Rural Australian Population Research Articles

Factors Associated with the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Rural Northern Victoria, Australia.

About one-third of Australians use the services of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); but debate about the role of CAM in public healthcare is vociferous. Despite this, the mechanisms driving CAM healthcare choices are not well understood, especially in rural Australia. From 2016 to 2018, 2,679 persons from the Goulburn Valley, northern Victoria, were surveyed, 28% (755) of whom reporting visiting CAM practitioners. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used to assess associations between various socio-demographic variables and the use of CAM services. The strongest significant inverse (p < 0.05) association with CAM use overall was being unemployed, with markedly lower odds of using CAM than those employed full-time (OR 0.22 [0.12, 0.41]). The next strongest inverse relationship was being retired (OR 0.44 [0.30, 0.65]). The strongest positive associations were with English spoken at home (OR 2.38 [1.34, 4.24]), private health insurance (hospital cover) (1.57 [1.28, 1.91]), being Australian born (OR 1.61 [1.14, 2.28]), and female sex (1.25 [1.02, 1.52])). Females had significantly higher odds of using osteopathy than males (OR 1.98 [1.33, 2.96]) but there were no significant sex differences for chiropractic or massage. This is the first such study conducted solely for a rural Australian population. The drivers of CAM use differed from previous nation-wide studies and they varied across modalities. The factors identified here as being associated with CAM use could be used by CAM practitioners in developing person-centred services. Similarly, the findings are relevant to primary-care services in understanding what sectors of society might eschew conventional health care for CAM in rural regions, where health services are often limited.

Real-world evaluation of RetCAD deep-learning system for the detection of referable diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration

ABSTRACT Clinical Relevance The challenges of establishing retinal screening programs in rural settings may be mitigated by the emergence of deep-learning systems for early disease detection. Background Deep-learning systems have demonstrated promising results in retinal disease detection and may be particularly useful in rural settings where accessibility remains a barrier to equitable service provision. This study aims to evaluate the real-world performance of Thirona RetCAD for the detection of referable diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration in a rural Australian population. Methods Colour fundus images from participants with known diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration were randomly selected from ophthalmology clinics in four rural Australian centres. Grading was confirmed retrospectively by two retinal specialists. RetCAD produced a quantitative measure (0–100) for DR and AMD severity. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated at a pre-defined cut-point of ≥50. Results A total of 150 images from 82 participants were included. The mean age (SD) was 64.0 (12.8) years. Seventy-nine (52.7%) eyes had evidence of referable DR, while 54 (36.0%) had evidence of referable AMD. The AUC for referable DR detection was 0.971 (95% CI 0.950–0.936) with a sensitivity of 86.1% (76.8%–92.0%) and a specificity of 91.6% (82.8%−96.1%) at the pre-defined cut-point. Using the Youden Index method, the optimal cut-point was 41.2 (sensitivity 93.7%, specificity 90.1%). The AUC for the detection of referable AMD was 0.880 (0.824–0.936). At the pre-defined cut-point sensitivity was 88.9% (77.8%–94.8%) and specificity was 66.7% (56.8%–75.3%). The optimal cut-point was 52.6 (sensitivity 87.0%, specificity 75.0%). Conclusion RetCAD is comparable with but does not outperform equivalent deep-learning systems for retinal disease detection. RetCAD may be suitable as an automated screening tool in a rural Australian setting.

Factors associated with loneliness in rural Australia: A web-based cross-sectional survey

BackgroundLoneliness affects approximately 35% of rural Australians with detrimental impacts on physical, emotional, and social health. This study aims to identify the factors associated with loneliness among adults in a rural Australian population. MethodsThe study was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted between February and April 2023 among adults living in a rural Australian population. The survey, which was distributed using social media, consisted of 37 items including demographic information (17 items) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 (20 items). Collected data were analysed using univariate and multivariable analysis to identify the factors associated with loneliness in this population. ResultsA total of 225 respondents, mostly aged 30–49yrs (42.7%) participated in this study. The majority were Australia-born (88.4%), females (79.6%), employed (70%) and a third of participants were married (34.7%) at the time of this study. The median loneliness score (55 [IQR 47.0–61.0]) was significantly lower among participants who took part in community, sporting or hobby groups (36.2%) compared to those who abstained from these activities (51.5, [IQR 45.3–58.0] vs 56.0 [IQR 48.0–62.0]; p = 0.037). However, this association was nullified, after adjusting for covariates. Those who rated their overall health as worse (i.e., ‘poor’ 62.5 [IQR 54.8–64.0]) had significantly higher median loneliness scores than those who self-rated their overall health as ‘excellent’ (46.0 [IQR 32.3–54.3]; p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, poorer self-rated overall health remained significantly associated with loneliness, in contrast to ratings of ‘good’, ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’. ConclusionsResults indicate that in this rural Australian population, loneliness is associated with worse self-reported overall health, whilst participation in social groups appear to ameliorate loneliness. Policy aimed at reducing loneliness should therefore facilitate measures that improve this population's physical and mental health.

