The frequency of photosensitizing drug dispensings in Austria and Germany: a correlation with their photosensitizing potential based on published literature.

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to the development of cutaneous adverse events due to interaction between a pharmaceutical compound and sunlight. Although photosensitivity is a very commonly listed side-effect of systemic drugs, reliable data on its actual incidence are lacking so far. OBJECTIVES: A possible approach to evaluate the real-life extent of drug-induced photosensitivity would be an analysis of the frequency of exposure to a given photosensitizing drug combined with an indicator of its photosensitizing potential. This could serve as a basis for developing a pharmaceutical 'heatmap' of photosensitivity. METHODS: The present study investigated the number of reimbursed dispensed packages of potentially photosensitizing drugs in Germany (DE) and Austria (AT) between 2010 and 2017 based on nationwide health insurance-based databases. In addition, an indicator for the photosensitizing potential was established for each drug based on the number of reports on photosensitivity in the literature. RESULTS: This analysis includes means of 632 826 944 (+/-14 894 918) drug dispensings per year in DE and 113 270 754 (+/-1 964 690) in AT. Out of these, the mean percentage of drugs that enlist photosensitivity as a potential side-effect was 49.5% (±0.7) in DE and 48.2% (±1.2) in AT. When plotting the number of reimbursed dispensed packages vs. the number of reports on photosensitivity, two categories of drugs show high numbers for both parameters, that is diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CONCLUSIONS: Diuretics and NSAIDs appear to be responsible for the greatest part of exposure to photosensitizing drugs with potential implication on public health.

Intake of a resveratrol-containing dietary supplement has no impact on DNA stability in healthy subjects.

It has been postulated that the beneficial health effects of dietary supplements and of red wines which contain resveratrol (RES) are due to the anti-oxidative properties of this phenolic compound, but evidence for protection against reactive oxygen species is mainly based on results of in vitro experiments and high-dose animal experiments. Aim of this study was to find out if intake of a RES-containing supplement protects healthy humans against oxidative DNA-damage and alters their redox status. Therefore, an intervention trial was conducted in which the participants (n=12) consumed a RES-containing supplement over a period of five days. At the start, after one day and after five days of consumption, and after a washout period DNA stability was measured in single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assays with peripheral blood lymphocytes. These tests were conducted (a) under standard conditions, which reflect single- and double-strand DNA breaks, (b) after treatment of the cells with hydrogen peroxide, which enables detection of alterations of the ROS sensitivity, and (c) by use of formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase (FPG), which provides information on formation of oxidatively damaged bases (pyrimidines). Furthermore, the biochemical parameters TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and oxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein), which reflect the redox status, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, were monitored. The intake of the supplement had no significant impact on the DNA stability parameters and on the different biomarkers of the redox status. Our results indicate that intake of 6mg RES per day via the supplement does not cause DNA-protective or antioxidant effects. This amount is equivalent to or lower than that reached after intake of many (ca. 50%) of the RES-containing preparations which are currently on the market in Middle Europe, and is contained in 0.3-2L red wine.

Time trends of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austrian children.

After a substantial increase in the prevalence of atopic disease in Europe, recent studies indicate that a plateau has been reached. However, variation across countries and age groups exists. We studied the prevalence and time trends of asthma and allergic disease among schoolchildren in Austria, a country with traditionally low rates of asthma, hay fever, and eczema. As part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), symptoms and physician diagnoses of asthma and allergic disease of 13,399 Austrian children aged 6-7 yr and 1516 children aged 12-14 yr were surveyed between 1995 and 1997. A similar survey was conducted between 2001 and 2003. Among children aged 6-7 yr, significant increases were seen in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma (+16%; p = 0.013), hay fever (+22%; p < 0.001), and eczema (+37%; p < 0.001) between 1995 and 2003. These changes were paralleled by an increase in the prevalence of symptoms typical for hay fever (itchy eyes and runny nose), but not by an increase in wheeze. Among children aged 12-14 yr, the lifetime prevalence of diagnosed asthma increased by 32%, of hay fever by 19%, and of eczema by 28% (all, p < 0.001). These changes were paralleled by increases in the prevalence of wheezing as documented by both questions before and after a video showing wheezing children but not by symptoms typical for hay fever such as itchy eyes and runny nose. In conclusion, in Austria, contrary to other European countries, the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease increased among schoolchildren. Additional studies are needed to continue monitoring the dynamics of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austria and to explore trends in their risk factors.

