International Prevalence Study Research Articles

PP258 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF HIGH PROTEIN ORAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS (ONS) ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND INTAKE

many studies comparing outcome (prevalence), process (screening and treatment of malnutrition) and structure indicators of nutritional care in different countries, using the same methodology. Therefore we conducted a study in Germany (G) and the Netherlands (NL). Methods: A cross-sectional international prevalence study was performed in 151 nursing homes (NL n = 5848, G n = 4923). A standardized questionnaire (3 levels) was used: at institutional and ward level structure indicators of nutritional care were assessed, whereas at patient level demographic data, care dependency and nutritional screening and treatment interventions for malnutrition were measured. Malnutrition was measured by assessing BMI, undesired weight loss and nutritional intake. Results: Dutch residents were older, more often male, more care dependent, and have a lower BMI than German residents. Dutch residents were more at risk of malnutrition (NL = 31.7% and G = 29.1%, p = 0.03), but no significant difference was found in the prevalence of malnutrition between both countries. About half of the malnourished residents received a nutritional intervention. Structure indicators at institutional level were more often fulfilled in the NL, only education was given more often in G. Besides having a specialized person in malnutrition, all other indicators on ward level were more often fulfilled in G. Conclusion: Malnutrition is a problem in more than a quarter of nursing home residents in each of the countries. Despite the fact that nutritional screening is rather frequently performed, nutritional interventions are provided only in about 50% of the malnourished patients. Structure indicators at ward level are more fulfilled in G, whereas at institutional level they are more fulfilled in NL.

The International Prevalence Study on Physical Activity: results from 20 countries.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is one of the most important factors for improving population health, but no standardised systems exist for international surveillance. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed for international surveillance. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population physical activity prevalence across 20 countries.MethodsBetween 2002–2004, a standardised protocol using IPAQ was used to assess PA participation in 20 countries [total N = 52,746, aged 18–65 years]. The median survey response rate was 61%. Physical activity levels were categorised as "low", "moderate" and "high". Age-adjusted prevalence estimates are presented by sex.ResultsThe prevalence of "high PA" varied from 21–63%; in eight countries high PA was reported for over half of the adult population. The prevalence of "low PA" varied from 9% to 43%. Males more frequently reported high PA than females in 17 of 20 countries. The prevalence of low PA ranged from 7–41% among males, and 6–49% among females. Gender differences were noted, especially for younger adults, with males more active than females in most countries. Markedly lower physical activity prevalence (10% difference) with increasing age was noted in 11 of 19 countries for males, but only in three countries for women. The ways populations accumulated PA differed, with some reporting mostly vigorous intensity activities and others mostly walking.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of international PA surveillance, and showed that IPAQ is an acceptable surveillance instrument, at least within countries. If assessment methods are used consistently over time, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote physical activity.

Prevalence and Correlates of Three Types of Pelvic Pain in a Nationally Representative Sample of Australian Men

Recent international prevalence studies of pelvic pain in men have estimates ranging between 2% and 10%. These studies conclude that it is an important international health problem. The aims of this study were to establish the first population-based study of pelvic pain in Australian men, and identify correlates with men's sexual and reproductive histories and other health conditions. A representative household sample of 4,290 Australian men aged 16-64 years completed a computer-assisted telephone interview. They were asked about their experiences of pain in the pelvic region during the past 12 months. Prevalence of correlates of pain associated with sexual intercourse, pain associated with urination, and pelvic pain not associated with intercourse or urination. Five percent of men reported pain during urination, 5% reported pain related to sexual intercourse, and 12% of men reported other chronic pelvic pain. There was little overlap in reporting any of the three types of pelvic pain, with 18% of men reporting some form of pelvic pain. Men reporting any of the pain conditions were significantly more likely than other men to report a sexual experience when they had felt forced or frightened. Men reporting pain during intercourse and/or chronic pelvic pain were significantly more likely than other men to report same sex experience. All three groups of men with pelvic pain were more likely than other men to report some form of sexual difficulties. A report of ever receiving a diagnosis of depression or a report of anxiety was significantly associated with all forms of pelvic pain. More than one man in six report having some form of pelvic pain in the past 12 months. It is likely that men would benefit from a discussion about possible symptoms during consultations with their physicians.

