Risk Of Communicable Diseases Research Articles

Reporting of notifiable infectious diseases during the COVID-19 response.

The Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS) is based on reporting of cases of 72mandatory notifiable diseases by clinical microbiological laboratories and diagnosing physicians. The aim of our study was to investigate a potential temporal association between measures against COVID-19 in February-April 2020 and incidence of other infectious diseases reported to MSIS. We compared the number of disease cases reported to MSIS during weeks 6-14 in 2020 with the median of cases reported in corresponding weeks during three previous years (2017-2019). Compared to the median of cases reported during corresponding weeks in three previous years, physicians and laboratories reported 47% fewer cases (159 vs. 301) in week 12, 50% fewer cases (131 vs. 261) in week 13, and 69% fewer cases (77 vs. 252) in week 14. There was a reduction in the number of notifications of all included disease groups. The observed decline in reporting of diseases other than COVID-19may indicate a reduced risk of communicable diseases due to comprehensive advice and the requirement for social distancing. However, it is also possible that the sensitivity of the surveillance system was affected by increased resource use on COVID-19 cases management.

“When you have no water, it means you have no peace”: A mixed-methods, whole-population study of water insecurity and depression in rural Uganda

BackgroundLack of access to clean water has well known implications for communicable disease risks, but the broader construct of water insecurity is little studied, and its mental health impacts are even less well understood. Methods and findingsWe conducted a mixed-methods, whole-population study in rural Uganda to estimate the association between water insecurity and depression symptom severity, and to identify the mechanisms underlying the observed association. The whole-population sample included 1776 adults (response rate, 91.5%). Depression symptom severity was measured using a modified 15-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist for Depression. Water insecurity was measured with a locally validated 8-item Household Water Insecurity Access Scale. We fitted multivariable linear and Poisson regression models to the data to estimate the association between water insecurity and depression symptom severity, adjusting for age, marital status, self-reported overall health, household asset wealth, and educational attainment. These models showed that water insecurity was associated with depression symptom severity (b = 0.009; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004–0.15) and that the estimated association was larger among men (b = 0.012; 95% CI, 0.008–0.015) than among women (b = 0.008; 95% CI, 0.004–0.012. We conducted qualitative interviews with a sub-group of 30 participants, focusing on women given their traditional role in household water procurement in the Ugandan context. Qualitative analysis, following an inductive approach, showed that water insecurity led to “choice-less-ness” and undesirable social outcomes, which in turn led to emotional distress. These pathways were amplified by gender-unequal norms. ConclusionsAmong men and women in rural Uganda, the association between water insecurity and depression symptom severity is statistically significant, substantive in magnitude, and robust to potential confounding. Data from the qualitative interviews provide key narratives that reveal the mechanisms through which women's lived experiences with water insecurity may lead to emotional distress.

Mitigating The Burden Of Diabetes In Sub-Saharan Africa Through An Integrated Diagonal Health Systems Approach.

Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) presenting growing health and economic burdens in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Diabetes is unique due to its cross-cutting nature, impacting multiple organ systems and increasing the risk for other communicable and non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, the quality of care for diabetes in SSA is poor, largely due to a weak disease management framework and fragmented health systems in most sub-Saharan African countries. We argue that by synergizing disease-specific vertical programs with system-specific horizontal programs through an integrated disease-system diagonal approach, we can improve access, quality, and safety of diabetes care programs while also supporting other chronic diseases. We recommend utilizing the six World Health Organization (WHO) health system building blocks – 1) leadership and governance, 2) financing, 3) health workforce, 4) health information systems, 5) supply chains, and 6) service delivery – as a framework to design a diagonal approach with a focus on health system strengthening and integration to implement and scale quality diabetes care. We discuss the successes and challenges of this approach, outline opportunities for future care programming and research, and highlight how this approach can lead to the improvement in the quality of care for diabetes and other chronic diseases across SSA.

DID INTENSIVE FLOODS INFLUENCE HIGHER INCIDENCE RATE OF THE WEST NILE VIRUS IN THE POPULATION EXPOSED TO FLOODING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA IN 2014?

