Showing papers by "Stockholm County Council published in 2002"
TL;DR: Exposure and health effects of cadmium, nickel, lead, mercury, and arsenic manifested differently in women than in men are reviewed to indicate gender differences in the biotransformation by methylation, while males seem to be more sensitive to exposure during early development.
286 citations
TL;DR: The aims of this prospective and longitudinal project are to establish crucial risk factors for asthma and other allergic diseases in childhood, and to study factors of importance for prognosis at already established allergic disease.
Abstract: The aims of this prospective and longitudinal project are to establish crucial risk factors for asthma and other allergic diseases in childhood, and to study factors of importance for prognosis at already established allergic disease. Socio-economic factors, such as inequality in health, are also to be addressed. The project started in February 1994. To reach sufficient power, 4,000 children had to be included. In November 1996, this number was reached (4,093). Inclusion in the study was made at 3-4 months of age. At that time, and before induction of allergic disease/ asthma of the child, a questionnaire focused on exposure, genetics and socio-economic factors was answered. Settled dust was sampled for later analysis of furred animal and mite allergens. When the children were aged both 1 and 2 years, their parents were asked to fill in new questionnaires focusing on respiratory and allergic (skin, gastrointestinal) symptoms, but also key variables of exposure. Cases with asthma are identified and, for every case, two matched controls drawn. During the following winter, the homes of cases and controls were investigated and the temperature, indoor humidity, air change rate and NO2 measured. Two hundred cases (5%) were expected to be identified during the first 2 years of the children's lives. Some 479 homes have now been investigated and 97.7% of the original 4,093 children still remain in the cohort. The 2-year symptom follow-up ended in November 1998. The 4-year follow-up started on 1 September 1998 and was planned to be finished in June 2000. Questionnaires (allergic and respiratory symptoms, key variables of exposure at home and day care) are sent out to all 4,093 families. All children are invited for examination, lung function tests (PEF, flow-volume, MVV and oxygen clearance) and physical performance. Blood is taken from all children (20 ml). Allergy screening is performed and specific IgE examined. Blood cells will be frozen to allow for later DNA extraction. In subsets (children with any allergic and/or respiratory manifestation and controls), markers of inflammation in blood and urine will be examined, as well as eosinophils in nasal smear. Interviews are carried out to assess the severity of asthma, type/periodicity of health care given, asthma medication and parental sick leave when appropriate. As a separate project, financed by the EU, outdoor pollution as risk factors for asthma and allergies are to be studied within the BAMSE cohort. A follow-up of 8-9 years is underway.
279 citations
TL;DR: Exclusive breast feeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of allergic disease—that is, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and suspected allergic rhinitis, up to 2 years of age.
Abstract: Aims: To investigate the effect of breast feeding on allergic disease in infants up to 2 years of age.
Methods: A birth cohort of 4089 infants was followed prospectively in Stockholm, Sweden. Information about various exposures was obtained by parental questionnaires when the infants were 2 months old, and about allergic symptoms and feeding at 1 and 2 years of age. Duration of exclusive and partial breast feeding was assessed separately. Symptom related definitions of various allergic diseases were used. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated in a multiple logistic regression model. Adjustments were made for potential confounders.
Results: Children exclusively breast fed during four months or more exhibited less asthma (7.7% v 12%, ORadj = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8), less atopic dermatitis (24% v 27%, ORadj = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0), and less suspected allergic rhinitis (6.5% v 9%, ORadj = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) by 2 years of age. There was a significant risk reduction for asthma related to partial breast feeding during six months or more (ORadj = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9). Three or more of five possible allergic disorders—asthma, suspected allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy related symptoms, and suspected allergic respiratory symptoms after exposure to pets or pollen—were found in 6.5% of the children. Exclusive breast feeding prevented children from having multiple allergic disease (ORadj = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) during the first two years of life.
Conclusion: Exclusive breast feeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of allergic disease—that is, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and suspected allergic rhinitis, up to 2 years of age. This protective effect was also evident for multiple allergic disease.
263 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a study to assess the risk of long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution for the development of inhalant allergy and asthma in children in Stockholm county, Munich and the Netherlands.
