Risk Of Type Research Articles

A Randomized Trial on the Effects of 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Korean Diet Patterns on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults

BackgroundDietary patterns that are considered healthy (eg, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet and Mediterranean diet) may be more successful in reducing typical cardiovascular disease risks compared to dietary patterns considered unhealthy (eg, energy-dense diets such as the typical American diet). ObjectiveThis study assessed the effects of a Korean diet, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), and a typical American diet on cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipid levels and blood pressure, in overweight, non-Asian individuals in the United States with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Design/interventionThe study was a three-period crossover, controlled-feeding study from January 2012 to May 2012. Thirty-one subjects were randomly allocated to one of six possible sequential orders for consuming the three diets for 4 weeks, each separated by a 10-day break. Data analysis included 27 subjects on the Korean diet periods and 29 in the DGA and typical American diet periods. Subjects remained weight stable. Main outcome measuresLipid profile, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and 24-hour urinary sodium were determined at baseline and at the end of each diet period. Statistical analyses performedThe additive main effects multiplicative interactions model was used to test for a subject by diet interaction. Differences among diets were determined using a mixed-models procedure (PROC MIXED) with random intercept for each subject. ResultsTotal cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased on Korean (P<0.0001 and P<0.01, respectively) and DGA (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) diets, but not on the typical American diet. Although an unfavorable outcome, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased on all three diets (Korean: P<0.0001; DGA: P<0.0001; typical American: P<0.05). No diet had a significant effect on serum triglycerides, but a slight increase in triglycerides in the Korean and decrease in the DGA resulted in a significant difference between these two diets (P<0.01). All three diets caused modest decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which reached statistical significance for DGA only (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). No diet had significant effect on fasting insulin, whereas fasting glucose decreased significantly on the Korean (P<0.01) and typical American (P<0.05) diets only. Urinary sodium output decreased significantly on DGA (P<0.0001). ConclusionsAfter a 4-week feeding period, Korean and DGA diet patterns resulted in positive changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Assessment of the Level of Corruption Risk Positions Civil Service (for Example, the Body of State Executive Power)

The article provides a list of criteria for assessing the level of corruption in the civil service of the executive authority on the basis of logical and scenario analysis of administrative regulations of public services and implementation of the state's regulatory and supervisory functions, as well as on the basis of the study of identified corruption mechanisms according to the results of the empirical analysis of judicial decisions and investigations conducted by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and the bodies of internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. The following criteria are considered: the level of objectively necessary formalization of the process of providing public services relating to the position; the level of objectively necessary discretion of the official in the provision of public services (public functions) relevant to the position; the current level of transparency of the actions of the official; the amount of financial (material) resources, allocated in accordance with the responsibilities for this position etc.In the article a set of specific measurable indicators with corresponding significant factors is formed which is used to evaluate each of these criteria, as well as to get a quantitative evaluation on the criterion as an average arithmetic indicator. It is supposed that the level of corruption risks for the civil service would be determined by the sum of the scores for all criteria.Besides, the results of the analysis determined the nature and quality characteristics of corruption risks specific to each position of the state civil service, which can also serve the development of a system of specific measures recommended for prevention of corruption, in accordance with the typical risks specific to the relevant position of the state civil service.

Risk Assessment (RA) in Transaction Processing System (TPS): An Approach of Quantitative and Qualitative Risk Assessment of Hatton National Bank - HNB - in Ampara Costal Belt Area (ACBA)

Introduction: Transaction Processing System (TPS) plays a vital role in financial transactions in banking sector. When evaluating and managing the risks, it is more anticipatory and effective way to analyzing the potential risks. It helps an organization manage its risks, enhance its value and improves business performance. On the other hand Information system security is always a necessity in order to deal with threats. Quantitative and Qualitative Risk Assessment in TPS may explore the real obstacles which exist in the bottom line financial transactions of banking sector.Objectives and Research Question - RQ: This research paper aims at assessing risks involved in Transaction Processing System (TPS) which have high impact on banks due to their high cost, and their pervasive impact on banking operations. It is important to discuss the risk in the banking sector with the key issue. This research raises research question as what approaches can be taken to assess the risks?. Understanding this issue leads to a greater appreciation for challenges faced by managers in banking sector.Methodology: Primary Sampling Units - PSU - are banks. Secondary Sampling Units - SSU - are branch managers, IT staff and technical people in banks. This study is a complete survey which covers all HNB branches in Ampara Coastal Belt Area (ACBA). Data are collected by primary source using questionnaire as an instrument for collecting data.Managerial Implications: Risks in Transaction Processing System - TPS - is inevitable specially in banking industry. This proposed research assesses risks quantitatively and qualitatively which can be applicable in banking industry. After identification of typical risks involved in TPS, the solutions are put forwarded to the IT professionals and managers of HNB with suitable recommendations.

