Showing papers in "Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health in 2019"
TL;DR: Investigation of belief-related psychological factors of wearing facemasks for influenza A/H1N1 prevention in a sample of Hong Kong older adults revealed beliefs that underpinned 4 general dimensions of facemask wearing that can be targeted to curb preventable infection rates during a pandemic.
Abstract: Although vaccination is the first-line strategy controlling and preventing influenza A/H1N1 for older adults, personal protective measures, such as wearing facemasks, are also important preventive behaviors to reduce the risk of becoming infected with influenza A/H1N1 during a pandemic. In the current study, we aimed to explore the belief-related psychological factors of wearing facemasks for influenza A/H1N1 prevention in a sample of Hong Kong older adults. Community-dwelling Chinese adults (N = 137) aged between 65 and 80 years (Mage = 75.10; SDage = 6.49) participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using theoretical thematic analysis and identified themes were matched deductively within the belief-based processes of the health belief model. Results revealed beliefs that underpinned 4 general dimensions of facemask wearing: (1) perceived susceptibility and seriousness of influenza A/H1N1 pandemic (e.g., influenza A/H1N1 as contagious and lethal), (2) modifying factors (e.g., social responsibility to prevent influenza), (3) cues to action (e.g., seeing others doing it), and (4) perceived benefits and barriers (e.g., protects oneself and others, difficult to breathe). Future interventions can target these beliefs to improve facemask wearing of older adults and, thus, curb preventable infection rates during an influenza A/H1N1 pandemic.
34 citations
TL;DR: The pooled prevalence of measured hypertension and hypertension awareness and treatment were significantly lower in rural settings and there is a need to strengthen efforts for primary and secondary prevention and disease management to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in rural residence settings.
Abstract: Studies on the prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam have reported various estimates. There is no up-to-date assessment of the evidence on the magnitude of hypertension in Vietnam. Search engines for scientific and gray literature were used to identify relevant records for eligibility screening and quality assessment. Data from selected articles were extracted using standardized spreadsheets. Statistical analysis included estimating pooled prevalence and odds ratio, heterogeneity evaluation, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis, in addition to sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation. The pooled prevalence of measured hypertension in Vietnam was 21.1% (95% confidence interval = 18.5-23.7) based on 10 studies, and 18.4% (95% confidence interval = 15.2-21.8) based on 3 national surveys. Lower pooled prevalence was estimated for hypertension awareness (9.3%) and hypertension treatment (4.7%). The pooled prevalence of measured hypertension is significantly higher among men. The pooled prevalence of measured hypertension and hypertension awareness and treatment were significantly lower in rural settings. There is a need to strengthen efforts for primary and secondary prevention and disease management to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in rural residence settings.
32 citations
TL;DR: It is found that mothers with gestational diabetes were less likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants and may have a shorter breastfeeding duration than other mothers.
Abstract: Studies of gestational diabetes mellitus in relation to breastfeeding are limited, while their findings are inconsistent. This systematic review was conducted to assess the associations between gestational diabetes and breastfeeding outcomes. An initial search of PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest identified 518 studies, and after applying the inclusion criteria, 16 studies were finally included in the review. Four studies reported that "exclusive/predominant/full breastfeeding" rates at discharge were lower in mothers with gestational diabetes than in those without gestational diabetes, and 2 studies showed a shorter duration of "exclusive/predominant breastfeeding" in the former than in the latter. However, most studies found no apparent difference in the rate of "breastfeeding initiation", "any breastfeeding" duration, or "any breastfeeding" in hospital and at discharge between mothers with and without gestational diabetes. In summary, mothers with gestational diabetes were less likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants and may have a shorter breastfeeding duration than other mothers.
29 citations
TL;DR: Adolescents with a low level of perceived household income, lowlevel of father’s education, and those living without family were more likely to start these risky behaviors early, and early initiation of smoking was significantly affected by affordability.
Abstract: We analyzed data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (N = 68 043), a nationally representative survey, to examine the association between early initiation of smoking, alcohol drink...
29 citations
TL;DR: Being bullied by peers, male sex, 13 to 15 years age group, smoking and alcohol use, considering or attempting suicide, missing classes without permission, and parents not being aware of students’ activities were associated with violence.
