Primary Prevention Interventions Research Articles

ODP138 Age-related Associations of LDL Cholesterol and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

Abstract Background No completed randomized trial exclusively incorporating the elderly has addressed the benefit of statin treatment for primary prevention until now. Therefore, consensus of major international lipid management guidelines has not been made upon lowering LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)to prevent primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)in the older population. Question: This study aimed to investigate whether ASCVD risk according to increasing LDL-C differs between age groups. Methods Data was provided by the Health Screening Cohort of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, which is a nationwide health screening program covering the whole population with alow attrition rate. Subjects with preexisting cardiovascular disease or taking lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. Participants were followed up from January1,2011 to December31, 2015. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate the relationship between LDL-C and ASCVD. Subgroup analyses were also conducted in patients with T2DM. Results The final cohort was composed of 285,119 participants with a mean age of 58.4 years and 55.2% of men. The average baseline LDL-C level was 121.5 mg/dL (standard deviation, 36.4). The proportion of individuals was 2.4% (n =6,718),9. 0% (n = 25,687), 26.6% (n = 75,981), 37.2% (n = 105,952), 20.2% (n = 57,562), and 4.6% (n = 13,219) in LDL-C ≥190, 160–189, 130–159, 100–129, 70–99, and<70 mg/dL, respectively. Patients with T2DM comprised 7.5% (n = 21,258) of the entire population. During a median follow-up of 6.44 years, the first ASCVD developed in8,996 participants (3.2%). All age groups showed positive associations between LDL-C and ASCVD risk, mostly with statistical significance from LDL-C of 160 mg/dL onward. ASCVD risk did not differ significantly between the age groups (P for interaction =0.62). Compared with ASCVD risk in LDL-C of 70–99 mg/dL, the risk in the highest LDL-C(≥190 mg/dL)was similar between groupsaged<50 and ≥70 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.90 [95%confidence interval (CI),1.52–2.38] and aHR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.30–2.68], respectively). Subgroup analysis in patients with T2DM showed that 7.2% of subjects experienced incident ASCVD. Age-specific association of ASCVD risk and LDL-C in T2DM patients displayed no difference in line with the total participants(P for interaction = 0.31). Conclusions A large-scale, population-based cohort study of adults who had no previous CVD history and were not prescribed lipid-lowering drugs demonstrated that elevated LDL-C was significantly correlated with a greater risk of ASCVD in people aged≥70 years, which was comparable with the risk in younger adults. This finding spotlights the necessity of settling intensive guidance on LDL-C levels for primary CVD prevention in the elderly. Presentation: No date and time listed

MHealth-Supported Hearing Health Training for Early Childhood Development Practitioners: An Intervention Study.

(1) Hearing health training and promotion is a priority for early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, but training opportunities are limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). mHealth (mobile health) has the potential to deliver scalable ear and hearing training to ECD practitioners. (2) This study investigated the effect of an mHealth training intervention program for ECD practitioners to improve knowledge and perceptions of hearing health in young children. An experimental one-group, pre-post-test study included ECD practitioners working with children between birth and 6 years old across 31 neighbouring communities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Hearing health training was provided using WhatsApp messages that encompassed infographics and voice notes. Knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing and hearing-related problems in children were surveyed pre-training, directly post training, and 6 months post training. (3) ECD practitioners (N = 1012) between 17 and 71 years of age received the mHealth training program and completed both the pre-and post-training surveys. Overall, knowledge scores indicated a significant improvement from pre- to post training (Z = -22.49; p < 0.001). Six-month post-training knowledge scores were sustained. Content analysis of ECD practitioners' application of the training information 6 months post training indicated improved awareness, practical application, better assistance for hearing problems, and widespread advocacy. (4) The mHealth training program supports improved knowledge and perceptions of ECD practitioners regarding hearing health for young children. With improved knowledge scores maintained 6 months post training, mHealth hearing health training is an effective intervention. An mHealth training program for ECD practitioners provides a scalable, low-cost intervention for primary and secondary prevention in childhood hearing loss, especially in LMICs.

