bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1485Trends and attributable burden of raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in South Africa
Authors: Neethling Ian , Peer Nasheeta , Cois Annibale , Nojilana Beatrice , Pacella Rosana , Bradshaw Debbie , Pillay-van Wyk Victoria 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
LDL-C is a key contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the exact attributable disease risk in South Africa is not known. This study aimed to quantify the burden of disease attributable to LDL-C in South Africa for 2000, 2006 and 2012.

Methods
National mean LDL-C estimates were derived from 14 observational studies using a meta-regression model. LDL-C estimates together with relative risks from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 were used to calculate a potential impact fraction (PIF) and applied to IHD and ischaemic stroke estimates to calculate attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Uncertainty analysis was performed using Monte Carlo simulation.

Results
LDL-C declined between 2000 and 2012 in males (2.74 mmol/L to 2.58 mmol) and females (3.05 mmol/L to 2.91 mmol/L). Attributable DALYs increased between 2000 (N = 286 712) and 2006 (N = 315 125) but decreased thereafter in 2012 (N = 270 829). Attributable age-standardised death rates declined between 2000 and 2012 in males (98 per 100 000 to 78 per 100 000) and females (81 per 100 000 to 58 per 100 000).

Conclusions
The decreasing trend in the age-standardised attributable burden due to LDL-C can be lowered further with the introduction of additional population-based CVD prevention strategies.

Key messages
This study highlights that high LDL-C in South Africa is responsible for a large proportion of the emerging CVD and should be targeted by health planners to reduce disease burden.
1452A Cohort Study of Comorbidities of Diabetes in Regional Australia
Authors: Anyasodor Anayochukwu , Bwititi Phillip , Chen Thim , Nwose Uba 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Epidemic of diabetes mellitus and its complications poses a major global threat and the burden of type 2 DM (T2DM) is also a worldwide phenomenon. However, data to rationalize continuous health promotion at local context such as regional New South Wales are lacking, and this underscores the need for continued epidemiological study. This study investigated if poorly controlled T2DM coexists with comorbidities more than those with good glycaemic control.

Methods
This was a cohort study at a private General Practice in Orange NSW, Australia. The study involved 137 de-identified adults living with T2DM. HbA1c and other biochemical and haematological records were reviewed. Other data included clinical notes including comorbidities, and complications. The cohort was separated into 2 groups: well-controlled versus poor glycaemic control. The resulting data were analysed for frequency, using the statistical software for Microsoft Excel.

Results
There were 37/137 of the T2DM cohort with baseline HbA1c of ≤ 6.5%, implying 73% poor glycaemic control in the region, at first time of testing. According to the clinical notes, the well-controlled group showed 29.7% comorbidities, including 2.7% queried infection. Among the 100 cases with abnormal HbA1c, comorbidities were observed in 22% including 4% who had infections.

Conclusions
Our observation implies no less comorbidities in well-controlled diabetes. However, the higher percentage of infection among the poorly controlled group is confirmation of need for continuous health promotion among people living with diabetes.

Key messages
This primary health statistic suggests the need to monitor for comorbidities equally, whether poor or well-controlled diabetes
1450Exeperiential Note on Enhancing Epidemiological Studies through Supervision of Postgraduate Research on Scaffolded Thesis-by-Publication
Authors: Nwose Ezekiel Uba 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Focus of Presentation
Most researchers are based in universities, and their research performance site is often metropolitan and urban cities. The effect is that scope of epidemiological studies has largely been without keen interest at the primary healthcare level. A pathway that this could have been addressed is teaching-research nexus in students’ research supervision. Hence in 2013, a research program was started and focused in primary health promotion. The program involved novel application of a known idea, whereby students do scaffold thesis-by-publication. Over the years, observations of students’ behaviour regarding the program are being made. This report narrates 7 years’ experience from Nigeria.

Findings
In the 7 years, 44 research students (3 PhDs, 20 Masters and 21 Hons) have passed through the program. Among the 21 Hons, 1 has volunteered to remain a collaborator and ‘unpaid’ Research Assistant in the program. Currently, 11 PhD candidates including 8/20 (40%) Masters’ degree graduates who are scaling up their work. In the year 2020, 4 of the PhD candidates have gone on to epidemiological study as well as primary healthcare performance evaluation of their local government areas in terms of public health problem of research interest. All students expressed being motivated by the publications.

Conclusions/Implications
Taking research students through thesis-by-publication journey is one approach to advance epidemiological studies. Making the students do the work on their own community advances health promotion, outreach to rural areas and primary health perspectives.