196 citations
TL;DR: A triaxial accelerometer used as an inclinometer (INC) (Logger Technology, Sweden) needed to be evaluated for field measurements of arm postures and movements and the largest differences between INC and OPT were found.
145 citations
TL;DR: Occupational exposure to some chemicals appeared to be related with an increased risk of glioma and meningioma in men and women over the period 1971-1989, and the influence of occupational exposure to chemical substances.
Abstract: Background
Occupational exposures may be related to the development of brain cancer. The objective was to estimate occupational-specific risk of gliomas and meningiomas among Swedish men and women gainfully employed in 1970 over the period 1971–1989, and the influence of occupational exposure to chemical substances.
Methods
A dataset linking cancer diagnoses from the Swedish national cancer register to occupational and demographical data obtained in the 1970 census was used to fit log-linear Poisson models, in order to obtain relative risks adjusted by age, period, geographical area and town size. Exposure to 13 chemicals was assessed using a Swedish job-exposure matrix.
Results
The main findings of this study among men were the increased risk of glioma with occupational exposure to arsenic, mercury, and petroleum products and of meningioma with lead. Women in occupational sectors with a higher socio-economic status showed an increased incidence of both, gliomas and meningiomas.
Conclusions
Occupational exposure to some chemicals appeared to be related with an increased risk of glioma and meningioma in men. Exposures involved in glioma and meningioma development seemed to be different. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:214–227, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
116 citations
TL;DR: Lung cancer risk increased almost linearly with cumulative dose of asbestos, and the joint effect of asbestos and smoking was estimated to be 1.15 times that predicted from the sum of their individual effects and 0.86 times from their product, indicating a joint effect between additivity and multiplicativity.
Abstract: This population-based case-referent study investigated the lung cancer risk associated with occupational exposure to asbestos, focusing on dose-response relations and the interaction with tobacco smoking. Incident cases of lung cancer among males aged 40-75 years in Stockholm County, Sweden, were identified from 1985 to 1990. Referents were selected randomly within strata (age, inclusion year) of the study base. Questionnaires administered to subjects or their next of kin gave information on occupations, tobacco smoking habits, and residences. Response rates of 87% and 85% resulted in 1,038 cases and 2,359 referents, respectively. Occupational exposures were assessed by an industrial hygienist. Lung cancer risk increased almost linearly with cumulative dose of asbestos. The risk at a cumulative dose of 4 fiber-years was 1.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32, 2.74), higher than that predicted by downward linear extrapolation from highly exposed occupational cohorts. The relative risk (exp(beta)) for a transformed dose variable ln(fiber-years + 1) was 1.494 (95% CI: 1.193, 1.871) per unit of exposure. The joint effect of asbestos and smoking was estimated to be 1.15 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.72) times that predicted from the sum of their individual effects and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.86) times that predicted from their product, indicating a joint effect between additivity and multiplicativity.
99 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that release of mercury from amalgam fillings is the cause of 'amalgam disease', but it is suggested that there may be various explanations for the patient's complaints.
Abstract: Objective and methods. In 1993, a special Amalgam Clinic was established at Huddinge University Hospital. Residents in the Stockholm County area with morbidity attributed to dental fillings ('amalgam disease'), were referred to this clinic. Patients were examined by a dentist (n = 428), a physician (n = 379), and a psychologist (n = 360). Sixty-nine per cent were women and 31% men; the mean patient age was 46 years. Results. Oral symptoms included tender or aching teeth (60%), metallic taste (54%), sore mouth (43%) and dry mouth (43%). Signs of moderate or severe temporomandibular joint dysfunction were found in 81 cases, glossitis in 30 and oral lichen in 26 cases. Common general symptoms included diffuse pain (78%), general weakness (75%), extreme fatigue (68%) and dizziness (68%). Seven per cent of the patients suffered from previously undiagnosed medical conditions (thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, cardiopathy, renal disease, cancer). In 26 subjects, skin patch testing revealed allergy to mercury, gold or palladium. The median concentration of mercury was 10 nmol L - 1 in whole blood, 3 nmol L - 1 in plasma and 10 nmol L - 1 in urine, i.e. normal levels. Earlier mental trauma was common, and in the psychological questionnaire SCL-90, clear tendencies to somatization were found. Only a few cases of severe psychiatric illness were observed. No positive correlation was found between the amount of amalgam and somatic symptoms or psychological effect parameters. Conclusions. The results do not support the hypothesis that release of mercury from amalgam fillings is the cause of 'amalgam disease', but suggest that there may be various explanations for the patient's complaints.