Usefulness of Carotid Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Objective: The research aimed to examine whether the carotid condition is linked to coronary artery disease in sufferers sent to exercise echocardiography and when it raises the exercise echocardiography capability to forecast coronary artery disease. Place and Duration: During the last five years, continuous subjects over eighteen years with diagnosed coronary artery disease underwent exercise echocardiography and carotid ultrasound at Indus Hospital Karachi. Study Design: Cross-sectional Methodology: We studied 312 participants without past heart disease who experienced exercise echocardiography, coronary angiography, and carotid ultrasonography over five years. Specific variables had been described as proportions, and evaluation among groups was according to Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests. Constant variables had been described as mean or median whenever their distribution deceased from average, and variations had been evaluated through the un-paired t-test. Continuous and binary quantitative variables have been likened to utilizing binary logistic regression. IBM SPSS, Version 20 was utilized. Results: 178 (57.1 percent) participants had substantial coronary artery disease. Components linked to CAD in multi-variate evaluation were FPG (OR 2.04, p=0.062), pre-test possibility of CAD greater than 65 percent (odds ratio 7.42, p less than0.004), positive exercise echocardiography (odds ratio 42.04, p less than 0.004) and carotid plaque presence (odds ratio 5.8, p= 0.052). There wasn't a statistical factor in the area below the curve after the inclusion of carotid plaque to exercise echocardiography results (3.08 vs. 3.24, p=1.05) nor the level of sensitivity, uniqueness, predictive efficiency, or values. Conclusion: Carotid plaque is linked to CAD in sufferers going through exercise echocardiography (EE), although its inclusion to EE doesn't improve coronary artery disease (CAD) prediction, most likely because of inadequate mathematical power. Carotid plaque reclassified 1 / 3 of sufferers to high risk class in spite of negative exercise echocardiography (EE) or absence of coronary artery disease; these subjects take advantage of aggressive primary prevention treatments. Keywords: Carotid Ultrasonography, Coronary Artery Disease, echocardiography

Burden of Stroke and Population-Attributable Fractions of Risk Factors in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Background Stroke burden characterization studies in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. We estimated the burden of stroke and its risk factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods and Results We extracted GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study 2019 data on overall stroke and 3 subtypes (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) for 20 LAC countries. We estimated absolute and age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and deaths. The population-attributable fractions of 17 risk factors were estimated. All analyses were performed at regional and national levels by stroke subtype, sex, and age subgroups. In 2019, the LAC region had the fourth largest stroke burden worldwide (6.8million disability-adjusted life years), predominantly attributable to premature deaths (89.5% of disability-adjusted life years). Intracerebral hemorrhage was the primary cause of the overall stroke burden (42% of disability-adjusted life years), but ischemic stroke was the leading cause of disability (69% of total years lived with disability). Haiti and Honduras had the highest age-standardized rates. Older adults and men had the largest burdens, although women had the highest rate of disability. Socioeconomic development level did not influence the burden. The major risk factor clusters were metabolic (high systolic blood pressure [population-attributable fraction=53%] and high body mass index [population-attributable fraction=37%]), which were more influential in hemorrhagic events, women, and older adults. Household air pollution was an important risk factor in low-income countries in LAC. Conclusions The stroke burden and stroke-related mortality in LAC are higher than the worldwide averages. However, stroke is a highly preventable disease in this region. Up to 90% of the burden could be reduced by targeting 2 modifiable factors: blood pressure and body mass index. Further research and implementation of primary and secondary prevention interventions are needed, as well as integrated national stroke care programs for acute, subacute, and rehabilitation management in LAC.

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Vaccination of The Girl Child: An Intervention for Primary Prevention of Cervical Cancer in India

This review gives a comprehensive account of the currently available HPV vaccines including the Nonavalent vaccine which was not covered by some articles. The review includes the current burden of cervical cancer globally and in India. It also outlines the cervical cancer elimination initiative envisaged by the National Health Mission and the World Health Organization. This review aims to highlight the importance of cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screening program. The Human Papillomavirus infection is an established cause of cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India. India has a young population with more than 436.7 million women aged 15 years and older at risk of developing cervical cancer. There is mounting evidence that cervical cancer is highly preventable. Primary prevention can be done effectively by vaccinating adolescent girls aged 9 to 14 years with the HPV vaccine. Three HPV vaccines, namely the Bivalent, Quadrivalent, and Nonavalent, are currently licensed for use. As part of the National Health Mission, the Government of India launched for the year 2016 for the first time, a population-based prevention, screening, and control program for cervical cancer. The World Health Organization has launched a cervical cancer elimination initiative that looks forward to a cancer-free future. The review concludes that though there are challenges at every level, the solution points in only one direction. All need to work together to ensure the HPV vaccination program is included in our National Immunization Program as the top priority.