Key messages
Teaching-research nexus buoyed with thesis-by-publication can advance teaching and communication of epidemiology.
349Help after IPV experience, how much help do victims seek? Evidence from NDHS 2018
Authors: Olabumuyi Olayide , Uchendu Obioma , Awosika Olawale 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Poor reporting and help seeking has contributed to the burden of IPV. However, identified barriers to IPV help-seeking include social, economic and cultural factors. This study assessed the pattern and factors associated with help-seeking by women who experienced IPV in Nigeria.

Methods
Complex sample analysis of 2,033 women of reproductive age who had ever experienced IPV from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), was done to determine social, economic and cultural factors that predict IPV help-seeking among these women.

Results
Mean age of the women was 31.5 ± 7.8 years, a third (33.3%) had sought any form of help, 36.6% had full healthcare and 33.4% had full financial autonomy respectively. Help from partner’s family and women’s family were the most prevalent source of help sought (11.5% & 23.1% respectively). Women ≥ 40 years were 37% less likely to seek help compared to young persons (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.42-0.92). Women with childhood experience of violence had higher odds (42%) of seeking help for IPV than those with no childhood experience (OR = 1.42; 95 % CI = 1.08-1.85).

Conclusions
Majority of women experiencing IPV do not seek any form of help. Age and childhood experience of violence are significant predictors for help-seeking by victims of IPV.

Key messages
IPV remains a hidden issue as majority of victims are not seeking help.
Efforts to make appropriate help for IPV victims should be intensified and commenced from childhood.
818Prediction of health effects of Asian dust using the MASINGAR in Japan
Authors: Onishi Kazunari , Sekiyama Tsuyoshi Thomas , Kurosaki Yasunori , kurozawa Youichi , Nojima Masanori 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Health effects of cross-border air pollutants and Asian dust are of significant concern in Japan. Currently, models predicting arrival of aerosols have not investigated the association between arrival predictions and health effects. We investigated the association between subjective health symptoms and data acquired from the Japan Meteorological Agency's (JMA's) the Model of Aerosol Species in the Global Atmosphere (MASINGAR) aerosol model with the objective of ascertaining if the data could be applied for predicting health effects.

Methods
Subjective symptom scores were collected using self-administered questionnaires and used with JMA model’s surface concentration data to conduct a risk evaluation using multiple linear mixed model, during 2013 to 2015. Altogether, 160 individuals provided 16226 responses. Data regarding climate (temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure) and environmental factors (NO2, SO2 and Ox) were used as covariates. We calculated the association between the surface dust concentration and symptoms.

Results
A strong association was also observed for nasal and cough symptoms (P for trend &lt; 0.001). The differences in scores of nasal symptoms (sneezing and runny) of the highest quartile [Q4] vs. the lowest [Q1] were 0.039 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02–0.01, p &lt; 0.05) and 0.046 (95% CI: 0.002–0.02, p &lt; 0.05), respectively. The differences in scores of cough symptoms were 0.036 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.002–0.01, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
This study suggests that predictive models for pollutants’ arrival can be used to capability to foresee and possibly prevent the health impact of long range transport of air pollutants, recommending the potential role of aerosol forecast models in health care. MASINGAR is Global Spectral Model (GSM), this have the potential that can contribute in health predictions all over the world.

Key messages
Asian dust, Health forecast, Allergic symptom
694Metabolic conditions have high prevalence in CHamoru men in a hyperuricemia feasibility study in Guam
Authors: Paulino Yvette C. , Camacho Frank , Merriman Tony , Matisoo-Smith Lisa , Paulino Tristan , Chennaux Jade SN , Mori Elua , Gosling Anna L. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
One-third of adults in the U.S. have metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors of chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and gout. These diseases are a burden for ethnic minorities, including Pacific Island peoples. Here, the metabolic conditions were described for a group of Pacific Island people, the CHamorus or natives of Guam, a U.S. Territory in the Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Guam from August 2019 to January 2020. A non-random sample of 152 adults, ≥18 years old, with CHamoru ancestry were recruited and consented. Information collected included socio-demographics, metabolic history, lifestyle behaviors, height and weight, blood pressure, and non-fasting blood and urine. Statistical analyses included frequencies of metabolic conditions and Pearson’s Chi-square test for gender differences, alpha=0.05.

