scholarly journals Breast cancer in Latin America: global burden, patterns, and risk factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina Amadou ◽  
Gabriela Torres-Mejía ◽  
Pierre Hainaut ◽  
Isabelle Romieu

Breast cancer is a major public health problem in Latin America (LA) and the most common form of cancer among women. An important variability according to ethnicity/race with respect to incidence/mortality, clinical characteristics, and prognosis is observed throughout LA. In addition, women are more likely to develop breast cancer (BC) at younger age and to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to western women. While little is known about specific risk factors, changes in reproductive pattern (parity, breastfeeding) and lifestyle factors including sedentary behaviours, unhealthy diet, and alcohol intake may contribute to the increase of BC incidence. In this paper we give an overview of the burden and patterns of BC, review the leading causes of BC and discuss the possible ways to improve BC preven- tion and control in LA.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
D. Jayarajan ◽  
V. Abirami

Obesity is a chronic disease defined by an excessive accumulation of body fat that represents health risks, being considered now a days the major public health problem worldwide. Obesity is characterized as a low-grade inflammatory disease due to the variety of pro-inflammatory adipokines secreted by adipose tissue, especially visceral adipose tissue. This inflammation is characterized by macrophage infiltration and expression of inflammatory adipokines, which are related to insulin resistance, blood pressure, and vascular endothelium alterations. These alterations are closely related to development and progression of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including paediatric patients. Obesity considered now as  one among  the major global issue affecting young adults. Rapid changes in sedentary lifestyle choices were the risk factors for obesity including unhealthy diet patterns, expending time in front of TV  and lacking physical activity etc. The present study aimed for correlating the risk factors of obesity with healthy groups among the adolescent population. And the result were recorded with significant level of elevation in most of the parameters  in cases than control and the significance was represented as student’s test. (p<0.001).


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-50
Author(s):  
Gyambo Sithey ◽  
Anne Marie Thow ◽  
Jayendra Sharma ◽  
Karma Lhazin ◽  
Mu Li

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are major public health problem in Bhutan, accounting for 68% of total deaths. The growing epidemic of NCDs threatens the achievement of Gross National Happiness (GNH). NCDs are the results of complex interaction of social and economic risk factors and change in diet and lifestyle. Effective action to prevent and control these diseases requires a whole-of-government approach.In this paper we review new evidence to support political priority for NCDs in Bhutan. One third of the Bhutanese are overweight (33%) and hypertensive (35.7), and 6.4% are diabetic. The prevalence of modifiable risk factors is also very high. We also present the analysis of strategic policy opportunities for health sector to integrate the ‘Multisectoral national action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs, 2015-2020’ into policies across all relevant sectors. Our analysis has identified three specific opportunities for the health sector to engage strategically to strengthen action on NCDs and GNH, concurrently: 1) raising priority actions on NCDs within the existing GNH multisectoral committee, to achieve both health and happiness objectives; 2) identifying shared agenda between NCDs and GNH to achieve both health and happiness objectives; and 3) identifying shared GNH determinants between NCDs and GNH to enhance action on NCDs. Addressing NCDs aligns with the optimization of Gross National Happiness. It is imperative that the Government of Bhutan recognize that action on NCDs is an integral element for achieving GNH.


Author(s):  
Masuder Rahman ◽  
Sakila Akter ◽  
Fatama Tous Zohora ◽  
Abu Zaffar Shibly

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major public health problem throughout the world. In Bangladesh, the reliable data concerning various aspects of CVD is inadequate at present due to lack of national population-based surveys or central administrative health data. Given the rising incidence of CVDs in Bangladesh, an improved understanding of the CVD, symptoms and risk factors is needed. Hence, this study was performed to assess the level of knowledge towards CVD types, warning symptoms of heart attack or stroke, and CVD risk factors.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 using standard questionnaire on a sample of 350 randomly selected Bangladeshi individuals. All the data of the study were input in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 software from IBM for windows and the gathered data thus analyzed using SPSS & Microsoft Excel.Results: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).Conclusions: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Martin Ramos Herrera

BACKGROUND Breast cancer has become a major public health problem around the world, especially in Mexico and Latin America. Screening for breast cancer, which involves self-examination, mammography, and clinical breast examination, is crucial for early diagnosis, which in turn is associated with improved outcomes and survival rates. Although breast cancer prevention and control activities are being implemented in Mexico and Latin America, as in many other countries, there are no comprehensive public reports that provide information on the number, type, and scope of these activities; the impact of the programs and actions implemented; and the policies that form the basis of these programs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to present the design of a protocol for a scoping review on the policies and action programs for breast cancer care in Mexico and Latin America, as well as their objectives and implementation plans. METHODS This scoping review is guided by the methodological reference framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. A systematic search of the following electronic databases will be performed: MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Academic Search Complete (EBSCOHost), ERIC, ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index) in English and Cochrane and MEDES-MEDicina in Spanish. A search will be conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2018. Data will be analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics and qualitative content analyses with analysis matrices and semantic networks. The selected studies will be arranged according to the Specific Action Program, Prevention and Control of Female Cancer 2013-2018. RESULTS The intention is to perform this review during the first and second quarters of 2019 and present the results to health authorities by the first quarter of 2020. Results will also be sent for publication to an indexed journal by the second quarter of 2020. CONCLUSIONS We present a protocol for a scoping review–type literature revision based on the Arksey and O’Malley methodology to be performed during the first quarter of 2019. According to this 6-stage methodology, we will identify the scientific publications that present or analyze first-level action policies and programs for breast cancer care in Mexican women, as well as the results of these policies and programs, if any. The outcome of this review will be used to define the basis of a research project intended to design an educational intervention strategy for the general public in Mexico to enable them to deal with this public health problem. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR PRR1-10.2196/12624