Assessment of the Role of NonTraditional Risk Factors on Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections

Background: Spontaneous coronary dissection (SCAD) and non-traditional risk factors (NT-RF) have assumed increasing interest. Aim: To assess NT-RF in the Parma SCAD registry population. Methods: 62 patients with SCAD, enrolled between January 2013 through November 2021, were divided in two groups: NT-RF (n=51) and T-RF (n = 11). Clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic features were compared between the two study populations; finally, the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events was assessed at follow-up. Results: At least one NT-RF among sex related, sex prevalent and gender specific risk factors was present in 82% of patients, while TRF for atherosclerotic disease were less common with hypertension being the most prevalent (40.3%) and diabetes the most seldom (3.2%). Patients with NT-RF were significantly younger (p=0.027) and mostly female compared to those without NT-RF (p=0.004). Type 2 (second Yip/Saw classification) dissection was the prevailing phenotype (54.8%) with a higher prevalence in the NT-RF group (63%, p=0.035). Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) occurred in 17.7% in all patients at a median follow-up of 23 months. When comparing the incidence of cardiovascular events in the 2 study groups, we did not find any significant differences (p=0.4) between groups. Conclusion: SCAD occurs more often in younger women without the traditional RF. Risk estimation does not include these factors and tailored prediction models are lacking. Clinicians and researchers should establish targeted interventions for primary prevention, early diagnosis and secondary prevention in younger women.

Comparison of SCORE and SCORE 2 risk prediction tools in contemporary very high risk european population

Abstract Background New SCORE 2 algorithm overperformed SCORE algorithm in population with decreasing prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited data in risk stratification with SCORE 2 model in contemporary populations from very high risk countries. Aim The aim of this study was to compare risk prediction using SCORE 2 and SCORE model and to compare the proportions of patients requiring statin treatment in primary prevention. Methods Our study included 1317 patients (511, 38.8% male gender, average age 54±8) without known CV disease aged 40 to 70 years. Data on CV risk factors were prospectively collected in 20 primary care centers throughout the Serbia from January 2020. to December 2020. Based on the CV risk profile, patients were stratified into 4 categories: low, moderate, high and very high risk according to SCORE model and into 3 categories: low to moderate, high and very high risk according to SCORE 2 model. The number of patients requiring statin treatment was assessed according to the risk category and value of LDL cholesterol in SCORE model and the value of non-HDL cholesterol in SCORE 2 model. Results Overall, 589 patients (44.7%) were smokers, mean value of total cholesterol was 6.2±1.1 mmol/L, LDL 3.9±1.1, HDL 1.4±0.5, non HDL 4.8±1.2 mmol/L. Systolic blood pressure was 138.6±19.6, diastolic blood pressure was 85.3±10.4 mmHg and was BMI 26.9±5.2. Based on the SCORE model 166 patients (12.6%) were classified into low risk category, 658 (49.9%) into moderate, 276 (20.9%) into high risk and 217 (16.6%) into very high risk category. Based on the SCORE 2 model 30 (2.8%) patients were classified into low to moderate, 273 (18%) and 1014 (79.2%) into very high risk category. There was significantly less patients in low to moderate group in SCORE 2 model compared to SCORE model (30, 2.8% vs 824, 62.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001 respectively) and significantly more patients with very high risk (1014, 79.2% vs 217, 16.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001), but without significance difference in the high risk group (Figure 1). The use of SCORE 2 model resulted in significantly higher proportion of patients requiring statin treatment 93% vs. 43% using SCORE model (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion The use SCORE 2 risk prediction tool, in comparison to SCORE model, results in significant higher proportion of patients being classified as very high risk category with the increase number of patients requiring statin treatment in primary prevention. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Krka Farma

