Non-permanent Residents Research Articles

Hospitalization for Congenital Heart Disease in Beijing: Patient Characteristics and Temporal Trends

Background: The hospitalization burden of congenital heart disease (CHD) at the national or regional level in China remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the recent patient characteristics and temporal trends of hospitalizations for CHD in Beijing. Methods: Patients hospitalized for CHD in Beijing from 2007 to 2011 were identified from the Hospital Discharge Information System. Patient characteristics were recorded, and trends in hospitalization rates were analyzed by Poisson regression after adjustment for age and sex. Results: A total of 53,064 patients were admitted for CHD in Beijing during the study period, among whom 50.5% were children younger than 5 years, 30.0% were adults, 18.5% had severe CHD, 86.9% were nonpermanent Beijing residents, and 81.3% were admitted to cardiac-specific tertiary hospitals. The hospitalization rate increased from 10.2 per 100,000 population in 2007 to 12.4 per 100,000 population in 2011, representing a significant increase after adjustment for age and sex (P = 0.009). However, the trends varied in different groups. The rates halved in 2011 for both nonsevere CHD and severe CHD compared with the rates in 2010, whereas increasing trends were noticed in children aged 1–4 years and adults for nonsevere CHD across the study period. Conclusions: The overall rate of CHD hospitalization has been increasing in Beijing, whereas not all patient groups have the same trend. The hospitalization rate decreased among infants, while the rate for nonsevere CHD increased significantly among adults. These findings will be of importance for future allocation of health resources.

Epidemiological characteristics of dyslipidemia in remote rural areas of Xinjiang, 2009-2010

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, high blood low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and low blood high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in remote rural areas of Xinjiang and analyze these indicators' epidemiological characteristics. Methods: A survey of 13 000 individuals (aged ≥18 years) was conducted using a four-stage cluster random sampling method in Jiashi, Xinyuan, Aheqi, and Shawan Counties, Xinjiang, in 2009-2010. After nonpermanent residents were excluded, 12 154 individuals were included in this study. Questionnaire and physical examinations were conducted, including collection of fasting blood to detect TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C. The results were calculated after complex weighting and compared according to the prevalence of different gender and age groups. Results: The overall levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C were 1.34±1.09, 4.45±1.16, 2.36±0.86, and 1.37±0.58 mmol/L, respectively. After complex weighting, the overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 35.4%; that among men (42.9%) was greater than that among women (29.5%; χ2=234.19, P<0.001), and the prevalence was 35.9%, 34.5%, and 35.1% (χ2=1.52, P=0.467) in participants aged 18-44, 45-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 11.4%; that among men (13.5%) was greater than that among women (9.8%; χ2= 40.72, P<0.001), and the prevalence was 9.6%, 13.0%, and 13.2% (χ2=38.71, P<0.001) in participants aged 18-44, 45-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 5.7%; that among men(5.0%) was greater than that among women (6.2%; χ2=6.95, P=0.008), and the prevalence was 3.5%, 7.4%, and 8.4% (χ2=105.24, P<0.001) in participants aged 18-4, 45-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The prevalence of high blood LDL-C was 2.8%, and there was no significant difference between men (3.0%) and women (2.4%; χ2=1.43, P=0.231); the prevalence was 3.5%, 7.4%, and 8.4% (χ2=42.81, P<0.001) in participants aged 18-44, 45-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The prevalence of low blood HDL-C was 24.0%; that among men (31.6%) was greater than that among women (18.0%; χ2=304.02, P<0.001), and the prevalence was 27.8%, 20.6% and 19.5% (χ2=96.61, P<0.001) in participants aged 18-44, 45-59, and ≥ 60 years, respectively. Conclusions: Low blood HDL-C was the main type of dyslipidemia among the population in remote rural areas of Xinjiang. The prevalence of dyslipidemia among men was greater than that among women, and there was a trend of younger men than women showing dyslipidemia.

Cell phone-based health education messaging improves health literacy.