Climate change is definitely one of the greatest challenges of human development in the 21st century. Climate change is expected to increase the risk of communicable diseases in Europe. This impact will depend not only on local climatic conditions, but on other factors, such as current infrastructure, public health services, biodiversity specificity, etc. The population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia has been severely affected by the floods caused by cyclone Tamara in 2014. The basic mode of transmission of the disease caused by the West Nile virus is the bite of the infected mosquito. The West Nile virus is not transmitted among humans through contact, nor can it be transmitted from infected birds to humans without mosquito bite. The aim of the study was to analyze and present the trend of this disease in the period 2014-2018 and to show the connection between the spatial occurrence of cases and location of the flooded area in 2014 in the Republic of Srpska. Using the descriptive method, the demographic data of the patients were analysed, the most common clinical form of the disease and the incidence of the disease in the period 2014-2018 was analysed. The cases were mapped and we analysed the connection of the case and location that was flooded. The incidence ranged from 0.79 in 2014 to 0.43 in 2018. Patients were of all age groups and both sexes, most commonly cases from rural areas (78%). The most common clinical form of the disease is shown, which were symptoms of the central nervous system infection. Out of the total number of patients, 94% were from flooded areas. All reported cases have been diagnosed at the Institute of Microbiology at the University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska and were reported as probable cases in accordance with the international case definition of communicable diseases. However, it is crucial to implement internationally endorsed procedures as a clinical alghoritm for the confirmation of the case in accordance with the laboratory criteria for the case definition. The occurrence, frequency and spatial distribution of cases indicates a possible connection with the floods in 2014.

Risk of Water and Food-Borne Communicable Diseases in Travelers Entering Korea.

ObjectivesIt was supposed to analyze status and affecting factors in water and food-borne communicable disease by screening entrants with diarrhea symptom at the point of entry in KoreaMethodsSymptomatic travelers with water and food-borne communicable diseases who entered Korea were diagnosed by a health declaration and detection of causative agents in water and food using laboratory tests. Among those entered in 2017, the affecting factors in the incidence of communicable diseases among those who had diarrhea at the entry into Korea, were analyzed, with frequency and chi-square test.ResultsThe number of travel entrants with gastrointestinal communicable diseases increased by 40.19% from 2013 to 2017. The percentage of causative agents of water and food-borne communicable diseases was the highest at 69.2% from July to September. The rate of detection of causative agents of communicable disease pathogens in travelers from Southeast Asia entering Korea was 70.2%, which was higher than people arriving from East Asia and Central Asia (57.5%; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe positive ratio of causative agents of water and food-borne communicable diseases was high among travelers that had entered Korea from July to September, with a high number among entrants from Southeast Asia. Based on the positive detection of causative agents, the entry period and countries visited were statistically significant affecting factors (p < 0.001).

HEALTH STATUS AND LIFESTYLE RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG MIGRANT WORKERS IN SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA

Introduction: In Malaysia, it’s about 4-5 million of the migrant’s workers that involve in occupation that seriously give and effect to their health, which is in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, services, and domestic work. Thus, study is conducted to identify the non- communicable disease (NCDs) risk factor among the migrant workers in migrant workers in Shah Alam of both genders. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among 50 migrant workers in Shah Alam using convenience sampling method. Both questionnaires and measurement were used in data collection. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, behavioral and lifestyle data and medical history. Results: A total of 32% of migrant workers either oversight or obese. 56% of them are involve in vigorous activity. most of them are not a smoker person which is about 86%. 20(40%) of them have history of hypertension only 6(12%) of them have diabetes Conclusion: The main findings of our study that, 32% of the migrant workers either overweight or obese. More health promotion and regular screening are required especially, for people with high risk or having hypertension and diabetes history.

Study of Prevalence of Non Communicable disease risk factors using WHO-STEPs approach in a Slum locality of Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that progress slowly and are rarely completely curable .These diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, pose an increasing public health challenge in India, especially due to changes in lifestyles, behaviors and the physical and social environments in cities1.They are mainly caused by preventable behavioral risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical exercise3.It is well known that a lot of diseases can be prevented by altering the life style and habits of people. This study was undertaken with the objective of studying the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs in the Anna Nagar slum locality of Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh. Material &amp; Methods: The study was conducted on the population of Anna nagar slums. The sample size was 180(calculated using the prevalence data of ICMR on NCDs) but 260 was covered. The household were selected using systematic random sampling and individuals from the houses were selected using KISH method as used in WHO STEPS approach. WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect data. Physical measurements were taken as per standard WHO protocol. Data were entered in MS-EXCEL and analysis was done using EPI INFO. Results: In the population, male members were 53% and females were 47% respectively. Mean age was 43.67±11.3 yrs.80% had not received any formal education.31% people had history of alcohol consumption and 16% of tobacco consumption. Only 36.2% participants had normal BMI. 35.8% were obese, 17.3% were overweight and 10.8% were underweight. Obesity was more in females as compared to males. Blood pressure was found to be elevated in 18.1% participants, HTN1 in 10.4% and HTN2 in 31.5% participants. 40% participants had normal blood pressure.Conclusion: The major population was illiterate. The risk factors like alcohol consumption and smoking was very prevalent and is largely attributed to the low awareness of people regarding risk factors

