Risk Factor Questionnaire Research Articles

Risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a general emergency department patient cohort – results of an observational cohort study

Background Testing for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization in emergency department (ED) patients may guide prevention strategies against hospital acquired infections (HAI). This study determined the prevalence of SA carriers in a general ED population, characterized the population, and identified predictors for SA colonization. Methods A prospective monocentric observational cohort study in a tertiary care hospital collected nasopharyngeal swabs in 1,000 adult patients. PCR testing for methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitive SA (MRSA/MSSA) was performed. Risk factor questionnaires and routine data from the clinical information system were captured. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were applied to report prevalence and outcomes and to identify predictors. Results The prevalence for SA was 33.7% (n = 328; 95%-CI: 30.7-36.8): MSSA 30.9% (n = 301; 95%-CI: 28.0-34.0) and MRSA 2.8% (n = 27; 95%-CI: 1.8-4.0). POC PCR testing in the ED was feasible. Key predictors of SA colonization included having a catheter (OR 2.0, 95%-CI 1.0-4.0, p = 0.044) and requiring nursing care (OR 1.9, 95%-CI: 1.2-2.9, p = 0.007), even after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusion Testing strategies for SA detection in ED need to focus on vulnerable populations with an elevated risk for HAIs and associated adverse outcomes. Individuals requiring nursing care could be a key target population for screening efforts.

P0683 Is it time to move away from malnutrition screening as a gateway to a dietitian referral in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? An investigation into nutritional Issues in Crohn’s Disease Remission

Abstract Background Conventional methods of triaging patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) to see a dietitian mainly focus on generic risk scores for identifying overt malnutrition and do not consider dietary-impact factors more specific to CD, such as food-related gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, bowel strictures or food avoidance. The INTICO-2 study characterised the nutritional state of adults in CD remission and included a novel patient-completed questionnaire of nutritional risk factors and symptoms, which would warrant a referral to a dietitian. Methods The INTICO2 study recruited adults with CD in confirmed clinical (HBI <5) and biochemical remission (faecal calprotectin <250 mg/g) from a single UK outpatient IBD Centre for nutritional assessment. Participants completed a dietetic-developed questionnaire that addressed signs and symptoms likely to limit dietary intake or indicate nutritional risk, including weight, weight loss, appetite (SNAQ)1, food restriction, CD phenotype (strictures, previous surgery), GI symptoms and physical symptoms associated with nutritional deficiencies. Results The median BMI in the cohort was 26.1 kg/m2 (18.0-48.9), and only one reported recent weight loss. Only one patient was assessed as at risk of malnutrition by MUST criteria. Nevertheless, most patients (92%; 180/196) reported at least one sign or symptom with a mean of 4 (SD 3) signs or symptoms for the cohort. About a third (34%, 67/196) reported food restriction; dairy, wheat, red meat, pulses, garlic, and onion were the most avoided. On average, patients avoided two foods, with 47 different foods reported across the cohort. About a third of patients (30%, 57/192) reported impaired appetite (SNAQ≤14); the mean SNAQ score was 15.5 (SD 2.3). Gastrointestinal symptoms after eating and signs and symptoms that suggest micronutrient deficiencies were evident (Table 1). Participants who answered ‘yes’ to the presence of strictures or previous CD surgery had significantly more signs and symptoms than those who did not: Mean(SD) strictures 6.32 (2.9) versus no strictures 3.66 (2.7) P<0.001 and surgery 5.4(2.8) versus no surgery 3.8 (2.9) P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with CD in remission may experience significant symptoms impacting their nutritional intake. Patients in remission do not routinely see a dietitian. Triage based on low BMI or weight loss may be insufficient to identify those who might benefit from further dietetic assessment and advice. A move towards dietetic triage that also considers GI signs, symptoms, and prior surgery might improve the identification of those who would benefit from dietetic advice by improving nutritional intake and tailoring advice to relieve symptoms (e.g. texture modification advice for those with strictures).

