Showing papers in "Journal of socialomics in 2013"

Impact of Global Warming on Vector-Borne Diseases: Implications for Integrated Vector Management

Abstract: Insect-borne diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in several tropical and subtropical countries. Principally the devastating nature of malaria is indubitably intolerable . The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated the following global annual impact in the year 2009 as follows: Nearly half of the world’s population is observed to be at the risk of malaria incidence. It has estimated that, in 2009, the number of cases of malaria was 225 million and the number of deaths was 781,000 , among which 50-100 million were dengue cases , and 120 million were filariasis cases . The toll from other vector-borne diseases like trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Japanese encephalitis, onchocerciasis and yellow fever add more millions of cases each year. It has been estimated that these diseases due to all parasitic and infectious diseases, represent 17% of the global disease burden, in terms of disability-adjusted life years .

Results of the Computerized Mental Health Screening System for Female Offenders

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the proportion of incoming female offenders in the Canadian federal correctional system requiring mental health services based on results of a Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS). Method: Consecutive admissions to the five regional women’s prisons in the Correctional Service of Canada were approached to consent to participate in the CoMHISS. The screening process combines two psychological self-report measures, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Depression Hopelessness and Suicide Screening Form. Results were analyzed based on the percentage of women who met established cut-off scores on the measures and further analyzed by Aboriginal ethnicity. Results: Sixty-two percent of the sample reported elevated levels of psychological distress that would warrant further assessment. Although higher for Aboriginal women, the mean scores did not differ significantly from those of non-Aboriginal women. The rate of co-occurring substance abuse among women reporting psychological distress was estimated at 70%. Conclusions: Planning for the delivery of mental health services for federally sentenced women should consider their high rates and variety of psychological problems. Specific correctional treatment planning requires attention to criminogenic needs as well as mental health issues and serious substance abuse problems. Mental health providers for women in prison should be aware of the significant likelihood of co-morbid substance abuse disorders and mental health problems and prepare women to identify follow up services to address these problems on release.

How the 'West' can Overcome Unhealthy Behaviours to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Abstract: Nutritional transition from Homo sapiens to Homo economicus and finally to Homo modestis needs substantial changes in the outlook of Western society, governments and industry as well as in the methods of health education that can cause changes in the health behaviour for prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) . The causes of death among Homo sapiens, Homo erectus and Huntergatherer societies were mainly injury and accidents, whereas among modern men 80% of deaths occur due to NCDs. It is interesting that the pandemic of tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food as well as drinks by the industry and the governments among Homo economicus countries is not yet realized by many in Western societies but some progress is being made, albeit on a relatively small scale. Therefore, the sale and promotion of tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food and drink (unhealthy commodities), transnational corporations are major drivers of global epidemics of deaths due to NCDs

Conditions of the Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction of Mothers of Preterm Babies in Poland

Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, the correct duration of pregnancy in women is 38 to 42 weeks. Pregnancy terminated with delivery between the 22nd and 37th week is called the premature birth, and the born infant is called a preterm baby. Currently premature birth is the most frequent complication occurring in case of unifetal [1,2] and multifetal [3-7] pregnancies. The indicator of premature births in Poland decreases year by year, nevertheless it is still higher than in other developed European countries and it is estimated as approx. 8% [8].

Future Target of Treatment for Social Impairment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: Impairment in social and communication function is the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 1% of children. The ability to understand emotion in others is essential for the health development of human. Abnormalities of emotion perception may contribute to psychiatric disorders associated with social problems in ASD. There are no known efficacious treatments for the core social impairment although effects such as risperidone and aripiprazole, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have reported their efficacy in the treatment of disruptive repetitive behaviors [1]. Number of antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have reported their efficacy in the treatment of disruptive repetitive behaviors [1], however, some adverse effects, particularly weight gain, fatigue, agitation, irritability [1] and tardive dyskinesia (Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network 2002) are also associated with these drugs. Amitriptyline has been found instrumental for treatmentresistant youth with ASD accompanied by behavioral symptoms (Bhatti et al. 2012). The use of neuropeptide oxytocin has marked its affectivity in reducing the severity of repetitive behaviors; however, this affectivity was found to last only for a short period of 240 minutes after its infusion (Hollander et al. 2003). There still lies a dearth of any such drugs that can commonly used be used for the treatment of the core social and communication impairment that are the hallmark of ASD.