School related factors affecting non communicable diseases risk factors among 13-15 years old adolescents from two schools in Delhi

Background: Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to developing NCD (non communicable diseases) risk factors due to changing lifestyles. Hence it is essential to recognize NCD risk factors among adolescents. School plays an important role in imparting knowledge and shaping the behaviours and practices among children. This study focusses on the school related factors that may be influencing the NCD risk factors among adolescents.Methods: The study was conducted among 438 students, 13 to 15 years old of two central government schools in Delhi. A self-administered modified STEPS questionnaire, an observation checklist for assessing facilities at schools and an interview schedule for school staff were used to collect data.Results: The statistically significant determinants of inadequate fruits and vegetable intake and excess fast food intake were consumption of fast food from vendors selling food outside the school (OR=4.36), inadequate physical activity at school (OR=2.56) and feeling stressed at school (OR=2.93). Physical activity at school was an important determinant for overall physical activity of students (OR=2.38). Current tobacco use and current alcohol use was determined by feeling stressed at school (OR=3.12). Health education classes at school had a protective effect on the NCD risk factors.Conclusions: Many school related factors such as absence of playground at school, stressed life at school and vendors selling fast food outside school were seen to influence lifestyle risk factors amongst adolescents. Hence an active involvement of school by increasing health education classes and providing adequate facilities for physical activities may help in reducing the NCD risk factors among students.

The 2019 Pan American games: Communicable disease risks and travel medicine advice for visitors to Peru - Recommendations from the Latin American Society for Travel Medicine (SLAMVI).

The next Pan American Games will be held in Peru in the period July-August 2019. Around 6680 participants from 41 countries are expected to take part in the event. There will be a total of 62 sport disciplines. This event poses specific challenges, given its size and the diversity of attendees. Such gatherings also have potential for the transmission of imported or endemic communicable diseases, including measles in view of the global outbreak situation, but also tropical endemic diseases. In anticipation of increased travel, a panel of experts from the Latin American Society for Travel Medicine (SLAMVI) developed the current recommendations taking into consideration the epidemiology and risks of the main communicable diseases at potential destinations in Peru, recommended immunizations and other preventives measures. These recommendations can be used as a basis for advice for travelers and travel medicine practitioners. Mosquito-borne infections also pose a challenge. Although Lima is malaria free, travelers visiting Peruvian high-risk areas for malaria should be assessed regarding the need for chemoprophylaxis. Advice on the correct timing and use of repellents and other personal protection measures is key to preventing vector-borne infections. Other important recommendations for travelers should focus on preventing water- and food-borne diseases including travelers' diarrhea. This paper addresses pre-travel, preventive strategies to reduce the risk of acquiring communicable diseases during the Pan American Games and also reviews the spectrum of endemic infections in Lima and Peru to facilitate the recognition and management of infectious diseases in travelers returning to their countries of origin.

Rapid risk assessment for communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies: validation of a rapid risk assessment tool for communicable disease risk in humanitarian emergencies

Background: Communicable diseases pose a significant risk in humanitarian emergencies. This paper reports on the development and validation of a rapid risk assessment tool for communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies. Methods: We developed a tool assessing the 20 most critical risk factors for disease outbreaks in humanitarian emergencies. This paper reports on the development and validation of the tool consisting of face and content validation with key informant interviews (n=25) and a reliability validation (inter-rater reliability test) with groups of volunteer aid workers (n=4 groups). Findings: Face and content validation confirmed the importance of rapid risk assessment methods and the suitability and usefulness of the developed tool. Participants without prior health protection experience were able fill in the tool with an accuracy of 81·25% (SD 4.08) across both scenarios (82·35% and 80·15% for scenarios 1 and 2 respectively). Errors primarily occurred when judging the severity of risk factors that could not be captured quantitatively. Revisions of the tool have been made based on the validation process. Conclusion: The tool was successfully validated for the use in different humanitarian emergency settings and is suitable for users with and without experience in health protection.

Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections at the 2017 Grand Magal de Touba, Senegal: A prospective cohort survey.

BackgroundThe Grand Magal of Touba is the largest Muslim pilgrimage in Senegal with a potential for infectious disease transmission.MethodsClinical follow-up, adherence to preventive measures and qPCR-based respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens carriage pre- and post-Magal, were assessed.Results110 pilgrims from South Senegal were included. The duration of stay in Touba was 3 days. 41.8% and 14.5% pilgrims reported respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Most individuals having the onset of symptoms during their stay in Touba, or soon after returning. The acquisition of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and adenovirus was 13.0, 16.7 and 4.6% respectively and that of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae was 3.7% and 26.9%.Acquisition of gastrointestinal viruses and parasites was low, while bacterial acquisition ranged from 2.2% for Campylobacter jejuni to 33.0% for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.ConclusionThis preliminary study confirms that Grand Magal pilgrims are likely to be exposed to communicable disease risk as observed in other pilgrimage settings. Further study including larger numbers of pilgrims are needed to investigate potential risk factors for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections at the Grand Magal.

Climate change impact on migration, travel, travel destinations and the tourism industry.

Background: Climate change is not only increasing ambient temperature but also accelerating the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather and climate events, such as heavy precipitation and droughts, and causing sea level rise, which can lead to population displacement. Climate change-related reductions in land productivity and habitability and in food and water security can also interact with demographic, economic and social factors to increase migration. In addition to migration, climate change has also implications for travel and the risk of disease. This article discusses the impact of climate change on migration and travel with implications for public health practice. Methods: Literature review. Results: Migrants may be at increased risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases, due to factors in their country of origin and their country of destination or conditions that they experience during migration. Although migration has not been a significant driver of communicable disease outbreaks to date, public health authorities need to ensure that effective screening and vaccination programmes for priority communicable diseases are in place.Population growth coupled with socio-economic development is increasing travel and tourism, and advances in technology have increased global connectivity and reduced the time required to cover long distances. At the same time, as a result of climate change, many temperate regions, including high-income countries, are now suitable for vector-borne disease transmission. This is providing opportunities for importation of vectors and pathogens from endemic areas that can lead to cases or outbreaks of communicable diseases with which health professionals may be unfamiliar. Conclusion: Health systems need to be prepared for the potential population health consequences of migration, travel and tourism and the impact of climate change on these. Integrated surveillance, early detection of cases and other public health interventions are critical to protect population health and prevent and control communicabledisease outbreaks.

Risk factors for communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies and disasters: Results from a three-stage expert elicitation

Background: Humanitarian emergencies including disasters associated with natural hazards, conflict, complex emergencies and famines can pose significant risks to public health, especially when they lead to population displacement into inadequate conditions. To reduce the risk of communicable disease outbreaks in such situations it is necessary to know the key risk factors, their thresholds (quantitative risk factors only) and their relative importance in different types of emergencies. Methods: We conducted a three-stage structured expert elicitation. Experts from the fields of health protection and humanitarian assistance were invited to complete three successive online questionnaires. Experts were asked to choose the 20 most critical risk factors and in subsequent rounds to determine thresholds for urgent (yellow threshold level) and critical action (red threshold level). Additionally, experts were asked to assign weights for the risk factors in different emergency types. Results: We identified 20 key risk factors, which include factors related to water, sanitation and hygiene, access to health care, vaccination, nutrition, political will and others. Nine out of the 20 risk factors were quantifiable, for those risk factors yellow and red thresholds are given. 11 risk factors were qualitative. All risk factors scored highly when weighted in different emergency types and differences between risk factor weights in different types of emergencies were limited. Conclusion: Communicable disease risks in humanitarian emergencies are a nexus of complex and often interrelated individual issues. Knowing key risk factors and their thresholds and weight in different types of emergencies can help guide emergency response and risk reduction efforts.