The ubiquity of cell phones, which allow for short message service (SMS), provides new and innovative opportunities for disease prevention and health education. To explore the use of cell phone-based health education SMS to improve the health literacy of community residents in China. A multi-stage random sampling method was used to select representative study communities and participants ≥ 18 years old. Intervention participants were sent health education SMSs once a week for 1 year and controls were sent conventional, basic health education measures. Health literacy levels of the residents before and after the intervention were evaluated between intervention and control groups. Public health literacy scores increased 1.5 points, from 61.8 to 63.3, after SMS intervention for 1 year (P<0.01); the increase was greater for males than females (2.01 vs. 1.03; P<0.01) and for Shenzhen local residents than non-permanent residents (2.56 vs. 1.14; P<0.01). The frequency of high health literacy scores was greater for the intervention than control group (22.03% to 30.93% vs. 22.07% to 20.82%). With health literacy as a cost-effective index, the cost-effectiveness per intervention was 0.54. SMS may be a useful tool for improving health literacy.

地域と継続的に関わる地域おこし協力隊出身者の特性と活用

This study identifies the property of committed non-permanent residents through a case study of the Community-Reactivating Cooperator Squad (CRCS) away from the region. As the results show, the CRCS have studied the property’s behavioral aspect and established that there are purposes to visit the region such as “Parts of the work” and relation with the region without actually visiting it, such as “Mediation of the different region.” In addition, they have studied the property’s psy­chological aspect wherein there are emotional rela­tions such as “Contribution will” and utility-like relations such as “Side bet.” From these analyses, we examine that an individual could be one of the local leading figures. Lastly, we indicate two factors to utilize non-permanent residents. First is to evaluate and support people “who commit to the region.” Second is to promote not only the relative need to visit the region, but also the relative need not to do so.

Immigrants and tuberculosis in Hong Kong

To examine the impact of immigrant populations on the epidemiology of tuberculosis in Hong Kong. Longitudinal cohort study. Hong Kong. Socio-demographic and disease characteristics of all tuberculosis notifications in 2006 were captured from the statutory tuberculosis registry and central tuberculosis reference laboratory. Using 2006 By-census population data, indirect sex- and age-standardised incidence ratios by place of birth were calculated. Treatment outcome at 12 months was ascertained from government tuberculosis programme record forms, and tuberculosis relapse was tracked through the notification registry and death registry up to 30 June 2013. Moderately higher sex- and age-standardised incidence ratios were observed among various immigrant groups: 1.06 (Mainland China), 2.02 (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), 1.59 (Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal), and 3.11 (Vietnam). Recent Mainland migrants had a lower sex- and age-standardised incidence ratio (0.51 vs 1.09) than those who immigrated 7 years ago or earlier. Age younger than 65 years, birth in the Mainland or the above Asian countries, and previous treatment were independently associated with resistance to isoniazid and/or rifampicin. Older age, birth in the above Asian countries, non-permanent residents, previous history of treatment, and resistance to isoniazid and/or rifampicin were independently associated with poor treatment outcome (other than cure/treatment completion) at 1 year. Birth outside Hong Kong was an independent predictor of relapse following successful completion of treatment (adjusted hazard ratio=1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.89; P=0.025). Immigrants carry with them a higher tuberculosis incidence and/or drug resistance rate from their place of origin. The higher drug resistance rate, poorer treatment outcome, and excess relapse risk raise concern over secondary transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis within the local community.

Bridging social capital and the resource potential of second homes: The case of Stintino, Sardinia

This paper is concerned with social capital, and in particular the bridging social capital that the owners of second homes bring to rural communities. Using a study of second home owners in Stintino, northern Sardinia, it examines how seasonal residents use the resources of their extended social networks to shape and influence local agendas (around planning, housing, services etc.) and to assist community development. The paper builds on a framework for examining the social value of second homes (Gallent, 2014), which proposed that the distended socio-professional networks of some rural communities can be extended, by non-permanent residents, to embrace new resource potentials, and that second homes therefore have a clear social value for communities which would otherwise have a more limited store of social capital. That framework also cautioned, however, that non-permanent residents may use that capital in pursuit of interests that do not align with those of the host community, therefore causing conflict as newcomers/seasonal residents seek to shape their local environment according to their particular tastes and values, sometimes in opposition to local need. The research for this paper was undertaken in August 2013. It involved nine detailed interviews with second home owners in Stintino and a series of focus group discussions. Stintino is located on the Sardinian mainland opposite the Asinara archipelago. It is 50 km by road from the city of Sassari, which is principal home to many seasonal residents.