Clinical outcome and mortality in patients with ICD for primary prevention

Abstract Background ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrilator) for primary prevention is indicated in patients with EF ≤35% and NYHA class II–III heart failure despite at least 3 months of optimal medical therapy.However, the studies that form the basis of this recommendation belong to more than 20 years ago. These studies may not reflect the characteristics and treatment of current heart failure patients. Therefore, the effect of ICD for primary prevention on prognosis may have been changed. Recent studies have called into question the effectiveness of the ICD in primary prevention. Aim The aim of our study is to evaluate the patients who had ICD for primary prevention implanted retrospectively. Method The primary outcomes of all-cause death and sudden death were compared in patients who underwent ICD for primary prevention at our clinic between 01.01.2015 and 01.03.2020 and patients with ICD indication but who did not accept this treatment. Results Of the 228 patients who had ICD for primary prevention implanted, 175 (76.8%) were male.The mean age of the patients was 65.63±11.94 years. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 39.45±18.89 months. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction of the patients was found to be 24.30±6.19%. Procedural complications developed in 36 (15.8%) of 228 patients. When these complications were analyzed according to the gender of the patients, complications developed in 21 (12%) of 175 male patients and 15 (28.3%) of 53 female patients (p: 0.004). When the ICD implanted group and the control group were compared in terms of all cause mortality, 67 (29.4%) of 228 patients in the ICD arm and 39 (26%) of 150 patients in the control group died due to all causes mortality (p: 0.473) (Figure 1). When the ICD implanted group and the control group were compared in terms of sudden death, 2 patients in the ICD arm and 8 patients in the control group had sudden death (p: 0.017). Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, BNP value, and previous hospitalization due to decompensation heart failure were found to be independent predictors of all-cause mortality by multiple logistic regression method. Mortality was 3.4 times higher in patients who were hospitalized with decompensated heart failure before the procedure. In the ICD implanted group, the all-cause mortality of patients with a BNP value above 508.5, LVEF value below 24.5%, and age greater than 68.5 was 25 times higher than in other patients (Wald: 9.938 OR (95% Cl): 0.039 (0.005–0.293) p: 0.002) (Table 1). It was found that the presence of coronary artery disease was not an independent risk factor. Conclusion Our patient population and our findings are compatible with current life data. We think that the recommendations for ICD for primary prevention implantation in the guidelines may be downgraded in the future with current treatment options. It will be important to determine which patient population will most benefit from the ICD treatment for primary prevention. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Distribution of cardiovascular disease risk according to SCORE2 and potential need for cholesterol and blood pressure lowering therapy in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals

Abstract Background The 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prevention guidelines recommend the Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation 2 algorithm (SCORE2) to estimate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events to guide pharmacological treatment for primary prevention in apparently healthy individuals aged 40–69 years. Purpose To assess the distribution of CVD risk according to SCORE2 and the proportion of individuals who could be eligible for pharmacological treatment of blood cholesterol and blood pressure in an apparently healthy middle-aged population in Sweden. Methods We used data from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) which used population registers to randomly recruit individuals aged 50–64 years at six Swedish study sites. Information was collected from the study participants through clinical examinations, national registries, and questionnaires. We excluded individuals with previously known atherosclerotic CVD, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease with eGFR &amp;lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The SCORE2 algorithm designed for countries with moderate baseline CVD risk was used to categorize study participants' 10-year CVD risk as low-moderate (&amp;lt;5% risk); high (5-&amp;lt;10% risk); and very-high (≥10% risk). The proportions of the population who could be eligible, according to the 2021 ESC prevention guidelines, for pharmacological treatment of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed. Treatment thresholds for LDL-C according to SCORE2 risk were ≥1.8 mmol/L (high risk) and ≥1.4 mmol/L (very-high risk). Treatment threshold for hypertension was defined as a blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg regardless of CVD risk. Results SCAPIS included 30,082 individuals. After exclusion criteria were applied 26,877 individuals remained (median age 57.2 years; 52.8% women). The median 10-year risk of CVD according to SCORE2 was 5.0 (interquartile range 3.0, 7.0) %. In total, 47.5% were classified as low-moderate risk, 45.9% as high risk, and 6.6% as very-high risk, with men having higher risk than women (figure). Almost all of those with high and very-high risk had LDL-C levels above the treatment thresholds. As such, according to the guidelines, lipid-lowering treatment should be considered (high risk) or was generally recommended (very-high risk) in 51.7% of the total population (Figure 1). The proportion of individuals with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg was 21.9%. The self-reported use of lipid-lowering therapy among low-moderate, high risk, and very-high risk individuals was 3.1%, 6.9%, and 6.3%, respectively. The use of blood pressure lowering therapy was 13.1% for those with blood pressure &amp;lt;140/80 mmHg and 29.2% for those ≥140/90 mmHg. Conclusions In this population-based study of nearly 27,000 apparently healthy middle-aged individuals in Sweden, around half of the individuals could be eligible for LDL-C-lowering therapy and around one in five could be eligible for antihypertensive therapy according to the 2021 ESC prevention guidelines. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): SCAPIS funding: The Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Early interventions to promote healthy lifestyle and risk factor control in subjects with elevated cardiovascular risk. A 3-year randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factor control is suboptimal in Europe, including Norway. The present study examined the efficacy of a multimodal primary prevention intervention program based on the existing Norwegian health care system. Methods In this open-label randomized controlled trial, adult patients with elevated cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to an intervention program including a hospital-based lifestyle course and primary care follow-up or to a control group. The participants were recruited between 2011 and 2015. Primary outcome was change in validated cardiovascular risk scores (NORRISK, NORRISK2, Framingham, PROCAM) between baseline and follow-up. Secondary outcomes included major cardiovascular risk factors. Results After 36 months the NORRISK score was significantly improved in patients assigned to the intervention group (IG) compared to patients assigned to the control group (CG); absolute difference in mean delta score in the IG (n=305) compared to mean delta score in the CG (n=296): −0.92, 95% CI: −1.48 to −0.36, p=0.001. The results for NORRISK2, Framingham and PROCAM showed similar significant effects. The secondary endpoints including total cholesterol and blood pressure were only minimally, and non-significantly, reduced in the IG, but the proportion of smokers (p=0.0028) and with metabolic syndrome (p&amp;lt;0.0001) were significantly reduced. A limited number of cardiovascular events were observed, IG (n=9), CG (n=16). Conclusions In subjects with elevated cardiovascular risk, a newly developed prevention program, combining a hospital-based lifestyle course and primary care follow-up, significantly reduced cardiovascular risk scores after 36 months. This benefit appeared achievable primarily through improvements in metabolic syndrome characteristics and smoking habits as prominent contributors to the positive results. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The trial is funded in a grant from the Norwegian healthdepartment.

The practice of hope in public health interventions: a qualitative single-case study.

This study examines hope practices in the context of participation in a public health intervention. Theoretically, the study builds upon Cheryl Mattingly's notion of hope as a practice, which renders the possibility of examining participants actions, interactions and challenges with participating. This analytical lens contributes knowledge about how interventions are incorporated into participants' hopes for a future life and the consequences of intervening in peoples' everyday lives. The study builds on empirical material from a pilot study of the primary preventive intervention known as TOF (Tidlig Opsporing og Forebyggelse-a Danish acronym for 'Early Detection and Prevention') which aimed to identify high risk individuals and provide targeted preventive services. A by-product of a larger qualitative study, itself based on the TOF pilot study in 2019, this single-case study illustrates how participants' life situation influence how they interpret and manage activities in a public health intervention. The study shows how the practice of hope in public health interventions is closely linked to participants' own interpretations of how participation can lead to a life worth living. The findings, which show that participants' needs, and life situation influence the ways in which they respond to an intervention, adds to the complexity in intervention research. Further, the study illustrates some of the ethical challenges that arise when researchers intervene in people's everyday life. It reinforces the need for ongoing critical reflection and attention to be directed at how those being studied articulate and practice hope.