Validation of the U.K. Working Party diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema in a Xhosa-speaking African population

Reliable diagnostic criteria for eczema are important for epidemiological comparisons. Although the U.K. diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema have performed well in an English language setting, limited data are available from other countries where cultural and linguistic factors may affect their validity. We sought to determine the validity of the U.K. criteria for eczema in relation to clinical assessment by a dermatologist in a Xhosa-speaking South African population. A cross-sectional survey of 3067 children aged 3-11 years was conducted in rural, peri-urban and urban settings in South Africa. The prevalence of atopic eczema was determined using the U.K. diagnostic criteria and a clinical assessment by a dermatologist. Questions were translated into the local language (Xhosa). Trained researchers administered the questions to the children's parents or carers. The validity of the U.K. criteria was then determined by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and Youden's Index in relation to the dermatologist's examination. The point prevalence of atopic eczema according to a dermatologist was 1.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-1.4], while the prevalence of visible flexural eczema according to the U.K. protocol was 1.8% (95% CI 1.3-2.2). The sensitivity and specificity of the U.K. criteria in this setting was 43.7% (95% CI 26.3-62.3) and 97.9% (97.3-98.4), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the U.K. criteria were 18.4% (95% CI 10.4-28.9) and 99.4% (95% CI 99.0-99.6), respectively. The presence of visible flexural eczema according to the U.K. photographic protocol was the best predictor of atopic eczema, with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.2% (95% CI 63.5-92.7) and 99.0% (95% CI 98.6-99.3), respectively, and a positive and negative predictive value of 48.1% (95% CI 34.3-62.1) and 99.8% (95% CI 99.5-99.9), respectively. The validity of the full question-based version of the U.K. diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema in this South African setting is low, which may be due to a combination of translational and cultural issues. However, the one physical sign of visible flexural eczema performed well, suggesting that it alone might be a useful tool for future international comparative prevalence studies.

Gender Differences in Physical Activity among Swedish Adults

The International Prevalence Study (IPS) is a collaboration between 19 countries worldwide. The overall purpose is to collect nationally representative, internationally comparable data on health enhancing physical activity (HEPA). The data collected should aid in identifying those in society that may benefit the most from interventions to promote increased HEPA. PURPOSE: Given that the relative importance of factors associated with HEPA may differ between men and women, the aim of this study was to identify possible gender differences among Swedish adults. METHODS: The study included 1472 Swedish adults, 52.9 % women, mean age, 46 ± 15 years. The core instrument was the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data were treated according to the IPAQ scoring protocol (www.ipaq.ki.se). A stepwise multinomial regression was performed for both genders separately using the IPAQ categories as dependent variables i.e. inactive, minimally active and sufficiently active, controlling for age, BMI, sociodemographic characteristics and self-rated health. RESULTS: High self-rated health was an important factor for being in the sufficiently active category for both genders. Men with an academic degree was less likely to be in the sufficiently active category compared to men with a basic education (OR: 0.51, 95 % CI: 0.27–0.94), and men that lived in a village were more than twice as likely as men in large towns to be in the sufficiently active category (OR: 2.68, 95 % CI: 1.51–4.74). Women of normal weight were more likely than obese women to be in the sufficiently active category (OR: 6.40, 95 % CI: 1.46–28.10), and single women were twice as likely to be in the sufficiently active category compared to women living with a partner (OR: 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.24–3.25). CONCLUSION: Having an academic degree was negatively associated with PA among men, suggesting that even if they do more intentional exercise this is counteracted by less physically demanding jobs. Women living with a partner was less likely to be in the sufficiently activity category compared to single women, implying persistent gender stereotypes. These new findings highlight the importance of assessing the total amounts of PA so that tailored interventions can be designed and implemented.

The international prevalence study (IPS): health-enhancing physical activity in Sweden

Public health needs a better understanding of how much, and in what way, populations are physically active. This paper presents subjectively assessed measures of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA), among males and females, and their relation to social and demographic factors in a representative sample of the Swedish population. In total 2,500 adults aged 18–74 years were randomly selected from the official population register, 1,470 of whom responded [59%, mean age: 46 years, body mass index (BMI): 25.5]. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the IPAQ scoring protocol, version 2.0 (http://www.ipaq.ki) was used. For total HEPA the subjects reported a median of 1,699 (693–3,600) metabolic equivalents (MET) min·week−1. Men reported more total HEPA than women (p<0.001), but the actual median difference is small (36 MET min·day−1). For men a difference in total HEPA was seen across education, location and self-rated health categories. For women a difference in total HEPA was seen across BMI, marital status and self-rated health categories. A number of significances were also found for the amount of activities at vigorous- and moderate-intensity levels, as well as walking and sitting. Walking contributed 35 and 45% of the total HEPA for men and women, respectively, and this proportion increased by increasing age, especially for women. There are systematic differences in total HEPA activities between men and woman, and walking contributes to a large part of total HEPA. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the IPAQ instrument to assess HEPA at the national level. A descriptive study similar to this one using the IPAQ should be carefully carried out in the different European countries and cultural environments. National and European strategies for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity then should be developed accordingly.

