Prevalence Rate Ratio Research Articles

Determinants of international variation in the prevalence of disabling wrist and hand pain

BackgroundPrevious research has indicated that wide international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain among working populations is largely driven by factors predisposing to musculoskeletal pain more generally. This paper explores whether the same applies to disabling wrist/hand pain (WHP).MethodsUsing data from the Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability (CUPID) study, we focused on workers from 45 occupational groups (office workers, nurses and other workers) in 18 countries. Among 11,740 participants who completed a baseline questionnaire about musculoskeletal pain and potential risk factors, 9082 (77%) answered a further questionnaire after a mean interval of 14 months, including 1373 (15%) who reported disabling WHP in the month before follow-up. Poisson regression was used to assess associations of this outcome with baseline risk factors, including the number of anatomical sites other than wrist/hand that had been painful in the 12 months before baseline (taken as an index of general propensity to pain).ResultsAfter allowance for other risk factors, the strongest associations were with general pain propensity (prevalence rate ratio for an index ≥6 vs. 0: 3.6, 95% confidence interval 2.9–4.4), and risk rose progressively as the index increased. The population attributable fraction for a pain propensity index > 0 was 49.4%. The prevalence of disabling WHP by occupational group ranged from 0.3 to 36.2%, and correlated strongly with mean pain propensity index (correlation coefficient 0.86).ConclusionStrategies to prevent disability from WHP among working populations should explore ways of reducing general propensity to pain, as well as improving the ergonomics of occupational tasks.

Clinical prevalence and population incidence of serious pathologies among patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging for low back pain

BACKGROUNDIn rare cases low back pain may be caused by underlying serious pathology such as fracture, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome, or spinal infection. The lack of evidence regarding either the clinical prevalence or population incidence of serious pathologies in the lumbar spine makes it difficult for clinicians to adequately assess a patient's risk of serious pathology. PURPOSETo determine the prevalence of serious pathologies in patients with low back pain who have been referred for a lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by a specialist in a private secondary care or public tertiary care setting. The incidence of these serious pathologies in the geographic region of South Auckland, New Zealand was also investigated. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective, observational cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEConsecutive patients referred for lumbar MRI over a 10-month period (1st of October 2013–31st of July 2014). METHODData from all eligible MRI reports was analyzed and any serious pathologies were identified and recorded. Prevalence (along with 95% confidence intervals) was calculated as a percentage of the study population. Prevalence specific to private secondary care and public tertiary care settings was also calculated and prevalence rate ratios were determined to allow comparison between settings. Incidence in the geographic region of South Auckland, New Zealand, was determined using data collected from participants recruited from the regional public hospital. Population incidence with respect to age, gender, and ethnicity for each target condition was calculated and incidence rate ratios were computed to compare groups. RESULTSA total of 2,383 participants referred for lumbar MRI scans were included in this study. Prevalence was significantly higher in the public tertiary care setting than in the private secondary care setting for all pathologies investigated in this study. Pathology specific prevalence in secondary care vs tertiary care settings was: malignancy, 0.3%, 4.4% (p<.001); fracture 2.2%, 6.7% (p<.001); cauda equina compression 0.6%, 2.3% (p=.001); infection 0.1%, 3.4% (p<.001). The combined prevalence in secondary care was 3.2% and in tertiary care 14.8% (p<.001). Pathology specific total incidence was: fracture, 13 per 100,000 person-years (p-y); malignancy 8.5 per 100,000 p-y; cauda equina compression 4.4 per 100,000 p-y; spinal infection 6.6 per 100,000 p-y. CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of serious pathologies was significantly higher in tertiary care (public health) than in private secondary care settings. One in every 6.5 patients referred for MRI in tertiary care demonstrated structural abnormalities associated with serious pathology, which raises the question of whether access to MRI should be re-evaluated.