Results
Of the 152 CHamorus, 49.3% were male, 50% were female, and 0.7% was transgender. The mean age was 43±15.1 years. Mean education was 14.4±3.6 years and hyperuricemia he majority (69.7%) pursued postsecondary studies. Self-reported metabolic conditions included: diabetes (19.7%), gout (28.9%), hypertension (34.9%), dyslipidemia (17.8%), and heart conditions (9.9%). Compared to females, more males reported gout (40.5% versus 18.7%; P=.003) and measured to be hypertensive (48% versus 21.1%; P&lt;.0001), hyperuricemic (58.9% versus 31.6%; P=.001), and obese (77.3% versus 46.1%; P&lt;.0001).

Conclusion
Metabolic conditions were common among CHamorus, though gout, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and obesity were predominant in the men.

Key messages
Strategies to reduce the burden of metabolic conditions may be targeted to CHamoru men in this community.
1079The need for information among cancer patients and their caregivers in Colombia
Authors: Pedraza Ana , Barrera-Suárez Erika , Pérez Luis , Soto Jesica , Arias María A. , Patiño Andrés , Chaparro Henry M. , Perales RN Vera J. , Rubiano Juan A. , Pinzón-Rondon Ángela M. , Cifuentes Claudia L. , Ruíz-Sternberg Ángela M. , Le PhuongThao D. , Taylor Carolyn 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Cancer is a worldwide concern and a public health issue. Physical symptoms and psychological effects of cancer place a significant burden on the quality of life of cancer patients. Several studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of tailored therapeutic education for cancer patients and their caregivers. Colombian population has important disparities in cultural and educational backgrounds and health care access in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to identify the informational needs of cancer patients and caregivers in Colombia.

Methods
We performed a descriptive qualitative study among cancer patients and caregivers at the Hospital Universitario Mayor-Mederi. Between August and November 2019 we conducted 7-focus group discussions with a total of 47-participants to understand the informational needs of the participants in the context of their own oncology diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in the Colombian health-system. The focus group discussion were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content-analyses technique, identifying the emerging categories by saturation.

Results
The most salient themes of informational needs identified were: causes of the disease; continuous information tailored to treatment; treatment goals; adverse effects of treatment; warning signs; self-learning of the disease; nutritional and physical activity recommendations; alternative therapies.

Conclusions
This study provides specific types of information that can be incorporated into existing health promotional campaigns in order to address the informational needs of cancer patients and their caregivers.

Key messages
Incorporation specific types of information according to local necessities in cancer care can potentially alleviate the stress and burden among cancer patients and their caregivers
1409Legal abortion in the context of the COVID-19: a literature review focusing on Latin America
Authors: Pilecco Flávia B. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the functioning of several health services. This work aimed to understand how different countries, especially Latin Americans, dealt with legal abortion ones.

Methods
Narrative review on abortion and COVID-19 from January 1st, 2020 to March 10th, 2021. Databases searched included MEDLINE (through LitCOVID), Global Index Medicus, Virtual Health Library, and Journal Storage, complemented by gray literature.

Results
Of the 668 documents found, 111 were duplicated. After thematic screening, 75 were included. The vast majority reinforced the importance of abortion as a reproductive right and the maintenance of abortion services during the pandemic as essentials. Medical protocols without prior testing and supported by telemedicine were proposed to respect the distance measures. The pandemic amplified existing problems and restricted access to sexual and reproductive health services, such as legal abortion. This impact may be even stronger in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Latin America, where access to legal abortion is usually restricted. However, empirical peer-reviewed studies in this region are still scarce.

Conclusions
Latin American countries must place reproductive rights as a priority on their agendas and adapt legislation to accommodate alternative models of abortion care, or else they are at risk of increasing rates of unsafe abortions and maternal mortality, especially among the most vulnerable women.

Key messages
Maintaining legal abortion services during the pandemic is essential, at the risk of increasing maternal mortality, especially in contexts where access to these services is already restricted, such as in Latin America.
738Health Status and Quality of Life of Indigenous Elderly Population of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Farah Naz , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Khan Hafiz T.A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Indigenous people, although constitute 1.8% of the country’s population, are one of the most deprived communities of Bangladesh in all sectors. This study was conducted to explore the health status and quality of life of indigenous elderly of Bangladesh as there is scarcity of knowledge regarding this.

Methods
A mixed-method approach was deployed on October,2019 in Sylhet-division of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 indigenous elderlies from 8 tea-gardens and ten in-depth-interviews were conducted with health-service providers of tea-garden health-facilities.