Chagas disease in Australia and New Zealand: risks and needs for public health interventions

International migration has changed the global distribution of Chagas disease, with the emerging importance of non-endemic regions. We aimed at better documenting the Australia and New Zealand risk of Chagas disease and needs for interventions. We reviewed Chagas disease-related evidences, policies and practices in Australia and New Zealand and calculated the estimated prevalence. Australia hosts a rapidly growing population at risk and had 1928 infected residents in 2011; New Zealand had 98 in 2006. These figures underestimate the real situation, as they do not consider non-permanent residents. The only existing policy in both countries is the identification of blood donors with a history of or a risk of infection via questionnaire. There is no programme of detection and care of patients. The lifetime economic burden of disease for society is potentially very high. Chagas disease is an emerging health risk with potential high human and economic costs in Australia and New Zealand in the absence of public health attention. Implementing strategies to screen high-risk groups and prevent transmission should be considered. Moreover, migration between the Western Pacific and Chagas endemic regions and the presence of vectors means this risk applies in the whole region.

Human tissue and organ transplant provisions: Chapter 8 of the National Health Act and its Regulations, in effect from March 2012 – what doctors must know

Where provisions that were in the Human Tissue Act have been left out of the National Health Act they have been included in its regulations. However, new provisions in the latter Act provide strict controls for the transplantation of organs into non-South African citizens or non-permanent residents, and outlaw the charging of fees for human organs. The provisions also expand the list of persons who can give consent to donations from deceased persons to include 'partners', who now take precedence over all other relatives except spouses. Some of the matters in the Human Tissue Act that were not covered by the National Health Act have now been included in the regulations, such as: (i) the parties responsible for determining death of a person whose organs are to be removed for transplantation purposes; (ii) the requirement that tissue must be harvested within 24 hours from donated bodies; (iii) the removal of eye tissue; (iv) the exclusivity of rights in respect of tissue donations; and (v) confidentiality and publicity regarding tissue and organ transplants.

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2009-10, Degrees Conferred 2009-10, Fall 2010 Enrollments

INTRODUCTION This report presents data that describe the 2009-10 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2009-10, and fall 2010 pharmacy program enrollments. Data for this report were requested from the one hundred and twenty (120) U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) using five separate survey instruments. There were previously two professional education programs at U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy: one leading to a baccalaureate in pharmacy, and the other leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. However, June 30, 2005 marked the official expiration of the ACPE standards to the baccalaureate in pharmacy (B.S. Pharmacy) degree programs in accordance with the transition to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree as the sole professional degree program in the U.S. Some colleges and schools of pharmacy conferred degrees in the B.S. Pharmacy program until 2004-05. For the purpose of this report, students in doctor of pharmacy programs are categorized under Pharm.D.1 when the program leads to a doctor of pharmacy degree conferred as the first professional degree. Students who have already received a baccalaureate in pharmacy and are enrolled in a doctor of pharmacy degree program are categorized under Pharm.D.2. The following definitions refer to the race/ethnicity groups as used in this report. White, black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino refer to students of the respective race/ethnicity who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The Asian, native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander group includes students who are Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Asian Indian, Guamanian, Samoan, or Pacific Islanders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The American Indian or Alaska native classification includes Native Americans, Eskimos, and Aleuts who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. Students listed under Other are those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories, but for whom race/ ethnicity is unknown or are students of two or more races/ethnicities. Included in Foreign are all students who are foreign, nonpermanent residents of the U.S., regardless of race/ethnicity. 2009-10 APPLICATION POOL The 2009-10 Application Pool Survey was conducted online in October 2010, with an announcement and request for participation sent to the dean at each of the 120 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the U.S. recognized by ACPE. After follow-up correspondence and telephone calls, one hundred and twenty (120) colleges and schools (100.0 percent) submitted the requested information. The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) provided application data for the 74 full-participating colleges and schools of pharmacy. Included in the application pool are students who applied for admission and submitted all required application materials between September 2009 and August 2010 for the entering class of fall 2010. Numbers reported represent the number of applications, not applicants, and may represent multiple applications submitted by individual applicants. During the period September 2009 through August 2010, the 120 reporting institutions received 111,744 applications for admission. The Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina merged to become the South Carolina College of Pharmacy and only accepted applications to the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. The Medical University of South Carolina is still in the process of phasing out its program. Therefore, 119 of the 120 reporting institutions received applications. When compared with entering class enrollment data for fall 2010 at these institutions, the resultant ratio was 7.7 applications received for every one entering student enrolled. …