Risk factors for early childhood caries in patients with cleft lip and palate: a descriptive study

Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate is a common congenital defect. Children with this condition often experience abnormalities in the anatomical and morphological structures of the oral cavity, which contribute to poor oral hygiene and a lack of interest in maintaining dental care. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent dental health problem in patients with cleft lip and/or palate and is affected by factors such as sugary food consumption, oral hygiene habits, frequency and use of milk bottles, and parental socioeconomic status. This study aims to identify the risk factors for ECC in children with cleft lip and/or palate. Methods: This study employed descriptive research methods, using interviews with ECC risk factor questionnaires and purposive sampling based on Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in a sample of 91 parents of children diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate. The questionnaires used in this research had undergone validity and reliability testing. The results were analyzed using frequency distribution. Results: The results of this research showed that most respondents had education level equivalent to junior high school or high school (51.65%). The respondents' average income was below 1.5 million as follows, accounting 47.25% of the sample. All respondents (100%) demonstrated good knowledge of maintaining their children's oral hygiene. However, the majority of respondents provided sweet foods (51.65%) and sweet drinks (43.65%) to their children 1-3 times per day. Additionally, 49.45% of respondents reported giving milk to their children before sleep, and 45,05% indicated that their children sometimes fell asleep eating without brushing teeth. Conclusion: The risk factors for ECC in patients with cleft lip and/or palate include parental education and income, children's habit of sleeping after eating without brushing their teeth, frequency of sugary foods consumption, frequency of formula milk consumption, and the practice of giving milk to children before bedtime.

Asthma Risk Prevalence and Associated Factors in Stunted Children: A Study Using Asthma Predictive Index.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of stunted children under 5 years in Indonesia is relatively high. Stunting is a significant risk factor for wheezing disorders. The asthma predictive index (API) identifies children with a recurrent wheezing disorder at risk of developing asthma during the first 3 years. However, the risk of developing asthma and its associated factors among stunted children has not been studied. This study aims to determine the asthma risk prevalence in stunted children via the API score and associated factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bandung District Health Center from October 2021 to January 2022. This study included stunted children aged 24-59 months living in Bandung District whose parents could answer the API and asthma risk factor questionnaires. Results: A total of 422 participants with an average age of 43.1 ± 9.7 months were included. Among the stunted children, 4.7% (20/422) met the positive API criteria, and 50.0% were malnourished (stunted-underweight). The participants with positive API results had a parental medical diagnosis of asthma (45%), eczema (10.0%), allergic rhinitis (20.0%), and wheezing apart from colds (40.0%) (p < 0.05). Significant risk factors for developing asthma in the participants with a positive API were dog ownership in the past 12 months and parents and siblings with allergic diseases. Conclusions: The asthma risk prevalence in stunted children was 4.7%. The associated risk factors included a history of allergic diseases in parents and siblings, as well as dog ownership; however, further investigation is needed.

Sources and Transmission Routes of Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Study Design and Methodology of the SAMPAN Study.

Background/Objectives: The global spread of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) warrants collaborative action. Guidance should come from integrated One Health surveillance; however, a surveillance strategy is currently unavailable due to insufficient knowledge on the sources and transmission routes of CRPA. The aim of the SAMPAN study ("A Smart Surveillance Strategy for Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa") is to develop a globally applicable surveillance strategy. Methods: First, an international cross-sectional study will be conducted to investigate CRPA in clinical and environmental settings in Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Rome (Italy), and Jakarta (Indonesia). Screening cultures and risk factor questionnaires will be taken from healthy individuals and patients upon hospital admission. Clinical CRPA isolates will also be included. Additionally, samples will be taken twice from wet hospital environments and monthly from the hospitals' (drinking) water system, hospital and municipal wastewater treatment plants, and receiving rivers. Whole-genome sequencing will be performed to characterize CRPA isolates and determine the genetic relatedness among the isolates from different reservoirs. Findings from the cross-sectional study, combined with expert elicitation using a Delphi method, will serve as the input for the surveillance strategy. Conclusions: The SAMPAN study will provide a broader understanding of the sources and transmission routes of CRPA. Therewith, the development of a globally applicable smart surveillance strategy will be made possible, delivering information that is needed to guide actions against the spread of CRPA.

