scholarly journals Gender Disparity in Risk Factors of COVID-19 Mortality Rate

Author(s):  
Uma Ranjan ◽  
Anush Kini ◽  
Harish P B ◽  
Monica Anand

Abstract Incidence and mortality rates due to COVID-19 have varied widely in different parts of the world and placed a huge strain on hospital resources. Understanding the underlying reasons behind such variation is crucial to developing population-specific or even individual-specific management strategies. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of incidence and mortality rates from data collected over a cumulative period of approximately 6.5 months from February to August 2020 across 411 districts of India, totalling over 2 million individuals. We identify the health factors which have both positive as well as negative correlates with high mortality rates, using data obtained from district-wise aggregated COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates and health data obtained from National Family Health Survey (NFHS). To obtain robust indicators, we apply both machine learning techniques as well as classical statistical methods and show that the same factors are identified by both methods. We also identify positive and negative correlates at multiple population scales by dividing the cohort into sub-cohorts formed from two Indian states which were further segregated by gender. We show that there is a disparity of risk factors among males and females. While obesity is the highest risk factor for men, anaemia is the highest risk factor for women. Hence, to better manage the health of a specific group of people, it is important to consider gender-wise heterogeneity in health risk factors which could contribute to differing vulnerabilities

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthea Worley ◽  
Karen Grimmer-Somers

Glaucoma is an insidious eye disease, potentially putting 4% of older Australians at risk of blindness, unless detected sufficiently early for initiation of effective treatment. This paper reports on the strengths of evidence and glaucoma risk factors that can be identified by primary health care providers from a patient’s history. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed databases identified relevant secondary evidence published between 2002 and 2007. Risk factors that could be determined from a patient’s history were identified. A novel glaucoma risk factor reference guide was constructed according to evidence strength and level of concern regarding risk of developing glaucoma. The evidence is strong and consistent regarding the risk of developing glaucoma, and elevated intraocular pressure, advancing age, non-Caucasian ethnicity and family history of glaucoma. There is moderate evidence of association with glaucoma, and migraine, eye injury, myopia and long-term use of corticosteroids. There is conflicting evidence for living in a rural location, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Early detection of people at risk of developing glaucoma can be initiated using our risk factor guide coupled with a comprehensive patient history. Timely future assessment and subsequent management strategies for at-risk individuals can then be effectively and efficiently actioned.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Mahmoud Fathy Barakat ◽  
Khalid Mahmoud AbdAlaziz ◽  
Mohamed Mahmoud Mahmoud El Tabbakh ◽  
Mohamed Kamal Alden Ali

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the United States, HCC is the ninth leading cause of cancer deaths. Despite advances in prevention techniques, screening, and new technologies in both diagnosis and treatment, incidence and mortality continue to rise. Cirrhosis remains the most important risk factor for the development of HCC regardless of etiology. Hepatitis B and C are independent risk factors for the development of cirrhosis. Alcohol consumption remains an important additional risk factor in the United States as alcohol abuse is five times higher than hepatitis C. Diagnosis is confirmed without pathologic confirmation. Screening includes both radiologic tests, such as ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and serological markers such as αfetoprotein at 6-month interval. Aim To compare characteristics and behavior of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic HCV patients and HVB patients Patients and Methods The current study was conducted on patients with de HCC presented at HCC clinic, Tropical medicine department Ain Shams University Hospitals between December 2017 and D ecember 2018, aged (18-70 years old) . Results eline characteristics of study population shown in Table 1 at enrolment, including gender, Education status, co-morbidity, underlying presence or absence of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class of patients infected with viral hepatitis, and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Male proportion observed to be predominant in both HCV (62%) and HBV (75.4%) infected HCC population. Overall prevalence of HCV and HBV in patients having HCC was 65.95% and 34.04%, respectively. Presence of underlying liver cirrhosis was more significantly associated with HCV seropositives as compared to HBV seropositive patients (p0.05). Table 2 shows comparison of means between HCV and HBV seropositive patients with HCC. In univariate analysis, mean age difference (11.6 years), and total bilirubin levels (-1.91mg/dl) were the only statistically significant observations noted among HCV-HCC group (p = 0.05) Conclusion Hepatocellular carcinoma is mainly caused by Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B viruses, but latter showed predominance, comparatively worldwide and correlated HBV directly as a cause of HCC rather than HCV whose relation with HCC is still unclear (Shepard et al., 2006; Di Bisceglie, 2009). Because of the geographical differences and risk factors, the epidemiological burden of HCV and HBV has been observed different in different areas of the world. In developing countries due to high burden of HCV infection as compared to HBV such as in Taiwan (HCV 17.0%, HBV 13.8%) (Kao et al., 2011), Guam (HCV 19.6%, HBV 18%) (Haddock et al., 2013), and Pakistan (HCV 4.8%, HBV 2.5%) (Rehman et al., 1996; Raza et al., 2007; Qureshi et al., 2010; Butt et al., 2012;) will possibly


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Bandosz ◽  
Maria Guzman-Castillo ◽  
Simon Capewell ◽  
Tomasz Zdrojewski ◽  
Julia Critchley ◽  
...  