Limit and frailty: the exercise of chance and self-care in socio-medical training paths

Confronting with the limit and frailty of human existence is inevitable, and in such circumstances, healthcare professionals are often equipped with inadequate theoretical and technical tools. This may result in they having to rely on relational skills, which are by their very nature exposed to the typical risks of the situations they are facing, i.e. unpredictability, misunderstanding, refusal, failure. Criteria of certainty and programmability, which define exact sciences, cannot be transferred into the relationship level, nevertheless, significant resources can result from this gap, through which one can learn how to stay within the limit without hiding or refuting it. The phenomenological perspective, while bringing the focus back to the principle of adherence to the real world and to the transcendence principle, provides a focus on the acceptance of limits, not as sheer elements which cannot be eradicated, but as real spaces for growth and transformation. For this reason, continuing education paths ought to offer spaces where one can consider limit and frailty as chances to reassess experience and become increasingly aware of it together with the others. For their very nature, such paths would promote a productive wandering, intended as an opportunity to open oneself to novelties and to make sense of endless new situations.

Social-Economic Problems of Russian Mono-Towns

The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that now the problem of stable social-economicdevelopment of single-industry towns refers to one of the priorities of the state policy. Particularly critical thisproblem was showing in a financial crisis of 2008-2009., which indicated the interrelation of single-industrytowns on the city-forming enterprise’s activity results. City-forming enterprise’s risks makes the typical risks ofsingle-industry towns. Few core enterprises have funds to invest them in their own development and thesingle-industry towns development, what determine necessity of budget funds applying in programs ofmono-towns development.

Identification and assessment risks in maintenance operations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks and methods for their assessment in the case of maintenance activities in Sri Lanka. The main objectives were to identify the occupational risks in maintenance work and the risk assessment methods in place and their drawbacks in the Sri Lankan context. Design/methodology/approach – The identification and assessment of risks were undertaken through a study of three fast-moving consumer products manufacturing organisations. The relevant data were collected through personal interviews and site visits. Findings – Most typical risks associated with maintenance are cuts, slips and falls, with severe or fatal injuries as the result of negligence of SOP and failure to use the PPE. Checklists, brainstorming and decomposition techniques were identified as the preferred methods in maintenance for risk identification while a risk rating matrix is used for risk analysis. Lack of awareness and indifference towards risk assessment; make effective risk assessment very difficult. These drawbacks can be minimised by education, systematic training and enforcing rules, regulations and procedures for controlling risks. Originality/value – Studies on maintenance worldwide have identified several maintenance-specific risks such as working at heights, the pressure of time, etc. However, there is a dearth of published research on risks and risk assessment methods in maintenance in Sri Lankan context. The findings highlighted the safety risks and risk assessment tools entailed in the maintenance operations of manufacturing organisations. The findings will be useful for those in maintenance operations in managing risks effectively through designing work environments that are risk-free.

Common dysfunctional variants of ABCG2 have stronger impact on hyperuricemia progression than typical environmental risk factors.

Gout/hyperuricemia is a common multifactorial disease having typical environmental risks. Recently, common dysfunctional variants of ABCG2, a urate exporter gene also known as BCRP, are revealed to be a major cause of gout/hyperuricemia. Here, we compared the influence of ABCG2 dysfunction on serum uric acid (SUA) levels with other typical risk factors in a cohort of 5,005 Japanese participants. ABCG2 dysfunction was observed in 53.3% of the population investigated, and its population-attributable risk percent (PAR%) for hyperuricemia was 29.2%, much higher than those of the other typical environmental risks, i.e. overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25.0; PAR% = 18.7%), heavy drinking (>196 g/week (male) or >98 g/week (female) of pure alcohol; PAR% = 15.4%), and aging (≥60 years old; PAR% = 5.74%). SUA significantly increased as the ABCG2 function decreased (P = 5.99 × 10−19). A regression analysis revealed that ABCG2 dysfunction had a stronger effect than other factors; a 25% decrease in ABCG2 function was equivalent to “an increase of BMI by 1.97-point” or “552.1 g/week alcohol intake as pure ethanol” in terms of ability to increase SUA. Therefore, ABCG2 dysfunction originating from common genetic variants has a much stronger impact on the progression of hyperuricemia than other familiar risks. Our study provides a better understanding of common genetic factors for common diseases.