Is the Cost of the Mediterranean Diet a Barrier for its Promotion in the Communities

Abstract: A persuasive body of evidence from prospective cohort studies suggests that the Mediterranean diet (MD) is protective against the occurrence of several different health outcomes [1]. The diet refers to a dietary profile commonly available in the early 1960s in the Mediterranean regions and characterized by a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and complex carbohydrates, with a moderate consumption of fish, and the consumption of olive oil as the main source of fats, a low-to-moderate amount of red wine during meals and a rare consumption of red meat. Thus, its adoption is very important among people of all ages. However, the higher cost per calorie of some recommended healthful foods included in the MD, such as fruit and vegetables, may restrict their use by people with limited resources [2]. Regarding studies investigating the MD in relation to its cost, a cohort study of Spanish university graduates showed that a Mediterranean dietary pattern is more expensive to follow than a western dietary pattern [3]. A more recent cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian subjects revealed that a higher income was independently associated with a greater adherence to MD-like eating patterns [4]. On the other hand, a nutritional intervention study conducted in a group of North American women showed that promoting a Mediterranean dietary pattern need not necessarily be associated with higher overall dietary costs [5]. Educating consumers about lower cost foods while selectively purchasing limited amounts of higher cost ones would be one solution for avoiding increased food expenses in the frame of a healthy diet. Another way to improve food preferences in communities and especially in those of low-income would be to increase the price of unhealthy foods in parallel with subsidies on healthy foods. Further studies on whether cost should be considered or not as a barrier in the adoption of the MD would shed more light on this issue.

Human Welfare and Environmental Service Protection in Central Chile: The Role of Biocentrism

Abstract: This study attempts to understand the valuation process for natural areas and the reasons underlying this valuation process, including the non-economic benefits that society perceives natural areas to have. A Contingent Valuation (CV) survey was used to capture citizens’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) as a reflection of their perception of natural areas’ benefit. In the context of the theory of planned action, socio-psychological factors were tested for influence, along with socio-demographic factors typically included as explanatory variables of WTP in the CV context. This analysis demonstrates for the first time, in Chile, that a biocentric value orientation has a direct influence on WTP for three environmental services provided by the Penuelas Lake National Reserve, the most important of which is endangered species protection. These results shed light on the social trade-offs made in comparing multiple environmental services provided by natural areas; thus, these findings could contribute to the development of better and more rationally founded environmental education programs.

Social Class and Mortality

Abstract: SES-1-3 SES-4-5 Total SES-1-3 SES-4-5 Total SES-1-3 SES-4-5 Total Mortality (%) Social class and mortality due to broad causes of death

Impaired Social Interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairment in social reciprocity, disturbances in language and communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors of various types, as defined by the DSM-IV [1]. Currently, no drug has been consistently proven to be effective for the core social and communication impairment so central to the PDDs. Pharmacotherapy in ASD lacks a solid, reliable neurobiological basis and at present it is mainly directed at the socalled associated behavioral symptoms, with limited relevance to core symptoms. Atypical neuroleptics, especially risperidone, have been shown to be useful in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in ASD. Recent trials with SSRIs did not show remarkable results, in spite of their promising potential role [2,3]. Research is now directed at evaluating novel treatments and combined behavioral and pharmacologic treatments, since behavioral interventions are the mainstay of the early treatment of autism. Abnormal functional connectivity, which affects the delivery of afferent signals, may be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD [4]. Alternatively, individuals with ASD may be more vulnerable to oxidative stress due to deficit antioxidant defense mechanisms [5]. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play key roles in brain network maturation. ARA is important for signal transduction [6]. Therefore, it is clear that supplements containing antioxidants that are related to lipid peroxidation may be beneficial for individuals with ASD [7]. Previous double-blind randomized placebo-controlled studies have helped to validate the efficacy of DHA or eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) plus small doses of ARA (42 or 40 mg/day) in reducing behavioral problems in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorders (AD/HD) [8] and learning difficulties (LD) [9]. However, there are few studies that have examined the effects of larger doses of ARA added to DHA on the core behavioral and social impairments of ASD with double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled designs. We therefore examined the effect of supplementation with large doses of ARA added to DHA (240 mg/day) in individuals with ASD (n=13) in a double-blind, placebocontrolled trial, followed by an open-label treatment. Daily doses of ARA and DHA were 240 mg/day. Four participants aged 6-10 years received one-half of the daily doses of the supplementation (for a total of 120 mg ARA and 120 mg DHA per day). Previous studies of supplementation with PUFAs, ARA doses were 40 mg/day [9] or 42 mg/day [8]. ARA doses used in this study were 120 or 240 mg/day, and our supplementation included thus larger doses of ARA compared to these previous studies.