Immigrant–native differences in employment-based retirement plan participation

AbstractThis paper examines differences between immigrant and native employees in retirement plan participation using SIPP data. We find that the participation rate among natives is 60 percent, while the native-immigrant participation gap ranges from 10.9 percentage points for naturalized citizens to 35.4 percentage points for non-permanent residents. Controlling for demographic and job characteristics can explain up to half of the gap. Decomposing the overall immigrant-native difference into differences in employer offers, plan eligibility, and plan take-up shows that the likelihood of working for an employer that offers a plan is the primary driver of the overall gap.

Cyprus international trusts--A giant leap forward: the proposed amendments to the International Trusts Law 1992

Cyprus international trusts--A giant leap forward: the proposed amendments to the International Trusts Law 1992

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2007–08, Degrees Conferred 2007–08, Fall 2008 Enrollments

This report presents data that describe the 2007-08 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2007-08, and fall 2008 pharmacy program enrollments. Data for this report were requested from the one hundred and twelve (112) U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) using five separate survey instruments. There were previously two professional education programs at U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy: one leading to a baccalaureate in pharmacy, and the other leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. However, June 30, 2005 marked the official expiration of the ACPE standards to the baccalaureate in pharmacy (B.S. Pharmacy) degree programs in accordance with the transition to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree as the sole professional degree program in the U.S. Some colleges and schools of pharmacy conferred degrees in the B.S. Pharmacy program until 2004-05. For the purpose of this report, students in doctor of pharmacy programs are categorized under Pharm.D.1 when the program leads to a doctor of pharmacy degree conferred as the first professional degree. Students who have already received a baccalaureate in pharmacy and are enrolled in a doctor of pharmacy degree program are categorized under Pharm.D.2. The following definitions refer to the race/ethnicity groups as used in this report. White, black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino refer to students of the respective race/ethnicity who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The Asian, native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander group includes students who are Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Asian Indian, Guamanian, Samoan, or Pacific Islanders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The American Indian or Alaska native classification includes Native Americans, Eskimos, and Aleuts who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. Students listed under Other are those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories, but for whom race/ethnicity is unknown. Included in Foreign are all students who are foreign, nonpermanent residents of the U.S., regardless of race/ethnicity.