Abstract: Interpersonal violence among adolescents is an issue of global public health concern, leading to adverse physical and psychological outcomes among children and young people under the age of 18 years. This article discusses the prevalence of interpersonal violence and identifies their associated factors among school-going adolescents of ages 13 to 17 years using the data from the Sri Lankan Global School-Based Health Survey conducted in 2016. Of the 3262 students who participated, 35.1% (95% confidence interval = 31.0% to 39.5%) were physically attacked and 44.2% (95% confidence interval = 39.2% to 49.4%) were in a fight with peers, one or more times during the 12 months prior to the survey. Being bullied by peers, male sex, 13 to 15 years age group, smoking and alcohol use, considering or attempting suicide, missing classes without permission, and parents not being aware of students' activities were associated with violence. The study highlights the need for violence prevention programs to address the risk factors among school-going adolescents.
20 citations
TL;DR: The overall prevalence of current, ever, former, and dual users of e-cigarettes in Malaysia were 3.2%, and current e-cigarette users were likely to be younger, males, and with higher education level, respectively.
Abstract: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a new method for the consumption of nicotine. A nationwide survey among 4288 Malaysian adults was conducted in 2016 to measure the prevalence and to describe the population characteristics of e-cigarette users. A complex sampling design was used, and data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The overall prevalence of current, ever, former, and dual users of e-cigarettes in Malaysia were 3.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.5-4.1), 11.9% (95% CI = 10.5-13.5), 8.6% (95% CI = 7.5-9.8), and 2.3% (95% CI = 1.8-3.1), respectively. The prevalence of all type of e-cigarette use was higher in urban than in rural areas. Current e-cigarette users were likely to be younger, males, and with higher education level. Among current e-cigarette users, 74% (95% CI = 64-82) also smoked conventional cigarettes (dual user). E-cigarette use is prevalent in Malaysia. It is common among younger adults, males, and cigarette smokers.
20 citations
TL;DR: Three main reasons for e-cigarette initiation among adolescents were its taste and smell, experimentation, and popularity, and sale of e-cigarettes with or without nicotine to people aged younger than 18 years should be banned.
Abstract: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are handheld devices that deliver an aerosol by heating a solution made up of propylene glycol and/or glycerol with or without flavoring agents and nicotine. Th...
17 citations
TL;DR: Significant variation was found in the likelihood of full immunization across communities and there is a need of improvement in maternal education, poverty alleviation, and removal of rural-urban disparities.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of maternal education on child immunization uptake in Pakistan, both at individual and community levels. Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data were used for analysis. Multilevel logistic regression was used to access the individual- and community-level factors associated with childhood immunization coverage. Out of 6765 children 2659 (39.3%) were fully immunized. Parents education, access to media, and wealth status have positive while ethnicity and working status of mother have a negative impact on the immunization uptake. In the community with a high percentage of educated mothers, the odds of immunized children were high (odds ratio = 1.43, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.80) as compared with communities with lower percentage of educated mothers. Moreover, significant variation was found in the likelihood of full immunization across communities. Both community- and individual-level factors have substantial impact on children immunization status. There is a need of improvement in maternal education, poverty alleviation, and removal of rural-urban disparities.
16 citations
TL;DR: The combined intervention had the best short-term and long-term effects, while nutrition education had a better long- term effect than the exercise intervention.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether an exercise intervention, nutrition education, or the combination of both were effective in weight reduction and maintenance for rural school children. Two hundred twenty-nine primary school children aged 9 to 12 years determined as overweight/obese were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: exercise intervention, nutrition education, combination of both, and control. Nutrition education and rope-skipping sessions were performed for 2 months. Anthropometric measurements were administered at baseline, after 2 months (postintervention), and 1 year later (follow-up). The order of change from high to low in the body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) between postintervention and baseline was combined intervention, exercise intervention, and nutrition education. The BMI-SDS between following-up and baseline was for combined intervention, exercise intervention, and nutrition education. The combined intervention had the best short-term and long-term effects. The exercise intervention had a better short-term effect than nutrition education, while nutrition education had a better long-term effect than the exercise intervention.
16 citations
TL;DR: Improving the quantity and quality of social support may be an effective means to obtain better health literacy and lower hospital admissions in older Chinese adults.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between social support, health literacy, and health care utilization in older Chinese adults. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected from 32 nursing homes from Urumqi in Xinjiang of China. A total of 1486 respondents completed a pack of questionnaires. The average health literacy level of older adults in nursing homes was relatively low, only 73.68 ± 29.42 points; the average social support level was also relatively low, only 31.42 ± 7.12 points (lower than domestic norm of Chinese residents, P < .001). Both values were below the midpoint for the overall population, indicating a sample with below-average levels of healthy literacy and social support. Low social support levels are associated with poor health literacy and greater likelihood of hospital admission (P < .05). Social support was significantly associated with health literacy. Improving the quantity and quality of social support may be an effective means to obtain better health literacy and lower hospital admissions.