Socio-Economic Disparity is Not Linked to Outcome Following Heart Transplantation in New Zealand

Socio-economic deprivation (SED) is emerging as a risk factor for acute graft rejection (AR) and reduced survival of heart transplant (HT) recipients. The study aim was to evaluate any association between SED status of HT recipients and the development of early AR and long-term survival in New Zealand. This was a retrospective cohort study. Over a 30-year period, 329 HT recipients were identified from the Australian and New Zealand Heart Transplant Registry. All patients were divided into two groups according to the 2013 New Zealand Deprivation Index (NZDep2013) Score. Heart transplant recipients with NZDep2013 scores of 1,030 and above that corresponded to the eighth, ninth and tenth NZDep2013 deciles were allocated to the higher SED group and those with NZDep2013 scores below 1,030 to the lower SED group. The incidence of early AR in the higher SED group was 1.158/person-years and in the lower SED group 1.156/person-years. The crude incidence rate ratio was 1.0 (95% CI: 0.71-1.44; p = 0.9997). The prevalence of early AR in the higher SED group was 1.13/person-years and 1.15/person-years in the lower SED group. The crude prevalence rate ratio was 0.98/person-year (95% CI: 0.68-1.41/person-years; p = 0.468). In the higher SED group, mortality was 5.6/100 person-years (95% CI: 4.3-7.4/100 person-years) and 5.2/100 person-years (95% CI: 4.3-6.3/100 person-years) in the lower SED group. The adjusted mortality rate ratio estimate was 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.7; p = 0.426). The higher and lower SED groups had similar survival (p = 0.196). Socio-economic disparity in New Zealand HT recipients has no negative impact on the development of AR or survival.

Financial Fraud, Mental Health, and Quality of Life: A Study on the Population of the City of Madrid, Spain.

Over the past few decades, the financial system has engaged in abusive practices that meet the definition of fraud. Our objective is to compare the prevalence of psychological distress and levels of health-related quality of life according to having been exposed to financial fraud and its economic impact on family finances. The City of Madrid Health Survey 2017 included specific questions on exposure to financial fraud—this section was administered to half of the participants (n = 4425). Mental health need or caseness was defined by a score greater than two on the 12-item version of the Goldberg health questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was assessed by the Darmouth Coop Functional Health Assessment Charts/WONCA (COOP/WONCA). The prevalence of financial fraud was 10.8%. The prevalence rate ratio for caseness of those who experienced severe economic impact due to fraud was 1.62 (95%, CI 1.17–2.25; reference: no fraud), after adjustment by age, sex, social class, and immigrant status. Women experienced a decreased quality of life, even with a moderate impact of fraud, while men experienced a decreased quality of life related to fraud with severe economic impact. The current study contributes to a growing body of literature showing the effects of economic shocks on health as a result of financial fraud.

Sex disparities in premature adult mortality in Estonia 1995–2016: a national register-based study

ObjectivesTo quantify sex disparities in cause-specific premature adult mortality in Estonia, to determine the causes of death with the largest differences, to provide insight into related behaviours and to offer...

Breast cancer subtypes among Eastern-African-born black women and other black women in the United States.

A previous study reported that Eastern-African-born black women in the United States had lower prevalence of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer than those in US-born and Western-African-born black women, among whom the prevalence was similar. It is unknown whether the prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer (negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor) among black women in the United States differs similarly by birthplace. In the National Program of Cancer Registries and US Cancer Statistics, the authors identified 65,211 non-Hispanic black women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2010 through 2015 and were recorded as being born in the United States, East Africa, West Africa, or the Caribbean. The prevalence of triple-negative and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer (negative for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) among each group of foreign-born black women was compared with that among US-born black women and was expressed as the adjusted prevalence rate ratio, accounting for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics. Analyses were stratified by Census region, and region-specific estimates were summarized using random-effects meta-analyses. Compared with US-born black women, the prevalence rate ratio of triple-negative breast cancer was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.81-1.04) among Western-African-born, 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.98) among Caribbean-born, and 0.53 (95% CI, 0.37-0.77) among Eastern-African-born black women. Patterns for hormone receptor-negative tumors were generally similar, although the differences between populations were attenuated. The test for heterogeneity by Census region was not significant in any of the comparisons (all P for heterogeneity >.05). The prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer among black women in the United States varied significantly by birthplace, particularly among Eastern-African-born black women. These findings underscore the importance of considering geographic origin in studies characterizing breast cancer among women of African descent in the United States and elsewhere.

