High Social Economic Status Research Articles

Estimating pneumococcal carriage dynamics in adults living with HIV in a mature infant pneumococcal conjugate vaccine programme in Malawi, a modelling study

BackgroundAdults living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALWHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) exhibit higher pneumococcal carriage prevalence than adults without HIV (HIV-). To assess factors influencing high pneumococcal carriage in ALWHIV, we estimated pneumococcal carriage acquisition and clearance rates in a high transmission and disease-burdened setting at least 10 years after introducing infant PCV13 in routine immunisation.MethodsWe collected longitudinal nasopharyngeal swabs from individuals aged 18–45 in Blantyre, Malawi. The study group included both HIV- individuals and those living with HIV, categorised based on ART duration as either exceeding 1 year (ART > 1y) or less than 3 months (ART < 3 m). Samples were collected at baseline and then weekly for 16 visits. To detect pneumococcal carriage, we used classical culture microbiology, and to determine pneumococcal serotypes, we used latex agglutination. We modelled trajectories of serotype colonisation using multi-state Markov models to capture pneumococcal carriage dynamics, adjusting for age, sex, number of under 5 year old (< 5y) children, social economic status (SES), and seasonality.ResultsWe enrolled 195 adults, 65 adults in each of the study groups. 51.8% were females, 25.6% lived with more than one child under 5 years old, and 41.6% lived in low socioeconomic areas. The median age was 33 years (IQR 25–37 years). The baseline pneumococcal carriage prevalence of all serotypes was 31.3%, with non-PCV13 serotypes (NVT) at 26.2% and PCV13 serotypes (VT) at 5.1%. In a multivariate longitudinal analysis, pneumococcal carriage acquisition was higher in females than males (hazard ratio [HR], NVT [1.53]; VT [1.96]). It was also higher in low than high SES (NVT [1.38]; VT [2.06]), in adults living with 2 + than 1 child < 5y (VT [1.78]), and in ALWHIV on ART > 1y than HIV- adults (NVT [1.43]). Moreover, ALWHIV on ART > 1y cleared pneumococci slower than HIV- adults ([0.65]). Residual VT 19F and 3 were highly acquired, although NVT remained dominant.ConclusionsThe disproportionately high point prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in ALWHIV on ART > 1y is likely due to impaired nasopharyngeal clearance, which results in prolonged carriage. Our findings provide baseline estimates for comparing pneumococcal carriage dynamics after implementing new PCV strategies in ALWHIV.

Within-child associations between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation over 6 months among preschool-aged (3- to 5-year-old) children

ObjectiveWe leveraged an observational, repeated-measures study to examine the within-child associations between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation, controlling for between-child effects.MethodsChildren aged 3–5 years and one parent each were recruited from the community in northern New England between 2019 and 2022. Parents completed online surveys at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months post-baseline. Child sleep quality was measured with the validated Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire modified for preschoolers; higher scores indicate worse sleep quality (range 32–96). Child emotional self-regulation was measured with the validated Child Social Behavior Questionnaire; higher scores indicate better emotional self-regulation (range 1–7). Adjusted mixed-effects linear regression was used to model the associations between nighttime sleep quality (exposure) and emotional self-regulation (outcome) measured at each of the four study time points while disaggregating the between- and within-child effects.ResultsChildren (n = 91) were largely white, non-Hispanic (88.7%), and from a higher social-economic status. Sleep quality scores averaged 38.9 (SD: 6.6) at baseline; 23.1% of children had scores &amp;gt;41, which is considered evidence of significant sleep problems. Emotional self-regulation scores averaged 4.2 (SD: 1.0). There was a significant within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation. Specifically, a decrease in sleep quality at any one time point, relative to each child's mean sleep quality, related to worse emotional self-regulation [standardized beta, βs = −0.31; 95% CI (0.53, −0.09)]; the between-child effect was not significant. Results were consistent when limited to children with complete data at all study visits (n = 78).ConclusionsThe findings support a causal, within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation in preschool-aged children, with effects evident over 6 months.