15 citations
TL;DR: Exposure to bullying victimization can result in negative lifelong sequelae and important associated factors should be considered in planning effective school-based anti-bullying interventions.
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with bullying victimization from a nationwide school-based survey among 27 458 students aged 13 to 17 years. The overall prevalence of having been bullied in the past 30 days was 16.2%; this decreased with age. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that factors most strongly associated with bullying victimization were exposure to physical attacks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.17-2.79), illicit drug use (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.78-3.34), involvement in physical fights (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.74-2.23), being younger than 14 years (aOR =1.95, 95% CI = 1.59-2.38), and having ever attempted suicide (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.51-2.21). Other significantly associated factors include loneliness, truancy, making suicidal plans, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Exposure to bullying victimization can result in negative lifelong sequelae and important associated factors should be considered in planning effective school-based anti-bullying interventions.
TL;DR: It was revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking, and being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation.
Abstract: Smoking cessation significantly reduces risk of smoking-related diseases and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with attempts to quit and smoking cessation among adult current smokers in Malaysia. Data from the National E-Cigarette Survey 2016 were analyzed. Forty nine percent of current smokers had attempted to quit at least once in the past 12 months and 31.4% of the respondents were former smokers. Multivariable analysis revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Only half of the current smokers ever attempted to quit smoking and only a third of smokers quit. Stronger tobacco control policies are needed in Malaysia to encourage more smokers to quit smoking. Improved access to cessation support for underprivileged smokers is also needed.
TL;DR: There is a need to manage antenatal postnatal depression in mothers in order to encourage them to initiate breastfeeding earlier and to breastfeed for longer.
Abstract: Objectives: To assess associations between maternal depression and breastfeeding practices in mothers in the Maldives. Design: A prospective cohort study. The validated questionnaires contained inf...
TL;DR: It is found that in spite of the provision of health facilities at each level of administrative governance, only distance to the Upazilla Health Complex was a consistent predictor for each dose of vaccine, highlighting the remote locations of the communities that remain underserved.
Abstract: In Bangladesh, policy discourse has mostly focused on regional inequities in health, including child immunization coverage. Knowledge of local geographical and contextual factors within regions, however, becomes pertinent in efforts to address these inequities. We used the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 to examine factors that influence intraregional differences in vaccination coverage using a multilevel analysis. We found that in spite of the provision of health facilities at each level of administrative governance, only distance to the Upazilla Health Complex was a consistent predictor for each dose of vaccine, highlighting the remote locations of the communities that remain underserved. Our analysis demonstrates the value of subregional analyses that identify the characteristics of communities that are vulnerable to incomplete immunization coverage. Unless specific policy actions are taken to increase coverage in these remote areas, geographic inequities are likely to persist within regions, and desired targets will not be achieved.
TL;DR: Having a history of low back pain and an active job were the predictors for the new onset of LBP in this sample of rubber farmers, and these 2 factors could therefore potentially be targeted to prevent or reduce the incidence of L BP in rubber farmers.
Abstract: High prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported among farmers. A number of contributing factors have been associated with LBP. However, predictors for LBP in this population are unknown. This longitudinally designed study aimed to identify the predictors of LBP in a sample of rubber farmers whose work involves heavy manual labor. Three hundred and twenty-seven rubber farmers, aged 18 to 70 years who reported no LBP in the previous year, were face-to-face interviewed and examined physically. The incidence of LBP was assessed monthly. The 12-month incidence of LBP in the cohort was 35%. Having a history of LBP (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.30) and an active job (hazard ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-3.40) were the predictors for the new onset of LBP in this sample. These 2 factors could therefore potentially be targeted to prevent or reduce the incidence of LBP in rubber farmers.
TL;DR: Evaluating the effects of the Community-Based Primary Care Project through the DID (difference in difference) model shows that medication adherence was increased more in the project group compared with the control group and as the project showed an improvement in treatment persistence, it will be necessary to monitor for a longer period of time.
