Pub Date : 2022-10-15DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1130
Nie F
This article about the establishment of a transitional area for Covid-19, that is, all patients should have nucleic acid before admission in China, and only if they are negative can they be hospitalized. However, some patients are seriously ill and must be hospitalized quickly, so they need to be placed in the transitional area to wait for nucleic acid results, and then they can be transferred to the general ward. Positive cases are referred to another site for treatment. However, transitional area settings in China are different. Some hospitals set up a separate ward for critically ill patients to wait for nucleic acid, and wait for negative results before being transferred to the general ward. Some set up transition rooms in remote areas of each ward, waiting for nucleic acid negative before being transferred to the general room. Some are in the emergency room waiting for nucleic acid results, if negative then transferred to the general ward. In my article, I have selected three transitional modes, compared the advantages and disadvantages, and selected the best one. Although the harm of Covid-19 is gradually becoming less serious, this best transitional setting model also provides a certain reference for the management of emerging infectious diseases in the future.
{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Transitional Area Setting Mode for Inpatients in General Hospitals Under Normal Epidemic Situation","authors":"Nie F","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1130","url":null,"abstract":"This article about the establishment of a transitional area for Covid-19, that is, all patients should have nucleic acid before admission in China, and only if they are negative can they be hospitalized. However, some patients are seriously ill and must be hospitalized quickly, so they need to be placed in the transitional area to wait for nucleic acid results, and then they can be transferred to the general ward. Positive cases are referred to another site for treatment. However, transitional area settings in China are different. Some hospitals set up a separate ward for critically ill patients to wait for nucleic acid, and wait for negative results before being transferred to the general ward. Some set up transition rooms in remote areas of each ward, waiting for nucleic acid negative before being transferred to the general room. Some are in the emergency room waiting for nucleic acid results, if negative then transferred to the general ward. In my article, I have selected three transitional modes, compared the advantages and disadvantages, and selected the best one. Although the harm of Covid-19 is gradually becoming less serious, this best transitional setting model also provides a certain reference for the management of emerging infectious diseases in the future.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46814205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-05DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1129
Hwang M, Lee Sc, Park Jh, Choi Jh, Lee Hj
Chemical risk assessment is important for risk management, and estimates of chemical exposure must be as accurate as possible. Chemical concentrations in food below the limit of detection are known as nondetects and result in leftcensored data. During statistical analysis, the method used for handling values below the limit of detection is important. Many risk assessors employ widely used substitution methods to treat left-censored data, as recommended by international organizations. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of South Korea also recommend these methods, which are currently used for chemical exposure assessments. However, these methods have statistical limitations, and international organizations recommend more advanced alternative statistical approaches. In this study, we assessed the validity of currently used statistical methods for handling nondetects. The best method was determined based on a simulation study. In three case studies, we compared the various methods based on the root mean squared error. The data for all case studies were from the same source, to avoid heterogeneity. Across various sample sizes and nondetection rates, the mean and 95th percentile values for all treatment methods were similar. However, “log normal maximum likelihood estimation” method was not suitable for estimating the mean. Risk assessors should consider statistical processing of monitoring data to reduce uncertainty. Currently used substitution methods are effective and easy to apply to large data sets with nondetection rates < 80%. However, advanced statistical methods are required in some circumstances, and national guidelines are needed regarding their use in risk assessments.
{"title":"Statistical Methods for Handling Nondetected Results in Food Chemical Monitoring Data to Improve Food Risk Assessments","authors":"Hwang M, Lee Sc, Park Jh, Choi Jh, Lee Hj","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1129","url":null,"abstract":"Chemical risk assessment is important for risk management, and estimates of chemical exposure must be as accurate as possible. Chemical concentrations in food below the limit of detection are known as nondetects and result in leftcensored data. During statistical analysis, the method used for handling values below the limit of detection is important. Many risk assessors employ widely used substitution methods to treat left-censored data, as recommended by international organizations. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of South Korea also recommend these methods, which are currently used for chemical exposure assessments. However, these methods have statistical limitations, and international organizations recommend more advanced alternative statistical approaches. In this study, we assessed the validity of currently used statistical methods for handling nondetects. The best method was determined based on a simulation study. In three case studies, we compared the various methods based on the root mean squared error. The data for all case studies were from the same source, to avoid heterogeneity. Across various sample sizes and nondetection rates, the mean and 95th percentile values for all treatment methods were similar. However, “log normal maximum likelihood estimation” method was not suitable for estimating the mean. Risk assessors should consider statistical processing of monitoring data to reduce uncertainty. Currently used substitution methods are effective and easy to apply to large data sets with nondetection rates < 80%. However, advanced statistical methods are required in some circumstances, and national guidelines are needed regarding their use in risk assessments.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41885410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-22DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1128
Sabour S
Many published diagnostic studies are better characterized as test research than as diagnostic research [1]. Often these studies include a group of patients with the target disease and a group of patients without this disease in whom the results of the index test are also measured. There is a difference between test research and diagnostic research. The objective of test research is to assess whether a single diagnostic test (index test) adequately can show the presence or absence of a particular disease; however, the aim of diagnostic research is that whether index test appreciably adds to the diagnostic information that is readily available in clinical care [2,3]. Thus, the authors must include all tests that are used to detect disease, and then estimate the added value of index test comparing to other tests. Not with standing its limitations, test research—focusing on estimating the accuracy of a single test may offer relevant information. Most notably, it is helpful in the developmental phase of a new diagnostic test, when the accuracy of the test is yet unknown. Furthermore, test research can be valuable in the realm of screening for a particular disorder in asymptomatic individuals. In this context, no test results other than the single screening test are considered [2].