Constrained cooking energy choices in Tanzania: why urban dwellers cling on dirty even where clean energy alternatives are accessible?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine households’ behavior towards dirty cooking energy utilisation in an environment where relatively higher accessibility to clean energy is noted. Although the low utilisation rate of clean energy can partly be attributed to utility gains anticipated in dirty energy mixes (DEMs) arising out of accessibility constraints, affordances and enablers, it is still unclear on the extend at which each of these contributes towards DEMs manifestation among the seemingly well-to-do households with higher levels of clean energy mixes (CEM) access. This study, therefore, hinges on scrutinising on this lower utilisation patterns despite a seemingly higher accessibility of CEMs, specifically liquified petroleum gases (LPG).Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a household’s survey that was carried out in 2018, reaching a sample of 393 households using questionnaires in four wards of the Kigamboni district in Tanzania. Subsequent analyses were descriptive as well as inferential based on binary logistic regression analysis where utilisation of DEMs was predicted for both the high and low social economic status (SES) households by incorporating accessibility constraints, affordances and enablers.FindingsThe results show, first, if one assumes energy stacking is not an issue, as households become more constrained towards CEMs utilisation, they shift towards DEMs suggesting that the overall effect is a substitution, and second, the complementarity effect ultimately outweighs the substitution effect as households do not shift from DEMs to CEMs rather stack multiple energy. DEMs flourish in this case study area because those with high income are among those in the lowest SES, and some of those with the highest SES are from among the lowest income category, and all of them end up with more DEMs because shifting towards CEMs require income to complement SES.Practical implicationsPolicy-wise, removing hurdles in accessing CEMs such as LPG subsidy programme, gas stove provision to the poor, and enhanced LPG awareness will most likely benefits only those who do not stack energy in cooking while strategies targeting those at the lowest SES such as higher education attainment, empower women as a family decision maker, encourage co-occupancy to enlarge the household size and contain urban growth within certain perimeter will have a significant impact only if they raise both incomes and SES.Originality/valueDespite of the dominance of DEMs for cooking such as charcoal and firewood in Tanzania, CEMs such as LPG, have emerged as complements or alternatives in the household energy basket. The utilisation of such CEMs is, however, still very low despite the accessibility, cost, environmental and health advantages they offer. Accessibility is not the only factor fuelling CEMs; a complementarity must exist between SES and income for the positive transition towards CEMs to be realised.

The Relationship of Social Economic Status and Obesity Among Adolescents

This paper discusses the impact on adolescent obesity from the perspectives of subjective social economic status (SSES) and objective social economic status (OSES). It is found that both types of social economic statuses were negatively associated with obesity, which is mean that higher social economic status (SES) is a protective factor of obesity. By reviewing previous relevant literature, this paper further found that: (1) External environment (e.g., community) and personal SES can interacted predict the obesity; (2) Childhood social economic status may lead to obesity by affecting cognitive function; (3) Life history theory and energy balance theory can explain the association between subjective social economic status and obesity. There is a certain difference between SSES and OSES, and it is recommended both of them need to be used at the same time in one research. Further research is needed on the underlying mechanisms of social economic status and obesity, as well as longitudinal research and intervention experiments. This paper provides methods and reference for researchers to understand the association between obesity and two types of social economic status among adolescents.

Predictors for response to electronic patient-reported outcomes in routine care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study

Routine collection of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) can improve clinical care. However, a low response rate may counteract the benefits. To optimize adoption, the aim of this study was to investigate which patient factors and/or timing of the invitation predicted response to ePROs sent prior to consultations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We performed a retrospective database study with clinical data collected as part of usual care from the electronic medical records at Reade Amsterdam. The dataset comprised the email invitations to complete the ePRO sent prior to consultation. Multiple patient factors and factors defining the timing of the invitation were investigated if they predicted response to the ePRO through a multivariable logistic generalized estimating equation analysis. In total, 17.070 ePRO invitations were sent to 3194 patients (mean age 60 (SD 14), 74% female), of which 40% was completed. Patients between 55 and 73 years (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.09–1.77) and with higher social economic status (SES) (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.22–1.88) had significantly higher odds for completing the ePRO, while patients living in an urban area had lower odds (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.62–0.76). In year 4 after implementation, the OR was increased to 3.69 (95% CI 2.91–4.90). The implementation of ePROs in daily clinical practice needs improvement since 40% of the ePROs sent prior to consultations were completed. Patients that had higher odds to report the next ePRO were between the age of 55–73, had a higher socio-economic status, and were residents in a rural area. The adoption of reporting the PRO increased over time, but the timing of the prompt did not predict response. Additional research is needed to understand ePRO completion, especially for patients with lower socio-economic status.