Risk of Dementia and Its Associated Factors Among the Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Attending a Tertiary Cardiac Hospital of Dhaka City: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In Bangladesh, data related to the future risk of dementia and its associated factors are scarce. Furthermore, no dementia risk prediction tool has yet been applied to estimate the risk in any population in Bangladesh. Therefore, our objective was to assess the risk of dementia and its associated factors among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This cross-sectional study conveniently recruited 280 stable patients with CAD who were admitted for coronary revascularization at a tertiary cardiac hospital situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected face-to-face using a pretested questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP-wise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors questionnaire (Version 3.2). The questionnaire included background information (sociodemographic, comorbidity), behavioral and metabolic risk factors, physical and biochemical measurements. The next 20 years' risk of dementia was estimated using the "Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia" score. The risk score, risk levels, and risk factors were presented descriptively. The associated factors of dementia risk were elucidated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The mean ( ± standard deviation) risk score for dementia was 6.26 ± 2.28. The predicted "at-risk" population was 63.6%. The prevalent risk factors were unhealthy diets (84.3%) presented by inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption (70%) and added salt intake (46.4%). In the final model of hierarchical multiple regression, the risk score showed a significant association with several risk factors: family history of diabetes (p = 0.03), alcohol intake (p = 0.03), current smoking (p = 0.03), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.02). A substantial proportion of patients with CAD had a future risk of dementia which demands an urgent risk reduction strategy in Bangladesh. Future longitudinal studies may more precisely justify the current findings.

Prevalence and determinants associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of screening in Surakarta, Indonesia

Scoliosis is defined as a vertebral deformity characterized by a lateral deviation of at least 10° with vertebral rotation. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is generally found in children aged 10-18 years. Changes in the scoliosis curve are influenced by various etiologic factors including age, sex, growth factors, curve location and biomechanical factors. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of adolescent iidophatic scoliosis in school students aged 12-15 years in Surakarta city. Physical examination using Adam's forward bending test, scoliometer and risk factor questionnaire. The research subjects were 325 people with an age range of 12-15 years. Research subjects are included in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis category if the Adam's forward bending test is positive and the scoliometer value is &amp;gt;10°. The highest prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was found in school children aged 14 years. The prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is higher in female (3.4%) than male students (0.3%). Determining factors that might influence the onset of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis including age, gender, biomechanical factors, habits or lifestyles factors and physical activity.

Improved Effectiveness of Combined Screening for Multiple Cancers: A Government-Organized Population-Based Study in China.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China (CanSPUC) in Hebei Province, 2016-2023. A questionnaire for risk factors of lung, breast, upper gastrointestinal, liver, and colorectal cancers was administered to urban residents aged 40-74 years in five cities to assess their cancer risk. High-risk participants were invited for screening and classified into five groups on the basis of the number of cancer types that were assessed to be high risk. The participation and positive outcome rates were analyzed. The incidence and the mortality of five types of cancer and all-cause mortality of the screened and nonscreened participants were calculated via inverse probability weighting. A total of 237,975 eligible participants were enrolled in our study and 118,339 participants (49.94%) were assessed to be at high risk for one or more of the five cancer types. The number of screenings performed was 103,824, with a screening participation rate of 40.49%. Among the 57,315 screening participants, 9077 (15.84%) had positive cancer diagnoses and 871 (1.52%) were diagnosed with suspected cancer. Compared with the participants at high risk for a single cancer type, the participation and positive outcome rate increased by 45% and 71.5% in the participants at high risk for multiple cancer types. Compared with the non-screened participants, the screened participants had a 27.0% decrease in mortality due to the five types of cancer and a 45.8% decrease in all-cause mortality. A combined screening program for multiple cancers could increase participation and positive outcome rates. It could also decrease the five types of cancer mortality and all-cause mortality. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of combined screening for multiple cancers with limited health care resources, and may provide foundational evidence for the feasibility of conducting combined screening programs.