58 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Whereas ELFMF seemed to enhance the effect of specific chemicals in the causation of gliomas, it was found that there did not find a relationship between EL FMF exposure and meningiomas.
Abstract: The objective of our study was to investigate the possible interactive effect of occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) and to known or suspected carcinogenic chemicals on the incidence of the two main histological types of brain cancer, gliomas and meningiomas, in a cohort of male Swedish workers. The historical cohort of all Swedish men gainfully employed in 1970 were followed 19 years (1971-1989). Exposure to ELFMF and to nine chemicals were assessed using two Swedish job exposure matrices based on occupational codes and industrial activity. Relative risks adjusted for age, period, geographical area, and town size were computed using log-linear Poisson models. The main finding was the absence of ELFMF effect on glioma risk in the absence of a simultaneous exposure to chemical products. The effect of petroleum products was independent of the intensity of ELFMF exposure whereas solvents, lead, and pesticides/herbicides were only associated with glioma in workers also exposed to moderate or high levels of ELFMF. On the other hand, whereas ELFMF seemed to enhance the effect of specific chemicals in the causation of gliomas, we did not find a relationship between ELFMF exposure and meningiomas. The potential for ELFMF to act as an effect modifier of the association of chemical agents and glioma is an interesting new finding. It would be worthwhile to evaluate this hypothesis for other tumors. Also, it is necessary to confirm these results in epidemiological studies with individual exposure assessments, and in experimental studies that may elucidate whether there is a true causal mechanism for the results we observed.
47 citations
TL;DR: One of the conclusions from this study was that the ACG instrument is a relevant tool in describing the outcome of work by the primary health care centre and should be a driving force in the development of health indices in both national and international comparisons.
Abstract: Patients from one municipality in Sweden utilizing primary health care (PHC) during 1998 and 1999 have been categorized into 81 groups. The groups show each patient's own case-mix in terms of illness. Grouping was carried out using the case-mix instrument adjusted clinical groups (ACG), developed by the School of Hygiene and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA. The resulting pattern provided a more adequate reflection of the scope of primary care's task than that yielded by diagnoses alone. Changes over time in terms of illness patterns for a population could be described, analysed and assessed from medical and health economic perspectives. One of the conclusions from this study was that the ACG instrument is a relevant tool in describing the outcome of work by the primary health care centre. The ACG is of interest in the improvement of the quality of primary care in Sweden. The ACG should be a driving force in the development of health indices in both national and international comparisons, as a result of its focus on the health status of patients and populations instead of on diagnoses and diseases. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
45 citations
TL;DR: A genetic polymorphism of the fibrinogen Bβ‐gene (G‐455A) is elucidated and potential synergistic gene–environment interactions involving this polymorphism are explored – until now, these data were unavailable.
Abstract: Objectives. To elucidate the association between a genetic polymorphism of the fibrinogen Bβ-gene (G-455A) and plasma fibrinogen levels and myocardial infarction (MI), respectively. In addition, to explore potential synergistic gene–environment interactions involving this polymorphism – until now, these data were unavailable.
Design setting and subjects. This case-referent study of subjects aged 45–70 and living in Stockholm includes 834 men and 346 women with first-time MI and 1034 men and 494 women randomly chosen as referents from the population. The cases were identified between 1992 and 1994 at the 10 emergency hospitals in Stockholm County.
Main outcome measures. MI and plasma fibrinogen levels.
Results. Crude analyses associated a high level of plasma fibrinogen with an increased risk of MI in both men and women. However, the relative risk decreased after controlling for other risk factors. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) was 1.6 (1.2–2.3) for men and 1.5 (0.9–2.6) for women. Presence of the A allele at the G-455A polymorphic site indicated higher plasma fibrinogen levels than the presence of the G allele, but the difference was only statistically significant for male cases. The -455A allele was not associated with an increased risk of MI. Furthermore, there were no strong indications of synergistic interaction between the G-455A polymorphism and any of the environmental exposures considered.