Prevalence and risk factors of kidney stone disease in population aged 40–70 years old in Kharameh cohort study: a cross-sectional population-based study in southern Iran

BackgroundKidney stone is the major cause of morbidity, and its prevalence is increasing in the world. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of kidney stone in the adult population of southern Iran based on the data of the Kharameh Cohort Study.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 10,663 individuals aged 40–70 years old, using the baseline data of Kharamah cohort study, which started in 2014. Among all participants, 2251 individuals had a history of kidney stone. The participants’ demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and the history of underlying diseases were investigated. The crude and Age Standardized Prevalence Rate of kidney stones was calculated. Also, logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of kidney stone. To check the goodness of fit index of the model, we used the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. All analyses were performed in STATA software.ResultsThe prevalence of kidney stone was estimated 21.11%. Also, the Age Standardized Prevalence Rate in men and women was calculated 24.3% and 18.7%, respectively. The mean age of the participants was 52.15 years. Higher prevalence of kidney stone was seen in women aged 40–50 years (40.47%, p = 0.0001) and moderate level of social economic status (31.47%, p = 0.03), men with overweight (44.69%, p < 0.0001) and those in a very high level of social economic status (35.75%, p = 0.001). The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the chance of having kidney stone was 1.17 times higher in diabetic individuals, 1.43 times higher in hypertensive individuals, 2.21 times higher in individuals with fatty liver, and 1.35 times higher in individuals with overweight. The level of socio economic status, male sex, and age were the other factors related to kidney stone.ConclusionIn this study, underlying diseases such as fatty liver, diabetes, and hypertension as well as age, male sex, overweight, and high social economic status were identified as important risk factors for kidney stone. Therefore, identifying individuals at risk of kidney stone and providing the necessary training can greatly help to reduce this disease. However, health policymakers should prepare preventive strategies to reduce the occurrence of kidney stone.

New Smokers and Quitters Transitions in Smoking Status in a National Population

Background: Few studies have examined individual transitions in smoking status in national populations. Methods: A representative sample of 21,970 men and women aged 15-64 were questioned regarding current smoking status and smoking status of 12 months ago. Results: 1.6% of respondents had started to smoke and 1.6% had quit smoking. Becoming a smoker was significantly associated with younger age and lower social economic status (SES). Among women, many new smokers were between the age of 30 and 34, presumably due to relapse after pregnancy. High SES smokers quit at a younger age than lower SES groups. Conclusion: To reduce smoking prevalence in the Netherlands, more attention should be given to women aged 30-34 years and to people from the lower SES groups, especially those under the age of 45. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 18, No 1 (June) 2022: 90-93

Social Connection, Political Identity, and Employees’ Labor Protest Propensity in China

Scholars have long been interested in studying the effects of social and political control on collective action in China. However, few studies have investigated whether the relationship between social and political control and collective action changes over time. In this study, we examined the relationship between social connection, political identity, and employees’ labor protest propensity with a comparative perspective of time. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey, conducted ten years apart in the years 2003 and 2013, we found that the relationship between social connections, political identity indicated by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) membership, and labor protest propensity differ with these two samples. The relationship between the strength of social connection and labor protest propensity is significant in the 2003 sample, but becomes insignificant in the 2013 sample. The effect of employee’s political identity on labor protest propensity also varies in the two samples. Further analysis shows that CCP members who rated themselves as having a similar social economic status with their peers have a higher intention to participate in a labor protest than party members who rated themselves as having higher social economic status than their peers. This study’s findings demonstrate the importance of considering a time comparative perspective when studying what predicts employees’ labor protest propensity.

