Risk Factors In Rural Area Research Articles

Rural–Urban Divide in the Prevalence and Correlates of Overweight and Obesity Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria: A Multilevel Analysis of Repeated Cross-Sectional Data

ABSTRACT We examined rural and urban prevalence and correlates of overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age using survey data from Nigeria. Overweight and obesity prevalence increased from 16.1% and 6.1% in 2008 to 18.2% and 10.0% in 2018, while underweight prevalence consistently averaged at 12%. Regardless of the residential setting, age, marital status, education, occupation, wealth, and year were associated with higher risk of overweight/obesity, whereas breastfeeding showed a protective effect. Unique risk factors for overweight/obesity in urban areas were higher parity and female-headed households, while ethnicity, media exposure, and state of residence were unique risk factors in rural areas.

Factors Associated With Myocardial Infarction in a Rural Population With Peripheral Arterial Diseases.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) studies in rural populations are limited. The incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) is higher in patients with PAD. This study examined the association between sociodemographic and clinical risk factors and MI in patients with PAD in Central Appalachia, comprising of 230 counties across six states in the United States. Data from electronic medical records of 13,455 patients with PAD were extracted from a large health system in Central Appalachia. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The final sample consisted of 5574 patients with PAD, of whom 24.85% were also diagnosed with MI. The mean age was 71 ± 11.23years, and the majority were male (56.40%). After adjusting for confounders, patients with hypertension had three times higher odds of MI (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 3.21; 95% CI: 2.50-4.14) compared with those without hypertension. The likelihood of MI increased by 51% among patients with diabetes (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.33-1.71), 34% among ever-smokers (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.18-1.52), and 45% in males (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.27-1.65). Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and male sex were identified as significant risk factors for MI. Screening and effective management of these risk factors in rural areas could potentially prevent MI incidence among patients with PAD.

Safety performance analysis of horizontal curves in urban areas

While numerous studies have examined horizontal curve risk factors in rural areas, there is only one study for urban areas. Moreover, previous studies have used limited datasets, which tend to generate an intrinsic bias on results either by the sample size or due to a lack of understanding of all the risk factors associated with curve safety.This study aims to narrow this knowledge gap in three aspects: it focuses on urban areas; it uses a large novel GIS dataset of about 25,000 urban curves; and it expands the traditional curve risk factor pool by examining the spatial relationship of curves to adjacent curves and intersections. Using this curve dataset and six years of statewide fatal and injury crash data in the state of Florida, the study develops customized safety performance functions (SPFs) for urban curves based on different spatial relationships of curves to intersections.The results confirm that the traditional risk factors for rural curves, such as traffic volume, curve radius and length, speed limit, functional classification, and the number of lanes, also apply to curves in urban areas. However, the new finding is that curve safety in urban areas is affected by the proximity of curves to adjacent curves and intersections. The curves with intersections and isolated curves (with no adjacent nearby curves) are at high risk. There are also risk factor differences between single and dual-centerline roads. We also observed differences between the travel directions on divided roadway curves, but these differences will require more research.

Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in a district hospital and its feeder community healthcare centre of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Pregnancy anaemia is a significant public health concern in South Africa (SA), particularly in rural areas, but little is known about its prevalence and risk factors in rural areas. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors of pregnancy anaemia in the public health facilities of Limpopo Province (LP), SA. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a consecutive sample of 211 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Seshego Hospital and its feeder health centre (May to June 2019). Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin (Hb) <11 g/dL and classified as mild (10-10.9 g/dL), moderate (7-9.9 g/dL) and severe anaemia (<7 g/dL). A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of anaemia. The mean age of the women was 28.4 ± 5.7 years (range from 18 to 41 years). Over half (52%) had secondary education, 65% were unmarried, 72% were unemployed, 34% were nulliparous, 15% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected and 67% were in the third trimester. The anaemia prevalence was 18.0% and was significantly associated with parity, HIV status and body mass index (BMI) in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. This study found that less than one-third of pregnant women were affected by anaemia, associated with parity, HIV infected and BMI. It is essential to promote routine screening for anaemia, health education and prompt treatment of infections to reduce this burden. In addition, further studies on risk factors for anaemia during pregnancy in both urban and rural communities should be conducted to strengthen these findings.