Conclusions. In this large number of MI cases and referents, a high level of plasma fibrinogen was independently associated with increased risk of MI in men but not in women. The presence of the A allele at the G-455A polymorphism of the fibrinogen Bβ-gene was not associated with increased risk of MI, and no synergistic gene–environment interactions were detected.
TL;DR: The relative risks of lung cancer in relation to categories of surface-based average domestic radon concentration during three decades, delimited by cutpoints at 50, 80, and 140 Bq m−3, were about twice the size of the corresponding relative risks obtained among these subjects when using air-based Average Radon concentration estimates.
Abstract: Lung cancer risk estimation in relation to residential radon exposure remains uncertain, partly as a result of imprecision in air-based retrospective radon-exposure assessment in epidemiological studies. A recently developed methodology provides estimates for past radon concentrations and involves measurement of the surface activity of a glass object that has been in a subject's dwellings through the period for exposure assessment. Such glass measurements were performed for 110 lung cancer subjects, diagnosed 1985 to 1995, and for 231 control subjects, recruited in a case–control study of residential radon and lung cancer among never-smokers in Sweden. The relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of lung cancer in relation to categories of surface-based average domestic radon concentration during three decades, delimited by cutpoints at 50, 80, and 140 Bq m−3, were 1.60 (0.8 to 3.4), 1.96 (0.9 to 4.2), and 2.20 (0.9 to 5.6), respectively, with average radon concentrations below 50 Bq m−3 used as reference category, and with adjustment for other risk factors. These relative risks, and the excess relative risk (ERR) of 75% (−4% to 430%) per 100 Bq m−3 obtained when using a continuous variable for surface-based average radon concentration estimates, were about twice the size of the corresponding relative risks obtained among these subjects when using air-based average radon concentration estimates. This suggests that surface-based estimates may provide a more relevant exposure proxy than air-based estimates for relating past radon exposure to lung cancer risk.
TL;DR: A combination of interview and questionnaire increases the possibility of interpreting the association between working conditions and health and may provide a more effective basis for interventions.
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to present, evaluate and propose a tool for the assessment of psychosocial working conditions in epidemiological studies. A referent group of the large epidemiological study, the MUSIC-Norrtalje study of musculoskeletal disorders, was used. The respondents were 950 working persons (585 female and 365 male). Method: Self-administered questionnaire and personal interview were used. The responses were subjected to factor analysis. The resulting model had components generated from the demand-control-support model and action theory. Result: The result supported the use of different aspects of psychological job demands. The interview data seemed to be more related to factual exposure and the questionnaire data more to individual perception. The usefulness of the model was supported by associations between the model and psychosomatic symptoms and sleep disturbances. Conclusion : A combination of interview and questionnaire increases the possibility of interpreting the associ...
TL;DR: Class- related, rather than school-related, characteristics were associated with smoking initiation and progression, and changes in microenvironmental factors might be useful in smoking prevention among preadolescents.
01 Sep 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a clinical picture of migration-related stress observed on migrants after their arrival to the new country and under 3 years is presented, where the authors define the psychosomatic manifestations due to stress from the pathological symptoms.
Abstract: The migration process is a dynamic process including a number of changes and losses. The migrant shows various mental and somatic symptoms due to migration-related stress. These symptoms can be a “natural reaction” to all these changes. This presentation aims at showing the clinical picture of migration-related stress observed on migrants after their arrival to the new country and under 3 years. To define the psychosomatic manifestations due to stress from the pathological symptoms is an important and difficult task, but it is necessary to reduce the risk of over- or underdiagnosing the client's problem, as well as to choose the correct treatment strategy to promote better and quicker integration.
TL;DR: A multidisciplinary group-intervention programme with a salutogenic approach that focuses on somatic and psychological reactions might be a useful approach to patients with medically unexplained symptoms in primary healthcare.
Abstract: Aims: Hypersensitivity to electricity (HE) is a common form of reported environmental illness in Sweden. Functional somatic symptoms has been attributed to exposure to activated electrical equipment, but no causal relationship to electromagnetic fields has been proved. In many cases, traumatic life events and psychosocial stress can be identified, but patients often reject psychological explanations. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a new short-term group-intervention programme. Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed a short-term group-intervention programme, with a salutogenic approach that focuses on somatic and psychological reactions. Twenty-two patients (14 women and 8 men) who reported HE participated in eight weekly sessions of group meetings and physiotherapy. The effect of the programme was evaluated with regard to changes in work capacity, subjective well-being, coping ability, body awareness and physical fitness. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis physical fitness was not remarka...
