Epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer patients attending a tertiary health-care institute in the National Capital Territory of India

Background: Limited data are available on the epidemiology of breast cancer (BC) in India. Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of BC patients attending a tertiary care hospital in National Capital Territory of India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and information from 320 women with confirmed BC was collected on a questionnaire for demographic profile, socioeconomic status (SES), reproductive risk factors, and family history of BC. Information on clinical presentation and staging of BC was recorded. Anthropometric assessment for body mass index (BMI) was done. Data were analyzed and presented as mean ± standard deviation and frequency tables. Results: The mean age at diagnosis of BC was 47 ± 10 years. Fifty-three percent of patients were illiterate or only primary school education. About 74% of patients were from urban areas. Only 11% of patients were from upper SES and 26% from lower SES. Forty-seven percent of patients had stage II followed by 36% with stage III BC. About 15% patients had experienced early menarche (<13 years of age) and 15% of women had attained late menopause (>51 years of age). About 42% of patients had <3 children and 15% patients had a family history of BC. About 38% patients were overweight and 21% were obese. Conclusion: Other than the established risk factors, other factors such as lack of education, SES, and higher BMI were present in our study. A higher percentage of women were diagnosed with BC at later stages. There is a need for educating women about BC, self-examination of breast, and screening programs for early detection of BC

A cross-sectional study of psychosomatic condition in children of 8–15 years of age in Rajkot Taluka – A parental perspective

Background: There is wide gap of information about the prevalence of different conditions of mental health in general population except anxiety and depression. And that too among children and adolescents. Hence, a study about one of the important conditions, psychosomatic condition was carried out in this age group, i.e., 8–15 years, a combination representing both child and adolescent population. Considering the difficulties in child inquiries and for unanimity of method among adolescents included in the study, parents’ questionnaire was used. Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To find the prevalence of psychosomatic condition in the age group of 8–15 years in the study area and (2) to find the prevalence of psychosomatic condition in relation to their sex, education, socioeconomic class, and birth order. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using parents’ questionnaire with sampling by probability proportion to sample size method. Chi-square is used to detect if there is any significant difference. Results: The psychosomatic condition is found to be more prevalent in girls (9.42%) as compared to males (7.89%). This is significantly more in rural and slum community (31.25% and 23.08%) than urban area (4.59%). In urban area, psychosomatic condition is found to be higher in males. However, the overall difference between girls and boys for the reporting of this condition was found to be statistically non-significant. Conclusions: The reporting for psychosomatic condition in children is more in rural and slum areas. In these areas also, girls are more reported for the condition. It is most reported at 11–13 years of age. The condition is more common in the joint families, specifically in rural area. Education and birth order do not have any significance to the reporting of psychosomatic condition.

Attitudes, practices on allergic rhinitis of three socioeconomic classes of Filipinos in the National Capital Region

BACKGROUND: Healthcare access and usage may vary according to socioeconomic class (SEC). Knowing this variable's effect on patient attitudes, practices, and health seeking behavior allows better understanding of compliance, adherence to treatment, and educational needs on allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to assess the attitudes and practices on AR of Filipinos in the National Capital Region. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of 301 Filipinos, stratified into socioeconomic groups ABC1, C2, and DE, was conducted from December 2014 to February 2015. A previously validated and pilot tested questionnaire on AR was administered via structured face to face interviews. RESULTS: Most respondents attributed their symptoms to "colds" (ABC1 77%, C2 79%, DE 78%); most did not consult a physician for their symptoms. Only 26% of all respondents were aware of AR. Only the ABC1 group had respondents who specifically used the term AR. Most respondents' symptoms fulfilled criteria for moderate to severe disease. Sleep was the activity most affected by AR (62%). For symptom relief, over the counter antihistamine-decongestants were the most preferred drug preparations (ABC1 30%, C2 38%, DE 34%). Groups ABC1 and C2 cited family, television, and Internet as the top primary sources of health information; DE cited family, television, and friends. CONCLUSION: Regardless of SEC, Filipinos are not aware of AR. Lack of awareness and gaps in knowledge can result to an underestimation of the condition, decrease in health seeking behavior, unmet patient needs, and undertreatment of disease.