Sexual Behavior of Adolescents: Risk Factors in Rural Areas

The percentage of adolescents who have actively engaged in sexual behavior before marriage is 4.92%. Adolescents living in rural areas are more likely to be exposed to risky behavior than those who live in urban areas. This study aims to identify the factors that influence risky sexual behavior among adolescents in rural areas. This study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected using in-depth interview techniques on 12 participants consisting of 7 adolescents and 5 parents in rural areas. The samples were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The validity of the data was carried out using source triangulation and peer debriefing. The thematic analysis was carried out using Open code 4.03 software. This study showed that perception is a factor that can influence adolescents to engage in risky sexual behavior. It includes perceptions of risky sexual behavior such as dating, the definition of risky sexual behavior, risk factors, sexual relationships, and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, adolescents' perceptions of risky sexual behavior in health, psychology, education, and the future are also the factors that influence risky sexual behavior. Apart from the perception, other factors include discomfort feeling at home, sexual experience, the influence of social media, the influence of friends, love from partners, and environmental influences. Based on our results, the better the adolescent's perception of risky sexual behavior is, the lower the risk of adolescents engaging in risky behavior will be.

Burden of non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors in rural areas of Jharkhand

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming a greater burden in India. The onset of NCDs occurs ten years earlier (around age 45) in India than it does in many developed nations. This study was conducted in 5 blocks of East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts of Jharkhand to determine the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the rural population. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted between April 2022 to Jan 2023 among individuals residing in rural areas of Jharkhand using multi-stage sampling with a sample size of 4579 individuals, who were 30 years and above. Results: Prevalence of diabetes amongst the study population was 16.3% (750) and prevalence of hypertension amongst the study population was 21.3% (977). Conclusions: High prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension increase the burden on existing health care system. Primary prevention using health education, lifestyle modification etc. and secondary prevention using early diagnosis by screening in the community and referral to nearby health centers for treatment prevents the complications of NCDs.

The Rurality of Intimate Partner Femicide: Examining Risk Factors in Queensland.

While violence against women and domestic violence can be seen throughout Australia, emerging evidence suggests that intimate partner femicide (IPF) is more common in rural spaces than urban ones. This study examined 100 IPF cases to determine the rate of femicide and frequency of common risk factors in rural areas of Queensland, Australia. The study also explored how victims accessed services and the characteristics of rural IPF and male offenders. Findings indicated that IPF is more common in rural areas and associated risk factors are similar between urban and rural cases. Rural IPF was more likely to occur during a current relationship and offenders were found to be less likely to conceal their actions. These differences suggest that the physical and social isolation of rural spaces may facilitate higher rates IPF. Implications discuss the need for rural-focused policies and responses.

High prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its related risk factors in rural areas of Northeast Thailand

In Thailand, chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening was reported in 2009 with an overall prevalence of 17.5% and the highest at 22.2% in the northeastern region. This study aimed to find out CKD prevalence of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and their related risk factors in the rural community. A population-based study was conducted in the rural sub-districts of northeastern Thailand. Data of socio-demographic status, lifestyle, underlying diseases, blood pressure, and body mass index were recorded. Blood and urine analysis was conducted along with ultrasonography of kidneys. Specimen collection and analyses were repeated after 3 months, and the factors associated with CKD were studied by logistic regression analysis. A total of 2205 participants with a mean age of 57.8 ± 11.7 years and female predominance (66.7%) completed the study. The prevalence of CKD was 26.8%, i.e., stages 1 (7.3%); stage 2 (9.0%); stage 3a (6.0%); stage 3b (2.8%); stage 4 (1.4%); and stage 5 (0.3%). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal stones were the major underlying diseases. Only 3.5% of the participants were aware of having CKD. An increase in age, male, unemployment, current smoking, diabetes, hypertension, underweight, anemia, hyperuricemia, and leukocytosis were significantly associated factors with the disease. The study revealed that CKD has developed as a significant public health problem in rural northeastern Thailand and one out of every four people has CKD. Therefore, early interventions are essential for the proper management and prevention of CKD.

