The Prevalence of Nocturia and Nocturnal Polyuria: Can New Cutoff Values Be Suggested According to Age and Sex? / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP) and to define new cutoff values according to age and sex for both conditions. METHODS: Data from a population-based prevalence survey conducted among a random sample of 2,128 adults were analyzed in this study. Participants were requested to fill out a questionnaire including the International Continence Society (ICS) definitions of lower urinary tract symptoms and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form. Additionally, a 1-day bladder diary was given to each individual. The participants were divided into 5 age groups. The prevalence of nocturia was calculated based on definitions of nocturia as ≥1 voiding episodes, ≥2 episodes, and ≥3 episodes. NP was evaluated according to the ICS definition. The mean±standard errors and 95th percentile values were calculated in each group as new cutoff values for NP. RESULTS: The prevalence of nocturia was estimated as 28.4%, 17.6%, and 8.9% for ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 voiding episodes each night, respectively. When nocturia was defined as 2 or more voiding episodes at night, the prevalence decreased significantly. The mean NP index was 29.4%±15.0% in men and 23.1%±11.8% in women. For the age groups of <50 years, 50–59 years, and ≥60 years, the new cutoff values for the diagnosis of NP were calculated as 48%, 69%, and 59% for men and 41%, 50%, and 42% for women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the definition of nocturia was still controversial and that waking up once for voiding might be within the normal spectrum of behavior. The definition of NP should be modified, and new cutoff values should be defined using the data presented in our study and in other forthcoming studies.

Rubella seroprevalance among the girls [aged 7-15] in the primary-school period living in low and high socio-economic areas in Denizli, Turkey

Immunity against rubella before women's reproductive age is a practical strategy to control congenital rubella syndrome [CRS]. This study was designed to investigate the rubella seroprevalance among the female primary-school students living in low and high socio-economic areas in Denizli [Turkey]. Two hundred seventy seven students were eligible for this comparative cross-sectional study [November 2003]. Schools and classrooms were randomly included in the sample. The cut off points of blood sample were set as <10 IU negative; [3]10 - <15 IU indeterminate; [3]15 IU positive. Study was completed in 235 [84.8%] students. Rubella seropositivity was 74.0% [p=0.03]. Rubella vaccination rate was 14.0% [high SES] and 7.8% [low SES]. A significant difference continued among the graders even after multivariable adjustments [p<0.001]. Sporadic rubella vaccinations may not be a right option to control rubella among women in their reproductive age thus active immunization is important for public health in developing countries

Effects of passive smoking in the work place on expiration air carbon monoxide [CO] and carboxihemoglobin [COHB] levels: results of a survey in Turkey

To assess the prevalence of smoking and the effects of passive smoking among bank employees. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2001 and 2002. Data was collected through questionnaire. The level of Carbon Monoxide [CO] and the percentage of Carboxihemogtobin [COHb] level in the blood were measured by using Bendfond Pico Smokertyser. Chi-square and ANOVA were used. Six hundred fifty four respondents participated in the study which included 384 [58.7%] male and 267 [40.6%] female. The mean value for CO in the expiration air was 14.57 +/- 11.1 ppm [[18.49 +/- 11.21, 7.74 +/- 5.71 and 4.85 +/- 2.35; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively [p<0.001]]. The mean value for COHb% was 2.97 +/- 1.9 [[3.60 +/- 1.88, 1.80 +/- 1.17 and 1.21 +/- 0.99; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively [p<0.001]. Passive smoking is still a significant health problem in the work place. Anti-tobacco implementations should be carried out strictly in all work places