A qualidade de vida dos adolescentes doMunicípio de São Paulo: um estudo epidemiológico / The quality of life of adolescents in são paulo: a epidemiological study

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida de adolescentes matriculados em escolas do município de São Paulo (SP), a maior cidade do País. Para atingir este objetivo, aplicou-se o instrumento de qualidade de vida SF-36, é um instrumento para verificar a classe sociodemográfica de uma amostra de 2.434 adolescentes. Observou-se que vários aspectos influenciam a qualidade de vida desta população. Os estudantes do gênero masculino declararam qualidade de vida mais alta do que as do gênero feminino. Da mesma forma, os adolescentes mais novos tenderam a relatar melhor qualidade de vida que os mais velhos. Os representantes das classes socioeconômicas mais altas também apresentaram melhor qualidade de vida. Observou-se a necessidade de novas pesquisas e ações que promovam tanto a qualidade de vida quanto os hábitos saudáveis e auxiliem na busca de alternativas apropriadas de lazer...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of high school students in São Paulo city, the largestin Brazil. To achieve this goal we applied the SF - 36 survey and an instrument to verify the socio-demographic classof a sample of 2.434 adolescents. Several aspects were found to influence the quality of life for this population. Male students reported higher quality of life than female ones. Likewise, younger adolescents tended to report better quality of life than older ones. Representatives from higher socioeconomic classes also had better quality of life. There is a need for further research and actions that promote both quality of life and healthy habits and assist infinding suitable alternative leisure...

A Cross-sectional Study on the Influence of Altitude and Urbanisation on Co-infection of Malaria and Soil-transmitted Helminths in Fako Division, South West Cameroon.

Aims: Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are parasitic diseases afflicting populations that are impoverished and malnourished. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of altitude and urbanisation on Co-infection of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths in Fako Division, South West Cameroon. Study Design/Place and Duration of Study: It was a cross-sectional survey carried out from 2012 to 2014 involving 1138 children aged 4 – 15 years in Fako Division. Methodology: Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data. Blood samples were collected by pricking the finger. Malaria parasite prevalence, density and species were determined from Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears respectively. Quantitative estimation of helminth eggs was done by Kato-Katz thick smear technique. Based on height above sea level (a.s.l.), the study sites were classified as Lowland (<200 m.a.s.l), Lower middle belt (>200 but ≤ 400 m.a.s.l), Upper middle belt (>400 but ≤600 m.a.s.l.) and Highland (>600 m.a.s.l). The study communities were also classified into rural, semiurban and urban areas. Results: The overall prevalence was 38.1% (433) for malaria, 2.5% (29) for STHs and 0.9% (10) for malaria-STH co-infection. The prevalence of malaria was significantly highest (χ2 = 84.6, P <0.001) in urban areas (52.2%, 263) than in the semi-urban (29.4%, 152) and rural areas (15.4%, 18). Malaria prevalence was significantly highest (χ2 = 123.4, P <0.001) at the lowest altitude (60.5%, 182) and decreased as altitude increased to a minimum of 15.4% (18) at highland (>600 m.a.s.l). Only two species of soil-transmitted STH [Ascaris lumbricoides (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%)] were found. The prevalence of STH was significantly higher (χ2= 33.8, P <0.0001) in rural (13.6%, 16) than urban (0.39%, 2) areas. The prevalence of STH was significantly highest (χ2 = 33.8, P <0.0001) at high altitude (13.6%, 16) than the upper middle-belt (2.0%, 8), lower middle-belt (1.2%, 4) and lowlands (0.7%, 2). The prevalence of co-infection varied significantly (χ2 = 72.2, P <0.0001) with level of urbanisation with the highest level of co-infection occurring in the rural areas (2.6%, 3) and the lowest level in the urban areas (0.2%, 1). Conclusion: Malaria control measures need to be intensified especially in the lowland and urban areas. Deworming campaigns are yielding positive results in Fako Division.