Identifying water sources, quality of drinking water, implications and prevalence of Gastrointestinal problems and its associated risk factors in rural area of India: A Community Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study

Background: Water is the most common and essential resources on earth and there are no creatures without it in globe. The quality of drinking water is finding out from its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. In this study, we have to identify water sources, quality of drinking water, its implications and the prevalence of selected water borne disease in the study rural area of South India. Materials and Methods: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study of two villages namely Villipakkam and Puthirankottai was conducted with a sample of 1517 individuals were interviewed with a pre-tested pre-designed questionnaire. Results: In our study, we surveyed two villages with a total of 1517 study participants, of which 797 (52.5%) were females. Overall, 58 (11.8%) of the households had gastrointestinal (GI) problems in the last 3 months. 64.4% were consuming non-chlorinated water and 53.3% of household members didn’t consume boiled water. 68.7% didn’t had toilet facility. Variables like educational status, occupational status, boiling of drinking water, washing hands before eating, using pipe water for drinking purpose showed statistically significant association with people those who were affected by GI problem with p&lt;0.05. The mean pH level was found as 7.14 ± 0.43 (6.50 – 7.65). Conclusion: From our study findings, we have concluded that half of the households were only used the pipe water for drinking purpose, weren’t consumed chlorinated water, didn’t drink hot water and didn’t have latrine facilities and awareness is needed to the community. Keywords: water quality, prevalence, rural population, water quality, water borne diseases, community-based study

Cardiovascular risk factors in rural areas: case of the Mabayi health district hospital in Burundi

Relevance . Noncommunicable diseases are a serious public health problem due to their high incidence and mortality rate. Globally, noncommunicable diseases cause 41 million deaths every year, accounting for 71% of the total number of deaths. Cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 44% of all noncommunicable diseases, are the leading causes of death. Early identification of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and treatment of associated diseases are a prerequisite for maintaining the health of the population. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients living in rural areas of the mountainous region and attending the Mabayi District Hospital in Burundi. Patients and Methods . An open-label retrospective study conducted at the Mabayi District Hospital in Burundi from January 2014 to December 2017. The study included patients whose medical examination revealed at least one risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Kamenge University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Burundi. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Word 2007 and Epi-Info TM 7.2.1.0 software. Results and Discussion . Among the 20 297 examined patients, the average age was 50 16.7 years, the extreme values were 14 and 101 years. Male patients accounted for 51.1%. 903 patients (4.5%) had at least one risk factor. The main risk factors were high blood pressure (52.6%), diabetes (42.0%) and alcohol abuse (27.4%). Conclusion . Residents of rural areas of the mountainous region of Burundi have a high frequency of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which must be taken into account when organizing medical and preventive measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Role of Nurses in the Prevention and Early Detection of Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancers

Purpose: The incidence of oral cavity and pharynx cancer is rising in the United States and South Dakota (SD) (2009-2018). In 2018, it was estimated that 396,937 of Americans were living with oral cavity and pharynx cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate for oral cancer is 66.2%, which is less than the survival rates for breast, colorectum, and prostate cancers. Tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV16) exposure are some of the risk factors for oral cancer. Overall rural populations have higher cancer mortality than no rural population due to higher poverty, lower access to health services, and cigarette use. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of the oral cancer risk factors (e.g., cigarette smoking), HPV vaccination rates, and to identify the spatial distribution of social and environmental factors (e.g., social vulnerability, dental care access) in SD. Finally, this article discusses how nurses can contribute to oral cancer prevention and early detection. Methods: This descriptive study used data from multiple data sources (e.g., SD Department of Health, HRSA, County Health Rankings). Maps were created using ArcGIS. Findings: From the 66 SD counties, nearly 17% presented high-level shortage scores and were also highly socially vulnerable. HPV vaccination among youth was higher than the national average. Studies showed that improving nurse’s knowledge by training on oral cancer is needed and this may increase nurses’ practice in oral cancer prevention and control. Conclusions: Primary care professionals like nurse practitioners can assist in early detection of oral cancer and promote awareness of signs and main risk factors in rural areas. As part of the total patient care, nurses hold a vital role in prevention and early detection of oral cancer. These efforts with referral to oral cancer screening are vital for decreasing oral cancers morbidity and mortality rates primarily. Keywords: Rural health, Nurses, oral cancer, dentalcare access, Geographic Information Systems DOI: https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i2.692

Rural/urban differences in the prevalence of stroke risk factors: A cross-sectional analysis from the REGARDS study.