STUDENTS’ PREDISPOSITION TO BEING A VICTIM OF INTERNET CRIME IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF NIGERIA

The intensive and pervasive use of the use of the internet among the youth is an incontrovertible fact. Electronic or cybercrime among the youth has figuratively become endemic beating most security preventive networks and putting online users at the risk of becoming unsuspecting victims. This paper examines students’ Students’ Predisposition to Being a Victim of Internet Crime in Tertiary Institutions of Nigeria. The study employs quantitative research methods, 150 students were selected using multistage sampling procedure. Data were gathered on User’s purpose of using Internet and predisposition to internet Victimization; and Student Socio-economic status and Victimization Experience. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and correlation analysis. information from the respondents revealed that, students who engaged in online banking had been victimized at least in which their accounts was debited by unknown person without their knowledge/ consent and also, those who engaged in chatting and performing e-business transaction with high social economic status are more susceptible to e-victimization experience, more so, users’ motives of surfing internet are directly related to their vulnerability to victimization experience. Finally, from the study, it was observed that there is positive relationship between individual socio-economic status and their victimization experienced. The study concludes that students who engaged in online banking transaction, both via app, point of sales POS or e-transfer is exposed to fraudsters and more vulnerable to internet fraud experiences therefore recommended that student should try as much as possible not to display wealth or any of their socio-economic information on social media.

Prognostic factors and population-based analysis of melanoma with sentinel lymph node biopsy

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a rare but fatal disease in East Asia. Despite its increasing incidence, a general lack of awareness about the disease was noted. This study aims to provide population-based prognostic analysis of melanoma with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in Taiwan. We conducted this retrospective cohort study using the data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 1997–2013. The study cohort contains 3284 patients. The 5-year survival rates of patients undergoing SLNB and not undergoing SLNB were 45.5% and 33.6%. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 years [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.15] and male (aHR = 1.19) were associated with a poorer prognosis, while high social economic status (SES) (aHR = 0.69) and undergoing SLNB (aHR = 0.84) were good prognostic factors. Old age and low SES were associated with lower percentages of patients undergoing SLNB (P < 0.001). E-value analysis suggested robustness to unmeasured confounding. In conclusion, undergoing SLNB was associated with a better prognosis. The poor prognosis of old age and low SES may be due to decreased percentages of patients undergoing SLNB. Therefore, we recommend that SLNB should be performed on patients, especially in old age or low SES, who are candidates for SLNB according to current guidelines to achieve maximal survival.

The Effects of School-to-School Collaboration on Student Cognitive Skills: Evidence from Propensity Score Analysis

School-to-school collaboration has been widely applied in many countries to improve schools’ academic outcomes. This study contributes to the understanding of the cognitive benefits of school-to-school collaboration. This study analyses the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS, 2013–2014) data by using propensity score matching to reveal the causal relations. The CEPS is a national survey that seeks feedback on the educational experience of students in grade 7 and grade 9 (age 13 and 15), their teachers and parents by using a stratified, multistage, sampling technique. The findings suggest that school-to-school collaboration can significantly promote students’ cognitive skills, given a series of covariates. Moreover, the heterogeneous treatment effect across family-related and individual-related covariates has been estimated. Students with higher social-economic status and better family support benefit less from the cognitive returns of school-to-school collaboration than those who have lower social-economic status and limited family support. The findings of this study suggest that the cognitive benefits of school-to-school collaboration have no difference in relation to students’ health conditions, learning time, or their experiences in school. Finally, the study’s limitations and future research directions are discussed.