Coffee consumption protects human lymphocytes against oxidative and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole acetate (Trp-P-2) induced DNA-damage: results of an experimental study with human volunteers.

Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of coffee on DNA-stability in humans. DNA-damage was monitored in lymphocytes of eight individuals with single cell gel electrophoresis assays before and after consumption of 600 ml coffee (400 ml paper filtered and 200 ml metal filtered/d) for five days. Under standard conditions, no alteration of DNA-migration was seen, but a strong reduction of DNA-migration attributable to endogenous formation of oxidised purines and pyrimidines was detected with restriction enzymes; furthermore DNA-damage caused by reactive oxygen radicals (H2O2 treatment) and by the heterocyclic aromatic amine 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-acetate was significantly reduced after coffee consumption by 17% and 35%, respectively. Also in in vitro experiments, inhibition of H2O2 induced DNA-damage was observed with coffee at low concentrations (

Prevalence of persistent vegetative state/apallic syndrome in Vienna.

The aim of the project was to survey the hospital prevalence of apallic syndrome in a federal state in Austria at an exact point in time. To achieve this, a point prevalence study was carried out on 28 November 2001 in the Vienna region. The central element was a questionnaire, which provided an exact recording of the patients' condition. An additional preliminary task was to check all the discharge diagnoses in the hospitals of the Vienna Hospital Association (Wiener Krankenanstalten Verbund) between 1996 and 2000 according to the ICD-9 diagnoses for apallic syndrome. These data should serve to cross-check the recorded results. All hospitals (n = 48) and nursing facilities (n = 44) in Vienna were included in this investigation. As the aim of the study was to record the prevalence of apallic syndrome in the population of Vienna, four patients of the group with full-stage apallic syndrome (n = 36) were excluded as they were from other federal states. In total, 32 hospital patients who met the clinical criteria for apallic syndrome (full-stage) were recorded. The point prevalence of apallic syndrome was 1.9/100,000 inhabitants. As a result of this study, the exact survey of hospital prevalence of apallic syndrome could be found. As a consequence, the Viennese government has developed a rehabilitation concept for patients with apallic syndrome in Vienna.

Rates of postmortem examination in Austria: the effect of distance between location of death and site of examination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the importance of autopsies for diagnosing disease and determining cause of death, autopsy rates are decreasing in many countries. Furthermore, autopsy rates are often not distributed randomly between different regions within countries. In this study we analyzed an apparent nonrandom spatial distribution of autopsy rates in Austria for the period 1991-2000. We tested the new hypothesis that the rate of autopsies performed on people who die at home depends on the distance from the residence to the hospital or forensic institute where autopsies are performed. METHODS: Data were extracted from the official mortality records for the years 1991-2000. Only persons who deceased in private residences were included. A logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: Even controlling for variability in sex, age, date of death, and family status, the effect of distance significantly implied lower autopsy rates in the alpine parts of Austria. CONCLUSIONS: This effect of distance may lead to artificially nonrandom mortality patterns in disease maps. As a consequence, the possibility of hypothesizing incorrect health risks to explain nonrandom mortality patterns increases.

Association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase polymorphisms and lung cancer risk.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) plays a dual role in the detoxification and activation of tobacco procarcinogens. Two polymorphisms affecting enzyme activity have been described in the exons 3 and 4 of the mEH gene, which result in the substitution of amino acids histidine to tyrosine at residue 113, and arginine to histidine at residue 139, respectively. We performed a hospital-based case-control study consisting of 277 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and 496 control subjects to investigate a possible association between these two polymorphisms and lung cancer risk. The polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism and TaqMan assay using DNA from peripheral white blood cells. Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs), confidence limits (CL) and to control for possible confounders. The exon 3 polymorphism of the mEH gene was associated with a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer. The adjusted OR, calculated relative to subjects with the Tyr113/Tyr113 wild type, for the His113/His113 genotype was 0.38 (95% CL 0.20-0.75). An analysis according to histological subtypes revealed a statistically significant association for adenocarcinomas; the adjusted OR for the His113/His113 genotype was 0.40 (95% CL 0.17-0.94). In contrast, no relationship between the exon 4 polymorphism and lung cancer risk was found. The adjusted OR, calculated relative to the His139/His139 wild type, was for the Arg139/Arg139 genotype 1.83 (0.76-4.44). Our results support the hypothesis that genetically reduced mEH activity may be protective against lung cancer.