We previously described the magnitude of rural-urban differences in the prevalence of stroke risk factors and stroke mortality. In this report, we sought to extend the understanding of rural-urban differences in the prevalence of stroke risk factors by using an enhanced definition of rural-urban status and assessing the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) on risk factor differences. This analysis included 28,242 participants without a history of stroke from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Participants were categorized into the 6-level ordinal National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme. The prevalence of stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart disease) was assessed across the rural-urban scale with adjustment for demographic characteristics and further adjustment for nSES score. Hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease were more prevalent in rural than urban regions. Higher odds were observed for these risk factors in the most rural compared to the most urban areas (odds ratios [95% CI]: 1.25 [1.11-1.42] for hypertension, 1.15 [0.99-1.33] for diabetes, and 1.19 [1.02-1.39] for heart disease). Adjustment for nSES score partially attenuated the odds of hypertension and heart disease with rurality, completely attenuated the odds of diabetes, and unmasked an association of current smoking. Some of the higher stroke mortality in rural areas may be due to the higher burden of stroke risk factors in rural areas. Lower nSES contributed most notably to rural-urban differences for diabetes and smoking.

Rural-urban differences in stroke risk

Rural-urban health disparities in life expectancy are large and increasing, with the rural-urban disparity stroke mortality serving as a potential contributor. Data from Vital Statistics shows an unexplained temporal pattern in the rural-urban disparity in stroke-specific mortality, with the magnitude of the disparity increasing from 15% to 25% between 1999 and 2010, but subsequently decreasing to 8% by 2019. This recent decrease in the magnitude of the rural-urban disparity in stroke mortality appears to be driven by a previously unreported plateauing of stroke mortality in urban areas and a continued decline of stroke mortality in rural areas. There is a need to better understand the contributors to these temporal changes; however, a general lack of temporal data on potential contributors prevents this investigation. However considering contributors to the rural-urban differences pooled across time, an overall a higher stroke incidence in rural areas appears to be a contributor to the higher rural stroke mortality, with this higher incidence potentially associated with a higher prevalence of stroke risk factors in rural areas. Conversely, studies assessing rural-urban disparities in stroke case fatality show smaller and inconsistent associations. To the extent that disparities in case fatality do exist, there are many studies showing rural-urban disparities in stroke care could be contributing. While these data offer insights to the overall rural-urban disparities in stroke mortality, additional data are needed to help understand temporal changes in the magnitude of the rural-urban stroke mortality disparity.

Impact of rurality on diabetes screening in the US

BackgroundDue to the high prevalence of diabetes risk factors in rural areas, it is important to identify whether differences in diabetes screening rates between rural and urban areas exist. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine if living in a rural area, rurality, has any influence on diabetes screening across the US.MethodsParticipants from the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 nationally representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys who responded to a question on diabetes screening were included in the study (n = 1,889,712). Two types of marginal probabilities, average adjusted predictions (AAPs) and average marginal effects (AMEs), were estimated at the national level using this data. AAPs and AMEs allow for the assessment of the independent role of rurality on diabetes screening while controlling for important covariates.ResultsPeople who lived in urban, suburban, and rural areas all had comparable odds (Urban compared to Rural Odds Ratio (OR): 1.01, Suburbans compared to Rural OR: 0.95, 0.94) and probabilities of diabetes screening (Urban AAP: 70.47%, Suburban AAPs: 69.31 and 69.05%, Rural AAP: 70.27%). Statistically significant differences in probability of diabetes screening were observed between residents in suburban areas and rural residents (AMEs: − 0.96% and − 1.22%) but not between urban and rural residents (AME: 0.20%).ConclusionsWhile similar levels of diabetes screening were found in urban, suburban, and rural areas, there is arguably a need for increased diabetes screening in rural areas where the prevalence of diabetes risk factors is higher than in urban areas.