Intrafacility transportation of patients with acute brain injury.

Patients with acute brain injury (ABI) frequently require diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the areas located outside of the intensive care unit. Transports can be risky for critically ill patients with ABI. Secondary brain injury can occur during the transport from causes such as ischemia, hypotension, hypoxia, hypercapnia, and cerebral edema. Preparation and implementation of preventive procedures including pretransport assessment, monitoring during transport, and posttransport examination and documentation for transports of patients with ABI deem to be necessary. The purpose of this article is to review the typical risks associated with the transports of the patients with ABI out of the intensive care unit and to propose the strategies that can be used to minimize the risks of secondary brain injury.

Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society 2013 Annual Meeting Summary

The Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society (OAS) held its 27th annual scientific meeting from September 20 to 22, 2013, in Chicago, IL. OAS is an organization dedicated to the education of medical professionals caring for patients undergoing ophthalmic anesthesia and surgery. Its board and membership comprises anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and ophthalmologists working collaboratively to improve safety and patient outcomes. One hundred and fourteen people attended the meeting. Attendees included 50 anesthesiologists, 42 CRNAs, 9 ophthalmologists, and 13 other medical professionals. Fourteen and a half Continuing Medical Education credits were provided for attendees. Speakers included Dr. Marc Feldman who examined orbital block issues. Dr. Scott Greenbaum reviewed methods of Sub-Tenon’s block and potential risk reduction with human-derived hyaluronidase. Drs. Jose de la Cruz and Dean Burkus expounded on a new laser-guided cataract surgery. Dan Simonson, CRNA, recounted ambulatory surgery center issues including infection control, temperature management, Affordable Care Act eligibility, and drug compounding issues with a lively audience participation segment that included voting via smart phones. A poster session and a cocktail reception followed interactive sessions by Gwen Boyd and Steve Gayer. Tom Eke, MD, an ophthalmologist from Great Britain, delivered an insightful lecture on complications of orbital blocks with references to his recent National Health Service survey, suggesting nonneedle techniques for orbital blocks for cataract surgery to reduce the risk of complications, and a lecture on face-to-face surgery (eye surgery in the sitting position). Dr. Lance Lichtor’s lecture on drug shortages in anesthesia was followed by rather impassioned and engaging commentary from the membership. Dr. Jennifer Lim discussed advances in vitreoretinal surgery including the use of smaller gauge cannula and improved instrumentation that allows retinal surgeons to operate more efficiently and precisely on patients with advanced retinal diseases. She noted that because of these advances, most vitreoretinal surgery’s operating times have decreased. Dr. Marc Rozner gave a detailed analysis of management of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators for eye surgery, and Dr. Corey Collins reviewed common pediatric ophthalmic surgical procedures, its typical anesthesia care and risks, and some myths, misconceptions, and commonly debated issues on these topics. Afternoon workshops featuring porcine eyes and cadaveric heads included sub-Tenon’s block conducted by Drs. Tom Eke, Scott Greenbaum, and Steve Gayer as well as Needle Blocks proctored by Drs. Joseph Bayes and Ric Rivers. In separate workshops, Dr. Gary Cass discussed technical aspects of complications of regional anesthesia, and Randy Harvey, CRNA, reviewed a geometric approach to orbital block. The final day’s session included the Annual OAS Membership Meeting where a discussion took place of possible future meetings locations, and a vote requesting the OAS board recommend Randal Harvey, CRNA, for the Alice Magaw, CRNA, award for his longstanding commitment to teaching. Incoming officers for 2013 to 2014 include President Dr. Steven Gayer, Vice-President Dr. Marc Feldman, Secretary Dean Moburg, CRNA, and Treasurer Lisa McKay. Dr. Tina Tran assumed the mantle of OASIS newsletter editor. Dr. Douglas Bacon presented the Hustead Memorial Lecture, entitled Ophthalmic Anesthesia–A Revolutionary Concept, that concentrated on the life of OAS founder (and cofounder of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology), Dr. Robert Hustead, as well as other pioneers of ophthalmic anesthesia. Dr. Howard Palte eruditely presented his pioneering work on ultrasound-guided ophthalmic blocks, documenting that ultrasound can help predict the adequacy of an eye block, after which much discussion ensued about the possible future use of ultrasound for eye blocks. Dr. Bobbie Sweitzer discussed Preoperative Evaluation issues. She reviewed studies on patients undergoing eye operations and noted that these patients are at extremely low risk of morbidity and mortality, “routine” preoperative laboratory and electrocardiogram are not indicated, and that there is a very low risk of serious bleeding complications associated with continuing indicated antithrombotics preoperatively. The program closed with a lecture on the technique of deep extubation after general anesthesia by Dr. Zhuang Ting Fang. Dr. Fang shared his technique for eye operations requiring general anesthesia, including the (frequent) use of a laryngeal mask airway, a continuous infusion of propofol, and a lidocaine bolus at the end of the procedure to reduce the risk of coughing or bucking. Many attendees commented on the quality and relevance of the lectures, and how helpful it was to share information, learn techniques with cadaveric eyes, and network with other attendees and lecturers. Mark your calendars! The 28th annual OAS meeting is scheduled for September 5 to 7, 2014, in the great city of Chicago. For more information about OAS, please visit our website: www.eyeanesthesia.org. Joseph Bayes, MD Department of Anesthesia Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts [email protected] Steven Gayer, MD, MBA Department of Anesthesia Bascom Palmer Eye Institute University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, Florida