Comparative seroepidemiological surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis and its association with diabetes co-morbidity in Osun State, Nigeria

Adequate knowledge about the safety of consumption of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) is needed.We aimed to test the hypothesis that SQ-LNS consumption is noninferior to control with respect to child morbidity.Women (n = 1320) ≤20 wk pregnant were assigned to iron and folic acid until delivery with no supplementation for offspring; or multiple micronutrient supplements until 6 mo postpartum with no supplementation for offspring; or SQ-LNSs until 6 mo postpartum, and SQ-LNSs for offspring (6 mg Fe/d) from 6 to 18 mo of age [the lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) group]. We assessed noninferiority (margin ≤20%) between any 2 groups during 0–6 mo of age, and between the non-LNS and LNS groups during 6–18 mo of age for caregiver-reported acute respiratory infection, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, fever/suspected malaria, poor appetite, and “other illnesses.”During 0–6 mo of age, 1197 infants contributed 190,503 infant-days. For all morbidity combined, overall mean incidence (per 100 infant-days) was 3.3 episodes, overall mean prevalence (percentage of infant-days) was 19.3%, and the 95% CIs of the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and longitudinal prevalence rate ratio (LPRR) between any 2 groups were ≤1.20. During 6–18 mo, there were 240,097 infant-days for the non-LNS group and 118,698 for the LNS group. For all morbidity combined, group mean incidences were 4.3 and 4.3, respectively (IRR: 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1), and mean prevalences were 28.2% and 29.3%, respectively (LPRR: 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1). Noninferiority was inconclusive for diarrhea, fever/suspected malaria, and poor appetite.SQ-LNS consumption does not increase reported overall child morbidity in this population compared with the 2 other treatments. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866.

Clinical, biochemical, neuroradiological and molecular characterization of Egyptian patients with glutaric acidemia type 1

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is an inherited metabolic autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by a deficiency in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). Untreated patients suffer primarily from severe striatal damage. More than 250 variants in the GCDH gene have been reported with a variable frequency among different ethnic groups. In this study, we aimed to characterize 89 Egyptian patients with GA1 and identify the variants in the 41 patients who were available for genotyping. All of our patients demonstrated clinical, neuroradiological, and biochemical characteristics that are consistent with a diagnosis of GA1. All patients presented with variable degrees of developmental delay ranging from mild to severe. Most of the 89 patients presented with acute onset type (71.9%), followed by insidious (19%) and asymptomatic (9%). A delay in diagnosis was inversely associated with macrocephaly. The prevalence rate ratio (PR) for macrocephaly that was associated with each 6-month delay was 0.95 (95%CI 0.91–0.99). However, high body weight was associated with a higher likelihood of having macrocephaly (PR 1.16, 95%CI 1.06–1.26 per 1 SD increment of Z score weight). However, body weight was inversely associated with the morbidity score. Consanguinity level was 64% among our patient’s cohort and was positively associated with the C5DC level (β (95%CI) 1.06 (0.12–1.99)). Forty-one patients were available for genotyping and were sequenced for the GCDH gene. We identified a total of 25 variants, of which the following six novel variants were identified: three missense variants, c.320G > T (p.Gly107Val), c.481C > T (p.Arg161Trp) and c.572 T > G (p.Met191Arg); two deletions, c.78delG (p.Ala27Argfs34) and c.1035delG (p.Gly346Alafs*11); and one indel, c.272_331del (p.Val91_Lys111delinsGlu). All of the novel variants were absent in the 300 normal chromosomes. The most common variant, c.*165A > G, was detected in 42 alleles, and the most commonly detected missense variant, c.1204C > T (p.Arg402Trp), was identified in 29 mutated alleles in 15/41 (34.2%) of patients. Our findings suggest that GA1 is not uncommon organic acidemia disease in Egypt; therefore, there is a need for supporting neonatal screening programs in Egypt.

Non-linear Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Males.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Korean males.Methods:This study was conducted on males aged ≥50 years who participated in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. LUTS severity was assessed using the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, and was dichotomized as severe (IPSS >19) and non-severe (IPSS ≤19). BMI was divided into 6 categories: <18.5, 18.5-22.9, 23.0-24.9, 25.0-27.4, 27.5-29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. To evaluate the relationship between BMI and LUTS, a survey-weighted multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). Age, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, educational level, household income, and comorbidities were adjusted for in the multivariate model.Results:A U-shaped relationship was detected between BMI and severe LUTS. Compared with a BMI of 23.0-24.9 kg/m2, the PRR for a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 was 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 2.02), that for a BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.44), that for a BMI of 25.0-27.4 kg/m2 was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.45), that for a BMI of 27.5-29.9 kg/m2 was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.83 to 1.47), and that for a BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.18 to 2.88).Conclusions:This study showed that both high and low BMI were associated with severe LUTS.