Nosocomially Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in Urology Departments. Why an International Prevalence Study is Needed in Urology

No AccessJournal of UrologyUrological Survey: Infection and Inflammation of the Genitourinary Tract1 Jan 2005Nosocomially Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in Urology Departments. Why an International Prevalence Study is Needed in Urology Anthony J. SchaefferM.D. Anthony J. SchaefferAnthony J. Schaeffer More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000147953.90296.33AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Nosocomially Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in Urology Departments. Why an International Prevalence Study is Needed in Urology." The Journal of Urology, 173(1), p. 110 © 2005 by American Urological Association, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 173Issue 1January 2005Page: 110 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2005 by American Urological Association, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Anthony J. Schaeffer More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Prevalence and detection of postnatal depression in an Irish community sample.

To establish the prevalence of postnatal depression using standardised methods of diagnosis and to evaluate early detection of postnatal depression. Prospective cohort study. Prevalence established using two-step screening with EPDS and semi-structured clinical interview for ICD-10 diagnosis. EPDS recorded at day three-five postnatal evaluated as predictor of depression at week six postnatal. Prevalence established at 14.4%. EPDS recorded at day three-five postnatal when combined with past history of depression was a predictor of depression occurring at week six postnatal. We found a similar prevalence of postnatal depression in this Irish sample to other international prevalence studies. There are implications for hospital based screening to identify those at risk of developing a postnatal depression.

Nosocomially acquired urinary tract infections in urology departments: Why an international prevalence study is needed in urology

Nosocomially acquired urinary tract infection (NAUTI) is the most frequent nosocomial infection and a particular problem in urology departments. The incidence of NAUTI has become an important quality parameter and a legal issue. Several characteristics related to the health care provider, the patient and the procedures are known to increase the risk of NAUTI. The single most important risk factor for NAUTI is an indwelling catheter. NAUTI may be prevented by good health care facilities, evidence-based practice, wise patient selection and surgical skill. But the most important factors are tailored antibiotic prophylaxis and continuous monitoring of the incidence and pathogens causing NAUTI in each institution. Raising antimicrobial resistance in some countries calls for a closer monitoring of NAUTI on international level within urology. There is room for improvement in urinary catheter care in many hospitals, and the importance of patient and urological risk factors for development of NAUTI is not fully known. In order to meet these challenges the European Society for Infections in Urology is planning a prevalence study combined with a quality improvement initiative related to NAUTI.

Asthma and allergic diseases: is there a downside to cleanliness and can we exploit it?

When hay fever was first described in the early 19th century it was an uncommon disorder. Since then asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema, have become common conditions particularly in industrialised western economies. International prevalence studies reveal wide variation in the prevalence of asthma, and allergic disease, but confirm this view although the studies also show these diseases to be by no means rare in most countries. The reasons remain unclear but the "hygiene hypthesis" postulating an inverse relationship between hygiene, in its broadest sense, and allergic disease, fits some of the epidemiology of these diseases and has an associated immunological hypthesis to support it. Recent studies suggest that many hygiene related factors may influence immune development in favour of an allergic phenotype. Antibiotics in the first of life have been associated with increased risks of allergic disease in later childgood, and farming exposures to protection. Interest in hte role of bowel flora in modifying immune development has been suggested as an explanation for the risk associated with antibiotic exposure and has led to studies exploring the effects of modifying bowel flora with probiotics both to influence established allergic disease and to prevent it. The challenge is to continue to reap the enormous benefits that accrued from modifying infectious disease by both public and individual health strategies but at the same time convincing the immune system that it has been exposed to them.

Prevalence of Psychotropic Medication in Childhood and Adolescence in the Federal Republic of Germany

The use of psychotropic drugs in childhood and adolescence has been the subject of intense debate during the last few years. Allegations about the excessive consumption and overprescription of these substances in younger age groups play an important role in the public discussion. In this situation it would be useful to present relevant data on the prescription volume of psychotropic drugs in childhood and adolescence. The present investigation comprises data of 1985 using the GKV drug index and the IMS prescription index. According to the authors' results the prescription volume of these drugs is significantly lower than estimated in previous pilot studies. Illustrating the prescriptions by means of a drug profile, type and prevalence of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents are clearly distinguished from those of other age groups by the greater use of homeopathics and phytopharmaceutics. Among the psychotropics the neuroleptics represent the largest group. In comparison with international drug prevalence studies the prescription volume of psychostimulants is extremely low in the Federal Republic of Germany.