Impact of geographical health disparities on outcomes following pelvic exenteration at a centralised quaternary referral centre

IntroductionPelvic exenteration (PE) is an ultra-radical procedure performed for primary or recurrent malignancies confined to the pelvis. Health outcomes for rural Australian populations are generally inferior compared to those from metropolitan centres, however, the effect of geographical location on outcomes following PE is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate how geographical location affects oncological, quality of life (QoL) and survival outcomes following PE. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing PE between 1994 and 2022 at a single centre were included. Patient post codes were linked with the Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Structure to stratify patients into five groups based on the geographical location of their residence. Primary outcome measures included patient survival, QoL and oncological outcomes. ResultsA total of 953 patients were included, of which 626 (65.7%) were from major cities, 227 (23.8%) inner regional, 84 (8.8%) outer regional, 9 (0.9%) remote, and 7 (0.7%) very remote areas. Rural patients were more likely to undergo PE for primary rectal cancer (p = 002) and less likely for recurrent, non-rectal carcinoma (p = 0.027). Rural patients less frequently had health insurance (p < 0.001) but were more likely to have undergone neoadjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.022). No difference in length-of-admission, in-hospital complication rates, QoL at 36 months or survival was observed between groups. ConclusionsDespite geographical disparities, rural populations undergoing PE achieved equally favourable outcomes as populations from metropolitan areas. Enhancing access to specialised care may facilitate better outcomes of patients residing in regional and remote areas.

Self-Rated Oral Health as a Valid Measure of Oral Health Status in Adults Living in Rural Australia.

It is unclear how well self-rated oral health (SROH) reflects actual oral health status in the rural Australian population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinically assessed oral health status and SROH of adults living in rural Australia. The data were from 574 participants who took part in the Crossroads II cross-sectional study. Three trained and calibrated dentists evaluated the oral health status of participants based on WHO criteria. SROH was assessed with the question 'Overall, how would you rate the health of your teeth and gums?', with a score ranging from excellent = 5 to poor = 1. A logistic regression analysis (LRA) was performed, allowing us to assess factors associated with SROH. The mean age of participants was 59.2 years (SD 16.3), and 55.3% were female. The key results from the LRA show poorer SROH in those with more missing teeth (OR = 1.05; 95% CI; 1.01-1.08), more decayed teeth (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.46), and more significant clinical attachment loss of periodontal tissue (6mm or more) (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.29-5.38). This study found an association between negative SROH and clinical indicators used to measure poor oral health status, suggesting that self-rated oral health is an indicator of oral health status. When planning dental healthcare programs, self-reported oral health should be considered a proxy measure for oral health status.

Impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle and mental wellbeing in a drought-affected rural Australian population.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented social and economic disruption, accompanied by the enactment of a multitude of public health measures to restrain disease transmission. These public health and social measures have had a considerable impact on lifestyle and mental wellbeing, which has been well studied with metropolitan populations. However, limited literature concerning such effects on a selectively rural population is presently available. Additionally, the use of a standardised scoring system for lifestyle may be valuable for an overall assessment of lifestyle that may be incorporated into clinical practice. This study examined the associations between psychological distress and changes in SNAPS health behaviours (smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity, sleep) since the onset of COVID-19 in Australia. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was distributed online to adults in the Western New South Wales Primary Health Network in August 2020 and included measures of psychological distress, income, disposition and lifestyle factors during the pandemic as well as changes to lifestyle due to COVID-19. A novel Global Lifestyle Score (GLS) was generated as a holistic assessment of lifestyle across multiple domains. The survey was completed by 304 individuals (modal age group 45-54 years, 86.8% female). High distress on the Kessler-5 scale was present in over one-third of participants (n=95, 33.7%). Detrimental change was reported for sleep (22.7%), nutrition (14.5%), alcohol (16.7%), physical exercise (34.0%) and smoking (24.7%) since the onset of the pandemic. Changes in sleep, nutrition, physical activity and smoking were associated with distress. Participants with a poor lifestyle (GLS) during the pandemic were significantly more distressed. Perceived COVID-19 impact was associated with high distress, drought impact and loss of income. Participants who reported negative impact from both COVID-19 and drought were significantly more distressed than those reporting a negative impact from drought alone or neither event. High rates of distress among rural Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic was linked to low GLS, worsening lifestyles and loss of income. Healthy lifestyle strategies should be considered by health professionals for the management of crisis-related distress. Further research may explore the impact of COVID-19 on a larger study population with a greater proportion of male participants and to examine the effect of modifying lifestyle factors in reducing distress in the context of a stressor such as this pandemic.

Potentially preventable hospitalisations in rural community-dwelling patients.

Potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) are a common occurrence. Knowing the factors associated with PPH may allow high-risk patients to be identified and healthcare resources to be better allocated, and these factors may differ between urban and rural locations. To determine factors associated with PPH in an Australian rural population. A retrospective review of admitted patients' demographic and clinical data was used to describe and model the factors associated with PPH, using an age- and sex-matched control group of non-admitted patients. This study is based in a multi-site rural general practice, Tasmania. The study included patients aged ≥18 years residing in the Huon-Bruny Island region of Tasmania, who were active patients at a rural general practice and were admitted to a public hospital for a PPH between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2019. Main outcome measure is overnight admission to hospital for a PPH. Predictors with a significant odds ratio (OR) in the final model were being single/unmarried (OR 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-4.28), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.13-1.74) and the number of general practice visits in the preceding 12 months (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.05-1.14). This study found that being single and having a higher comorbidity burden were the strongest independent risk factors for PPH in a rural population. Demographic and socioeconomic factors appeared to be as, if not more, important than medical factors and warrant attention when considering the design of programmes to reduce PPH risk in rural communities.

The Accuracy of Self-Perception of Obesity in a Rural Australian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction:Obesity is a major public health concern. Accurate perception of body weight may be critical to the successful adoption of weight loss behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-perception of BMI class.Methods:Patients admitted to the acute medical service in one regional hospital completed a questionnaire and classified their weight as: “underweight,” “normal,” “overweight,” or “obese.” Reponses were compared to clinically measured BMIs, based on the WHO Classification. Patients were also questioned about health-related behavior. Data were analyzed via Pearson’s Chi-squared test.Results:Almost 70% of the participating patient population (n = 90) incorrectly perceived their weight category, with 62% underestimating their weight. Only 34% of patients who were overweight and 14% of patients with obesity correctly identified their weight status. Two-thirds of patients who were overweight and one-fifth of patients with obesity considered themselves to be “normal” or “underweight.” Patients with obesity were 6.5-fold more likely to misperceive their weight status. Amongst patients with overweight/obesity, those who misperceived their weight were significantly less likely to have plans to lose weight. Almost 60% had not made any recent health behavior changes. This is one of the first regional Australian studies demonstrating that hospitalized patients significantly misperceive their weight.Conclusion:Patients with overweight/obesity had significantly higher rates of weight misperception and the majority had no intention to lose weight or to undertake any health behavior modification. Given the association between weight perception and weight reduction behavior, it introduces barriers to addressing weight loss and reducing the increasing prevalence of obesity in rural Australia. It highlights that doctors have an important role in addressing weight misperception.