The development of a Chinese Healthy Eating Index for School-age Children and its Application in children from China Health and Nutrition Survey

This study aimed to develop a Chinese Healthy Eating Index for School-age Children (CHEI-SC), apply it in the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) to assess dietary quality, and compared it with our former developed index named CHEI. Data of 3-day 24-hour diet recalls and household food inventory survey from 1600 school-age children in CHNS-2011 were used to develop the CHEI-SC, using the methods of standard portion size, energy-density-based approach, and least restrictive approach. The CHEI-SC included 19 components with a total score (T-score) ranging from 0 to 100. The investigated children had a median score of 49.6. Children with a higher T-score were more likely to have higher social economic status (SES), higher level of urbanisation, fewer family size, and regularly attending school. The CHEI-SC was able to assess dietary quality of Chinese school-age children, was sensitive to demographics, and more comprehensive and accurate than the CHEI.

Community-level socioeconomic inequality in the incidence of ischemic heart disease: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to confirm that inequalities in community-level social economic status (SES) do actually impact the incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) using the Korean population-based cohort study of the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database.MethodsThis study used the NHIS-NSC database, a population-based cohort database established by the NHIS in South Korea. Community-level SES was classified into three categories, i.e. low, moderate, and high, according to the rank. The outcome measure of interest was IHD, which was defined according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes.ResultsIn the low community-level SES group, the incidence of IHD was 3.56 per 1000 person years (cumulative incidence rate, 1.78%), and in the high community level SES group, it was 3.13 per 1000 person years (cumulative incidence rate, 1.57%). Multivariate analysis showed that the incidence of IHD was higher in the low community-level SES group (p = 0.029). The log-rank test showed that the cumulative incidence of IHD was higher in the low community level SES group than the high community-level SES group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.32).ConclusionsPeople living in areas with low community-level SES show an increased incidence of IHD. Therefore, intervention in active, health-risk behavior corrections at the local level will be required to reduce the incidence of IHD.

A meta-analysis on the relation between fluid intelligence and reading/mathematics: Effects of tasks, age, and social economics status.

This study aimed to determine the relations between fluid intelligence (Gf) and reading/mathematics and possible moderators. A meta-analysis of 680 studies involving 793 independent samples and more than 370,000 participants found that Gf was moderately related to reading, r = .38, 95% CI [.36, .39], and mathematics, r = .41, 95% CI [.39, 44]. Synthesis on the longitudinal correlations showed that Gf and reading/mathematics predicted each other in the development even after controlling for initial performance. Moderation analyses revealed the following findings: (a) Gf showed stronger relations to mathematics than to reading, (b) within reading or mathematics, Gf showed stronger relations to complex skills than to foundational skills, (c) the relations between Gf and reading/mathematics increased with age, and (d) family social economic status (SES) mostly affected the relations between Gf and reading/mathematics in the early development stage. These findings, taken together, are partially in line with the investment theory but are more in line with the intrinsic cognitive load theory, mutualism theory, and the gene-SES interaction hypothesis of cognition and learning. More importantly, these findings imply an integration model of these theories from an educational and developmental perspective: Children may rely on Gf to learn reading and mathematics early on, when high family SES can boost the effects of Gf on reading/mathematics performance. As children receive more formal schooling and gain more learning experiences, their reading and mathematics improvement may promote their Gf development. During development, the negative effects of low family SES on the relations between Gf and reading/mathematics may be offset by education/learning experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Body mass index and physical fitness among Chinese adolescents from Shandong Province: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe the most recent prevalence estimates of adolescent body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness from thirteen regions in Shandong Province, China and to examine differences by social-economic status (SES).MethodsThe participants were 27,955 adolescents (mean age = 14.4 ± 1.8 years; 13,791 girls) enrolled from 91 public middle and high schools randomly selected from 13 administrative regions in Shandong Province. The Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard was employed to assess participants’ fitness once during the school semester. Fitness assessments included BMI, a 50-m sprint run, sit-and-reach, standing-broad jump, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a 1000 m/boy or 800 m/girl distance run. Participants’ fitness performance was categorized as excellent, good, pass, or no pass.ResultsThe percent of Chinese adolescents categorized as “no pass” ranged from just 8.9% for BMI to 67.1% for boy pull-ups. The percent of Chinese adolescents categorized as “excellent” ranged from 5.0% for the girl sit-ups to 35.4% for the 50-m sprint run. Approximately 8.4% of the sample was categorized as excellent for BMI. SES significantly predicted both girl and boy continuous distance run scores (p < 0.05). Adolescents in lower SES strata had lower odds of achieving “pass” or better on cardio-respiratory endurance tests, muscular fitness tests, and flexibility tests, but higher odds of achieving “pass” or better on BMI compared to adolescents who were high SES (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe large sample of the adolescents in Shandong province, on average, had healthy weight status and achieved a high prevalence of “pass” or better on physical fitness tests. Adolescents who were low SES demonstrated poorer cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular fitness, and flexibility test achievement but better BMI achievement compared to high SES adolescents in Shandong Province, China.