Abstract: As the prevalence of chronic diseases is continuously increasing, the socioeconomic cost of those conditions in Korea is also rising. In order to effectively manage chronic diseases, the "Community-Based Primary Care Project" was implemented from 2014 to 2016 and focused on primary medical care and physician-led chronic disease management. The purpose of this study is evaluating the effects of the project through the DID (difference in difference) model. The project's database and the National Health Insurance claims database were both used to compare the project and control groups (n = 6092 vs 24 368). Results of the analysis show that medication adherence was increased more in the project group compared with the control group. Hospitalization days, outpatient days, and number of primary medical clinic visits increased more in the participant group than the control group. As the project showed an improvement in treatment persistence, it will be necessary to monitor for a longer period of time.
TL;DR: This article examines HALE for Native Hawaiian, White, Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese Americans living in Hawai’i, the United States to highlight sex and racial/ethnic disparities in HALE, which can inform program and policy development.
Abstract: Healthy life expectancy (HALE) varies substantially among countries, regions, and race/ethnicities. Utilizing the Sullivan method, this article examines HALE for Native Hawaiian, White, Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese Americans living in Hawai'i, the United States. HALE varies by sex and race/ethnicity. The HALE at birth in 2010 for females was 78.3, 77.8, 74.2, 73.7, and 62.6 years in contrast to life expectancy of 90, 88, 88.1, 83.4, and 79.4 for Chinese, Japanese, Filipino Americans, White, and Native Hawaiians, respectively. In the same order, HALE at birth for males was 73.0, 71.6, 72.3 70.7, and 60.7 years, compared with life expectancy of 85.3, 81.2, 80.8, 78.3, and 73.9. The gaps in HALE between Native Hawaiians and the longest living Chinese Americans were 15.7 years for females and 12.3 years for males. Our results highlight sex and racial/ethnic disparities in HALE, which can inform program and policy development.
TL;DR: There is consistent evidence that being younger, being a woman, living in non-Bangkok areas, and drinking alcohol are associated with non-helmet use among motorcycle users in Thailand.
Abstract: Background. Road traffic accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the entire population, and the first among the youth (ages 15-19 years) in Thailand. The situation in Thailand is worse than in neighboring low- to middle-income countries in the Southeast Asia region. Seventy-three percent of the deaths in the country are motorcycle drivers or passengers. Although motorcyclists (both drivers and passengers) have been obligated to wear helmets by law, the prevalence of helmet use nationwide is not high (43.7% in 2010). Methods. We performed a systematic review to examine potential social determinants of helmet use behavior (observational studies) and to summarize previous intervention studies to promote helmet use (interventional studies) in the country. Studies were identified in PubMed and Web of Science, and by additional review of Thai-written literature. Results. We identified 16 relevant studies for social determinants of helmet use and 5 relevant studies for promoting helmet use in Thailand. Our review shows that several factors such as teens and children (age), women (gender), rural areas (geography), and alcohol drinking (interaction with another behavior) are associated with non-helmet use. We also identified 4 interventional studies implemented in Thailand: 1 law enforcement program and 4 community-based educational programs. Although all the studies improved the prevalence of helmet use after the interventions, only 2 studies exceeded 50%. Conclusion. There is consistent evidence that being younger, being a woman, living in non-Bangkok areas, and drinking alcohol are associated with non-helmet use among motorcycle users in Thailand. We also observed that the effect of past intervention programs is limited.
TL;DR: There are significant disparities in medical costs and health care service usage among the 3 insurance programs.
Abstract: The rapidly growing aging population has attracted global attention. This study explores the associations between 3 basic health insurances, and it identifies factors associated with health care services among the elderly populations. This study is based on multistage stratified cluster sampling method from the 2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) resulting in 7589 participants. Medical Insurance for Urban Employees (MIUE) members were more likely to use inpatient health care services. Health insurance programs were associated with inpatient services usage but not outpatient services usage. There are significant disparities in medical costs and health care service usage among the 3 insurance programs. Health insurance program is only associated with inpatient care. These findings may provide some suggestions to support improvements to the Chinese health care system.
TL;DR: Tuberculosis incidence, all-cause mortality, and its associated factors among health care workers registered in 2012 to 2014 with the Malaysian National Tuberculosis (MyTB) Surveillance Registry were determined.