The prevalence and associated factors of type 2 diabetes in rural areas of Ningbo, China

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of T2DM and its risk factors in rural areas in Yinzhou District of Ningbo, China. A cross-sectional study with 4832 participants aged 18 years or older was conducted during the period of March 2013 to May 2013. Among the participants, 4760 completed a self-administered survey and physical examinations. Data collected included demographic characteristics, lifestyle, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and clinical assessment. After an overnight fasting of at least 10 h, participants also underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosing T2DM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with T2DM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess the prediction ability of the models. The age-standardized prevalence of T2DM was 7.86% (95% confidence interval (95% CI = 7.10–8.62%), and the crude prevalence was 15.36%. In multivariate logistic regression models, age (≥ 65), obesity, and hypertension were the common risk factors of T2DM for both males and females. The AUROC of the T2DM model was 0.735 (95% CI = 0.709–0.762), indicating the accuracy of the model in predicting T2DM. Old age, obesity, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides and LDL-C were the risk factors for T2DM. And the predictive power of ROC curve we established for predicting T2DM had a good accuracy. Therefore, diabetes health education and early screening programs should be developed and strengthened for the prevention of T2DM in rural areas.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension in a Rural Community of Western Nepal: A Cross Sectional Study

Background and aim: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension evolved as a major public problem in urban populations of many countries including Nepal, but little is known about its prevalence and risk factors in rural areas. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with hypertension.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in November 2017 in a four days health camp where peoples from ward number eight of Suklagandaki municipality of Tanahu district were called for screening of diabetes mellitus. No prior notice was given to the population about screening of hypertension. We screened total of 568 participants. Demographics, anthropometry and two independent blood pressure (BP) readings were taken. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 18.0.Results: A total of 568 individuals were interviewed and taken complete BP, weight and height measurements. More than 1/3rd (36.26%) of the respondents were in age group 18- 39 years with mean age 47.49 ± 16.61. Nearly, 60% of the respondents were female. Whilst 17.3% were smokers and 20% reported drinking alcohol. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.55% and this was significantly associated with age, gender, education, size of family, smoking habits, intake of alcohol, presence of diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high and it has become a important public health issue even in rural part of Nepal. Community screening program, timely detection, lifestyle modification, treatment and prevention are all important to deal

PP.11.16] ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE, AWARENESS, TREATMENT AND CONTROL IN THE THREE COUNTRIES

Objective: Many of countries include large Russian populations from the soviet time which leave in the environment of other cultures for several generations.High hypertension prevalence and low control is the common problem for most The Commonwealth of Independent States countries. Design and method: This study is cross-sectional epidemiology survey of chronic non-communicable diseases and its risk factors in rural areas of three countries performed in 2012–2014. Data on representative samples of the rural population of the Samara region of the Russian Federation (n = 1050),Chui region of the Kyrgyz Republic (n = 1341)and Karaganda region of Kazakhstan (n = 1807). All results were age-standardized.The share of Russian population in Kyrgyz and Kazakh samples were 36,8% and 32,9%. Results: Age-standardized hypertension prevalence in Russia was 40,1%, in Kyrgyzstan-37,1%, in Kazakhstan-31,8%.It was significantly higher among women than men (p < 0,01). In Russian region,average SBP was 127,1 ± 12,8 mmHg, DBP was 79,6 ± 13,7 mmHg, without gender differences.In Kyrgyzstan we found significant differences in SBP between the Russian and Kyrgyz women (129,3 and 123,3 mmHg, p < 0,05), in Kazakhstan there were significant differences in SBP were observed among Russian and Kazakh men (127,7 vs. 122,2 mmHg, p < 0,05). Hypertension awareness was 59,1% in Russia, 53,3% in Kyrgyzstan, 54,8% in Kazakhstan (p > 0,05).The women were aware of hypertension more than men in Samara (63,3% vs 55,3%, p < 0,05) and Kyrgyzstan (60,9% and 42,1%, p < 0,01), in Kazakhstan were no gender differences (50,6% and 51,1%, p > 0,05). Among hypertensive participants, the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was significantly higher than in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (41,2% vs.26,7%, 25,3%, p < 0,01).In Kyrgyzstan we found ethnic differences among both genders: in native population (23,8% women and 13,1% men) hypertension treatment was significantly lower than in Russian population (36,5% vs.23,7%), p < 0,01.In Kazakhstan there was the similar picture:(18,8%vs.23,3%, p < 0,05). In Samara 37,1% of adults with hypertension had controlled BP levels what was significantly higher compared with residents in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (23,7% and 22,9%, (p < 0,01)). In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan were no ethnic differences in hypertension control (p > 0,05). Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia and in Russian population in Kyrgyzstan.Hypertension awareness in Russia was higher.In Kyrgyzstan,hypertension awareness was lower among Russian women.Among hypertensive participants,the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was most. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan hypertension treatment was lower among native population.Most higher percentage of controlled BP was in Samara.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Risk Factors In Rural Area