TL;DR: Documented examination rates and metabolic control improved between 1995 and 2001 in type 2 diabetic subjects in primary health care in Stockholm County.
Abstract: Objective - To compare the registering of diabetic complications and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic subjects in primary health care in 1995 and 2001. Design - Cross-sectional surveys of medical records. Setting - Two primary health care centres in Stockholm County. Subjects - Diabetic patients aged 35-64 years; in 1995, 59 men and 42 women and in 2001, 80 men and 80 women. Main outcome measures - Rate of notified examinations in medical records, diabetic complications and metabolic control. Results - Increased rates between 1995 and 2001 were found regarding examinations for neuropathy (46% vs 79%), albuminuria (74% vs 91%), micro-albuminuria (11% vs 59%), BMI (33% vs 66%), HbA1c (88% vs 99%), cholesterol (69% vs 92%) and LDL cholesterol (42% vs 89%) (p < 0.001). Increased rates of perceived treatment goals between 1995 and 2001 were found regarding HbA1c ( < 6.5%) (28% vs 57%) and cholesterol ( < 5.0 mmol/l) (23% vs 36%) (p < 0.001), and also regarding LDL cholesterol (30% vs 36%) (p < 0.01). In me...
TL;DR: Improved metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes were found, but were not correlated with the simultaneous changed prescription pattern, with increased use of combined insulin and oral antidiabetics, of metformin or of lipid-lowering drugs.
Abstract:
Objective. To describe, and compare between 1995 and 2001, the distribution of prescribed drugs in diabetic men and women.
Methods. Two cross-sectional surveys of medical records of diabetic patients with type-2 diabetes were carried out in two primary health care centres in Stockholm County; age 35–64 years; 59 men and 43 women in 1995, and 80 men and 80 women in 2001. Prescriptions of pharmaceutical preparations, metabolic outcome, cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes-related co-morbidity were noted. Correlation of significant outcomes was performed using logistic regression.
Results. The pattern of antidiabetic therapy changed between 1995 and 2001 (P=0.001), with fewer subjects treated with insulin (15% vs 3%), and more subjects with tablets and insulin combined (13% vs 23%). Prescription rate of sulphonylureas decreased (54% vs 41%; P=0.035), and rate of metformin increased (34% vs 48%; P=0.035). The use of lipid-lowering agents rose from 14% to 37% (P<0.001). Mean HbA1c value decreased (P<0.001; 7.6%-units vs 6.5%-units), as did mean cholesterol value (P<0.001; 5.9 mmol/l vs 5.3 mmol/l). The rate of macrovascular complications decreased among men from 39% to 21% (P=0.027) and among women regarding coronary heart disease from 26% to 6% (P=0.003). Improvement in metabolic control and complications was not associated with the changed prescription pattern.
Conclusions. Improved metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes were found, but were not correlated with the simultaneous changed prescription pattern, with increased use of combined insulin and oral antidiabetics, of metformin or of lipid-lowering drugs.
TL;DR: A risk reduction of fracture among current vaginal low potency estrogen users is found, in contrast to medium potency estrogens, which did not confer a substantial overall reduction in hip fracture risk.
TL;DR: It is necessary to determine how health care can avoid accelerating women's ‘entrapment’ in a violent situation and to contribute to empowering them to take proactive steps.
Abstract: Objective: The treatment and prevention of men's violence against women has increasingly been recognized as an issue not only for the criminal justice but also for the health and public health sectors It is necessary to determine how health care can avoid accelerating women's ‘entrapment’ in a violent situation and to contribute to empowering them to take proactive steps
Method: Research and experience reveal how the nature of domestic violence can lead to health care playing a preventive role The responsible body for health care in Stockholm, the Stockholm County Council, is one of several public authorities involved in a county-wide initiative called Operation Kvinnofrid, which has focused on internal training programmes as well as public poster campaigns
Results: Public awareness campaigns in combination with internal training programmes do have an impact, especially where political and management will is clear
Conclusion: Heightened awareness among the public, enhanced skills among health workers, and multiagency coordination of the response to men's violence against women are essential elements of the long-term prevention of this violence
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the association between short stature and acute non-fatal myocardial infarction and to analyse causal mechanisms related to height with a focus on childhood risk factors.