The lunar cycle and the number of deliveries in Austria between 1970 and 1999.

The effect of the moon on the number of newborns has been investigated extensively with contradictory results but with few significant findings. In this paper, a possible lunar effect is analyzed by a nonlinear Poisson regression model similar to a Fourier analysis based on all children (n = 2,760,362) born in Austria between 1970 and 1999, i.e. 371 lunar cycles. We found no significant effect even when considering the influence of parity and gestation. Our study is in contrast to a French study using a similarly large data base which showed a weak but significant effect. Nevertheless, significant p values based on very large samples must be interpreted cautiously. Our study is in concordance with other studies which often use small and selected samples or rather inefficient statistical methods. We conclude that there is no significant effect of the lunar cycle on the number of deliveries in Austria.

A cohort mortality and nested case-control study of French and Austrian talc workers.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether the mortality from non-malignant and malignant respiratory diseases of workers employed in French and Austrian talc mines and mills is related to their long term occupational exposure. METHODS: Two historical cohorts were set up comprising all male subjects who had been working continuously for at least 1 year in a series of talc producing companies in France and Austria. The French cohort consisted of those employed at a site in the French Pyrenees and working between 1 January 1945 and 31 December 1994. The Austrian cohort consisted of the workers employed between 1 January 1972 and 31 December 1995 in one of four industrial sites in the Austrian Alps. The mortality within the cohorts was compared with local death rates. Two nested case-control studies focusing on non-malignant and malignant respiratory diseases were set up to estimate possible dose-response relations with cumulative exposure to talc dust based on an industry specific job exposure matrix. RESULTS: Mortality from lung cancer was in small excess in both cohorts (France, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 1.23, 21 cases observed, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.76 to 1.89; Austria, SMR 1.06, seven observed, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.19). A non-significant excess mortality was found for all non-malignant respiratory diseases in the French cohort due to a significant excess for pneumoconiosis (SMR 5.56, three observed, 95% CI 1.12 to 16.2). The case-control study of non-malignant respiratory disease showed an increased mortality in the highest exposure groups (odds ratio (OR) 2.5 for a cumulative exposure > or = 800 y.mg/m(3)) with a significant trend (OR/100 y.mg/m(3) 1.08) with cumulative exposure to talc. On the contrary, no increasing trend could be found in the case-control study of lung cancer. This result must be interpreted considering the small cohort size. Adjustment on smoking and exposure to quartz did not influence these results to any extent. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease was found to be related to high cumulative exposure to talc dust. The small excess in lung cancer does not seem to be attributable to talc.

Prostate cancer in Austria: impact of prostate-specific antigen test on incidence and mortality.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing on prostate cancer mortality in Austria. A join-point regression model and permutation tests were used to identify changes in the slope of age-specific trends respectively calculating the annual percentage change (APC). Age-adjusted incidence increased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 by 79% from 52.2 to 93.6 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in localized/regional stage disease increased in all ages by 143% from 25.7 to 62.4 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in distant disease decreased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 in all ages by 38% from 9.5 to 5.9 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in unstaged disease increased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 in all ages by 300% from 4.5 to 18 cases per 100 000 men/year. Age-adjusted mortality increased (P < 0.05) by 13% from 26.8 in 1983 to 30.3 deaths per 100 000 men/year in 1999. No significant changes of trends in mortality rates were detected in the age groups 50-59 years. In the age group 70-79 years the trend changed (P < 0.05) direction in 1991 and in 1994; 1983 through 1991 APC = 3.52 (95% CI 1.37, 5.72), 1991 through 1994 APC = -10.27 (95% CI -26.20, 9.1) and 1994 through 1999 APC = -0.25 (95% CI -4.55, 4.24). PSA testing increased incidence but no impact on mortality in the target population can be observed so far.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 and lung cancer risk.