Results
Of the indigenous elderly-respondents, majority (79.5%) were suffering from any kind of chronic diseases. Visual difficulty was found predominant (74%) among the chronic conditions, followed by locomotion difficulty (49%) and gastrointestinal problem (41%). Extreme age, being male, living alone and low family income were significantly associated with suffering from chronic conditions. Furthermore, having chronic condition and extreme-age was found to be significantly associated with low quality of life. Health-service providers identified lack of logistical support in health-facilities, economic crisis and lack of awareness as the causes of poor health-status and health-seeking behavior of the indigenous elderly.

Conclusions
Indigenous older men in extreme old age are more vulnerable to adverse health conditions and poor quality of life. Health literacy and health seeking behaviour is poor among indigenous older adults generally and there is a huge gap in the health services and social supports available to them.

Key messages
Indigenous, Older population, Bangladesh.
515Association between hysterectomy and risk of thyroid cancer
Authors: Rahman Sabbir , Pandeya Nirmala , Neale Rachel , McLeod Donald , Jordan Susan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) has been consistently associated with increased thyroid cancer risk. While there may be a biologic explanation, increased ascertainment (over-diagnosis) because of greater healthcare use by women having this procedure might also contribute to the observed increased risk. We explored this association considering indications for hysterectomy, age at hysterectomy, and the potential for the association to be mediated by increased contact with health professionals or increased thyroid function testing.

Methods
We recruited 730 women diagnosed with thyroid cancer and 785 age-matched population controls. We estimated odds ratios (OR) using logistic regression to assess the associations and used causal mediation analysis to investigate potential mediation.

Results
Prior hysterectomy was associated with an increased thyroid cancer risk (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14-2.12). When stratified by indication for hysterectomy, the increased risk was apparent only among those who had undergone hysterectomy for bleeding disorders (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.26-2.56). Additionally, the association varied by age at hysterectomy (&lt;55 years, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.22-2.31 versus ≥ 55 years, OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.42-1.81). Around 30% of the association was mediated by more frequent use of healthcare services.

Conclusions
Hysterectomy for bleeding disorders was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer among women and a moderate proportion of this appeared due to frequent medical contact.

Key messages
The way in which women use health services probably explains at least some of the association between hysterectomy and risk of thyroid cancer.
610Official statistics on health outcomes and risk factors for small geographic areas
Authors: Rayson Ian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The 2017-18 National Health Survey (NHS) is an Australia-wide detailed health survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Although the survey enables reliable National and State official health statistics, the sample size is too small to produce reliable data for smaller population areas. To produce such data the ABS applies an innovative Small Area Estimation (SAE) approach, combining the survey data and several population data sources.

Methods
We predict prevalence of each health outcome variable by fitting a logistic mixed model. The modelled NHS data are enhanced by data from the ABS 2016 Census, Estimated Resident Population, and several administrative sources including Medical and Pharmaceutical transactions.
Models are selected using a bespoke stepwise selection process; where the predictor variables have a strong association with the health outcome, whilst also ensuring that the estimated rates maintain consistency with published national data for that health outcome.

Results
Health statistics were produced for over 25 health outcomes and risk factors for 1134 Population Health Areas (PHAs) across Australia. The data show significant variation in rates between areas that are not evident in National and State level data. For example, the prevalence of adult current smokers in PHAs ranged from 4.4% to 34.6%, compared to 15.1% nationally.

Conclusions
The ABS SAE approach is an innovative method that enables production of reliable official health statistics, meeting a known data gap of local level health data.

Key messages
The ABS SAE approach delivers reliable official local health statistics, meeting an important data need not met using survey data alone.
817Official small area health statistics using the stratified reweighting method
Authors: Rayson Ian , Buttsworth Sean 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) presently produces health data for small population groups using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) method. Although this method is highly effective at producing reliable local level health data, it takes several months to compile data once it’s collected. The Stratified Reweighting Method (SRM) was investigated as an innovative efficient method for producing local level health data.

Methods
The SRM harnesses information from both health survey and Census data. A cluster analysis of 12 Census data items creates 13 area groups with similar population demographics. A replicated survey data set is then created where each small area is bolstered by the other small areas within its area group. The survey weights from this dataset are adjusted to match Census data of each small area across several demographic variables. A final survey weight adjustment ensures consistency of the small area predictions with national survey estimates.

Results
Health statistics were produced for over 20 health outcomes in the latest ABS National Health Survey; and the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. It was found that, compared to the GLMM method: the models had lower, but still acceptable quality; the errors of prevalence estimates were similar magnitude; and the data compilation time was reduced to within two weeks.

Conclusions
The SRM is an efficient approach for producing acceptable quality official local health statistics.

Key messages
The SRM is an innovative and efficient weight-based method using health survey and population Census data to produce official local health statistics.