Mutual effect of homocysteine and uric acid on arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

BackgroundArterial stiffness is a major risk factor and effective predictor of cardiovascular diseases and a common pathway of pathological vascular impairments. Homocysteine (Hcy) and uric acid (UA) own the shared metabolic pathways to affect vascular function. Serum uric acid (UA) has a great impact on arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk, while the mutual effect with Hcy remains unknown yet. This study aimed to evaluate the mutual effect of serum Hcy and UA on arterial stiffness and 10-year cardiovascular risk in the general population. From the perspective of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), we assumed that combined assessment of Hcy and UA provides a better tool for targeted prevention and personalized intervention of cardiovascular diseases via suppressing arterial stiffness.MethodsThis study consisted of 17,697 participants from Beijing Health Management Cohort, who underwent health examination between January 2012 and December 2019. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was used as an index of arterial stiffness.ResultsIndividuals with both high Hcy and UA had the highest baPWV, compared with those with low Hcy and low UA (β: 30.76, 95% CI: 18.36–43.16 in males; β: 53.53, 95% CI: 38.46–68.60 in females). In addition, these individuals owned the highest 10-year cardiovascular risk (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.26–1.76 in males; OR: 7.61, 95% CI: 4.63–12.68 in females). Of note, males with high homocysteine and low uric acid were significantly associated with increased cardiovascular risk (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15–1.47), but not the high uric acid and low homocysteine group (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.90–1.16).ConclusionsThis study found the significantly mutual effect of Hcy and UA on arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk using a large population and suggested the clinical importance of combined evaluation and control of Hcy and UA for promoting cardiovascular health. The adverse effect of homocysteine on arteriosclerosis should be addressed beyond uric acid, especially for males. Monitoring of the level of both Hcy and UA provides a window opportunity for PPPM/3PM in the progression of arterial stiffness and prevention of CVD. Hcy provides a novel predictor beyond UA of cardiovascular health to identify individuals at high risk of arterial stiffness for the primary prevention and early treatment of CVD. In the progressive stage of arterial stiffness, active control of Hcy and UA levels from the aspects of dietary behavior and medication treatment is conducive to alleviating the level of arterial stiffness and reducing the risk of CVD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical effect of Hcy and UA targeted intervention on arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health.

Utilizing SBIRT as a Framework for Transforming How We Think About Prevention and Early Intervention for Youth and Young Adults

Utilizing SBIRT as a Framework for Transforming How We Think About Prevention and Early Intervention for Youth and Young Adults

Domestic Violence Against Women in the Workplace: Difficulties at the Personal and Professional Levels

Effect of domestic violence (including employment interference/restraint) on women’s personal and professional difficulties and whether employment interference/restraint is affected by familial and demographic characteristics were examined. Data from 177 workplace-participating women in a higher educational institution was used. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations. It was revealed that working women suffered from a wide range of difficulties at the personal and professional levels. However, personal difficulties were more prevalent compared to professional difficulties. Among participants’ familial and demographic characteristics, only “number of children” was significant in predicting exposure to employment interference/restraint. Tactics of employment interference/restraint are characterized by being “controlling” in nature. This characteristic explained women’s reports of violence and complaints from related difficulties. Personal difficulties associated with employment interference/restraint were representative, and similar, to mental health problems. It is recommended that primary prevention interventions are emphasized taking into consideration the role of women, coworkers, as well as employers in terminating this problem.

Using a Public Health Approach to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse by Targeting Those at Risk of Harming Children