Prevalence of non communicable disease risk factors among male to female transgenders: a cross sectional study

Background: Non communicable diseases are responsible for a high proportion of deaths and disabilities. The major risk factors attributed to this are smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, inadequate fruit, and vegetable consumptions, and physical inactivity. While there are data available to understand the prevalence of non-communicable risk factors among men and women, there is no data among transgender community. Hence this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of NCD risk factors among the male-to-female transgender community.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 54 transwomen who had been registered with two social welfare organizations for transgender community in Chennai. The risk factor was assessed using WHO STEPS instrument.Results: Among the transwomen, 16.7% were currently smoking tobacco, while 18.5% were using smokeless forms of tobacco. Alcohol consumption was observed in 44.4% of the population. 62.9% of them were not involved in any kind of exerting physical activity for recreation. 25.9% had undergone hormone supplementation for gender affirmation. Prevalence of obesity was 20.4% in the study population. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia was 11.1%, 5.6% and 7.4% respectively.Conclusions: High Prevalence of certain risk factors such as smokeless tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and hormone supplementation were seen among the male-to-female transgender community compared to the general population. Targeted interventions must be made so that specific attention is given to the transgender community in various NCD programs by the government. They must also be supported and accepted by every member of this society.

Obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among human immunodeficiency virus patients in Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria

Context: The coexistence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with non communicable disease risk factors is an emerging public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Aims: We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among HIV-positive patients in Abeokuta. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study done using 206 persons living with HIV in three hospitals at Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: The WHO stepwise interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Specific clinical information on HIV treatment status and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression at P Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 34.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.5–40.5); 20.9% (95% CI: 15.3–26.4) for hypertension; and 40.2% (95% CI: 33.5–47.0) for dyslipidemia. Risk factors for obesity were sedentary time (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0–1.3), hypertension (OR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1–6.0), and increasing duration of HIV (OR for 2–5 years = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.0–4.1 and OR for >5 years = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.0–6.3). Age >40 years (OR 7.9; CI: 2.7–23) and CD4 level ≥ 350/μl (OR 3.9; 95% CI: 1.0–14.6) were risk factors for hypertension while female sex protected against hypertension (OR 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1–0.6). None of the measured covariates predicted dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are common in HIV patients in Nigeria. HIV patients would benefit from cardiovascular diseases screening programs just like the general adult population if the gains of HIV care are not to be reversed.

Prevalence of Risk Factors of Major NonCommunicable Diseases among Adolescents of Higher Secondary Schools of Kaski, District

The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of major non communicable disease risk factors among higher secondary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among higher secondary students of grade 11 and 12 of Kaski district in Nepal. The study period was from July 2016 to June 2017. Total sample 640 higher secondary students were recruited through two-stage cluster sampling. Self-administrated questionnaire was used for the data collection tool along with other tools which were used such as UNICEF electronic weighing scale, stature meter and mechanical aneroid sphygmomanometer. Ethical approval was obtained from IRC, Pokhara University. Data were entered intoEpiData software and analysis was performed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The prevalence of smoking was 6.1% which was high in male (11.9%) than female (0.6%). Alcohol consumption practice among the adolescents was 18.9%. Family history of hypertension was seen higher than family history of diabetes.The prevalence of hypertension was 11.7%. High prevalence of abnormal values of systolic and diastolic BP was found in male than female students. Overweight was seen in 6.1% students. Prevalence of obesity was almost equal in both groups. There is high prevalence of smoking, alcoholism among adolescents. Hypertension was more common than overwieght among adolescents.

Prevalence of Risk Factors of Major Non-Communicable Diseases among Adolescents of Higher Secondary Schools of Kaski District

Background: The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of major non communicable disease risk factors among higher secondary school students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among higher secondary students of grade 11 and 12 of Kaski district in Nepal. The study period was from July 2016 to June 2017. Total sample 640 higher secondary students were recruited through two-stage cluster sampling. Self-administrated questionnaire was used for the data collection tool along with other tools which were used such as UNICEF electronic weighing scale, stature meter and mechanical aneroid sphygmomanometer. Ethical approval was obtained from IRC, Pokhara University. Data were entered intoEpiData software and analysis was performed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).Results: The prevalence of smoking was 6.1% which was high in male (11.9%) than female (0.6%). Alcohol consumption practice among the adolescents was 18.9%. Family history of hypertension was seen higher than family history of diabetes.The prevalence of hypertension was 11.7%. High prevalence of abnormal values of systolic and diastolic BP was found in male than female students. Overweight was seen in 6.1% students. Prevalence of obesity was almost equal in both groups.Conclusions: There is high prevalence of smoking, alcoholism among adolescents. Hypertension was more common than overwieght among adolescents.Keywords: Adolescent; college students; non-communicable diseases; risk factors.