Susceptibility to lung cancer may, in part, be determined by interindividual differences in the cytochrome P450-catalysed bioactivation and the glutathione S-transferase-catalysed detoxification of procarcinogens. Therefore a lung cancer case-control study was set up to investigate the association of three polymorphisms of the CYP1A1 gene (CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, CYP1A1*4) and GSTM1*0 genotype with lung cancer risk in Austrian Caucasians. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 134 male lung cancer patients and 134 age-matched controls with nonmalignant conditions and PCR-based analyses were performed. There was no significant difference in risk between cases and controls, either for the CYP1A1*2A (OR=1.09, 95%CI=0.46-2.58), CYP1A1*2B (OR=1.09, 95%CL=0.46-2.58) or for the CYP1A1*4 polymorphism (OR=0.49, 95%CL=0.20-1.16). The prevalence of the GSTM1*0 genotype in the lung cancer group (47.8%) was comparable to that found in the control group (49.3%) and also had no effect on lung cancer risk (OR=0.94, 95%CL=0.54-1.57). Further, in a subgroup of male ever-smokers (n=126), no significant influence on the relative risk was found for these polymorphisms. Our results suggest that these investigated polymorphisms can not be considered as genetic susceptibility markers for lung cancer within the Austrian Caucasian population.

A comparative cross-sectional study of lower urinary tract symptoms in both sexes.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this investigation were to compare prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both sexes and to analyze their effect on everyday life ('botherness') in a cross-sectional study design. METHODS: Individuals participating in a health survey in Vienna completed a German version of the Bristol LUTS questionnaire. In this questionnaire, storage (irritative) and voiding (obstructive) symptoms were assessed by six items, each followed by a quality of life ('botherness') question. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 1,191 women (49.8+/-13.5 years) and 1,211 men (48.5+/-11.9 years) were analyzed. The mean increase in LUTS from the youngest (20-39 years) to the oldest (>70 years) age group was 43.7% (7.3%/decade) for men and 23.6% (3.9%/decade) for women. In all decades, storage symptoms were higher for women. Beyond the age of 60 years this discrepancy declined. Voiding symptoms were almost identical in both sexes until the 5th decade, thereafter they increased significantly in men but not in women. 'Urgency' and 'frequency' were more bothersome to older individuals, 'nocturia' and voiding symptoms were almost equally bothersome to younger and older participants. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide insights into the development of storage and voiding problems with age in both sexes. Sex- and age-stratified analyses of quality of life impairments ('botherness') due to LUTS have demonstrated the importance of age for the impact of LUTS on the bother score.

Risk factors for urinary incontinence in both sexes. Analysis of a health screening project.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify factors related to urinary incontinence in both sexes by analysing almost 2.500 individuals participating in a health screening project in the area of Vienna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An incontinence questionnaire (Bristol LUTS questionnaire) was included to health investigations. During this investigation (a) a medical history; (b) a physical investigation; (c) sociodemographic parameters including smoking, eating and drinking habits, and (d) urine and blood study including 14 parameters were obtained. The parameters collected during this health investigation were correlated to the presence of urinary incontinence to identify potential risk factors for urinary incontinence. RESULTS: 1,262 women (49.7+/-13.6 years) and 1,236 men (48.6+/-13.0 years) were analyzed. In the female population, 26.3% reported on episodes of urinary incontinence during the past 4 weeks. Among other factors, age (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.22), body mass index (r = 0.20), urgency (r = 0.16), feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (r = 0.21), previous uro-gynecological surgery and fasting blood glucose correlated significantly to urinary incontinence. Five percent of men were incontinent, age (r = 0.12), urgency (r = 0.16), nocturia (r = 0.16), feeling of incomplete emptying (r = 0.16), reduced uroflow (r = 0.18) and previous prostatectomy (r = 0.11) correlated to the presence of urinary incontinence. In both sexes, smoking habits and the education level revealed no association. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of urinary incontinence, its socioeconomic implications, the continuously ageing population and the fact that a number of potential risk factors, particularly in women, have been identified suggest that targeted prevention is a major task for the future.

Polymorphisms of glutathione-S-transferase genes (GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1) and prostate-cancer risk.

Several polymorphic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes are involved in the metabolism of a number of potential prostate carcinogens and are thought to engage in the transport of steroid hormones. A case-control study was conducted to determine the association of the GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and prostate-cancer risk. The study population consisted of 166 patients with previously untreated, histologically proven prostate cancer and 166 age-matched control patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), all of them Caucasians. In the GSTP1 gene, 2 polymorphic alleles, GSTP1*B and GSTP1*C, have been described in addition to the wild-type allele, GSTP1*A. Both polymorphic GSTP1 alleles have an A-to-G transition in exon 5, causing an isoleucine-to-valine change. The GSTP1*C allele has an additional transition from C to T. For GSTM1 as well as GSTT1, the polymorphic allele is a deletion of the gene. The proportion of individuals homozygous for the GSTP1 variant alleles (GSTP1*B/*B, GSTP1*B/*C and GSTP1*C/*C) was significantly lower in prostate-cancer patients (4.8%) than in BPH controls (14.5%), and the odds ratio (OR) was 0.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09-0.61). The heterozygous genotypes (GSTP1*A/*B and GSTP1*A/*C) were also lower in the cancer group, though this was not significant. On the contrary, no significant effect on prostate-cancer risk was detectable for either GSTM1 (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.55-1.36) or GSTT1 (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.43-1.42). Of the polymorphic GSTs, GSTP1 is the most interesting candidate as a biomarker for prostate-cancer risk as we found a 76% reduced risk in men homozygous for the polymorphic GSTP1 alleles compared to those with wild-type GSTP1.