{"title":"Test Research versus Diagnostic Research: Clinical Application and Interpretation","authors":"Sabour S","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1128","url":null,"abstract":"Many published diagnostic studies are better characterized as test research than as diagnostic research [1]. Often these studies include a group of patients with the target disease and a group of patients without this disease in whom the results of the index test are also measured. There is a difference between test research and diagnostic research. The objective of test research is to assess whether a single diagnostic test (index test) adequately can show the presence or absence of a particular disease; however, the aim of diagnostic research is that whether index test appreciably adds to the diagnostic information that is readily available in clinical care [2,3]. Thus, the authors must include all tests that are used to detect disease, and then estimate the added value of index test comparing to other tests. Not with standing its limitations, test research—focusing on estimating the accuracy of a single test may offer relevant information. Most notably, it is helpful in the developmental phase of a new diagnostic test, when the accuracy of the test is yet unknown. Furthermore, test research can be valuable in the realm of screening for a particular disorder in asymptomatic individuals. In this context, no test results other than the single screening test are considered [2].","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48273026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-19DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1127
Brown C, A. S., A. A, McCully B
In an era in which we strive for patient-centred care and shared-decision making, it is important to still consider provider perceptions and attitudes toward birth plans. In this case report, we describe maternity care providers as the Second Victim when non-standard birth plans are enacted and discuss the emotional and psychological turmoil of forced professional passivity. We present the fallout of contemporary, patient-empowered decision-making when a mother’s right to refuse care recommendations is inviolate. Care providers have become unable to do what they know they should; the things they are trained for and know are expected of them by peers and principles of best practice, and yet, by default, must still participate, and share responsibility for whatever outcome ensues.
{"title":"Second Victims in Maternity Care – The Hidden Fallout of Parental Birth Plans","authors":"Brown C, A. S., A. A, McCully B","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1127","url":null,"abstract":"In an era in which we strive for patient-centred care and shared-decision making, it is important to still consider provider perceptions and attitudes toward birth plans. In this case report, we describe maternity care providers as the Second Victim when non-standard birth plans are enacted and discuss the emotional and psychological turmoil of forced professional passivity. We present the fallout of contemporary, patient-empowered decision-making when a mother’s right to refuse care recommendations is inviolate. Care providers have become unable to do what they know they should; the things they are trained for and know are expected of them by peers and principles of best practice, and yet, by default, must still participate, and share responsibility for whatever outcome ensues.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43665900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-24DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1124
Margot Gage Witvliet, C. Bambra, T. Eikemo
The inclusion of self-reported health into cross-country population surveys has contributed to substantial progress in the social science, public health and epidemiology fields. Measuring self-reported health in cross-country population surveys is a cost-effective method to gain information on individual-health status. The self-reported health measurement however is not without flaws. In this glossary we provide a basic definition of self-reported health. Cross-country population surveys that contain self-reported health data are discussed. We highlight the limitations and advantages of using self-reported health measure. Other aspects related to self-reported health are discussed, including the importance of the self-reported health measurement for future long COVID-19 investigations.