The evidence is clear that child sexual abuse is a public health concern internationally. Prevention of child sexual abuse requires a variety of interventions including those that stop individuals from either sexually assaulting a child or viewing sexually abusive online images. In contrast, most current approaches internationally focus on criminal justice strategies aimed at preventing reoffending rather than stopping the first offence. Additionally, and albeit there is a general paucity of relevant scholarship, there are few signs of countries adopting coherent, unified and evidence-based strategies to prevent individuals at risk of harming a child becoming actual or repeat offenders. The focus of interventions to date is largely on prevention at the tertiary end. Understanding and adopting an integrated public health approach represents an opportunity to incorporate a range of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions and develop comprehensive prevention strategies at local, national, or international levels. A comprehensive approach to prevention targeted at stopping offending in the first place is required, and it needs to be able to recognise the complex nature of offending and the diversity therein. Research shows that those who harm children are diverse in their age and gender, the children they sexually abuse—intra-familial/extra-familial, prepubescent/pubescent, peer/younger children, male or female—and the type of abuse—contact, non-contact, or online. Preventing child sexual abuse is complex and requires more than an ad hoc collection of unrelated programs, if it is to succeed. This paper synthesises and integrates the disparate scholarly literature on the potential and actual perpetrators of child sexual abuse and responses to and prevention of such abuse. It recommends an increased focus on primary prevention within a comprehensive public health approach as a conceptual framework to prevent the occurrence of child sexual abuse. A systems approach is taken to develop the proposed conceptual framework.

Stroke Prevention with Hydroxyurea Enabled through Research and Education: A Phase 2 Primary Stroke Prevention Trial in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Stroke is a severe complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA), with devastating sequelae. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography predicts stroke risk, but implementing TCD screening with suitable treatment for primary stroke prevention in low-resource environments remains challenging. SPHERE (NCT03948867) is a prospective phase 2 open-label hydroxyurea trial for SCA in Tanzania. Methods: After formal training and certification, local personnel screened children 2–16 years old; those with conditional (170–199 cm/s) or abnormal (≥200 cm/s) time-averaged mean velocities (TAMVs) received hydroxyurea at 20 mg/kg/day with dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The primary study endpoint is change in TAMV after 12 months of hydroxyurea; secondary endpoints include SCA-related clinical events, splenic volume and function, renal function, infections, hydroxyurea pharmacokinetics, and genetic modifiers. Results: Between April 2019 and April 2020, 202 children (average 6.8 ± 3.5 years, 53% female) enrolled and underwent TCD screening; 196 were deemed eligible by DNA testing. Most had numerous previous hospitalizations and transfusions, with low baseline hemoglobin (7.7 ± 1.1 g/dL) and %HbF (9.3 ± 5.4%). Palpable splenomegaly was present at enrollment in 49 (25%); average sonographic splenic volume was 103 mL (range 8–1,045 mL). TCD screening identified 22% conditional and 2% abnormal velocities, with hydroxyurea treatment initiated in 96% (45/47) eligible children. Conclusion: SPHERE has built local capacity with high-quality research infrastructure and TCD screening for SCA in Tanzania. Fully enrolled participants have a high prevalence of elevated baseline TCD velocities and splenomegaly. SPHERE will prospectively determine the benefits of hydroxyurea at MTD for primary stroke prevention, anticipating expanded access to hydroxyurea treatment across Tanzania.

Incidence and mortality of non-AIDS-defining cancers among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryBackgroundNon-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) are now becoming a rising cause of morbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the summary risk of incidence and mortality of a wide range of NADCs among PLHIV compared with the general population.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020222020). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before Jan 24, 2022. Cohort or registry linkage studies comparing the incidence or mortality of individual NADCs in PLHIV with that in the general population were included. Studies simply reporting outcomes of cancer precursor lesions or combined NADCs were excluded. We calculated pooled standardised incidence (SIRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models, and used robust variance estimation to account for non-independence in study-level effect sizes.FindingsWe identified 92 publications arising from 46 independent studies including 7 articles out of 7 studies from developing countries. Among the 40 types of NADCs investigated, all of the 20 infection-related NADCs, cancers related with human papillomavirus infection in particular, and half of the 20 non-infection-related NADCs occurred in excess in PLHIV compared with the general population. This risk pattern was consistent in most WHO regions and in both high-income and low-and middle-income countries. The increased SIRs for various NADCs were more evident among PLHIV with advanced immunodeficiency, and was explored by HIV transmission route, and use of HAART. PLHIV had increased mortality for anal cancer (SMR 124·07, 95% CI 27·31-563·72), Hodgkin lymphoma (41·03, 2·91−577·88), liver cancer (8·36, 3·86−18·11), lung cancer (3·95, 1·52-10·26), and skin melanoma (3·95, 1·28−12·2).InterpretationPLHIV had increased incidence and mortality for a wide spectrum of NADCs. Primary prevention and effective treatment for NADCs in this population is urgently needed.FundingNatural Science Foundation of China Excellent Young Scientists Fund, Natural Science Foundation of China International/Regional Research Collaboration Project, National Science and Technology Major Project of China, Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen, High Level Project of Medicine in Longhua, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission Basic Research Program, Special Support Plan for High-Level Talents of Guangdong Province, the Guangzhou Basic Research Program on People's Livelihood Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Research and Innovation for and with Adolescent Young Carers to Influence Policy and Practice-The European Union Funded "ME-WE" Project.