Risk Factors for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

Knowledge gaps exist on risk factors for spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to identify SFGR risk factors in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. We recruited febrile patients presenting at 2 hospitals in Moshi from February 2012 through May 2014. Standardized clinical and risk factor questionnaires were administered. SFGR exposure was defined as a Rickettsia africae immunofluorescence antibody reciprocal titer ≥64, and acute SFGR as a ≥4-fold rise between paired sera. Logistic regression was used to identify associations. Of 1190 participants providing ≥1 serum sample, the median age was 21.8 (range, 0.3-100.2) years, 646 (54.3%) were female, and 650 (54.6%) had SFGR exposure. Of 731 participants with paired sera, 67 (9.2%) had acute SFGR. On multivariable analysis, odds of acute SFGR were higher in the age group 0-2 years (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] for older age groups, <0.36; P < .011), rural residence (aOR, 4.1; P = .007), and areas with maximum daily temperature <26°C (aORs for higher temperature groups, <0.42; P < .035). Odds of SFGR exposure were higher in those working in the garden (aOR, 1.8; P = .010) and seeing a dog (aOR, 1.5; P = .010). Odds of SFGR exposure were lower in the age group 0-2 years (aORs for older age groups, >1.5; P < .026), female sex (aOR, 0.62; P < .001), and being from the Chaga tribe (aOR, 0.68; P = .003). Those aged <2 years, rural residents, and persons residing in areas with cooler temperatures had increased odds of SFGR. Our results identify groups for further research on tick exposure and for targeted prevention interventions.

Quality of Life Post Cervical Cancer Treatment: A Comparison Between Radical Surgery Approach and Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.

The assessment of quality of life (QoL) in women with cervical cancer is crucial due to the profound changes they undergo during and after treatment. Often, the significance of sexual factors is underestimated, likely due to societal taboos surrounding such discussions. This study aimed to determine the long-term QoL outcomes, particularly focusing on sexuality, among three therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy; isolated hysterectomy; and hysterectomy combined with radiotherapy. Conducted from November 2022 to July 2023, this cross-sectional study involved 131 cervical cancer patients. Their QoL was assessed using the MDASI, FACIT-Cx, and risk factor questionnaires. Results were compared across the three treatment groups, revealing notable differences. Patients undergoing chemo/radio/brachytherapy showed significantly lower QoL scores compared to those undergoing isolated hysterectomy. This was evident in reduced scores across FACIT-Cx subscales for physical well-being, specific concerns, and FACIT-total (p < 0.05). The MDASI results similarly indicated greater symptoms and interference in daily activities for the chemo/radio/brachytherapy group. In conclusion, isolated hysterectomy, demonstrated superior QoL outcomes compared to chemo/radio/brachytherapy. Furthermore, the study underscored the importance of addressing sexual concerns in QoL assessments of cervical cancer survivors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care to enhance overall well-being posttreatment.

Abstract A128: Adherence to mammography screening guidelines by family history of breast cancer in Guam: Preliminary results of HIPIMR study

Abstract Background: In Guam, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, accounting for approximately 34% of all cancer cases. The risk of developing breast cancer is higher for women with a first-degree relative diagnosed with the disease (FHBC). The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women aged 45-54, with the option to start screening at 40-44. For women aged 55 and older, biennial or annual screenings are advised. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between having a first-degree relative with breast cancer (FHBC) and adherence to these screening guidelines. Methods: This research utilizes preliminary data from the Hawai‘i and Pacific Island Mammography Registry (HIPIMR), a collaborative effort between the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center and the University of Guam Cancer Research Center, which collects health and breast imaging data in Hawai‘i and Guam. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between having a first-degree relative with breast cancer (FHBC) and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines. The analysis was conducted across different ethnic groups and adjusted for education and age. Results: The study included 1,017 women who filled out a risk factor questionnaire, including questions about FHBC, before undergoing screening mammography at a clinic in Guam from November 2023 to May 2024. Among the participants, almost 40% were CHamoru, 41% Filipino, 5% Micronesian, 7.4% Asian, and 4.4% White. Of the 1,017 participants, 18.3% reported having a FHBC, and 37.1% did not meet the screening guidelines. Women with FHBC were more likely to meet screening recommendations than those without FHBC (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.38, adjusted for age and education). Micronesian women (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.97) and Asian women (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.82) were less likely to follow screening guidelines compared to Filipino women, after adjusting for age and education. Conclusion: Women with a FHBC were more likely to follow screening guidelines. However, a significant percentage of women in Guam do not adhere to these recommendations, particularly Micronesian women, who also have the highest rates of breast cancer in Guam. Therefore, more outreach and education efforts are needed to improve breast cancer screening adherence in this population. Acknowledgement: This research was funded by the National Cancer Institute: The University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership to Advance Cancer Health Equity, Grant U54CA143728 (University of Guam)/Grant U54CA143727 (University of Hawaii Cancer Center). Citation Format: Reina Evangelista, Su Bin Jin, John Shepherd, Grazyna Badowski. Adherence to mammography screening guidelines by family history of breast cancer in Guam: Preliminary results of HIPIMR study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A128.

