was found.ConclusionThe results do not support any association between tick bites or Borrelia antibodies and subjective health complaints in blood donors in an endemic area for Lyme borreliosis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2026-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne encephalitis virus and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in healthy adults from western Norway

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a healthy adult population from Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway. Sera from 1, 213 blood donors were analysed for IgG-antibodies to TBEV, and a random subgroup of 301 donors for IgG to A. phagocytophilum.In the TBEV ELISA, five (0.4%) sera were positive. These were all interpreted as “false” positives, as four had received vaccines against flaviviruses, and the remaining was negative for neutralizing antibodies to TBEV.Antibodies to A. phagocytophilum were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in 49 (16.2%) subjects (titer range 80-1280).The results indicate that TBE currently is not endemic in this part of western Norway. However, there is serological evidence of the existence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in the population.

Employment among patients with multiple sclerosis-a population study.

ObjectiveTo investigate demographic and clinical factors associated with employment in MS.MethodsThe study included 213 (89.9%) of all MS patients in Sogn and Fjordane County, Western Norway at December 31st 2010. The patients underwent clinical evaluation, structured interviews and completed self-reported questionnaires. Demographic and clinical factors were compared between patients being employed versus patients being unemployed and according to disease course of MS. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with current employment.ResultsAfter a mean disease duration of almost 19 years, 45% of the population was currently full-time or part- time employed. Patients with relapsing –remitting MS (RRMS) had higher employment rate than patients with secondary (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS). Higher educated MS patients with lower age at onset, shorter disease duration, less severe disability and less fatigue were most likely to be employed.ConclusionsNearly half of all MS patients were still employed after almost two decades of having MS. Lower age at onset, shorter disease duration, higher education, less fatigue and less disability were independently associated with current employment. These key clinical and demographic factors are important to understand the reasons to work ability in MS. The findings highlight the need for environmental adjustments at the workplace to accommodate individual ’s needs in order to improve working ability among MS patients.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy adults from western Norway: risk factors and methodological aspects.

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a healthy adult population from Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway by different assays. Sera from 1213 blood donors at four different blood banks were analysed in Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE/IgG (IgG), Enzygnost Borreliosis IgM (IgM), and Immunetics C6 Lyme ELISA kit (C6). Sera showing positive or grey-zone reactivities were further examined with Borrelia-EUROLine-RN-AT IgG blot and Borrelia-EUROLine-RN-AT IgM blot. The seroprevalences were 9.6%, 8.2%, 8.4%, 6.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence for IgG was lower in the eastern part of the county and in owners of pet animals. It was higher in men, and increased with age and number of tick bites. C6 and IgG gave comparable results. IgM only was found in 4.5%, more often in women, did not increase with age, and showed no relationship with geography, and 56.4% were positive in IgM blot. In conclusion, antibodies to B.burgdorferi s.l. are common in blood donors in western Norway. The results may be used for evaluation of predictive values of test results in patients, as well as a basis for test algorithms in the laboratory.

Tick bites in healthy adults from western Norway: Occurrence, risk factors, and outcomes

The frequency of tick bites, risk factors, as well as simple outcome measures after tick bites in a healthy adult population (blood donors) from Sogn and Fjordane county situated at the western coast of Norway, was assessed. The study was based on cross-sectional data from blood donors at 4 different blood banks in the county during the period January to June 2010. Data on tick bites and potential risk factors were collected from 1213 blood donors using a questionnaire. Among participants, 65.7% had experienced tick bites during their life time, whereas 30% reported recent tick bites (during the latest 12 months). There were fewer tick bites in the eastern, inland part of the county, where the tick Ixodes ricinus is less prevalent compared to the western, coastal regions. The number of total and recent tick bites increased with the respondent's age, hours spent outdoors during summertime, educational level, ownership of domestic animals, and hunting. Women older than 50 years reported more bites than similarly aged men and younger females.Among bitten subjects, 22.7% reported ever having had a rash around a tick bite, whereas 12.7% had seen a medical doctor and 7.7% had received antibiotics owing to tick bite. Avoiding certain locations owing to a fear of tick bites was reported by 15.7% of all respondents, more women than men.In conclusion, tick bites are common in the western part of Norway. The risk of being bitten varies with age and outdoor activities, animal contact, and geography. The consequences in terms of disease seem modest.

Level of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in a rural adult population in Sogn og Fjordane

Background: Physical activity (PA) and high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sogn og Fjordane County has the reputation of being the most healthy county in Norway. The level of PA and/or CRF may partly explain this health status. However, only one study with regional objectively measured PA data and one study with regional data on CRF currently exist. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe levels of PA, CRF and CVD risk factors in an adult population in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. Methods: In total, 314 (♀:178 ♂:136) 40-42-year-olds and 308 (♀:175 ♂:133) 53-55-yearolds participated in this cross-sectional study. PA was measured objectively by accelerometry, while CRF was measured directly. Results: There were no sex differences in total PA level. For the 40-42-year-olds, women spent 6.0min/day [95% CI: –11.7 to –0.3] less participating in moderate PA compared to men. For the 53-55- year-olds, women were inactive for 36.0 min/day [95% CI: –55.2 to –16.8] less and they participated in light activity for 26.4 min/day [95% CI: 7.7 to 45.2] more than men. In total, 30.0% [95% CI: 24.8 to 35.2] of the 40-42-year-olds and 30.2% [95% CI: 25.0 to 35.4] of the 53-55-year-olds met the Norwegian recommendationsfor PA. CRF was 49.0 ml·kg–1·min–1 for men and 41.6 ml·kg–1·min–1 for women for the 40-42-year-olds. For 53-55-year-olds CRF was 41.2 ml·kg–1·min–1 for men and 33.9 ml·kg–1·min–1 for women. Conclusions: These results suggest that the level of PA and CRF are higher compared to other available data. This might explain the advantageous health status in Sogn og Fjordane.

Rock slope instabilities in Sogn and Fjordane County, Norway: a detailed structural and geomorphological analysis

Abstract More than 250 rock slope failures have occurred in Sogn and Fjordane County in historical times. So far, 28 sites are known where open cracks indicate that rock slope failures may occur in the future. Detailed structural and geomorphological analyses of these sites have been conducted, and form the basis for an evaluation and comparison of the unstable rock slopes. Four of these sites are described in detail herein. The main characteristics for rock slope instabilities in Sogn and Fjordane are: (1) a preferred location within relatively weak rock units, such as phyllites and weathered mafic gneisses; and (2) the development of most instabilities at convex slope breaks, which are evident as knick-points in the slope profile. Sogn and Fjordane is compared with other Norwegian regions, particularly Møre and Romsdal County, with respect to the spatial distribution of past and current rock slope instabilities. Sogn and Fjordane shows the greatest number of historical slope failures, whereas in Møre and Romsdal a larger amount of potential instabilities is observed. We propose that the larger amount of unstable rock slopes in Møre and Romsdal may be controlled by a locally high gradient of ongoing post-glacial uplift and a higher rate of neotectonic activity.