P006 Initiation of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as an inpatient in Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome admitted to General Medical Unit

Abstract Background With higher rates of obesity in regional and rural Australian population, there will be higher rates of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS). The cornerstone of the treatment of OHS is Positive Airways Pressure. We studied the initiation of Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) in an inpatient setting in patients with OHS in the regional population of Ballarat and subsequent impact on their hospital stay/readmission. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 22 patients with OHS during the 6-month study period (01/07/2021–31/12/2021) admitted into General Medical Unit at Ballarat Base Hospital. Progress Complete Outcome/Impact The mean age in the cohort was 60 with average weight of 139.5 kg. The mean pCO2 and pH were 68.1 and 7.33 respectively. CPAP was initiated in 9 of 22 patients (40.1%) with mean of 7.3 days. Mean days of oxygen use was 4.7 days with mean length of hospital stay 10 days. We did not find any statistical difference in length of hospital stay, ICU stay, supplemental oxygen use or readmission rates between CPAP and non-CPAP group. Subgroup analysis showed that CPAP group had higher rates of COPD (44.4% vs 30.8%) and diabetes (44.4% vs 30.8%) with trend to lower FEV1 (mean FEV1 47.6% vs 57.2%). There were 4 deaths (16.7%), 3 of them did not have CPAP initiated. The longer duration to CPAP initiation is likely to explain the non-significant difference between the groups. Proactive measures to increase initiation of CPAP is likely to improve patient outcome in terms of their morbidity and mortality.

Utility and outcomes among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy in the regional and rural Australian population.

To evaluate the utility and outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy. Retrospective study. Patients residing in the regional and rural Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia. Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients prescribed domiciliary oxygen therapy between 2018 and 2020. Demographics and clinical indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy and mortality were analysed. Differences between Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy in comparison with their non-Indigenous counterparts. Of the 199 study participants, the majority were male (51%), non-Indigenous (77%) and urban residents (72%). Overall chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the most common indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy (51%) followed by palliative intent (22%). Indigenous patients were significantly younger (61 vs 73 years), with a higher proportion of males (62% vs 45%, P=.039) and remote residents (62% vs 8%, P<.001). Among Indigenous patients, a significantly greater proportion of domiciliary oxygen therapy was indicated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (16% vs 1%, P<.001). Among non-Indigenous patients, malignancies were a more common indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy. A similar proportion of Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients were prescribed domiciliary oxygen therapy for palliative intent (31% and 20%, P=.108); however, the underlying diagnosis differed significantly, with a greater proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among Indigenous patients (43% vs 13%, P=.030) and malignancy among the non-Indigenous patients (73% vs 43%, P=.050). Mortality and length of survival were not significantly different by Indigenous status. Linear regression showed longer survival with domiciliary oxygen therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Indigenous Australian patients living in remote communities will likely derive the same benefits and outcomes of domiciliary oxygen therapy as non-Indigenous peers.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) Polymorphisms Are Associated with Prolonged ECG-Derived QTc Interval: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Australian Rural Population

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that are integral in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In age or disease, ECM may become dysregulated and contribute to fibrosis, which impairs cardiac electrical conduction. Two alleles regulate matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) activity: one with five adenosine bases (5A; associated with higher MMP-3 activity and decreased fibrosis) and another with six adenosine bases (6A; associated with lower MMP-3 activity and increased fibrosis). Here, we determined whether ECG-derived QTc and related parameters are associated with the MMP-3 5A/6A genotype in a cross-section of the Australian rural population. A retrospective cross-sectional population was obtained from the Charles Sturt University Diabetes Screening Research Initiative. Genotype and resting 12-lead ECG parameters of 295 participants were analyzed. Amongst these participants, 85 individuals carried the 5A/5A genotype, 141 individuals carried the 5A/6A genotype, and 65 individuals carried the 6A/6A genotype. Compared to 5A/5A genotype carriers, 5A/6A genotype carriers had a significantly longer QTc duration by 9.50 ms (95% CI: 3.48–15.52, p = 0.002), whilst 6A/6A genotype carriers had an even longer QTc duration by 12.19 ms (95% CI: 5.04–19.34, p = 0.001). We found an association between MMP-3 5A/6A polymorphisms and QTc, independent of adjustments for age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index and blood pressure.

Clinician certainty with the evidence: In practice, it's complicated

Clinician certainty with the evidence: In practice, it's complicated

Ultrasound Screening Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm By Junior Medical Officers In Australian Rural Hospital Setting: A Pilot Study

Cost-effectiveness of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm(AAA) ultrasound screening in the metropolitan setting has been demonstrated. Literature suggests that trained novices can reproduce abdominal aorta measurements comparable to monographers. This study aimed to determine if, after limited training, junior doctors could perform ultrasound AAA screening reliably for rural Australian population. We hypothesised that junior doctors would be able to achieve interobserver variability within 5mm in at least 95% of patients.