Association of vitamin D receptor and 17 hydroxylase gene polymorphisms with benign prostatic hyperplasia and benign prostatic enlargement.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether polymorphisms in 17 hydroxylase (CYP17) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes have an association to prostate volume/histology and endocrine patterns in elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: Elderly men with LUTS underwent the following investigations: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assessment of prostate volume, and an endocrine study. Polymorphisms of CYP17 (T-->C substitution in the 5' promoter region) and VDR (T1055C) genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction-length polymorphism analysis, using DNA from peripheral white blood cells. Clinical and endocrine parameters and the prostate stroma/epithelial ratio were correlated to CYP17 and VDR genotypes. RESULTS: A total of 148 (mean +/- SD, 67.0 +/- 9.7 years) patients were analyzed. IPSS (17.8 +/- 7.0), prostate volume (41.9 +/- 17.9 cc), maximum flow rate (10.9 +/- 5.8 mL/s), and PSA (4.7 +/- 4.7 ng/mL) indicate a typical LUTS population. Mean endocrine levels were consistently within age-specific reference values. Neither CYP17 nor VDR gene polymorphisms revealed an association to prostate size, PSA, clinical parameters, and endocrine parameters. Men who had the A1/A1 CYP17 genotype had on average a greater stromal/epithelial ratio than men with the A1/A2 or A2/A2 genotypes, yet after adjusting for multiple testing, this significance disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Gene polymorphisms of CYP17 and VDR have no association to prostate volume, clinical parameters, and endocrine parameters in elderly men. The association of CYP17 polymorphism and prostate histology warrants further studies. Assessment of gene polymorphisms might provide new insights into the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and benign prostate enlargement and may hold promise as genetic biomarkers of this disease.

Management of lower urinary tract symptoms of elderly men in Austria.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this nation-wide study was to determine the current management of elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in Austria, and to assess changes over a 4-year study period from 1995 to 1998. METHODS: The annual figures of prostatectomies performed in Austria from 1995 to 1998 were collected from the Austrian Institute for Health Affairs. Sales figures for finasteride, alpha(1)-receptor blockers and plant extracts were obtained from IMS market sales and Austrian regional compulsory insurance companies. These data were correlated with the number of males living in Austria during the study period and to the estimated numbers of elderly men with moderate and severe LUTS in this country. RESULTS: The annual number of transurethral resections of the prostate (TURPs) decreased from 6,302 in 1995 to 5,297 in 1998 (-16%), and the number of open prostatectomies from 506 to 469 (-7%). Extrapolation of these data to 100,000 men aged > or = 55 years revealed that 0.76% underwent TURP in 1995, this figure decreased to 0.59% in 1998. Market sales of alpha(1)-receptor blockers increased by 497% during the study period and those of finasteride by 1.6%, while plant extract market sales declined by 18.2%. In 1998, plant extracts comprised 43.3% of the total BPH market, alpha(1)-receptor blockers 41.5% and finasteride 15.2%. CONCLUSIONS: During the years 1995-1998, significant changes in medical and surgical BPH therapy were observed in Austria. These data provide the basis for a comparison to the situation in other countries and serve as a baseline investigation for future studies in this country.

[Therapy of cancers from the viewpoint of the Austrian population]. / Die Therapie von Krebserkrankungen aus der Sicht der österreichischen Bevölkerung.