Socioeconomic influences on alcohol use patterns among private school students in São Paulo / Influências socioeconómicas no padrão de consumo de álcool entre estudantes de escolas privadas em São Paulo

OBJECTIVES: To describe alcohol use by socioeconomic level and gender among private high school students in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of students in private schools in São Paulo. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed in the classroom. A total of 2,613 students were selected by the stratification and conglomerate methods. Chi-squared tests, t-tests and ANOVA were used to test for associations between alcohol use and gender and socioeconomic status; for binge drinking, an ordered logistic regression model was developed. RESULTS: Overall, 88% of students reported lifetime alcohol use, with 31.6% in combination with energy drinks. Half of the students (51.3%) reported alcohol use in the last month, most frequently beer (35.2%), alcopop (32%) and vodka (31.7%); 33.2% reported binge drinking in the last month (5 drinks per occasion). Most evaluated parameters showed higher rates of use among males and higher social classes. The regression model exhibited an increasing rate of binge drinking with increasing socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that socioeconomic features help to define alcohol use among São Paulo students. Use behaviors such as binge drinking are more prevalent among students from the upper social classes.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever o consumo de álcool por nível socioeconômico e gênero entre estudantes de ensino médio da rede privada na cidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa da rede privada de ensino de São Paulo. Foi aplicado em sala de aula um questionário anônimo de autopreenchimento. 2.613 estudantes foram selecionados por método de estratificação e de conglomerados. Para verificar associação entre os padrões de consumo de álcool por gênero e nível socioeconômico, foi utilizado teste do qui-quadrado, teste t e ANOVA; para binge drinking, foi desenvolvido um modelo de regressão logística ordenada. RESULTADOS: O uso na vida de álcool foi referido por 88% dos estudantes, 31,6% já havia associado com energéticos. Metade dos estudantes (51,3%) declarou uso no mês, com predomínio de cerveja (35,2%), ice (32%) e vodka (31,7%); 33,2% referiu binge drinking no mês (5 doses por ocasião). A maioria dos parâmetros avaliados apresentou maiores índices de consumo entre os estudantes do gênero masculino e classes sociais mais favorecidas. O modelo de regressão apresentou crescente razão de chance de binge com o avanço do nível socioeconômico. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que aspectos socioeconômicos sejam diferenciais para o consumo de álcool entre estudantes paulistanos, com comportamentos de uso, como binge, mais prevalentes em classes mais favorecidas.

Effectiveness of a school dental education program in improving oral health knowledge and oral hygiene practices and status of 12- to 13-year-old school children.

Background: Children with poor oral health are 12 times more likely to have restricted-activity days. Dental health education [DHE], with the objective of improving the oral hygiene of the participants, would have obvious merits. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of school DHE, conducted at repeated and differing intervals, in improving oral health knowledge, practices, oral hygiene status, and the gingival health of schoolchildren belonging to two socioeconomic classes. Materials and Methods: This 36-week duration study assessed the effectiveness of school DHE conducted every three weeks against every six weeks on oral health knowledge, practices, oral hygiene status and gingival health of 415, 12- to 13-year-old schoolchildren belonging to social classes I and V. Of the three selected schools of each social class, one each was subjected to the intervention of either three or six weeks or was a control, respectively. Oral health knowledge and practices were evaluated using a questionnaire. Oral hygiene and gingival health were assessed using plaque and gingival indices. Statistical Analysis Used: Friedman's test was used for the longitudinal analysis of data. ANOVA and Student's t test were used for continuous data. Results: Plaque and Gingival score reductions were highly significant in intervention schools, and were not influenced by the socioeconomic status. When oral health knowledge was evaluated, highly significant changes were seen in intervention schools; more significantly in schools receiving more frequent interventions. The socioeconomic status influenced the oral hygiene aids used and the frequency of change of toothbrush. Controls showed no significant changes throughout. Conclusions: The DHE program conducted at three-week intervals was more effective than that conducted at six-week intervals in improving oral health knowledge, practices, oral hygiene status, and gingival health of schoolchildren.