Can the Impact of Interpersonal Violence on Current Health-Related Quality of Life Be Mitigated?

Background: Interpersonal violence continues to affect health long after violence has ended. This analysis investigated stress, support, and health behaviors as mediators potentially explaining persistent health impacts of violence. Methods: Using a cross-sectional analysis of 12,594 women "Wellness, Health & You" (WHY) participants, authors measured violence as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assaults (SA), and childhood abuse (CA) by recency (current, past as an adult, or child) and number of violence forms. Current health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) was defined using the most recent survey as physical and mental health limiting usual activities for at least 4 days in the past 30 days. Adjusted prevalence rate ratios (aPRRs) for violence and HR-QOL were obtained using multiple variable log binomial regression where each mediator was included in separate models with demographic attributes. Results: In this sample of middle-aged women, half (n = 6307) had ever experienced violence (38.3% IPV, 12.9% SA, and 24.6% CA) and 19.9% reported multiple forms. IPV, SA, and CA were each associated with poorer current HR-QOL, yet, WHY participants experiencing all three forms had a sixfold increased rate of poor mental HR-QOL (Model 1: aPRRs = 6.23 [95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 4.87-7.97]) versus no violence. Stress was the mediator associated with the greatest change in aPRRs (-34.7%; Model 2: aPRR = 4.07 [95% CI: 3.13-5.30]). When all mediators were included (Model 5: aPRR = 3.01 [95% CI: 2.29-3.96]), partial mediation was observed, evidenced by nonoverlapping CIs between Models 1 and 5. Conclusions: Of relevance for interventions are findings that current health impacts of past violence may be mitigated through reducing current stress.

Changes in US Outpatient Antibiotic Prescriptions From 2011-2016.

While antibiotics are life-saving drugs, their use is not without risk, including adverse events and antibiotic resistance. The majority of US antibiotic prescriptions are prescribed in outpatient settings, making outpatient antibiotic prescribing an important antibiotic stewardship target. The primary objective of this study was to describe trends in US outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions from 2011-2016. We estimated annual oral antibiotic prescription rates using national prescription dispensing count data from IQVIA Xponent, divided by census estimates for 2011-2016. We calculated the ratio of broad- to narrow-spectrum prescriptions by dividing broad-spectrum prescription rates by narrow-spectrum prescription rates. We used Poisson models to estimate prevalence rate ratios, comparing 2011 and 2016 antibiotic prescription rates, and linear models to evaluate temporal trends throughout the study period. Oral antibiotic prescription rates decreased 5%, from 877 prescriptions per 1000 persons in 2011 to 836 per 1000 persons in 2016. During this period, rates of prescriptions dispensed to children decreased 13%, while adult rates increased 2%. The ratio of broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotics decreased from 1.62 in 2011 to 1.49 in 2016, driven by decreases in macrolides and fluoroquinolones. The proportion of prescriptions written by nurse practitioners and physician assistants increased during the study period; in 2016, these providers prescribed over one-quarter of all antibiotic prescriptions. Outpatient antibiotic prescription rates, especially of broad-spectrum agents, have decreased in recent years. Clinicians who prescribe to adults, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are important targets for antibiotic stewardship.

3445 Cannabis use and risk of H. pylori infection; analysis of inpatients and residents of the US.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Cannabinoids suppress gastric acid secretion, ameliorate gastric inflammation, and promote gastric ulcer healing, all of which are triggered by H pylori (Hp). Our aim was to determine the relationship between cannabis use and: 1) H pylori infection (HPI) among community residents 2) clinical peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and its complications among hospitalized patients. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We performed case-control studies with records from the NHANES III (n=4,556) and HCUP-NIS 2014 (n=4,555,029), and respectively identified subjects with seropositivity for H pylori and clinical PUD, and their cannabis usage status. In the NHANES III, we estimated the adjusted prevalence rate ratio (aPRR) of having HPI with cannabis use, using generalized estimating equations. In the NIS, we propensity-matched cannabis users to non-users in ratio 1:1 (68,073:68,073) and measured the aPRR of having PUD and its complications (SAS 9.4). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In NHANES III, associated with decreased HPI seropositivity were cannabis ever-users (aPRR: 0.79[0.66-0.95]), greater than 10 times lifetime usage (0.65[0.5-0.84]) and recent 31-day usage (0.67[0.48-0.98]), compared to never usage. In the HCUP-NIS, cannabis users had decreased risk for total PUD (aPRR: 0.74[0.61-0.89]), duodenal PUD (0.48[0.35-0.60]) and PUD complications including hemorrhage (0.58[0.37-0.90]), perforation (0.66[0.51-0.87]), but not obstruction (1.75[0.51-5.98]). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Cannabis usage is related to a reduced likelihood of having HPI in the community and also mitigate against having complicated presentations to the hospital. More translational studies are needed to illuminate the details of this relationship, given the high worldwide prevalence of both cannabis use and HPI.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis Risk Factors among Bacteriologically Negative and Bacteriologically Confirmed Tuberculosis Patients from Five Regional Referral Hospitals in Uganda.