Aanlysis of 592 cases of hypopotassaemiain Dongguan City

Objective To investigate the characteristics and high risk factors of epidemiology of hypopotassaemia in towns of Dongguan City. Method Multi-factors of all the hypopotassaemia patients hospitalized in Changping hospital from January 2000 to December 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. Result The total involved cases of hypopotassemia were 592, including male 540 cases, and female 52 cases, the ratio were 10.39: 1. The main patients were young and the middle aged whose average age was (29.41 ± 11.26). The patients aged from 21 to 40 constituted to 79.22%. Non-permanent residents of Dongguan city constituted 94.26%, of who 66.05% with epidemiology of hypopotassaemia. The workers constituted 63.35% of who engaged in textile & dyeing, plastics & rubber, metal & electronic were 22.30%, 18.41%, and 10.98% respectively. Occupational exposure to rome poisons (TMT mainly) (24.83%) may be another reason of hypopotassaemia. The number of hypopotassaemia increased in general from 2000 to 2007, rising about 9.0% per year. The hypopotassaemia found in summer and autumn mainly accounted for 74.66% in all patients. 55.41% were found in peak season of June through September. Recrudescence rate (35.98%) of hypopotassaemia here was very high. patients seek medical advice relatively late, with 68.24% of who consulted with a doctor after 12 hours and 37.33% after 24 hours. The density of potassium in serum of the patients was not proportional with the myasthenia in general with serious hypopotassaemia (potassium in serum < 2.5 mmol/L) was 53.72% while serious myasthenia (muscular strength < one class) was 20.95% only. The average time of patients in hospitalization was 2.25 days. The cured patients accounted for 93.07% and the died for 0.68%. Conclusion The occurrence of hypopotassaemia in towns of Dongguan City showed obviously characteristics causes like occupation, seasons, age, sexuality etc. It is important to reducing hypopotassaemia by pertinently propaganda and instruction. Key words: Hypopotassaemia; Epidemiology; Myasthenia; Dongguan

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2006–07, Degrees Conferred 2006–07, Fall 2007 Enrollments

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2006–07, Degrees Conferred 2006–07, Fall 2007 Enrollments

Nonpermanent Residents, Place Attachment, and “Sea Change” Communities

Rapid population growth and an increase in the number of nonresident second-home owners are altering the environmental, social, and economic stability of many Australian seaside communities. The impact of the growing proportion of nonpermanent residents in these regions has not yet been subject to much research. This article explores the usefulness of place attachment to provide insight into the actions and behavior of second-home owners. Place attachment, or human-place bonding, has been linked to positive behaviors such as environmental conservation, volunteering, and the reverse of neighbourhood decline. This article examines second-home owners' sense of place attachment in Western Australia's Augusta–Margaret River region. Findings indicate positive relationships between levels of place attachment, the amount of time spent in the region, support of local businesses, and contributions to community through membership in voluntary organizations. The relevance of supporting the place attachment of nonpermanent residents in rapidly developing coastal areas is discussed.

Welfare reform and the decline in the health-insurance coverage of children of non-permanent residents

The 1996 Welfare Reform Act tightened public health-insurance coverage restrictions for non-permanent residents (NPRs) and altered the eligibility of newly permanent residents (PRs). By drawing on data from the SIPP, this paper explores to what extent welfare reform led to a decline in health-insurance coverage for children of NPRs. This paper proposes that the proportion of uninsured children of NPRs with low social economic status (SES) increased by approximately 10 percentage points relative to their PR counterparts. Furthermore, although eligible for Medicaid, citizen children of NPRs of low SES lost approximately 17 percentage points in coverage.

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2005-06, Degrees Conferred 2005-06, Fall 2006 Enrollments

This report presents data that describe the 2005-06 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2005-06, and fall 2006 pharmacy program enrollments. Data for this report were requested from the 99 U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) using five separate survey instruments. There were two professional education programs at U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy: one leading to a baccalaureate in pharmacy and the other leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. However, June 30, 2005 marked the official expiration of the ACPE standards for the baccalaureate in pharmacy (B.S. Pharmacy) degree programs in accordance with the transition of the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree as the sole professional degree program in the U.S. Some colleges and schools of pharmacy conferred degrees in the B.S. Pharmacy program until 2004-05. For the purpose of this report, students in doctor of pharmacy programs are categorized under Pharm.D.1 when the program leads to a doctor of pharmacy degree conferred as the first professional degree. Students who have already received a baccalaureate in pharmacy and are enrolled in a doctor of pharmacy degree program are categorized under Pharm.D.2. The following definitions refer to the race/ethnicity groups as used in this report. White, black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino refer to students of the respective race/ethnicity who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The Asian, native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander group includes students who are Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Asian Indian, Guamanian, Samoan, or Pacific Islanders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The American Indian or Alaska native classification includes Native Americans, Eskimos, and Aleuts who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. Students listed under Other are those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories, but for whom race/ethnicity is unknown. Included in Foreign are all students who are foreign, nonpermanent residents of the U.S., regardless of race/ethnicity.