The impact of demographic characteristics on vulnerability of consumers to counterfeit drugs in a developing country

Abstract: Background: Counterfeiting of medicines in developing countries has been reported as a distressing issue. Moreover, although desperate need and drug counterfeiting are linked, no much study has been carried out to cover this area. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of demographic variables, including age, annual income, working status, education, and gender with respect to increasing or decreasing vulnerability of consumers to counterfeit drugs. Methods: This article reports on two studies conducted in two Sudanese states, namely Khartoum and Gadaref. In study 1 in-depth qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of knowledgeable policy-makers and community pharmacists were undertaken. Study 2 employed a face-to-face structured interview survey methodology to collect data from 1003 subjects. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the data. Results: The paper identified demographic groups who are more vulnerable to counterfeit drugs. Thematic content analysis of the interviews identified difference in vulnerability according to demographic characteristics pertaining to counterfeit drugs. Also a significant difference in purchase intention of counterfeit drugs was supported for all demographic groups (annual income F (4,998)=6.255, p<0.05; working status F (9,993)=2.402, p<0.05; educational level F (3,999)=2.975, p<0.05; gender F (1,1001)=11.595, p<0.05) with exception of age groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that only economic status of consumers has a major role in increasing or decreasing vulnerability to counterfeit drugs. As very limited studies have been conducted, in developing countries in particular, to explore purchase behavior toward counterfeit drugs, this current study is hoped to fill that gap.

Glocalization of Social and Environmental Determinants of Health

Abstract: There is evidence that various social markers of health can influence the levels of physical inactivity, dietary patterns, salt intake, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and stress. These behavioral risk factors may be also called primary risk factors of NCDs. Apart from these social determinants of health, high altitude, geomagnetic activity, and sleep disruption are other environmental factors which can predispose circadian variability in biologicalfunctions resulting in NCDs. The attributes of socioeconomic economic status, such as education, health education,occupation, household income, and availability of automobiles, are important indicators of lifestyle and foodconsumption patterns. These social markers can influence the levels of physical activity, dietary patterns, salt intake,alcohol consumption and tobacco use, which are important in the pathogenesis of non communicable diseases (NCDs).

Health Politics in Periods of Economic Crises: Lessons from the Past HelpUs Plan the Future

Abstract: The interrelation between health politics, public health and economic crises is a field of intense scientific debate. Inevitably, economic crisis and recession poses a heavy burden on citizens and public health care system. On one hand, unemployed citizens are unable to afford health insurance due to loss of finance support, which leads to increased morbidity and mortality as a result of limited access to the health system. On the other hand, public health policies collapse under the growing loss of gross domestic product (GDP).

Food Consumption among Peasant Agriculturist Societies In 8000 BC

Abstract: Copyright: © 2013 Tomar RS, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. After settlement of hunter-gatherers as peasants, man started farming in Africa for the first time, sometime in 8000 BC. This may be an adaptation which in turn led to unprecedented technical development, agriculture, industry and commerce [1-4]. Obviously prior to the Agricultural revolution and notwithstanding the Neolithic Revolution, sometimes called the Agricultural Revolution concerned with the initial transition from hunter-gather to settled agriculture. Our diet had great diversity characterized with enormous variety of whole grains and wild plants as well as fish, milk, egg and meat by hunting [1-4]. Peasant Agriculturist man, like hunter-gatherers, also had excellent health characteristics; enormous physical activity with limited or no mental stress, alcoholism, and tobacco intake that are now important behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The foods available to early peasants, were not unhealthy like today’s modern foods which are high energy but have poor nutrient density [1-4] (Tables 1). In this editorial, we discuss the food diversity, nutrient content and functions of various foods and nutrients available during Agricultural revolution compared to foods available now and what can be done to develop functional foods security.

Maternal Mortality: How Far with the Reduction Battle?

Abstract: In the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem, 10th revision, (ICD-10), WHO defines maternal mortality as The death of a woman while pregnant or within forty two days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes an announcement by WHO on behalf of the United Nations of the latest global estimates, published in May 2012, showed that the trend in maternal death appears to be falling overall . A study published in the Lancet shows a significant drop worldwide in the number of mothers dying during pregnancy or childbirth . But while the overall news may be positive, conditions in Africa remain at emergency levels! The Lancet study revealed that in 2008, six countries accounted for nearly half of all maternal mortality cases. Three of them, Ethiopia, Nigeria and The Democratic Republic of Congo are in Africa.