Understanding risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) and their prevalence helps guide early diagnosis. We determined their prevalence among bacteriologically negative and bacteriologically confirmed TB patients in five regional referral hospitals in Uganda. This cross-sectional study considered 1,862 adult presumptive TB participants. We performed fluorescent microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), Lowenstein-Jensen culture, human immunodeficiency virus, and random blood sugar testing on recruited patients. Prevalence and prevalence ratios of risk factors were compared among bacteriologically negative and confirmed cases. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for significant risk factors in bacteriologically confirmed patients. Of the 1,862 participants, 978 (55%) were male and the median age of the participants was 36 years (interquartile range: 27-48). Up to 273 (15%) had a positive result on all three TB tests. Most prevalent risk factors (prevalence ratio [PR] > 1.0) among bacteriologically negative and positive TB patients were cigarette smoking (9.3% versus 2.1%; PR = 2.1), biosmoke (24% versus 39.7%; PR = 1.7), contact (4.2% versus 6.5%; PR = 1.6), male gender (51.4% versus 72.5%; PR = 1.4), alcohol use (17.2% versus 24.4%; PR = 1.4), diabetes (0.7% versus 0.9%; PR = 1.3), and family history of TB (12.1% versus 13.7%; PR = 1.1). The risk factors and their adjusted prevalence rate ratios (95% CI) of being bacteriologically positive were male (1.8 [1.4-2.4]), biosmoke exposure (1.5 [1.2-2.0]), and history of cigarette smoking (1.6 [1.1-2.4]). Among bacteriologically confirmed patients in Uganda, cigarette smoking, biosmoke exposure, contact, male gender, alcohol use, diabetes, and family history of TB are important risk factors for TB. Interventions for TB control in people with these risk factors would help in TB control efforts.

Trends in Oral Antibiotic Prescription in Dermatology, 2008 to 2016

Dermatologists prescribe more oral antibiotic courses per clinician than any other specialty, and this use puts patients at risk of antibiotic-resistant infections and antibiotic-associated adverse events. To characterize the temporal trends in the diagnoses most commonly associated with oral antibiotic prescription by dermatologists, as well as the duration of this use. Repeated cross-sectional analysis of antibiotic prescribing by dermatologists from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016. The setting was Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) deidentified commercial claims data. Participants were dermatology clinicians identified by their National Uniform Claim Committee taxonomy codes, and courses of oral antibiotics prescribed by these clinicians were identified by their National Drug Codes. Claims for oral antibiotic prescriptions were consolidated into courses of therapy and associated with the primary diagnosis from the most recent visit. Courses were stratified into those of extended duration (>28 days) and those of short duration (≤28 days). Frequency of antibiotic prescribing and associated diagnoses. Poisson regression models were used to assess for changes in the frequency of antibiotic prescribing over time. Between 2008 and 2016 among 985 866 courses of oral antibiotics prescribed by 11 986 unique dermatologists, overall antibiotic prescribing among dermatologists decreased 36.6% (1.23 courses per 100 visits) from 3.36 (95% CI, 3.34-3.38) to 2.13 (95% CI, 2.12-2.14) courses per 100 visits with a dermatologist (prevalence rate ratio for annual change, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.930-0.932), with much of this decrease occurring among extended courses for acne and rosacea. Oral antibiotic use associated with surgical visits increased 69.6% (2.73 courses per 100 visits) from 3.92 (95% CI, 3.83-4.01) to 6.65 (95% CI, 6.57-6.74) courses per 100 visits associated with a surgical visit (prevalence rate ratio, 1.061; 95% CI, 1.059-1.063). Continuing to develop alternatives to oral antibiotics for noninfectious conditions, such as acne, can improve antibiotic stewardship and decrease complications from antibiotic use. In addition, the rising use of postoperative antibiotics after surgical visits is concerning and may put patients at unnecessary risk of adverse events. Future studies are needed to identify the value of this practice and the risk of adverse events.