Public–private partnerships value in bioenergy projects: Economic feasibility analysis based on two case studies

Greece and Italy are facing serious energy challenges concerning sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions as well as security of supply and the competitiveness of the internal energy market. These challenges require investments by the public sector, while the countries have seen in the last years their debts rising. A solution to promote bioenergy business, without rising public debt, could be the use of PPP (Public–Private Partnership). This paper presents a methodology to develop agro-energy business using PPP in two rural areas: the municipality of Evropos (in Greece) and the municipality of Montefalco (in Italy). At first biomass availability is studied, then the optimal technology is selected. Once technological issues have been analyzed PPP value for money has to be assessed. Conventional methods to evaluate economic viability of a project are not enough and a Public-Sector Comparator (PSC) has to be calculated. Typical risks of bioenergy projects are identified, estimating their probabilities and consequences. This will lead to associate a monetary value to each risk. Then the identified risks are allocated among private and public partners, establishing synergies. The allocation of risks will have consequences on the preparation of PPP contract and on partner selection procedure.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Critical Risk Factors for PPP Water Projects in China

AbstractDuring the past decades in China, the traditional state monopoly has experienced difficulties in meeting the huge demand for new infrastructure and improvement in service levels, engendering the growth of different forms and degrees of private sector involvement. Since the 1990s, China has started experimenting with the public-private partnership (PPP) delivery method in the water supply sector. However, many problems stemming from unsuccessful risk management have been encountered in PPP applications that have eventually led to project failure. This paper aims to identify and evaluate typical risks associated with PPP projects in the Chinese water supply sector. A literature review, a Delphi survey, and face-to-face interviews were used to achieve these objectives. Finally, a register of 16 critical risk factors (CRFs) of water PPP projects in China was established. The findings revealed that completion risk, inflation, and price change risk have a higher impact on Chinese water PPP projects, whe...

위험인식의 특성과 의미: 한국인의 기술위험 인지도에 대한 Psychometric 분석

A survey of risk perception in South Korea was conducted in 2007 to evaluate relative riskiness of typical industrial and technological risks. This article summarizes the characteristics of risk perception using psychometric analyses. The survey with a sample size of 1,194 reviews the perceived level of 25 risk items in the areas of transportation, chemicals, environment, industry, nuclear power generation, and newly-introduced risks. Six categories of risk identified by a factor analysis show that the level of perceived risk does not correspond to the statistical level. Psychometric analyses including voluntariness, severity, effect manifestation, exposure pattern, controllability, familiarity, benefit and necessity demonstrate that voluntary, familiar and immediate risks are perceived as less risky than involuntary, unfamiliar and delayed ones. Risk communication is critical in reducing the discrepance between objective and subjective level of risk. However, the amount of risk information does not always justify a successful risk communication. A safety policy, risk communication strategy in particular, should take into account diverse dimensions of risk reviewed by psychometric analyses in the study. Social policy toward safety can be improved by integrating policy, human, and social factors as well as technological advances.

