Sociodemographic and work-related predictors of chronic lower back pain in the United States: the 2018 National Health Interview Survey data.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the current characteristics of people with chronic lower back (CLB) pain, and the sociodemographic and work-related predictors of this pain. STUDY DESIGN: The study design used in the study is a cross-sectional study. METHOD: The 2018 National Health Interview Survey data were used. Chi-squared analysis was used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors after multiple imputation. RESULTS: Of the 72,831 respondents, 25,397 had provided data on CLB pain and were eligible for this study. People with CLB pain were more likely to be obese, white, female, older than 40 years, and did not have a college degree. They were more likely to carry out less than 150 min of moderate aerobic exercise per week. Age was the sociodemographic predictor of CLB pain (P-value <0.001). After imputation and adjusting for covariates, construction and extraction and military-specific occupational groups were associated with an increased risk of CLB pain [odds ratios (OR): 1.32, confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.59, P-value = 0.004; OR: 2.20, CI: 1.36-3.55, P-value = 0.001]. Working between 41 and 60 h/week significantly also had an increased risk of developing CLB pain (OR: 1.13, CI: 1.01-1.27, P-value 0.043; OR: 1.23, CI: 1.10-1.37, P-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Low socio-economic status, poor physical fitness, work-life imbalance, and the type of occupation contribute to the development of CLB pain. An improvement in preventive measures is needed to address this morbidity. More studies should be carried out to analyze the type of workplace movements that increase the risk of developing CLB.

Estimation of radon diffusivity tensor for fractured rocks in cave mines using a discrete fracture network model.

This study develops a numerical model for predicting radon effective diffusivity tensor for fractured rocks using a two dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model. This is motivated by the limitations of existing techniques in predicting the radon diffusion coefficient for the fractured zones of cave mines. These limitations include access to the fractured zones for the purpose of conducting field studies as well as replication of the degree of fracturing in these zones for laboratory studies. The caving of a rock mass involves the fracturing and breaking of intact and naturally fractured rock, which creates migration pathways for radon gas trapped within uranium-rich rock. Therefore, this study develops a stochastic DFN model with equations derived from radon transport to predict diffusivity. Our simulation results reveal the establishment of a representative elementary volume (REV) for diffusivity tensor; approximately equal principal and cross diffusivity magnitudes for each of the DFN domain; a range of diffusivity with porosity (calculated based on the fractures in the domain); and a significant effect of fracture density on diffusivity tensor. These results are essential in developing proactive measures for mitigation of radon gas in cave mines.

Cost of epilepsy care in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The economic impact of epilepsy is enormous in terms of use of health care resources and loss of productivity. There is presently scanty data on economic impact of epilepsy in Nigeria,which necessitated this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is on epilepsy patients age e"16 years who attended Neurology clinic at UITH Ilorin. Data collected included clinical characteristics, utilisation of resources and cost of care. Direct medical costs included recurring costs like consultation, hospitalisation, medication and investigation fees. Indirect costs were number of days lost due to seizure attack and travelling to clinic by patients and relatives. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (32 males, 33 females) participated in the study with age range of 16 to 74 years and mean (SD) of 35±17 years. Total clinic attendance was 314 days and 53 days were spent on admission. Close to 25% of patients resided outside Ilorin metropolis and distance traveled to attend clinic varied from 4 to 200 km (mean=47±30.6 km). The total annual cost per patient was 41, 878 ($279.2 USD). It consisted of direct cost [DC] of 33,616 (80%) and indirect cost [IC] of 8262 (20%). The three leading consumptive items in DC were: antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)-24,138, investigations-5373 and transportation-2387. Majority (76.9%) of the patients were on carbamazepine. Self-estimated monthly family income varies from 3000 to 200,000 (median of 25,000). Only 23 patients (35.4%) bore the cost of care themselves. Of the IC, lost earnings due to absenteeism from work amounted to 6177. Equivalent of 1 USD was 150 at time of study. CONCLUSION: AEDs accounted for a significant proportion of TC. Increase in availability of generic drugs could help bring down the cost of care within affordable reach of indigent patients.

Cost of epilepsy care in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The economic impact of epilepsy is enormous in terms of use of health care resources and loss of productivity. There is presently scanty data on economic impact of epilepsy in Nigeria,which necessitated this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is on epilepsy patients age e"16 years who attended Neurology clinic at UITH Ilorin. Data collected included clinical characteristics, utilisation of resources and cost of care. Direct medical costs included recurring costs like consultation, hospitalisation, medication and investigation fees. Indirect costs were number of days lost due to seizure attack and travelling to clinic by patients and relatives. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (32 males, 33 females) participated in the study with age range of 16 to 74 years and mean (SD) of 35 ± 17 years. Total clinic attendance was 314 days and 53 days were spent on admission. Close to 25 % of patients resided outside Ilorin metropolis and distance traveled to attend clinic varied from 4 to 200 km (mean=47 ± 30.6 km). The total annual cost per patient was 41, 878 ($279.2 USD). It consisted of direct cost [DC] of 33,616 (80%) and indirect cost [IC] of 8262 (20%). The three leading consumptive items in DC were: antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) - 24,138, investigations - 5373 and transportation - 2387. Majority (76.9%) of the patients were on carbamazepine. Self-estimated monthly family income varies from 3000 to 200,000 (median of 25,000). Only 23 patients (35.4%) bore the cost of care themselves. Of the IC, lost earnings due to absenteeism from work amounted to 6177. Equivalent of 1 USD was 150 at time of study. CONCLUSION. AEDs accounted for a significant proportion of TC. Increase in availability of generic drugs could help bring down the cost of care within affordable reach of indigent patients.