Periodontal status and self-reported systemic health of periodontal patients regularly visiting dental clinics in the 8020 Promotion Foundation Study of Japanese Dental Patients.

This nationwide cross-sectional survey investigated the association between periodontal disease and self-reported systemic health in periodontal patients who regularly visited private dental clinics in Japan. Data from 999 patients of 444 dental clinics were analyzed; the patients were aged 40 years or older, regularly visited dentists, and had diagnosed periodontal disease (defined as two or more teeth with a clinical attachment level ≥6 mm). Medical history was collected with a self-reported questionnaire. Number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm was used to define periodontal status, and the highest quartile was used as the dependent variable. A Poisson regression model showed that histories of diabetes and hypertension were associated with a larger number of teeth with a PPD ≥5 mm (diabetes: prevalence rate ratio [PRR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.85; hypertension: PRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.58) after adjusting for potential periodontal risk factors. These findings suggest that diabetes and hypertension are associated with worse periodontal disease. Dentists should confirm the diabetes and hypertension status of patients who receive maintenance care, because these conditions could affect periodontal management of patients.

Maternal Overweight and Obesity and Risk of Congenital Heart Defects

BackgroundCongenital heart defects are more frequent in offspring of mothers with overweight or obesity. However, associations between maternal overweight and obesity, and risks of complex and specific heart defects are not clear. ObjectivesThis study sought to analyze associations between maternal overweight and obesity severity and rates of complex and specific heart defects. MethodsThis was a population-based cohort study in Sweden, including 2,050,491 live singleton infants born between 1992 and 2012. Data on maternal and infant characteristics, and diagnoses of congenital heart defects were retrieved from nationwide registries. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18.5 to <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25 to <30 kg/m2), obesity class I (BMI 30 to <35 kg/m2), class II (BMI 35 to <40 kg/m2), and class III (BMI ≥40 kg/m2). Outcomes included complex heart defects (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, atrial septal defects [ASD], aortic arch defects, and single-ventricle heart) and subgroups of specific heart defects diagnosed up to 5 years of age. The authors calculated adjusted prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) with 95% confidence intervals. ResultsA total of 28,628 (1.40%, N = 2,050,491) children had at least 1 congenital heart defect. PRRs of aortic arch defects increased with maternal obesity severity. Compared with offspring of normal weight mothers, PRRs of aortic arch defects and transposition of the great arteries were doubled in offspring of mothers with severe obesity. PRRs of ASD and persistent ductus arteriosus in term infants increased with maternal BMI. ConclusionsPRRs of aortic branch defects, ASD, and persistent ductus arteriosus increase with maternal obesity severity.

Child Influenza Vaccination and Adult Work Loss: Reduced Sick Leave Use Only in Adults With Paid Sick Leave

Children are a population of interest for influenza. They are at increased risk for severe influenza, comprise a substantial portion of influenza morbidity, and significantly contribute to its transmission in the household and subsequent parental work loss. The association between influenza vaccination and work loss prevention, however, has rarely been studied, and the sparse existing literature has very limited generalizability to U.S. adults, thus requiring better characterization. Using pooled National Health Interview Survey data (2013-2015, analyses conducted in 2018) nationally representative of working U.S. adults with household children (n=23,014), zero-inflated negative binomial regression examined the association of child influenza vaccination (exposure) with sick days (outcome) stratified by paid sick leave (no: n=10,741, yes: n=12,273). Child influenza vaccination was associated with significantly lower sick day usage, but only among adults with paid sick leave (prevalence rate ratio=0.79, 95% CI=0.67, 0.93), equating to average annual sick days of 4.07 vs 3.29 in adults with unvaccinated versus vaccinated household children (difference=0.78 fewer days annually). Influenza vaccination of children is associated with reduced sick leave in household adults, helping to keep the workforce healthy and reduce influenza's costly annual economic burden. This only occurred among adults with paid sick leave, however, which is distributed inequitably by income, education, gender, occupation, and race/ethnicity. Health in All Policies considers downstream health effects of social and economic policy; the failure of federal policy to ensure paid sick leave likely contributes to propagating influenza and health inequities.