Cross-Regional Differences in Solving the Teacher Pay Rise Problem

The paper provides an overview of studies dedicated to correlations between school teacher salaries and regional economics and to the local factors affecting the size of teacher salaries. The paper describes the basic teacher pay indicators in the regions: absolute salary, teacher pay level as compared to the average regional salary, ratio of salary to the average consumer bsket and to the per capita gross regional product. Based on the calculations performed using open databases of governmental authorities, a classification of regions by teacher pay levels was developed, providing seven clusters of regions. For each of the clusters, we have elaborated recommendations on teacher remuneration, identifying typical risks and challenges. These recommendations are designed to improve efficiency of activities that are part of the education policy by way of differentiating federal assistance. The conclusion is that, apart from the index of teacher pay level as compared to the average regional salary, which is the benchmark of governmental programs, one should also consider the ratios of salary to the average consumer basket and to the per capita gross regional product.

RISK TAXONOMY RELATED TO SOFTWARE ACQUISITION: A CASE STUDY

Currently, software acquisition is strategic for organizations. Companies need support to succeed in software acquisition projects because such projects commonly present high failure rates. To solve this problem, it is necessary to design mechanisms for software acquisition, such as risk classification to identify the typical risks that may affect the success of a software acquisition project. Thus, herein, we present a case study, showing the implementation of a risk taxonomy whose structure is designed using a method for its construction, with a mechanism to reduce the risk of acquisition projects that adversely affect their success.

Glycemic Variability: Both Sides of the Story

### Case for a relationship between postprandial hyperglycemic variability and complication risk In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, large prospective clinical studies have shown a strong relationship between time-averaged mean levels of glycemia as measured by HbA1c and diabetes complications (1). However, as reviewed elsewhere, in recent years several pieces of evidence have raised the possibility that glycemic instability may also contribute to the development of diabetes complications (2). Also reviewed elsewhere, in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance the degree of glycemia 2 h after a glucose challenge is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than fasting glycemia (3). In subjects already known to have type 2 diabetes, postprandial glycemia can have the same deleterious effect on the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (4). Furthermore, these findings have been supported by pathophysiological evidence demonstrating that acute fluctuations in glycemia can produce significant alterations in normal homeostasis, such as those of endothelial dysfunction and increased inflammation (3). Taken together, these data begin to explain how acute increases in glycemia may influence the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the concept of glucose variability, even taking the above evidence into consideration, is more complex a phenomenon because it introduces the idea that multiple fluctuations of glycemia in the same individual could be more harmful than a simple episode of acute hyperglycemia or, indeed, chronic stable hyperglycemia. #### Clinical evidence in diabetes. An extensive evaluation of this concept has been done by Kilpatrick, Rigby, and Atkin (5), who first reported that glycemic instability is not a predictor of microvascular complications in patients from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), in particular retinopathy, and then reported that mean daily glucose as well as pre- and postprandial hyperglycemia (PPG) predicted cardiovascular disease in the same cohort (6). Interestingly, the same author more recently reported that HbA1c instability, rather than that of glucose, is a predictor of microvascular …

Prevention of Unintentional Injuries: A Global Role for Pediatricians

In spite of many proven ways to prevent childhood injuries, the relative prevalence of unintentional injury continues to plague the health and well-being of children worldwide. No population groups are spared, with children living in all social and economic circumstances at risk. Dr Hollwarth describes the extent of this injury pandemic. He also cites practical approaches for pediatricians to help advocate for evidence-based injury prevention policies and more consistent inclusion of anticipatory guidance in their daily practice. The simple truth is that children are much more susceptible to unintentional injuries than adults and the societal costs are unacceptably high. This column serves as a call to arms for pediatricians everywhere to work on combating this growing public health challenge. —Jay E. Berkelhamer, MD, FAAP Editor, Global Health Monthly Feature Primary care pediatricians serve as physicians for the entire family because they accompany children from infancy through adolescence, and quite often into adulthood. The pediatrician may be primarily consulted in cases of diseases, but his or her advice with regard to vaccination, healthy nutrition, and a safe environment is usually appreciated by families. Thus, pediatricians can play a significant role in injury prevention, too. Why is injury prevention important? Unintentional injuries constitute a global public health problem and are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents between the ages 5 and 18 years. More than 800 000 children younger than 18 die every year as a result of unintentional injuries.1 In the United States, this is the leading cause of death among children aged 18 and younger, claiming more than 12 000 lives annually.2 For each child who dies as a result of injury, another 553 children are treated at emergency departments, a further 11.2 children need to … Address correspondence to Michael E. Hollwarth, Univ. Prof. Dr., Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University, Auenbruggerplatz 34, A-8036 Graz, Austria. E-mail: michael.hoellwarth{at}medunigraz.at