Abstract: This study aims to determine tuberculosis incidence, all-cause mortality, and its associated factors among health care workers (HCWs) registered in 2012 to 2014 with the Malaysian National Tuberculosis (MyTB) Surveillance Registry. Regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with all-cause mortality. Incidence rates ranged from 135.18 to 156.50/100 000 and were higher for HCWs compared with the general population (risk ratio = 1.70-1.96). The mean age at notification was 34.6 ± 10.55 years; 68.9% were female. Most were paramedics (44.3%) followed by other HCWs (41.9%) and doctors (13.8%). Nearly a quarter (23.8%) had extrapulmonary tuberculosis. There were 23 deaths giving a case fatality rate of 2.4%. Factors associated with death were older age (odds ratio [OR] =1.05; confidence interval [CI] =1.01-1.10), diabetes (OR = 3.83; CI = 1.32-11.08), HIV positivity (OR = 18.16; CI = 4.60-71.68), and not receiving directly observed therapy (DOTS) (OR = 10.97; CI = 3.61-33.38). It is important for HCWs to be aware of these increased risks and for authorities to implement protective measures.
TL;DR: Interventions targeting identified modifiable risk factors, including lower education, general obesity, and binge drinking, may potentially increase FAV consumption in Laos.
Abstract: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption and its associations with noncommunicable diseases risk factors among adults in Laos. In a national cross-sectional survey in 2013, 2527 individuals (18-64 years old) responded to a questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and biochemistry tests were conducted. On average, participants had 0.99 servings of fruits a day and 1.33 servings of vegetables a day, a combined total of 2.32 servings of FAVs per day. Almost 1 in 5 respondents (18.9%) had 2 or more servings of fruit a day, 8.7% had 3 or more servings of vegetables a day, and 94.7% had less than 5 servings of FAV a day. In adjusted logistic analysis, being a Lao-Tai increased the odds of consuming 2 or more servings of fruits daily. Past month binge drinking decreased the odds of having 3 or more servings of vegetables daily. Higher education and urban residence decreased the odds of inadequate (<5 servings) FAV consumption. In adjusted linear regression analysis, increased FAV consumption was associated with higher body mass index scores. A high prevalence of inadequate FAV consumption was found. Interventions targeting identified modifiable risk factors, including lower education, general obesity, and binge drinking, may potentially increase FAV consumption in Laos.
TL;DR: Although the overall trends in diabetes mortality decelerated, aging and rural-urban differences could still be driving the epidemic underlining a continued need for the priorities for health care programs to focus on predictors in Diabetes mortality.
Abstract: We aimed to provide updated estimates for the trends and the effects attributable to age, period, and cohort by gender in urban and rural areas in China. The data were based on the vital registration system in China from 2003 to 2012. The annual percentage change used Joinpoint Regression Analysis. Spline functions were fitted to the age-period-cohort analysis. The average age-adjusted diabetes mortality rate was higher in women than in men, and it was higher in urban than in rural residents among both genders. The trend analysis of diabetes showed a favorable pattern among urban residents in both genders. Mortality increased with age, and compared with period and cohort effects, age effects were the most important risk factor in diabetes mortality. Although the overall trends in diabetes mortality decelerated, aging and rural-urban differences could still be driving the epidemic underlining a continued need for the priorities for health care programs to focus on predictors in diabetes mortality.
TL;DR: The association between being bullied and having depression among Malaysian school-going adolescents was demonstrated and comprehensive preventive strategies should be implemented taking into consideration the findings.
Abstract: Limited evidence on the association of being bullied with depression among adolescents was found in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the association of being bullied and depression among Malaysian school-going adolescents. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional study conducted from March to May 2017, was analyzed using descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis. A validated tool, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used to categorize those with moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms as having depression. A total of 27 399 school-going adolescents participated and 18.3% were found depressed. Adolescents of Indian ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.02, P < .001), those with parents living apart (aOR = 1.41, P < .001), and those who were being bullied (aOR = 2.98, P < .001) were more likely to have depression. This study demonstrated the association between being bullied and having depression. Comprehensive preventive strategies should be implemented taking into consideration the findings from this study.
TL;DR: The multivariable model showed that illicit drug use among male adolescents were associated with younger age, rural school area, marital status of parent, current smoker, ever having sex, truancy, involved in physical fight, and lack of peer support.
Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of illicit drug use and its associated factors among male adolescents in Malaysia. Data of 13 135 adolescents were extracted from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional survey among school-going adolescents in Malaysia aged between 13 and 17 years, using a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling. A complex sample design analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. The overall prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use among male adolescents was 6.6%. The multivariable model showed that illicit drug use among male adolescents were associated with younger age, rural school area, marital status of parent, current smoker, ever having sex, truancy, involved in physical fight, and lack of peer support. The findings from this study can assist community and relevant authorities in their efforts to combat illicit drug usage among adolescents using intervention programs that diminishes risk factors and enhances the protective factors.