The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2004–05, Degrees Conferred 2004–05, Fall 2005 Enrollments

This report presents data that describe the 2004-05 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2004-05, and fall 2005 pharmacy program enrollments. Data for this report were requested from the 92 U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) using five separate survey instruments. Through June 2005, there were two professional education programs at U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy: one leading to a baccalaureate in pharmacy and the other leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. For the purpose of this report, students in doctor of pharmacy programs are categorized under Pharm.D.1 when the program leads to a doctor of pharmacy degree conferred as the first professional degree. Students who have already received a baccalaureate in pharmacy and are enrolled in a doctor of pharmacy degree program are categorized under Pharm.D.2. The following definitions refer to the race/ethnicity groups as used in this report. White, black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino refer to students of the respective race/ethnicity who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The Asian, native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander group includes students who are Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Asian Indian, Guamanian, Samoan, or Pacific Islanders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. The American Indian or Alaska native classification includes Native Americans, Eskimos, and Aleuts who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories. Students listed under Other are those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories, but for whom race/ethnicity is unknown. Included in Foreign are all students who are foreign, nonpermanent residents of the U.S., regardless of race/ethnicity.

Lack of immunity to hepatitis B virus among the expatriates residing in southern Taiwan

Taiwan is an endemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. There are more than 3-million carriers on this island. Chronic HBV infections may result in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are common in Taiwan. However little information is available concerning the immunity and the susceptibility to HBV among the expatriate-population (non-permanent residents from foreign countries) in Taiwan. Thus controversies exist on the indications for HBV vaccination among the foreign visitors and expatriates. This study evaluated the serological status of those who attended the Kaohsiung Adventist Clinic between May 1986 and August 1989. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) were determined by ELISA. A total of 152 expatriates (85M, 67F, aged 5 to 64 years, duration of residence in Taiwan: 2 weeks to 11 years) without previous HBV vaccination, were tested. HBsAg and anti-HBs were not detected in 125 (82%). Anti-HBs was found in 22 (15%). There was no correlation between the duration of residence and anti-HBs positivity. However, there was an increased prevalence of anti-HBs with increasing age after 30. For those expatriates who were anti-HBs positive, 64% had a history of sexual contact with a partner from an endemic area of HBV. HBsAg was detected in 5 (3%). Three were symptomatic with abnormal liver function tests. Four had a history of sexual exposure. Their children were not antigenemic. It is concluded that most (greater than 82%) of the expatriates residing in southern Taiwan have no immunity to HBV and sexual contact is a major route (70%) of transmission.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Seasonal Migration of Retired Persons: Estimating Its Extent and Its Implications for the State of Florida

This paper explores the extend of seasonal migration of the elderly to Florida and examines the impact that such migration has on the communities in which the seasonal migrants spend the winter. According to the 1980 Census Florida has 46% of all nonpermanent residents in the US and 120533 nonpermanent residents aged 65 and over. Data are from the Census Bureau and from a survey of the 29 Florida counties which have 500 or more nonpermanent residents. For the US as a whole the dependency ratio was .18 in 1975. In Florida for only permanent residents the dependency ratios range from .14 to .71. With the nonpermanent residents included the ratio reaches a peak of .73. During the summer of 1983 the researchers sent questionnaires to the county planners of each of the 29 counties. Results show that 1) the Census figures represent only a small portion of the numbers of retired seasonal migrants; 2) the greatest numbers of seasonal migrants reside in Florida during January February and March; 3) a great variety of housing types are used including campgrounds hotels or motels houses condominiums and apartments; 4) for 15 counties 5-40% of their economy is based on trade with snowbirds. Some negative implications for Florida counties include 1) transportation problems such as poor road conditions and traffic congestion 2) heavy use of medical services and 3) heavy use of recreational facilities. Finally planners should be particularly concerned with the age distribution and health characteristics of future snowbirds.