Changes in prevalence of diabetes over 15 years in a rural Australian population: The Crossroads Studies

AimsSecular trends in diabetes prevalence vary globally. We compared the prevalence of diabetes in two surveys 15 years apart in rural Australia. MethodTwo cross-sectional household surveys and clinics (biomedical assessments including oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs)) in 2001–2003 (Crossroads) and 2016–2018 (Crossroads-II).Setting: Four rural Victorian towns.Participants: Residents of randomly selected households (Crossroads (n = 5258), Crossroads-II (n = 2649)) with nested clinic assessments for randomly selected participants (n = 1048 and 736 respectively). Response rate 61%.Main outcome measures: Self-reported diagnosed diabetes, screening history, and diabetes defined by OGTT. ResultsThe age standardised prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased from 5.0(4.4–5.7)% to 7.7(6.7–8.6)%, with crude prevalence increasing overall (5.4 to 10.4% p < 0.001), in the smaller towns (5.4 to 11.1% p = 0.001) and, the regional centre (4.1 to 7.3% p < 0.001). Screening for diabetes over the previous two years increased (rural towns 49.8 to 63.8%; regional centre 44.9 to 63.6%; both p < 0.001). The proportion of undiagnosed diabetes was 23.2% in 2003 and 13.7% in 2018. The age and sex adjusted change in total diabetes was (1.15(0.84–1.59)). Central obesity (adjusted odd ratio 1.28(1.00–1.64)) but not overall obesity (adjusted odd ratio 1.17(0.95–1.46)) increased over time. ConclusionsOver 15 years, the crude prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased while the age and sex adjusted total diabetes prevalence did not change significantly. The epidemic may be slowing in some settings.

Sex-specific educational attainment is associated with telomere length in an Australian rural population

There is limited understanding on whether and how socioeconomic status (SES), particularly educational attainment and household income, impacts on telomere length in an Australian rural context. Additionally, it is unknown whether access to health services via the Australian public or private health system influences telomere length. This study investigates whether there is a relationship between telomere length and SES indicators (income, education) as well as health insurance status in a rural Australian population. Samples were drawn from the Australian Rural Victoria cross-sectional Crossroads Study. Leucocyte telomere length (LTL) was measured using a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Among 1424 participants, we did not find a significant main effect association with LTL across education, income level and health insurance. An exploratory finding was sex may influence the relationship between educational attainment and LTL (P = 0.021). In males, but not females, higher education was associated with longer LTL by 0.033 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.002-0.063, P = 0.035]; in those with low education attainment, male participants had shorter LTL by 0.058 (95% CI -0.086 to -0.029) than female participants (P < 0.0001). Being male and having lower education attainment was associated with shorter telomere length in our rural population. Evidence from our study supports the importance of education on LTL in males in rural Australia. Our studies also support previous findings that LTL in later life may not be closely associated with indicators of SES.

1629-P: Changes in the Prevalence of Diabetes, Its Management, and Complications over 15 Years in a Rural Australian Population