{"title":"Glossary: Self-Reported Health","authors":"Margot Gage Witvliet, C. Bambra, T. Eikemo","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1124","url":null,"abstract":"The inclusion of self-reported health into cross-country population surveys has contributed to substantial progress in the social science, public health and epidemiology fields. Measuring self-reported health in cross-country population surveys is a cost-effective method to gain information on individual-health status. The self-reported health measurement however is not without flaws. In this glossary we provide a basic definition of self-reported health. Cross-country population surveys that contain self-reported health data are discussed. We highlight the limitations and advantages of using self-reported health measure. Other aspects related to self-reported health are discussed, including the importance of the self-reported health measurement for future long COVID-19 investigations.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44411534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-24DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1125
C. Wu, Oliver Little, Dr. Brian McCully, Dr. Ayman Aboda
Limited access to public health insurance may negatively impact patient care for migrant Australians particularly those in remote hospital settings. This may reflect language and other social barriers including not insignificantly, apprehension of cost and fear of subsequent reprisal. This case reports the experience of a 26-year-old Malaysian female who presented to an emergency department with suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Background: Globally, Australia is a major immigration target. Population data from 2020 estimate over 7.6 million migrants currently living within our borders, with many in regional or remote rural centres [1]. Access to effective healthcare is often impacted by demographic and social challenges unique to this population which include affordability and economic limitations, cultural bias and vulnerability, language barriers and alienation from the Australian Medicare system [2]. The latter, a Commonwealth government program, provides Australian citizens and selected temporary visa holders, access to a wide range of health services including hospital and outpatient treatment, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic services without cost or with subsidy by way of the Medical Benefits Schedule [3]. Patients not able to share in this scheme, may be left isolated or unfairly biased when issues of health crisis or routine self-assessment arise. We present a case report of a 26-year-old female migrant of Malaysian origin, who presented acutely to a public hospital emergency department with suspected acute abdomen. She had limited understanding of English and had no Medicare entitlement. Whilst we were able to provide care for this young woman, our ability to do so was significantly hindered by these barriers, a dilemma not uncommon in remote rural practice. It highlights the inequalities of a healthcare system that at times can have little reserve or capacity to encompass the needs of patients with cultural or social demographics that may segregate or displace them from the general population. This is all the more poignant when it occurs in a setting of limited resource and vulnerability and it demonstrates the importance of shared language skills, compliance, and a culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare environment.
{"title":"Inequalities Limiting Health Care Access for Migrant Australians – The Positive Impact of Multiculturism and Medical Student Rotation to Remote Hospital Settings","authors":"C. Wu, Oliver Little, Dr. Brian McCully, Dr. Ayman Aboda","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1125","url":null,"abstract":"Limited access to public health insurance may negatively impact patient care for migrant Australians particularly those in remote hospital settings. This may reflect language and other social barriers including not insignificantly, apprehension of cost and fear of subsequent reprisal. This case reports the experience of a 26-year-old Malaysian female who presented to an emergency department with suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Background: Globally, Australia is a major immigration target. Population data from 2020 estimate over 7.6 million migrants currently living within our borders, with many in regional or remote rural centres [1]. Access to effective healthcare is often impacted by demographic and social challenges unique to this population which include affordability and economic limitations, cultural bias and vulnerability, language barriers and alienation from the Australian Medicare system [2]. The latter, a Commonwealth government program, provides Australian citizens and selected temporary visa holders, access to a wide range of health services including hospital and outpatient treatment, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic services without cost or with subsidy by way of the Medical Benefits Schedule [3]. Patients not able to share in this scheme, may be left isolated or unfairly biased when issues of health crisis or routine self-assessment arise. We present a case report of a 26-year-old female migrant of Malaysian origin, who presented acutely to a public hospital emergency department with suspected acute abdomen. She had limited understanding of English and had no Medicare entitlement. Whilst we were able to provide care for this young woman, our ability to do so was significantly hindered by these barriers, a dilemma not uncommon in remote rural practice. It highlights the inequalities of a healthcare system that at times can have little reserve or capacity to encompass the needs of patients with cultural or social demographics that may segregate or displace them from the general population. This is all the more poignant when it occurs in a setting of limited resource and vulnerability and it demonstrates the importance of shared language skills, compliance, and a culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare environment.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43858574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-15DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1123
Albelbeisi Ah, Shaqfa Km
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) tend to be long-term and are caused by genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Palestine is undergoing an epidemiological transition. It is estimated nearly two out of three elderly Palestinians suffer from NCDs. This study aimed to identify the barriers to practicing physical activity and eating a healthy diet among Palestinian non-communicable disease patients. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 among ten NCDs patients who received care in five governmental primary healthcare centers in the Gaza Strip. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and used to collect data based on the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. Data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research Checklist (COREQ) was used to report the data. Results: The data analysis led to the identification of two main categories, factors affecting the practice of PA, healthy diet, and barriers to adherence to healthy behaviors. The interviewees had a positive attitude towards healthy behaviors. The main barriers to PA practice were lack of accessibility to materials, lack of social support, and a lack of reminders. Also, factors as lack of accessibility to the materials, a lack of social support, and a lack of self-efficacy were the most common barriers to eating a healthy diet. Conclusion: NCD patients understand the importance and benefits of practicing healthy behaviors, but in the absence of basic infrastructure and a supportive community, their awareness may not translate into actions.