A study on possible risk factors for progressive supranuclear palsy in southern part of India.

Background: The etiological factors leading to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the role of various risk factors in patients with PSP. Methods: A case-control study was conducted over a period of two years from March 2016 to March 2018. The cases were recruited independently by two senior neurologists and a consensus was then reached after discussion for their inclusion. The controls were free of parkinsonian features or dementia and matched by age (± 3 years), sex, and race with the cases. The study population was then interviewed using a standard questionnaire for various possible risk factors. Variables with a significance (P ≤ 0.05) in univariate analysis were considered for bivariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and logistic-regression analysis. Results: A total of 51 cases with an equal number of controls were included in this study. Ten separate variables that included poor educational status, well water, smoking, tapioca, bakery/fast food, tea ≥ 5 cups/day, personality, exposure to pets, exposure to cattle, and family history of stroke were found to show statistical significance after univariate analysis. Among these, tapioca consumption, fast food and bakery items consumption, type A personality, and family history of stroke were found significant after adjusting for the confounding factors. Conclusion: The possible etiological factors that have a relevance in the causation of PSP as borne out in our study include dietary habits such as tapioca, fast food, and bakery items consumption, family history of stroke, and type A personality trait.

Profile of Sarcopenia in Elderly Patients at The Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital

The elderly group is the age group that is most susceptible to geriatric syndromes, one of which is sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive and overall decrease in muscle mass and skeletal muscle strength with an increased risk of disability, decreased quality of life, and death. Currently, research on sarcopenia profiles, particularly in Indonesia, is still limited. This research data is expected to help determine policies to improve the quality of services in the health sector. This study used the SARC-F questionnaire and the risk factor questionnaire for sarcopenia in elderly patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department RSUD Dr. Soetomo and has been permitted by the Penelitian dan Pengembangan (LitBang) section RSUD Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya. Several variables used in this study were gender, age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), other diseases, physical activity, mood, and sarcopenia. There were 25 elderly patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department at RSUD Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya in November 2022”January 2023 which met the research inclusion criteria. The age of elderly patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department at RSUD Dr. Soetomo ranged from 60”81 years old, with an average of 60.48 years old. Female is the most common gender among the elderly patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department RSUD Dr. Soetomo, there are 17 (68%) female elderly patients. 80% of the elderly patients were in the young elderly group (60”69 years old), 16% in the middle elderly group (70”79 years old), and 4% in the old elderly group (≥80 years old). Age, gender, other diseases, and physical activity are risk factors that have a significant correlation with sarcopenia among elderly patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Department RSUD Dr. Soetomo.