The aim of this study was to survey the level of knowledge of the Austrian population about cancer treatment and to explore the ratings of the respondents concerning the importance of different modalities of treatment. A representative sample of Austrians > or = 15 years of age (n = 2073) was interviewed. Out of the respondents 94% claim that they have heard or read about chemotherapy. With regard to surgery and radiotherapy, this is stated by 83% and 73%, respectively. Hormonal therapy, immunotherapy and complementary therapy are known by a much smaller percentage (34% and less), whereas 52% claim that they have heard about homeopathy as a form of cancer treatment. The self-assessment of knowledge shows that 64% of all respondents state to have some knowledge about chemotherapy (surgery: 45%, radiotherapy: 26%). Persons with limited formal education report to have a lower level of knowledge. Surgery is rated to be the most important regimen, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Respondents with some knowledge about a certain treatment give higher ratings concerning the importance of this modality. The survey shows that a high percentage of the Austrian population has heard or read about chemotherapy and claims to have some knowledge about it. Especially the latter is not found for other treatments. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are seen as the most important modalities of treatment. Individuals with a low level of education constitute an especially important target group for information about cancer treatment.

Symptoms suggestive of atopic rhinitis in children aged 6-9 years and the indoor environment.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the influence of indoor factors on the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of atopic rhinitis in children aged 6-9 years in Upper Austria. METHODS: We analyzed the results from an extended ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire, answered by the parents, about indoor environment and symptoms strongly suggesting atopic rhinitis. This was defined as having reported a running, obstructed, or itchy nose apart from having a cold in the last year. The overall response rate was 93.4%. After excluding 6,016 children (17.1%) with changed indoor environment (due to allergies in the family), we analyzed the remaining subsample of 18,606 questionnaires. RESULTS: The following factors were associated with an increased risk: mother's smoking during pregnancy and/or during time of breast-feeding (OR 1.28; CI 1.07-1.52), synthetic bedding (OR 1.21; CI 1.09-1.36), dampness/mold at home (OR 1.51; CI 1.31-1.74), central heating with gas (OR 1.75; CI 1.06-2.87), and space heating (OR 1.66; CI 1.01-2.98). Cooking with wood (OR 0.62; CI 0.46-0.84) was negatively associated with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The indoor environment plays a role in the symptoms of atopic rhinitis in children. However, the population-attributable risks were not particularly high; they were between -2.7% and 9% for the various exposures considered in this study.

[Prevalence of smoking habits of Upper Austria students of the 7th and 8th grade and effect of smoking habits of family and peers]. / Prävalenz der Rauchgewohnheiten von oberösterreichischen Schülern der 7. und 8. Schulstufe und Einfluss der Rauchgewohnheiten von Familie und Peers.

The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of different smoking habits in a population of Austrian pupils, 12 to 15 years old, and the relationship of familial and peer group smoking customs with these habits. In 1997 a population-based survey (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, ISAAC) was conducted of all 7th and 8th grade school children of a district of Upper Austria. Information on the smoking habits of the adolescents, the family members, and of the peer as well as smoking habits of the teacher, gender, and age of the children was collected. The overall-prevalence of having ever smoked in this population is 57.8%. The percentage of eversmokers among the 12-year-olds is 50%. This amount increases to 63.8% among the 14- to 15-year-olds. The odds ratios for smoking daily is highest among those whose best friend smokes (OR: 70.63, CI: 9.19, 542.40). The risk of daily smoking increases also if the siblings of the juvenile (OR: 4.71, CI: 1.15, 19.35) or the mother (OR: 4.95, CI: 1.67, 14.70) smoke. If the father smokes the risk to smoke monthly is increased (OR: 2.09, CI: 1.28, 3.40). These results point to the fact that smoking prevention programes should take into account the influence of peers and family of the adolescents.

Austrian women's attitudes toward and knowledge of breast self-examination.

BACKGROUND: Education of women to perform breast self-examination is a main objective of cancer societies worldwide. METHODS: By means of a questionnaire, 975 healthy women in an Austria-wide population-based cross-sectional study were asked about their knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography, and their cancer histories. RESULTS: 92% of the women knew BSE but only 31% practiced it thoroughly. Women living in rural communities with a life companion and younger women were more likely to practice BSE. Women who had family histories of cancer, especially older women, performed BSE significantly more often. There was a trend towards increasing BSE with increasing personal perception of the risk of cancer, especially among older women. The study showed a positive association between BSE and screening mammography. CONCLUSIONS: Although knowledge of BSE is widespread, it is actually practiced by only one third of women. Older women but not young women carry out BSE significantly more often when they have family histories of cancer. Information campaigns should target specific groups and emphasize the effectiveness of properly done BSE.