TL;DR: The method developed for the realist evaluation is described and constructs Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations from the existing data sets and represents what took place in a context characterized by conflict, disadvantage and disempowerment.
Abstract: A small, local-level communication initiative aimed to bring about social change and development in communities affected by sustained conflict in Mindanao, Philippines. A realist evaluation involved a secondary analysis of existing data sets that revealed previously undetected mechanisms and 13 outcomes for improving dialogue, livelihood, and participatory communication. This article describes the method developed for the realist evaluation and constructs Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations from the existing data sets. The realist evaluation represents what took place in a context characterized by conflict, disadvantage and disempowerment through 2 key mechanisms, community-centered radio and community radio volunteers. Both mechanisms became voices for the voiceless. The community-centered radio program supported community volunteers to mobilize communities to participate in radio segments, offering opportunities for their voices to be heard on local issues resulting in discussion, provision of services not previously offered, community leaders more responsive to community needs, and coordinated community action that resolved needs.
TL;DR: Korean and Chinese immigrant women working in nail salons in the Greater New York City area reported better socioeconomic status than Chinese workers, but were less likely to have health care access and utilized less health services.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine similarities and differences in health effects, safety concerns, and health service utilization among Korean and Chinese immigrant women working in nail s...
TL;DR: It is suggested that aggressive interventions to improve the awareness, treatment, and/or control of hypertension should be applied to young and middle-aged people who are vulnerable to hypertension management.
Abstract: This study investigated whether sociodemographic, health behavioral, biomedical, and health status factors are associated with the awareness and treatment status of hypertension. Data were analyzed from 13 180 adults with hypertension in a nationally representative sample collected from 2007 to 2015 through the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among hypertensive Korean adults, only 65.2% were aware of their condition and being treated with antihypertensive medications. Younger age was identified as an important barrier to diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Although there were slight differences between participants aged <65 and ≥65 years, higher risks of being untreated or being unaware of having hypertension were also associated with male gender, lower education levels, unhealthy behaviors, and a better health conditions. We suggest that aggressive interventions to improve the awareness, treatment, and/or control of hypertension should be applied to young and middle-aged people who are vulnerable to hypertension management.
TL;DR: Regression analysis showed significantly higher ACSC hospitalization rates in districts with higher elderly and low-income populations, more remote areas, and more hospital beds, which could indicate the accessibility of a community’s primary care.
Abstract: Hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) can indicate the accessibility of a community's primary care. We examined regional variation in ACSC hospitalization rates and identified associated factors. ACSC hospitalization rates in the 232 districts in 2013 ranged from 4.08 to 101.53 per 1000 adults. Spatial analysis showed that none of the 24 highest rate districts were located near Seoul, whereas 80% of the 45 lowest rate districts were, suggesting health care inequality between people living near Seoul and in other areas. Regression analysis showed significantly higher ACSC hospitalization rates in districts with higher elderly (β = 0.94) and low-income populations (β = 2.25), more remote areas (β = 0.29), and more hospital beds (β = 0.03). The number of primary care clinics was negatively associated with ACSC hospitalization (β = -1.37). For these variables, geographically weighted regression analysis provided local regression coefficients, useful for developing region-specific strategies to reduce ACSC hospitalization.
TL;DR: Among girls, Internet addiction was associated with those who perceived lack in all 4 parental factors, while among boys, those who perceive lack of parental supervision and respect for privacy were more prone to Internet addiction.
Abstract: Parental protective factors do play an important role in preventing Internet addiction. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure health risk behaviors among Malaysian adolescents. The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher among adolescents with perceived lack of parental supervision (30.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.7-31.4]) and lack of parental connectedness (30.1% [95% CI = 28.5-31.7]), compared with their counterparts. Adolescents who perceived a lack of parental supervision, respect for privacy, connectedness, and bonding were more likely to have Internet addiction: (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27-1.52), (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.16-1.31), (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02-1.16), (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00-1.12), respectively. Among girls, Internet addiction was associated with those who perceived lack in all 4 parental factors, while among boys, those who perceived lack of parental supervision and respect for privacy were more prone to Internet addiction.
TL;DR: Examining the association of depression with metabolic syndrome and investigating levels of awareness and treatment of depression in Korean adults found including depression in the management of metabolic syndrome could help make people with depression more aware of their condition.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the association of depression with metabolic syndrome and to investigate levels of awareness and treatment of depression in Korean adults. We analyzed data extracted fro...