A8942 Detection of Hypertension in People Working at Tertiary Level Cardiac Hospital in Bangladesh According to 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline on High Blood Pressure and Its Impact

Objectives: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disorder affecting about 20% of adult population worldwide. Non communicable disease risk factor survey 2010 in Bangladesh has shown that the prevalence of hypertension in adult aged more than 25 years is 17.9% (more in urban (19.9%) than in rural areas (15.9%). Present study conducted to detect hypertension among the staff of a tertiary care cardiac hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to new 2017 ACC/AHA guideline on Hypertension and compared with previous guideline Methods: National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute in collaboration with International Society of Hypertension (ISH) participated in the international event of May Measurement Month (MMM17) 2017 for screening program for hypertension in Bangladesh. As a part of this program all staff of this tertiary care hospital were requested to measure their blood pressure, height and weight. Data were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. Total 786 data were analyzed. Results: Mean age ± Std. deviation was 33.0 ± 10.0 years. Among them 305 (38.8%) were male and 481 (61.2%) were female. 4.3% were diabetic, 5.5% were smoker and 0.4% had history of heart attack. Mean ± Std. deviation of systolic blood pressure was 109.7 ± 14.8 with the range of 80 to 170 mm Of Hg and that of diastolic blood pressure was 73.4 ± 10.0 with the range of 40 to 100 mm of Hg. Among them 17.2% were hypertensive according to previous guidelines (on medication or SBP ≥ 140 and/or DBP ≥90 mm of Hg) and 43.8% were hypertensive according to current guidelines (on medication or SBP ≥ 130 and/or DBP ≥80 mm of Hg). Conclusion: The prevalence of Hypertension became significantly higher as per new guideline. So, further consensus among the clinicians and the health planners is required before adopting new guideline in Bangladesh.

Incorporation of Social Determinants of Health in the Peer-Reviewed Literature: A Systematic Review of Articles Authored by the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Social determinants of health (SDHs) are the complex, structural, and societal factors that are responsible for most health inequities. Since 2003, the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) has researched how SDHs place communities at risk for communicable diseases and poor adolescent health. We described the frequency and types of SDHs discussed in articles authored by NCHHSTP. We used the MEDLINE/PubMed search engine to systematically review the frequency and type of SDHs that appeared in peer-reviewed publications available in PubMed from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014, with a NCHHSTP affiliation. We chose search terms to identify articles with a focus on the following SDH categories: income and employment, housing and homelessness, education and schooling, stigma or discrimination, social or community context, health and health care, and neighborhood or built environment. We classified articles based on the depth of topic coverage as "substantial" (ie, one of ≤3 foci of the article) or "minimal" (ie, one of ≥4 foci of the article). Of 862 articles authored by NCHHSTP, 366 (42%) addressed the SDH factors of interest. Some articles addressed >1 SDH factor (366 articles appeared 568 times across the 7 categories examined), and we examined them for each category that they addressed. Most articles that addressed SDHs (449/568 articles; 79%) had a minimal SDH focus. SDH categories that were most represented in the literature were health and health care (190/568 articles; 33%) and education and schooling (118/568 articles; 21%). This assessment serves as a baseline measurement of inclusion of SDH topics from NCHHSTP authors in the literature and creates a methodology that can be used in future assessments of this topic.

The effects of socioecological factors on variation of communicable diseases: A multiple-disease study at the national scale of Vietnam.

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of socioecological factors on multiple communicable diseases across Vietnam.MethodsWe used the Moran’s I tests to evaluate spatial clusters of diseases and applied multilevel negative binomial regression models using the Bayesian framework to analyse the association between socioecological factors and the diseases queried by oral, airborne, vector-borne, and animal transmission diseases.Results and significanceThe study found that oral-transmission diseases were spatially distributed across the country; whereas, the airborne-transmission diseases were more clustered in the Northwest and vector-borne transmission diseases were more clustered in the South. Most of diseases were sensitive with climatic factors. For instance, a 1°C increase in average temperature is significantly associated with 0.4% (95CI, 0.3–0.5), 2.5% (95%CI, 1.4–3.6), 0.9% (95%CI, 0.6–1.4), 1.1% (95%CI), 5% (95%CI, 3-.7.4), 0.4% (95%CI, 0.2–0.7), and 2% (95%CI, 1.5–2.8) increase in risk of diarrhoea, shigellosis, mumps, influenza, dengue, malaria, and rabies respectively. The influences of socio-economic factors on risk of communicable diseases are varied by factors with the biggest influence of population density. The research findings reflect an important implication for the climate change adaptation strategies of health sectors. A development of weather-based early warning systems should be considered to strengthen communicable disease prevention in Vietnam.