Soroprevalência de citomegalovírus em gestantes brasileiras de classe socioeconômica favorecida / Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant woman of socioeconomically advantaged class from Brazil

Introdução: a citomegalovirose congênita é a infecção intrauterina mais comum em todo o mundo e a principal causa infecciosa de malformação do sistema nervoso central, surdez e dificuldade de aprendizado na infância. Entretanto, apesar da importância e das repercussões desta infecção, poucos estudos foram publicados no Brasil e na America Latina. Objetivo: estabelecer a soroprevalência para citomegalovírus em gestantes de classe socioeconômica favorecida e conhecer melhor o perfi l desta infecção na população brasileira. Métodos: estudo descritivo onde foram incluídas todas as gestantes que procuraram a empresa Cryopraxis Criobiologia Ltda. para armazenamento de sangue de cordão umbilical no período de 1o de janeiro de 2005 a 31 de dezembro de 2006. Todas as gestantes foram submetidas à coleta de sangue para detecção de anticorpos das classes IgG e IgM contra citomegalovírus pelos métodos de ensaio imunoenzimático e quimioluminescência. Resultados: foram obtidas 4.620 amostras de soro, 1.966 (42%) procedentes do estado do Rio de Janeiro, 1.695 (37%) do estado de São Paulo e 959 (21%) de outros estados. Destas, 3.894 (84%) apresentaram reatividade para anticorpos da classe IgG contracitomegalovírus, evidenciando alta prevalência desta infecção. Apenas 64 (1,4%) gestantes apresentaram resultados sugestivos de infecção aguda (IgMpositiva). Conclusão: embora a infecção por CMV seja com frequência associada à condição socioeconômica menos favorecida, os resultados encontrados neste trabalho mostram uma elevada prevalência da infecção também em mulheres brasileiras de classe média a alta. Adicionalmente, de acordo com os resultados sorológicos, boa parte das gestantes mostrou-se ainda sujeita a primoinfecção, o que alerta para o risco de transmissão materno-fetal nesta população. Como não há tratamento específico para mulheres grávidas, conhecer a sorologia materna permite adequada orientação e consequente redução do risco de infecção congênita.

Introduction: congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common intrauterine infection in the world, causing central nervous malformation, deafness andpoor acquaintance of knowledge. Notwithstanding, few studies are addressed studying this infection in Brazilian and Latin America pregnat women.Objective: the aim of this study was to establish the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus in advantaged socioeconomic class pregnants in Brazil.Methods: we search the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus in high socioeconomic pregnant women in Brazil and the profile of the infection in ourcountry. Our study was observational/transversal, with pregnant women attended at Cryopraxis Criobiology Ltda. Blood from umbilical cord was collected from January 2005 until December 2006 with analyzing IgM and IgG antibodies for cytomegalovirus (immunoassay and chemiluminescence). Results: we obtained 4,620 samples, 1966 (42%) from Rio de Janeiro, 1,695 (37%) from São Paulo State and 959 (21%) from other states. 3894 (84%) were IgG positivity to cytomegalovirus, with high prevalence. Only 64 (1,4%) of the pregnants were suggestively acute infection (IgM positive). Conclusion:although cytomegalovirus infection is frequently associated with lower socioeconomic class, the seropositivity of IgG is high in pregnant women of high socioeconomic class in Brazil. In many cases, previous contact with viruses was not evident, which warns about the maternal susceptibility to infection and consequent risk of fetal transmission in this population. There is no specific treatment of the disease. Then, serology is important for adequate attendance, reducing the risk of congenital infection.