Elementary Teachers’ Job Satisfiers and Dissatisfier: What Good Professional Development Can Do (SciencePG - Elementary Teacher Job Satisfiers and Dissatisfiers: What Good Professional Development Can Do)

This study evaluated specific aspects of elementary school teachers’ job satisfaction in a large urban public school district. Teachers from ten out of sixty-four elementary schools within a school district in a U.S. western state were surveyed. The elementary schools surveyed included low, medium, and high social economic status schools. This study evaluated (1) the current level of job satisfaction of elementary school teachers and (2) important professional practices that influence teacher job satisfaction. Intrinsic job satisfaction was higher than extrinsic job satisfaction, with overall job satisfaction indicating elementary school teachers were slightly more satisfied than not satisfied. Elementary school teachers were very satisfied with their co-workers, nature of work, and supervision and not satisfied with pay and operating conditions.

Assessment of metabolic syndrome risk factors among rural-dwelling older adults requires innovation: partnerships and a mobile unit can help

Purpose Older adults are at risk for developing metabolic syndrome (MSX). Given the growing rural older adult population and the unknown prevalence rate of MSX in rural communities, the purpose of this paper is to assess the risk factors for MSX among rural elders. Design/methodology/approach Individuals aged 55+ from four West Alabama rural communities were assessed by an interdisciplinary healthcare team via a mobile unit (n=216). Descriptive analyses and analysis of variances (ANOVA) were conducted to assess the effect of gender, race and community on the number of risk factors of MSX among rural elders. Findings Results of a three-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between gender, age and community on the number of MSX risk factors [F (16,193)= 2.41, p &lt;0.01]. Rural communities with lower social economic status (SES) and predominantly African American residents were at higher risk for developing MSX compared to communities with higher SES [F(3, 68) = 7.42, p&lt;0.05]. Practical implications Findings suggest low SES rural communities are at risk of developing MSX. Innovative approaches such as mobile healthcare delivery are crucial to providing quality healthcare and preventive health screens to underserved rural older adult communities. Originality/value Limited research is available on assessing rural midlife and older adults at risk for metabolic syndrome largely due to lack of communication or transportation infrastructure and their history of negative experiences with public institutions. This research demonstrates that these barriers can be addressed.

Prevalence and predictors of injuries in Kenya: findings from the national STEPs survey

BackgroundInjuries are becoming an increasingly important public health challenge globally, and are responsible for 9% of deaths. Beyond their impact on health and well-being, fatal and non-fatal injuries also affect social and economic development for individuals concerned. Kenya has limited data on the magnitude and factors associated with injuries. This study sought to determine the magnitude and risk factors for injuries in Kenya and to identify where the largest burden lies.MethodsA national population-based household survey was conducted from April–June 2015 among adults age 18–69 years. A three-stage cluster sample design was used to select clusters, households and eligible individuals based on WHO guidelines. We estimated the prevalence of injuries, identified factors associated with injuries and the use of protective devices/practices among road users. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify potential factors associated with injuries.ResultsA total of 4484 adults were included in the study. Approximately 15% had injuries from the past 12 months, 60.3% were males. Four percent of the respondents had been injured in a road traffic crash, 10.9% had experienced unintentional injuries other than road traffic injuries while 3.7% had been injured in violent incidents. Among drivers and passengers 12.5% reported always using a seatbelt and 8.1% of the drivers reported driving while drunk. The leading causes of injuries other than road traffic crashes were falls (47.6%) and cuts (34.0%). Males (p = 0.001), age 18–29 (p < 0.05) and smokers (p = 0.001) were significantly more likely to be injured in a road traffic crash. A higher social economic status (p = 0.001) was protective against other unintentional injuries while students had higher odds for such types of injuries. Heavy episodic drinking (p = 0.001) and smoking (p < 0.05) were associated with increased likelihood of occurrence of a violent injury.ConclusionsOur study found that male, heavy episodic drinkers, current smokers and students were associated with various injury types. Our study findings highlight the need to scale up interventions for injury prevention for specific injury mechanisms and target groups. There is need for sustained road safety mass media campaigns and strengthened enforcement on helmet wearing, seatbelt use and drink driving.