Reflux symptoms in professional opera soloists

BackgroundProfessions distinguished by repeated vocal stress carry a high risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) which may affect vocal performance. AimsTo investigate the prevalence of self-reported GERS in professional opera soloists. MethodsA validated questionnaire regarding self-reported GERS (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cough) and lifestyle habits was administered to 116 professional opera soloists (mean age 34.1 ± 7.3 years, F:M ratio 1:1.1). Age and sex-matched opera choristers and control subjects were used as control. Prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) adjusted for confounding factors were evaluated. ResultsAmong GERS, belching (33.6%), heartburn (19.8%), and dysphagia (15.5%) were the most commonly reported by soloists. In particular, a higher risk of heartburn (PRR 2.61, 95% CI 1.45–4.69) and dysphagia (PRR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31–5.10) was reported in soloists as compared to choristers. The prevalence of obesity and late dinner was higher in both choristers and soloists in comparison to the population sample (p < 0.001). GERS was more common among soloists who received pharmacologic treatment and their prevalence was unrelated to the years of singing activity. ConclusionsProfessional opera soloists, regardless of the length of their career, are predisposed to developing GERS. Physicians should encourage patients to correct preventable risk factors. A prolonged pharmacological treatment might be needed.

Prevalence and correlates of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda: findings from a national cross-sectional, population based survey 2014

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are associated with health complications the gravity of which, vary with the regional deposition of the excess fat. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used to measure obesity although is an inferior predictor of cardiovascular disease risk mortality and morbidity compared with measures of abdominal obesity. We analyzed data from Uganda’s 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) survey to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors to provide information on the prevention and control of overweight and obesity.MethodsData were collected using the WHO STEPS protocol. Waist measurement was taken using a non-stretchable standard tape measure mid-way between the lowest rib and iliac crest with the subject standing at the end of gentle expiration. Participants with waist circumference > 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women were classified as abdominally obese. We used weighted modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors.ResultsOf the 3676 participants, 432 (11.8%) were abdominally obese; with the prevalence higher among females 412 (19.5%) compared with males 20 (1.3%). Compared with males, female participants were more likely to be abdominally obese Adjusted Prevalence Rate Ratio (APRR) 7.59 [5.58–10.33]. Participants who were married or cohabiting APRR 1.82 [1.29–2.57] and participants who were separated or divorced APRR 1.69 [1.17–2.46] were more likely to be abdominally obese compared with those who had never married before. Compared with rural dwellers, participants from urban areas were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.29 [1.09–1.53]. Compared with participants with normal blood pressure, those with elevated blood pressure were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.83 [1.57–2.14].Compared with participants without any education, those with secondary education were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.42 [1.12–1.78].ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda which puts many at risk of developing associated metabolic complications. These data provide useful information for developing interventions and formulation of policies for the control and prevention of abdominal obesity in Uganda.

The high prevalence of myopia in Korean children with influence of parental refractive errors: The 2008-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of parental refractive errors on myopic children in Korean families using a nationally representative survey. We used the ophthalmologic examination dataset of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV and V, a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study using a complex, stratified, multistage, probability cluster survey, which were performed from 2008–2012. We included 3,862 children from 5–18 years of age from 2,344 families without any ocular trauma, surgical history, or cataract affecting refractive errors. The generalized estimating equation was conducted to assess the association of refractive errors among children and their parents. Among 3,862 children, 2,495 had myopia, which was 64.6% prevalence. There were 208 children with high myopia (5.4%). The prevalence rate ratio (PRR) for pediatric myopia and high myopia with myopic parents was 1.34 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.24–1.45) and 3.11 (95% CI 1.93–5.01), respectively. The PRR of myopia and high myopia in children significantly increased to 1.37 (95% CI 1.04–1.81) and 11.41 (95% CI 6.24–20.88), as the degree of parental myopia increased (P < 0.001, respectively). Children with two myopic parents were more myopic than those with only one myopic parent (P < 0.001, respectively). In addition to parental myopia, the age of the child and household income were also significant risk factors for all degrees of pediatric myopia in a family (P ≤ 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, Korean children showed high prevalence of myopia. Children with myopic parents showed a significantly greater risk for myopia and high myopia.