Abstract: Aims: This study was undertaken to examine the association between short stature and acute non-fatal myocardial infarction and to analyse causal mechanisms related to height with a focus on childhood risk factors. Method: The SHEEP (Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program) is a population-basedcase-referent study. The outcome was incident first events of myocardial infarction. The study base included all Swedish citizens aged 45 to 70, who lived in Stockholm County during 1992-94. This analysis is based on 967 male cases, 412 female cases and 1696 referents. Exposure information was obtained through questionnaires, interviews, health examinations, and obstetric records. Results: Adult height was inversely related to myocardial infarction. The odds ratio for men in the shortest quartile (<173 cm) compared with the tallest was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.39, 2.28). For women the corresponding odds ratio in the shortest quartile (< 159 cm) was 1.86 (95% CI: 1.28, 2.71). Height was also inversely associated with fetal growt...
TL;DR: Three groups of judges representing clinical, political, and laypersons’ perspectives were given the task of prioritizing patients for subsidized psychotherapy within the Swedish health care system and the qualitative findings confirmed the centrality of this conflict and contributed to a deeper understanding of decision makers’ ways of coping with it.
Abstract: Three groups of judges representing clinical, political, and laypersons' perspectives were given the task of prioritizing patients for subsidized psychotherapy within the Swedish health care system. The authors documented the judges' decision-making processes in think-aloud protocols and analyzed them qualitatively, focusing on the conflict between the urgency of a case and its suitability for treatment. In an earlier statistical analysis of the same material, clinicians had seemed to pay more attention to suitability criteria, whereas health care officials and laypersons prioritized based oil urgency. The qualitative findings confirmed the centrality of this conflict and contributed to a deeper understanding of decision makers' ways of coping with it. Their conceptions of suitability and urgency were also elucidated by analysis of the think-aloud protocols.
TL;DR: The method is very easy to apply to population-based case–referent studies analyzed by logistic regression and it is not well known and has rarely been used.
Abstract: In a population-based case-referent study of lung cancer we wanted to estimate the over-all influence on the lung cancer incidence from several occupational exposures Standard methods to do this are based on addition of separately estimated attributable fractions (AFs) by rather complex formulas Although a simple and valid method for direct estimation of summary effects was published in 1990, it is not well known and has rarely been used We here describe the method and apply it to the data from the case-referent study The AF for withdrawal of occupational exposure to both asbestos and combustion products were nearly identical regardless of if it was calculated by an algorithm for summation of AF for the exposure factors separately (690%), by a bootstrap method (689%, 95% confidence interval, CI: 369, 1004), or by the simple 'dichotomization'-method (688%, 95%CI: 381, 984) The method is very easy to apply to population-based case-referent studies analyzed by logistic regression
TL;DR: A majority of individuals in all samples reached the current recommendation of at least thirty minutes in total per day or more of moderate physical activity, however, based on accelerometer data this was achieved mainly through sporadic bouts of less than one minute.
Abstract: Background: Successful public health programs in the area of physical activity demand a clear understanding of how, and to what extent, people are physically active. Physical activity is, however, difficult to measure accurately.Objective: We conducted tests using various methods, including an accelerometer and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Design: The results were applied on a feasibility sample, aged 41910 years (N¾49) and on random samples of a community in the Stockholm area (N¾200) and of the Swedish population (N¾196), aged 47914 years and 45913 years respectively.Results: A majority of individuals in all samples reached the current recommendation of at least thirty minutes in total per day or more of moderate physical activity. However, based on accelerometer data this was achieved mainly through sporadic bouts of less than one minute. Few, if any, appeared to reach thirty minutes of continuous moderately intense activity or even continuous bouts of at least ten m...
TL;DR: The results showed decreased level of cortisol and testosterone among the participants with trauma experiences and diagnosis of PTSD, and the significance of self-rating instruments, stress hormones (salive) and the clinical diagnostic interview in early detection of flashbacks, depression and other relevant symptoms related to traumatic life events.