Background: Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is escalating in Asia. The present study aimed toinvestigate the prevalence of GERD symptoms as well as potential risk factors associated with GERD in residents in a rural area in Jakarta. Method: The study population consisted of subjects who aged 20 years or more and lived in rural area Kebon Bawang-Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. A self-administered questionnaire based on earlier validated questionnaire (GERDQ) was given. The questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristic, self and environment sanitary, social and past illness history, and the symptoms score for GERD. Total score for GERD’s symptoms score was 18, with a score of at least 8 was considered to have symptomatic GERD.Results: The questionnaire was completed in 90 subjects. Of the 90 subjects, 12 (13.3%) had GERDQ score ≥ 8 which was the cut-off for definingpresence of GERD. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, age 50 years old (OR = 6.33; 95% CI 1.1-35.6), handwashing habit before eating (OR = 6.93; 95% CI 1.1-43.8), and raw/tap water (OR = 10.28; 95% CI 0.8-130) were significantly associated with the presence of GERD.Conclusion: Prevalence of GERD was high (13.3%) in rural area in Jakarta. Age 50 years old, handwashing habit before eating, and raw/tap waterwere risk factors for GERD in this population.

Prevalence of risk factors of noncommunicable diseases in a rural population of district Gautam-Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh using the World Health Organization STEPS approach.

Context:Globally, it is estimated that by 2020, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) will account for 73% of deaths and 60% of disease burden. India is in the midst of an epidemiological transition leading to increasing the prevalence of NCDs. Targeting the risk factors for NCDs is recognized as an essential preventive strategy.Aims:The rationale of this study was to decipher the baseline data on the prevalence of NCD risk factors among the rural population.Settings and Design:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 adults in the rural catchment area of the Department of Community Medicine.Subjects and Methods:The World Health Organization STEPS approach was employed which includes three sequential phases: Collection of information on sociodemographic variables and behavioral risk factors (STEP 1), obtaining physical measurements (STEP 2), and acquiring biochemical measurements (STEP 3).Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results:Among the study subjects, the prevalence of smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol use, and sedentary lifestyle was 26.0%, 35.1%, 16.9%, and 9.6%, respectively, in males and 4.6%, 15.4%, 0.0%, and 19.0%, respectively, in females. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 15.6% and 13.0% respectively among males and 20.0% and 7.7% respectively among females. Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertriglyceridemia were observed in 5.2% men and 13.8% women and 22.1% men and 16.9% women, respectively.Conclusions:The study reveals high burden of NCD risk factors in rural areas as well and reiterates the need to take preventive measures.

Prevalence of Pre-Diabetes and Its Associated Risk Factors in Rural Areas of Ningbo, China.

Objective: The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of pre-diabetes and explore its associated risk factors in rural areas of Ningbo, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 4583 adult residents in rural areas of Ningbo, China between March and May 2013. The survey used a multi-stage, stratified, cluster sampling method. Data collected included demographics and medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood lipid, and plasma glucose. After at least 10 h of overnight fasting, participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to identify pre-diabetes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associated risk factors for pre-diabetes, and to estimate the effect of interaction between the factors. Results: There were 1307 survey participants having pre-diabetes (28.52%) and the age-standardized prevalence was 30.53%. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that overweight/obesity, hypertension, and higher triglycerides were the risk factors for developing pre-diabetes. There were positive interactions between overweight/obesity and triglycerides, and also between hypertension and triglycerides on the multiplicative scale, suggesting that they synergistically influenced the development of pre-diabetes. Conclusions: The rural areas in Ningbo had a high prevalence of pre-diabetes. Overweight and obesity, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides were the major risk factors. There is a need of early intervention for preventing pre-diabetes.