{"title":"Factors that Hinder Adherence to Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet among Palestinian Non-Communicable Disease Patients: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Albelbeisi Ah, Shaqfa Km","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1123","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) tend to be long-term and are caused by genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Palestine is undergoing an epidemiological transition. It is estimated nearly two out of three elderly Palestinians suffer from NCDs. This study aimed to identify the barriers to practicing physical activity and eating a healthy diet among Palestinian non-communicable disease patients. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 among ten NCDs patients who received care in five governmental primary healthcare centers in the Gaza Strip. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and used to collect data based on the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. Data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research Checklist (COREQ) was used to report the data. Results: The data analysis led to the identification of two main categories, factors affecting the practice of PA, healthy diet, and barriers to adherence to healthy behaviors. The interviewees had a positive attitude towards healthy behaviors. The main barriers to PA practice were lack of accessibility to materials, lack of social support, and a lack of reminders. Also, factors as lack of accessibility to the materials, a lack of social support, and a lack of self-efficacy were the most common barriers to eating a healthy diet. Conclusion: NCD patients understand the importance and benefits of practicing healthy behaviors, but in the absence of basic infrastructure and a supportive community, their awareness may not translate into actions.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41270749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-06-14DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1122
Guede Cm, Soumahoro Mk, Kouame Akd, J. R.
The objective of this study was to identify areas at risk of infestation by Taenia solium larva in the Abidjan agglomeration. For this purpose, environmental data were collected within the residence areas of patients enrolled during a study on cysticercosis conducted among patients attending hospitals for epilepsy. The methodological approach was based on the construction of a composite index based on both environmental and anthropogenic data collected in the living environment of these epileptic patients. Based on a spatial grid of 1,164 tiles of 500 m side, presence or absence of an environmental element at risk (wild discharge of garbage, stagnant water, clogged gutters, wastewater spillways in the streets) or anthropogenic one (pigsty, pigmeat salep) was respectively noted as one (1) zero (0). Therefore, for each tile the sum of the items accounted in the tile was used as composite index. Then, the values of these indices were spatialized in order to determine the environmental risk of each area of residence. The results show that only 20% of the area of the the study’s territory is subject to an environmental and anthropogenic risk of infestation by the larva of Tænia solium. Indeed, areas of low and medium levels of risk were found as the most extensively contaminated. However, areas covered by high or very high risk represent only 2.28% and 0.59% of the living space of epileptic patients respectively. In conclusion, one fifth of the total area of residence is impacted by a relatively moderate level of environmental risk.
{"title":"Characterization of the Environmental Risk of Cysticercosis Induced Epilepsy in the City of Abidjan","authors":"Guede Cm, Soumahoro Mk, Kouame Akd, J. R.","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1122","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this study was to identify areas at risk of infestation by Taenia solium larva in the Abidjan agglomeration. For this purpose, environmental data were collected within the residence areas of patients enrolled during a study on cysticercosis conducted among patients attending hospitals for epilepsy. The methodological approach was based on the construction of a composite index based on both environmental and anthropogenic data collected in the living environment of these epileptic patients. Based on a spatial grid of 1,164 tiles of 500 m side, presence or absence of an environmental element at risk (wild discharge of garbage, stagnant water, clogged gutters, wastewater spillways in the streets) or anthropogenic one (pigsty, pigmeat salep) was respectively noted as one (1) zero (0). Therefore, for each tile the sum of the items accounted in the tile was used as composite index. Then, the values of these indices were spatialized in order to determine the environmental risk of each area of residence. The results show that only 20% of the area of the the study’s territory is subject to an environmental and anthropogenic risk of infestation by the larva of Tænia solium. Indeed, areas of low and medium levels of risk were found as the most extensively contaminated. However, areas covered by high or very high risk represent only 2.28% and 0.59% of the living space of epileptic patients respectively. In conclusion, one fifth of the total area of residence is impacted by a relatively moderate level of environmental risk.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45551844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-13DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1121