Author(s):  
Farid Abdulwahab Ghrayeb ◽  
Omar Rimawz ◽  
Azzam Nimer

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem globally. The incidence of cancer is escalating rapidly in many low- and middle-income countries like Palestine due to the epidemiological transition. This could be due to lack of awareness, knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and its management among females. Aims and objectives was to determine knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and early detection methods among Al-Quds University female students.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months in Al-Quds University. Study population was 332 female university students. Data was collected by using self-administered questionnaire.Results: The most widely known risk factors by the students were old age 62.7%, followed by obesity 44% and never being pregnant 30.7%. Approximately half of the students (48.8%) identified breast lump as a symptom for breast cancer. However, non lump symptoms were less known and less than half were aware of other warning signs. Only 48.5 % of students identified correctly the appropriate time to perform breast self examination.Conclusions: The findings of this study showed a low level of knowledge on breast cancer risk factors, early warning signs and BSE among female university students. Therefore, effective educational programs are required to improve the knowledge level of university students regarding breast cancer and related practices.


Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Mino ◽  
Arnaud Bousquet ◽  
Barbara Broers

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-201
Author(s):  
Mir M Hassan Bullo ◽  
Mirza Amir Baig ◽  
Jawad Faisal Malik ◽  
Ejaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Muazam Abbas Ranjha ◽  
...  

Background: Measles is highly contagious vaccine preventable disease (VPD), and a major public health problem considered as leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. An outbreak of measles was reported in Sharifabad Islamabad on 15th of April 2017, and an investigation was launched to assess the magnitude of outbreak, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: A comprehensive house to house active case search along with vaccine coverage survey was conducted from April 19-22, 2017. A case was defined as "onset of maculopapular rash with fever in a resident of Sharifabad with at least one of the following signs/ symptoms, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Otitis media or Pneumonia present in between 19 March to 22nd April 2017". Four age & sex matched controls were selected from the neighborhood. Data was collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and vaccination coverage was determined by using Epi survey form. Blood samples were sent for laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of eight cases were identified through active case finding while three were reported by local practitioner. Mean age of cases were 20 months (range 8-36 months). Severely affected age-group was 1-2 years with attack rate of 46%. Around two-third (64%) of cases and a few (16%) of controls were unvaccinated against measles. Contact with measles patient [OR 25.2, CI 3.9-160.1, P=0.00], unvaccinated children [OR 9.2 CI 2.12-40.4, P=0.000], social misconception regarding vaccination [OR 7.8 CI 1.42-42.6, P=0.00], and distance from healthcare facility [OR 5.7 CI 1.15-28.35, P=0.02] were significant risk factors. Vaccine efficacy was 90%. Conclusion: Main reasons of the outbreak were contact with the cases, and low vaccination status. We recommended comprehensive measles vaccination and community awareness sessions. On our recommendations district health authority Islamabad carried out mop up of whole area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211984020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woragon Wichaiyo ◽  
Wirat Parnsila ◽  
Wisit Chaveepojnkamjorn ◽  
Banchob Sripa

Background: Liver fluke disease caused by Opisthorchis viverrini remains a major public health problem with its crucial risk factors caused by some individual habits or false beliefs among the people in northeastern Thailand concerning the consumption of raw fish meat dishes. Objectives: This study explores the predictive risk factors for the infection of liver fluke disease. Methods: The sample consisted of 400 people aged 30 years and above in Thanya sub-district, Kamalasai district, Kalasin province. A cross-sectional analytic study, using the χ2 test, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, was used to find the influence of each variable, along with the use of multiple logistic regression (p = 0.05). A questionnaire form was used as the research instrument. Results: Factors found in the results are as follows: households with a cat were 7.00 times more at risk than households without a cat; eating raw fish dishes prepared by themselves increases the risk of infection by 2.58 times; eating raw fish dishes prepared by family members increases the risk by 4.74 times; and raw fish dishes bought from a community market increases the risk by 2.33 times. Conclusion: A campaign should be launched to educate people not to eat raw or undercooked fish dishes, but to fully cook fish dishes before eating, as the food is still delicious, but also safe, healthy, and free from liver fluke infection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
Maryam Kusumawaty ◽  
Khairuddin Djawad ◽  
Muh Nasrum Massi ◽  
Andi Muhammad Adam ◽  
Siswanto Wahab ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Patricia Concheiro-Moscoso ◽  
Betania Groba ◽  
Sílvia Monteiro-Fonseca ◽  
Nereida Canosa ◽  
Cristina Queirós

(1) Background: Stress is a major public health problem due to its relevant health, social and economic repercussions. Moreover, stress can be associated with work; when stress increases over time, burnout can occur, an occupational phenomenon recognized by the WHO in 2019. There is interest in the use of wearable devices to monitor and control stressors and their influence on the condition of workers. This study aims to identify the level of job stress and its influence on the quality of life of workers. (2) Methods:This longitudinal study was carried out between the end of May and mid-July 2021. Three assessment tools along with a daily and a weekly questionnaire were computerized through the RedCap platform. The participants had to fill out the diary and weekly questionnaires and wear a Xiaomi Mi Band 5 during the project. (3) Results and discussion: Thirty-six workers from the University of Coruña and from the University of Porto participated in the project. This study promotes the awareness of workers regarding their work stress and the influence of this factor on their quality of life using physiological (e.g., activity, sleep, and heart rate) and psychological indicators (self-report questionnaires in different moments).


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