Behavioral, Clinical, and Coronary Artery Calcium Screening for Prevention and Treatment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Implications for Health Education

ABSTRACT Background In the USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. Purpose To investigate the association between behavioral and non-behavioral risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods Patients referred for a CT angiography completed a demographic/behavioral questionnaire and medical history interview for CAD risk factors. Risk factor data were correlated with CAD subclinical atherosclerosis scores for 521 participants. Results Frequency among four levels of CAD revealed: no disease 38%, mild atherosclerotic 20%, moderate atherosclerotic 30%, and severe atherosclerosis 12%. Significant (p ≤ .05) demographic variables were as follows: age, race, marital status, and employment status. Significant predictive behavioral variables were as follows: tobacco use, daily water intake, sodium consumption, exercise days per week, and junk food consumption. Risk factors significantly associated with subclinical CAD included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and abnormal coronary calcium score. Discussion Multi-slice CT angiography allows early reliable evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis and correlation with behavioral/non-behavioral risk factors with level of CAD, instrumental to primary and secondary CAD prevention, limiting tertiary CAD treatment. Translation to Health Education Practice Study results have implications for Health Educators with regard to intervention research planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Exposure to household pesticides and Parkinson's disease in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort.

In the last decades, the association of household pesticide usage with Parkinson's disease (PD) has been poorly explored, with discordant results. Based on the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort study, we analyzed (1) the association of household pesticide exposure with the development of PD and (2) the effect of household pesticides on progression of PD. Data from participants of the "FOllow Up persons with Neurologic Disease" (FOUND study) included in the PPMI cohort database were analyzed. The PPMI FOUND study applied the Parkinson's Disease Risk Factor Questionnaire to collect information regarding the use of pesticides in non-work settings during periods of life, and the lifetime pesticide exposure for each participant was estimated. We defined a high use of pesticides if the exposure estimate had a z-score higher than one standard deviation from the mean. Also, we evaluated longitudinal data of people with PD to analyze the effect of high use of household pesticides on disease progression according to motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and modification of motor clinical phenotype. We analyzed data from 206 people with PD and 64 healthy controls, almost all from the USA. High use of household pesticides was not associated with the odds of developing PD. Regarding PD progression, only cognitive dysfunction was associated with the high use of household fungicides (HR 5.64 per standard deviation increase in exposure estimate, 95% CI 1.41-22.6). Chronic exposure to household pesticides may impact the clinical progression of PD, especially cognitive symptoms.

Exposure to Arboviruses in Cattle: Seroprevalence of Rift Valley Fever, Bluetongue, and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viruses and Risk Factors in Baringo County, Kenya.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes disease outbreaks in livestock and humans; however, its inter-epidemic circulation is poorly understood, similar to other arboviruses affecting cattle such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Serum samples were collected in Baringo County, Kenya from 400 cattle, accompanied by a risk factor questionnaire. Serological tests were then conducted to determine the exposure of cattle to RVFV, BTV, and EHDV. RVFV, BTV, and EHDV IgG seroprevalence rates were 15.5%, 91.5%, and 91%, respectively. Seropositivity for RVFV, BTV, and EHDV was significantly higher in adult cattle, as well as in females for RVFV. Cattle with herd owners aged between 30-39 years were less likely to be seropositive for RVFV compared to those with owners over the age of 60 years. High seroprevalence of BTV and EHDV in cattle indicates significant exposure and the subclinical circulation of these viruses, presenting a risk of outbreaks to sheep and naïve cattle. Moreover, the detection of RVFV-seropositive young cattle born after the last reported outbreak suggests inter-epidemic circulation of the virus. Overall, monitoring these arboviruses in cattle is crucial in understanding their distribution and seroprevalence during inter-epidemic periods.

Epidemiological factors for abnormal glucose levels in undergraduate students from the south of Tamaulipas, Mexico

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is an epidemic that requires actions in all areas of the health field in order to reduce its counterproductive effects. Mexico has a prevalence of diabetes of 10%. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of DM2 in adolescents and young people in the southern region of the state of Tamaulipas.Methods: Adolescents and undergraduate students residing in southern Tamaulipas were included. Informed consent was obtained and a risk factor questionnaire was applied. Subsequently, glycemia profiles and anthropometric data were obtained and the information was categorized.Results: A total of 307 adolescents and young adults participated, we found a low prevalence of diabetes with 2%, but cases of prediabetes (18%) well above the national average. Alcohol consumption and smoking had a high prevalence, 14% of the participants presented obesity in classes II and III.Conclusions: A low percentage of DM2 was found, but prediabetes is well above the national average. This study serves as a background for the evaluation of health policies as well as the management of new guidelines to combat diseases such as DM2.