Objective: Diabetes screening and management guidelines have changed over the last 15 years. We compared diabetes prevalence, management, metabolic control and complications in 2 surveys, conducted 15 years apart. Methods: Repeat cross-sectional studies 2001-2003 (XRDS1) and 2016-2018 (XRDS2) across 4 rural Australian towns with previously low access to primary care, involving a household survey followed by biomedical assessments (including OGTTs) among randomly selected individuals. Results: Overall, household survey/clinic responses were &amp;gt;60% involving 4464/1042 and 2315/748 residents in XRDS1 and 2 respectively. The prevalence of known diabetes increased overall (5.4% to 10.4% p&amp;lt;0.001), in those &amp;lt;50, 50-59, 70+ years; but not 60-69 years (2.5% vs. 4.8% p&amp;lt;0.001, 6.5% vs. 9.7% p&amp;lt;0.05, 9.9% vs. 18.4% p&amp;lt;0.001; 12.8% vs.13.4%). Proportions with undiagnosed diabetes and IFG/IGT were not significantly different (2.3% vs. 1.5%; 11.7% vs. 10.0%). Diabetes screening increased from 48.9% to 59.5% (p&amp;lt;0.001). Among those with known diabetes age (59±16 vs. 63±16 p&amp;lt;0.01), lipid testing (84.8% vs. 92.8% p&amp;lt;0.05), hypertension (52.2% vs. 65.8% p&amp;lt;0.01) and dyslipidaemia (21.9% vs. 55.8% p&amp;lt;0.001) diagnoses, increased. Age at diagnosis (53±15 vs. 52±16 years), BMI (30.4±6.9 vs. 30.8±7.1 kg/m2), glycaemia testing (97.1 vs. 95.3%) and BP testing (98.4% vs. 98.2%) were similar. Mean HbA1c and diastolic BP were similar but systolic BP (143±24 vs. 136±19 mm Hg p&amp;lt;0.05) and total cholesterol (4.8±0.9 vs. 4.4±1.1 mmol/l p&amp;lt;0.05) were lower. Complication rates were similar (nephropathy 27.8% vs. 22.4%, non-fatal stroke 6.2% vs. 5.0%) or increased (depression 14.1% vs. 33.5% p&amp;lt;0.01; cardiac condition 24.1% vs. 32.4% p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions: Over 15 years, diabetes prevalence increased, CVD risk management improved but complications were unchanged or increased. Further work is required to understand the extent to which changing survival, migration, access to care and ageing have contributed to these patterns. Disclosure D. Simmons: Speaker's Bureau; Self; Sanofi-Aventis. Other Relationship; Self; Medtronic. K. Glenister: None. D.J. Magliano: None. L. Bourke: None. Funding National Health and Medicine Research Council of Australia

MS05.1 Comparison of Digital Automated Detection Methods For Pragmatic Screening of Atrial Fibrillation In an Australian Rural Population

MS05.1 Comparison of Digital Automated Detection Methods For Pragmatic Screening of Atrial Fibrillation In an Australian Rural Population

PO562 Baseline Framingham Risk Score Does Not Predict Future ECG Derived QRS Duration Changes In an Australian Rural Population

PO562 Baseline Framingham Risk Score Does Not Predict Future ECG Derived QRS Duration Changes In an Australian Rural Population

Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Australian Rural Population

Introduction: Australians living in rural areas have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, potentially due to access and socioeconomic or behavioural factors. This study aimed to identify whether outcomes differed between rural and urban patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Rs9939609 FTO genotype associations with FTO methylation level influences body mass and telomere length in an Australian rural population.

The fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene influences energy homeostasis in humans. Although the obesity-related variant, rs9939609 has been replicated across a number of cohort studies, there remains significant variance and a low to modest association. Telomere length is another commonly reported obesity risk factor. We hypothesize understanding the associations between FTO rs9939609 with FTO methylation and telomere length will provide a more accurate assessment of obesity risk. Overall, 942 participants free of diabetes or pre-diabetes were included in the retrospective study. Leukocyte genomic DNA was analyzed for rs9939609 genotyping, FTO gene methylation and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) measurement. In general linear models, rs9939609 AA genotypes were associated with increased fat percentage (3.15%, P=0.001), fat mass (4.16 kg, P=0.001), body mass index (BMI) (1.38, P=0.006) and waist circumference (3.35 cm, P=0.006), but not with FTO methylation or LTL in this overall population. However, when participants were stratified into higher and lower FTO methylation groups, the AA genotype possesses a 2.04-fold increased obesity risk in comparison to TT genotype (95%CI, 1.07-3.89, P=0.031) in participants with a higher FTO methylation level, but this association was absent in the lower FTO methylation sub-group. Moreover, AT and AA genotype carriers were associated with shorter LTL compared to TT carriers (P=0.020 and P=0.111, respectively) in the higher FTO methylation level group. However, this association was absent in the lower methylation group. Furthermore, FTO gene methylation level was significantly associated with LTL in the 942 samples (P=0.017). FTO rs9939609 is associated with obesity risk and LTL in this study, where this association is only observed at higher, but not lower, FTO methylation levels of participants. Our data suggest association of multiple factors, including FTO methylation level, may be involved in one of several mechanisms underlying the commonly reported obesity risk of this FTO polymorphism.