Young carers are children and adolescents who provide care to other family members or friends, taking over responsibilities that are usually associated with adulthood. There is emerging but still scarce knowledge worldwide about the phenomenon of young carers and the impact of a caring role on their health, social and personal development spheres. This paper provides an overview of the main results from the ME-WE project, which is the first European research and innovation project dedicated to adolescent young carers (AYCs) (15–17 years). The project methods relied on three main activities: (1) a systematization of knowledge (by means of a survey to AYCs, country case studies, Delphi study, literature review); (2) the co-design, implementation and evaluation of a primary prevention intervention addressing AYCs’ mental health (by means of Blended Learning Networks and a clinical trial in six European countries); (3) the implementation of knowledge translation actions for dissemination, awareness, advocacy and lobbying (by means of national and international stakeholder networks, as well as traditional and new media). Project results substantially contributed to a better understanding of AYCs’ conditions, needs and preferences, defined tailored support intervention (resilient to COVID-19 related restrictions), and significant improvements in national and European policies for AYCs.

Can the 1-Leg Standing Test Be Replaced by Self-reported Balance in the First-Time Injurious Fall Screening Tool?

The First-time Injurious Fall (FIF) screening tool was created to identify fall risk in community-living older men and women, who may be targets for primary preventive interventions. The FIF tool consists of 3 self-reported questions and 1 physical test (1-leg standing balance). The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive ability of the FIF tool and a modified FIF tool (in which 1-leg standing is replaced by self-reported balance) for first-time injurious falls. A cohort of 1194 community-living people 60 years and older from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), Sweden, was followed longitudinally for 5 years. Data on injurious falls were collected from registered data and were defined as receipt of care after a fall. The predictive ability of the FIF tool and the m-FIF tool was explored using Harrell's C statistic, stratified by sex. The injurious fall rate per 1000 person-years was 54.9 (95% CI: 47.22-63.78) for women and 36.3 (95% CI: 28.84-45.78) for men. The predictive ability for women and men according to Harrell's C statistic was 0.70 and 0.71 for the FIF tool and the m-FIF tool. The predictive ability was 0.70 and 0.69 for 1-leg standing, and 0.65 and 0.60 for self-reported balance problems. The m-FIF tool presented similar predictive ability as the FIF tool regarding first-time injurious falls. This finding could extend the usefulness of the tool to other settings, such as to electronic health (eHealth). A quickly and easily administered screening tool can help physical therapists to identify people with a high risk of falling who may need to undergo a more comprehensive fall risk assessment.

Women's cancers in Sudan with a focus on cervical cancer: turmoil, geopolitics and opportunities.

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the second leading cause of death in Sudanese women. However, despite proven interventions for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and the World Health Organization’s call to action toward eliminating cervical cancer, there has been little progress in addressing the cervical cancer burden in Sudan. This short communication intends to shed light on the challenges facing women’s cancers in Sudan, taking cervical cancer as an example. It also discusses the opportunities and suggests ways to improve the outcomes of women’s cancers in Sudan. Sudan’s government should urgently implement a broad public health strategy to improve outcomes for women with cancer. The cancer control plan should be aligned with international, evidence-based recommendations and adapted to local circumstances. It should strengthen health literacy, augment different health care interventions, including vaccination, committed screening programmes, early detection and proper diagnosis of symptomatic cases, a programmatic approach to active management and palliative care and ensure robust referral pathways. Policies are also needed in collaboration with the international community in addressing the cancer care needs of internally displaced and refugee women in Sudan. The strategy should consider overcoming the existing challenges and making the most opportunities available.