Prediction of postoperative dysphagia in patients with oral cancer: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify autonomous risk factors for postoperative dysphagia in oral cancer patients and construct a nomogram prediction model to improve risk assessment accuracy and feasibility in clinical settings. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from March to July 2022 among oral cancer patients undergoing surgical interventions at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery. Clinical data were collected using the Postoperative Dysphagia Risk Factor Questionnaire. Swallowing function was assessed with the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability-Oral Cancer (MASA-OC). Lasso regression identified potential predictor variables, followed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A predictive model was developed using R Studio 4.1.2 and rigorously evaluated with ROC curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow tests, and calibration curves. Internal validation utilized Bootstrap methodology with 1000 repetitive samples. ResultsThe cohort included 257 oral cancer patients, with 73.9 % experiencing postoperative dysphagia. Independent predictors included functional status, depressive symptoms, pT stage, surgical techniques, glossoplasty, maxillectomy, and post-surgery nasopharyngeal tube retention. The predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.933, sensitivity of 90.9 %, and specificity of 81.7 %. Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = 0.715) and C-index (0.934) indicated satisfactory model fit. Internal validation yielded an AUC of 0.912, sensitivity of 93.3 %, and specificity of 63.8 %. Calibration curves demonstrated alignment between predicted and observed outcomes. ConclusionA nomogram integrating recognized risk factors shows promise in predicting postoperative dysphagia in oral cancer patients, enhancing precision and aiding healthcare professionals in risk evaluation and patient care strategies.

Understanding male circumcision: insights from a peri-urban community in Maputo City, Mozambique.

Circumcision is a protective measure against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reducing the risk of HIV infection. This study reported coverage of male circumcision and assessed the factors associated with male uncircumcision in a peri-urban area in Maputo City, Mozambique. This cross-sectional study of the Health Demographic Surveillance System in the Polana Caniço neighborhood investigated the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with uncircumcised males aged 15-49 y from October 2019 to June 2021. Data were collected from an HIV risk factors questionnaire and descriptive analyses conducted comparing self-reported male circumcision status by sociodemographic factors and sexual behaviors. The association was assessed via χ2 tests, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed. Adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were reported for factors associated with uncircumcised status. Of the 3481 males aged 15-49 y who responded to the questionnaire, 79.5% (2766) self-reported being circumcised. The percentage of uncircumcised men steadily increased with age, ranging from 12.4% (95) among males aged 15-19 y to 34.5% (148) of men aged 40-49 y. Men without education or with primary education, as well as those not practicing Islam, were 3-4 times more likely to be uncircumcised. Uncircumcised men were more likely to self-report an STI and a lack of condom use. Being uncircumcised was associated with not using condoms and having STIs, highlighting the need to further emphasize combination HIV-prevention programs and regular HIV/STI screening. Targeting males with lower education and across religions can help reach those with lower coverage of this effective prevention intervention.

Risk Factors for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Colonization upon Admission to Tertiary Hospital Hematology Units: A Retrospective Case-control Study

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) carriage among patients who were admitted to hematology units to identify risk factors for CPE carriage.Methods: This retrospective case-control study was carried out at a tertiary hospital, with a specific focus on adult patients (18 years of age or older) who were admitted to the hematology department. The cases comprised 73 patients with CPE, while the controls comprised 292 individuals matched randomly in a 1:4 ratio according to gender and age. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted to collect data using a CPE acquisition risk factor questionnaire. Patient characteristics, drugs used, and the duration of use were compared between two groups using univariate analysis, and the risk factors associated with CPE were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: The research findings indicated a prevalence of CPE of 5.4%. The predominant strain identified was Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the primary genotype identified was New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM). A history of surgery and use of penicillin-based antibiotics were identified as risk factors for CPE carriage.Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of establishing specific criteria when proactively screening high-risk patients for CPE. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence for forecasting risk factors associated with CPE and devising efficacious preventive measures.