PENGARUH STRATEGI PENYULUHANDAN TINGKAT STATUS SOSIAL EKONOMITERHADAP PENGETAHUAN NELAYANTENTANG KOSERVASI PESISIR PANTAI (Sebuah Eksperimen di Kecamatan Telukbetung Barat, Kota Bandar Lampung)

This study aims to determine the effect of counseling strategies and levels of socio economic status of knowledge about the conservation of coastal fishermen. The method used in this study is an experiment with 2 x 2 factorial design. The study population was fishing in the District of West Telukbetung, Bandar Lampung numbered 32 people. Data analysis technique used is the Two-Way Analysis of Variance followed by Tukkey test. The findings of this study include: 1) Knowledge of the conservation of coastal areas that follow the strategy of grouping extension is higher than that following the classical extension strategy.; 2) For the fisherman with high level of social economic status with knowledge about coastal conservation among groups of fishermen who follow counseling strategies and follow the strategy of grouping classical education. Where the higher is the group of fishermen that high social economic status following the strategy of grouping extension; 3) For the fisherman with a low level of socio-economic status with knowledge about coastal conservation among groups of fishermen who follow the strategy of grouping extension and follow the classical extension strategy. Where the higher is the group of fishermen that low social economic status following the strategy of classical education, and 4) There is interaction effect between education strategy and the level of socio economic status of knowledge on coastal conservation. Based on these findings we can conclude that there is no extension strategies are most effective, depending on background characteristic fishermen and their socio economic status. Therefore, if the selected grouping strategy is appropriate only to fishermen who have a high socioeconomic status, education classical conversely, if the strategy is dominated by the lecture method is chosen, then it is just right for the fishermen who have low socioe conomic status.

Kidney disease in Uganda: a community based study

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The majority of studies on CKD in SSA have been conducted among HIV-infected populations and mainly from large health facilities. We determined the prevalence of CKD and its predictors among populations in communities in central Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Wakiso district using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected on age, sex, socio-economic status, history of alcohol intake, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking. Measurement of blood pressure, weight and height to determine body mass index (BMI) and investigations including HIV testing, fasting blood sugar, creatinine and urinalysis were conducted. Logistic regression was used to estimate the strength of the association between variables and the presence of CKD estimated using the Cockcroft Gault formula.ResultsA total of 955 participants aged 18–87 years were enrolled into the study. The median age was 31 years (Interquartile range 24–42) and majority (67%) were female. Up to 21.4% (204/955) had abnormal renal function with CKD stage 1 in 6.2% (59/955), stage 2 in 12.7% (121/955), stage 3 in 2.4% (23/955), CKD stage 4 in 0% and CKD stage 5 in 0.1% (1/995). Female gender OR 1.8 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.2–2.8), age >30 years OR 2.2(95% CI 1.2–3.8) and high social economic status OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.6) were associated with increased risk of CKD while BMI > 25Kg/m2 was protective against CKD OR 0.1 (95% CI 0.04–0.2). Traditional risk factors such as HIV-infection, diabetes mellitus, smoking and alcohol intake were not found to be significantly associated with CKD.ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of kidney disease in central Uganda. Interestingly the traditional risk factors associated with CKD previously documented, were not associated with CKD.