The Systematic Consideration of Human Factors in Vessel Collision Investigations

AbstractHistorically, human factors have caused or contributed to the cause of nearly every vessel collision. However, given the vast number and type of human factors that can possibly be involved, the typical marine investigator risks either considering these factors only superficially or becoming bogged down in an academic exercise. Beyond just saying the collision was caused by “human error,” the marine investigator should understand the role of human factors in the causal chain of events. Some human factor issues can be difficult to parse from the available information. This is particularly the case for historical events but is also true even where witnesses are available. Nonetheless, there are a number of key areas where hard facts can reveal human factor issues that directly caused or contributed to the collision or somehow exacerbate the results. This paper divides that consideration into three parts, (1) human factors that affect the risk of the collision occurring, (2) human factors that affect the response once risk of collision is perceived, and (3) human factors that affect witness perception and recollection after the accident. The construct described in this paper can be used by the investigator to ensure a systematic consideration of key human factors relevant to a collision.

Successful In-between? Analyzing the Internationalization of Medium-sized World Market Leaders

Successful internationalization has become an inevitable challenge for most small and medium-sized companies. In this explorative study, based on interviews with 84 owners and CEOs of German small and medium-sized world market leaders (WMLs), specific success factors, typical internationalization patterns, existing challenges and potential risks are identified. Four types of those WMLs could be classified leading to the taxonomy of Visionaries, Conquerors, Companions and Globalizers. Their internationalization scheme could be assigned to three internationalization stages. When matched with the learning theory of internationalization (Johanson and Vahlne, 1977, 1990) this study contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the applicability of traditional IB-theories.

The Role of Public Health Inspectors in Maintaining Housing in Northern and Rural Communities: Recommendations to Support Public Health Practice

Objective: Although there is much evidence about the effects of particular housing conditions on health, less is known about the practices of public health inspectors (PHIs) in relation to minimizing or eliminating potential housing health risks. The purpose of this qualitative study was to illuminate the practices of PHIs in relation to types of biological and physical housing risks. Method: This study used photo vignettes to focus on PHIs’ perceptions, options, and resultant interventions with regards to typical housing risks encountered by PHIs in northeastern Ontario. The vignettes represented two general categories of potential housing risks: biological exposures, and physical characteristics of housing. During a semi-structured interview, 34 PHI participants viewed the vignettes, assessed the housing hazard depicted in each, and described the most appropriate intervention. Traditional content analysis methods were used. Results: The assessment of the physical housing hazards was fairly consistent among the PHIs. There seemed to be more variation in their assessment of risk associated with biological factors. Variation in responses was often explained by their different interpretations of the scope of the provincial legislation as well as local public health unit policies and practices. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PHIs’ assessment and responses to potential physical housing hazards were influenced by an interplay between variables related to residents, local service partners, organizational culture, and policy. The recommendations for action also range from specific public health unit protocol to broader research and policy advocacy initiatives. Collectively, the recommendations focus on strategies for optimizing the role of PHIs in reducing housing health risks in mid-size urban or rural areas.

The role of public health inspectors in maintaining housing in northern and rural communities: recommendations to support public health practice.

Although there is much evidence about the effects of particular housing conditions on health, less is known about the practices of public health inspectors (PHIs) in relation to minimizing or eliminating potential housing health risks. The purpose of this qualitative study was to illuminate the practices of PHIs in relation to types of biological and physical housing risks. This study used photo vignettes to focus on PHIs' perceptions, options, and resultant interventions with regards to typical housing risks encountered by PHIs in northeastern Ontario. The vignettes represented two general categories of potential housing risks: biological exposures, and physical characteristics of housing. During a semi-structured interview, 34 PHI participants viewed the vignettes, assessed the housing hazard depicted in each, and described the most appropriate intervention. Traditional content analysis methods were used. The assessment of the physical housing hazards was fairly consistent among the PHIs. There seemed to be more variation in their assessment of risk associated with biological factors. Variation in responses was often explained by their different interpretations of the scope of the provincial legislation as well as local public health unit policies and practices. This study demonstrated that PHIs' assessment and responses to potential physical housing hazards were influenced by an interplay between variables related to residents, local service partners, organizational culture, and policy. The recommendations for action also range from specific public health unit protocol to broader research and policy advocacy initiatives. Collectively, the recommendations focus on strategies for optimizing the role of PHIs in reducing housing health risks in mid-size urban or rural areas.