L. S., M. J., Doua Jy, L. P., V. J.P.
Background: The study evaluated the impact of anthilminthic treatment, given as non-investigational drugs, on helminth infections, anaemia, and hemoglobin (Hb) level in the context of a malaria clinical trial in which Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) and SP+Piperaquine (PQ) were also evaluated as an intermittent preventive treatment strategy in schoolchildren in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: In a nested cohort study, 616 malaria asymptomatic children attending primary schools of Biyela health area were enrolled and follow-up from November 2012 to November 2013. The control group for the nested study was the negative on helminth infections. They received one dose of PZQ and ALB at baseline and then 2 doses of ALB at 4 months intervals. During the 12-months of follow-up, stool and urine samples were collected for helminth infections and finger prick blood for Hb level. Paired test analyses were used to compare the status before and after treatment, and confounding variables for Hb level were tested by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of helminth infections and anaemia were 39.2% (95% CI: 34.7-43.7), and 41.8% (95% CI: 37.3-46.3), respectively. Mean Hb level was 11.6g/dl (SD±1.3). After 12-months post-anthelminthic treatment, the prevalence of helminth infections reduced to 7.2% (p<0.001). There was no change in Hb level and anaemia in the control which received only the anthelminthic drug (p=1.00 and p=0.26, respectively) at 12-months postintervention, compared to those who received active antimalarial SP (p=0.02 and p=0.09, respectively) and PQ (p=0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, no difference in Hb level was observed among the infected and uninfected schoolchildren with helminths at 12-months after anthelminthic treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that anthelminthic treatment reduces significantly the prevalence of helminth infections. There was no impact on anaemia and Hb level due to the use of anthelmintic drugs.
{"title":"Impact of Anthelmintic Treatment on the Burden of Helminth Infections in Primary Schoolchildren in Biyela Health Zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo","authors":"L. S., M. J., Doua Jy, L. P., V. J.P.","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1121","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The study evaluated the impact of anthilminthic treatment, given as non-investigational drugs, on helminth infections, anaemia, and hemoglobin (Hb) level in the context of a malaria clinical trial in which Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) and SP+Piperaquine (PQ) were also evaluated as an intermittent preventive treatment strategy in schoolchildren in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: In a nested cohort study, 616 malaria asymptomatic children attending primary schools of Biyela health area were enrolled and follow-up from November 2012 to November 2013. The control group for the nested study was the negative on helminth infections. They received one dose of PZQ and ALB at baseline and then 2 doses of ALB at 4 months intervals. During the 12-months of follow-up, stool and urine samples were collected for helminth infections and finger prick blood for Hb level. Paired test analyses were used to compare the status before and after treatment, and confounding variables for Hb level were tested by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of helminth infections and anaemia were 39.2% (95% CI: 34.7-43.7), and 41.8% (95% CI: 37.3-46.3), respectively. Mean Hb level was 11.6g/dl (SD±1.3). After 12-months post-anthelminthic treatment, the prevalence of helminth infections reduced to 7.2% (p<0.001). There was no change in Hb level and anaemia in the control which received only the anthelminthic drug (p=1.00 and p=0.26, respectively) at 12-months postintervention, compared to those who received active antimalarial SP (p=0.02 and p=0.09, respectively) and PQ (p=0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, no difference in Hb level was observed among the infected and uninfected schoolchildren with helminths at 12-months after anthelminthic treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that anthelminthic treatment reduces significantly the prevalence of helminth infections. There was no impact on anaemia and Hb level due to the use of anthelmintic drugs.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44631746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-02-04DOI: 10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1120
Magdalena Osowicka, Agnieszka Gorzewska
Introduction: Computer Tomography (CT) findings of COVID-19 are well described in the literature and include predominantly peripheral, bilateral Ground-Glass Opacities (GGOs), combination of GGOs with consolidations, and/or septal thickening creating a “crazy-paving” pattern [1]. COVID-19 pneumonia may mimic different infectious and non-infectious diseases [2]. However, it is rare for pulmonary changes to be accompanied by osteal changes suggesting malignant etiology. It needs a special attention and vigilance in diagnostic process. COVID changes may have misleading character and implicates the diagnosis and treatment.
{"title":"COVID-19 Pneumonia with a Focal Lung Lesion and a Periosteal Reaction Imitating a Neoplasm - Case Report","authors":"Magdalena Osowicka, Agnieszka Gorzewska","doi":"10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26420/austinjpublichealthepidemiol.2022.1120","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Computer Tomography (CT) findings of COVID-19 are well described in the literature and include predominantly peripheral, bilateral Ground-Glass Opacities (GGOs), combination of GGOs with consolidations, and/or septal thickening creating a “crazy-paving” pattern [1]. COVID-19 pneumonia may mimic different infectious and non-infectious diseases [2]. However, it is rare for pulmonary changes to be accompanied by osteal changes suggesting malignant etiology. It needs a special attention and vigilance in diagnostic process. COVID changes may have misleading character and implicates the diagnosis and treatment.","PeriodicalId":93417,"journal":{"name":"Austin journal of public health and epidemiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45284876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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