Background: Poland has experienced one of the most dramatic declines in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates in recent decades. This decline reflects the use of evidence based treatments and, crucially, population wide changes in diet. Our aim is to explore the potential for further gains in Poland by achieving population wide reductions in smoking, dietary salt and saturated fat intake and physical inactivity levels. Methods: A validated and updated policy model was used to forecast potential decreases in CHD deaths by 2020 as consequence of lifestyle and dietary changes in the population. Data from the most recent Polish risk factor survey was used for the baseline (2011). We modeled two different policy scenarios regarding possible future changes in risk factors: A) conservative scenario: reduction of smoking prevalence and physically inactivity rates by 5% between 2011 and 2020, and reduction of dietary consumption of energy from saturated fats by 1% and of salt by 10%. B) ideal scenario: reduction of smoking and physically inactivity prevalence by 15%, and dietary reduction of energy from saturated fats by 3% and of salt by 30%. We also conducted extensive sensitivity analysis using different counterfactual scenarios of future mortality trends. Results: Baseline scenarios. By assuming continuing declines in mortality and no future improvements in risk factors the predicted number of CHD deaths in 2020 would be approximately 13,600 (9,838-18,184) while if mortality rates remain stable, the predicted number of deaths would approximate 22,200 (17,792-26,688). Conservative scenario. Assuming continuing declines in mortality, small changes in risk factors could result in approximately 1,500 (688-2,940) fewer deaths. This corresponds to a 11% mortality reduction. Under the ideal scenario, our model predicted some 4,600 (2,048-8,701) fewer deaths (a 34% mortality reduction). Reduction in smoking prevalence by 5% (conservative scenario) or 15% (ideal scenario) could result in mortality reductions of 4.5% and 13.8% respectively. Decreases in salt intake by 10% or 30% might reduce CHD deaths by 3.0% and 8.6% respectively. Replacing 1% or 3% of dietary saturated fats by poly-unsaturates could reduce CHD deaths by 2.6% or 7.7% Lowering the prevalence of physically inactive people by 5%-15% could decrease CHD deaths by 1.2%-3.7%. Conclusion: Small and eminently feasible population reductions in lifestyle related risk factors could substantially decrease future number of CHD deaths in Poland, thus consolidating the earlier gains.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 938-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Feng ◽  
Yu-Hang Ai ◽  
Hua Gong ◽  
Long Wu ◽  
Mei-Lin Ai ◽  
...  

Background: Sepsis and sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) are common intensive care unit (ICU) diseases; the morbidity and mortality are high. The present study analyzed the sensitivity of different diagnostic criteria of sepsis 1.0 and 3.0, epidemiological characteristics of sepsis and SAE, and explored its risk factors for death, short-term, and long-term prognosis. Methods: The retrospective study included patients in ICU from January 2015 to June 2016. After excluding 58 patients, 175 were assigned to either an SAE or a non-SAE group (patients with sepsis but no encephalopathy). The sensitivity of the diagnostic criteria was compared between sepsis 1.0 and 3.0, respectively. Between-group differences in baseline data, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (APACHE II score), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA score), etiological data, biochemical indicators, and 28-day and 180-day mortality rates were analyzed. Survival outcomes and long-term prognosis were observed, and risk factors for death were analyzed through 180-day follow-up. Results: The sensitivity did not differ significantly between the diagnostic criteria of sepsis 1.0 and 3.0 ( P = .286). The 42.3% incidence of SAE presented a significantly high APACHE II and SOFA scores as well as 28-day mortality and 180-day mortality (all P < .001). The incidence of death was 37.1%. The multivariate stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of death in SAE group was significantly higher than the non-SAE group ( P < .001). Sepsis-associated encephalopathy is a risk factor for sepsis-related death (relative risk [RR] = 2.868; 95% confidence interval: 1.730-4.754; P < .001). Although males showed a significantly high rate of 28-day and 180-day mortality ( P = .035 and .045), it was not an independent risk factor for sepsis-related death ( P = .072). The long-term prognosis of patients with sepsis was poor with decreased quality of life. No significant difference was observed in prognosis between the SAE and non-SAE groups ( P > .05). Conclusion: Both diagnostic criteria cause misdiagnosis, and the sensitivity did not differ significantly. The incidence of SAE was high, and 28-day and 180-day mortality rates were significantly higher than those without SAE. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy is a risk factor for poor outcome. The overall long-term prognosis of patients with sepsis was poor, and the quality of life decreased.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilmer Tarupi ◽  
Esther de Vries ◽  
Patricia Cueva ◽  
José Yépez

Background. Despite the significant global decline in mortality and incidence, gastric cancer (GC) remains a very common cause of illness and death in the Latin American region. This article seeks to describe, in depth, the time trend of incidence and mortality of GC in the city of Quito, from 1985 to 2013. Methods. Using data from the Quito Cancer Registry, annual sex-specific age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated. The analysis included all types of GC together, as well as by histological subtype. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to estimate the annual percentage change (EAPC). To evaluate cohort and period effects, Age-Period-Cohort (APC) modeling was performed. Results. Over time, incidence rate decreased from 30.4 to 18.8 cases in men and from 20.1 to 12.9 cases in women. The mortality rate decreased from 17.5 to 14.4 deaths in men and from 14.2 to 10.9 deaths in women. The incidence trend was composed of a first period (1986-1999) of strong decline (EAPC Men= -2.6, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -4.2, -0.9; EAPC Women= -3.2, 95% CI: -4.6, -1.9), followed by a less important decrease in men (EAPC= -0.8, 95% CI:-2.5, 0.9) and a slight increase in women (EAPC= 0.7, 95% CI: -1.4; 2.8). Mortality rates were constantly decreasing in both men (EAPC= -0.5, 95% CI: -0.9, -0.1) and women (EAPC= -0.9, 95% CI: -1.7, -0.1) throughout the period of analysis. Conclusions. The declines in incidence and mortality rates are stagnating. It is important to take measures to further reduce the high burden of GC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Priyadarshani Galappatthy ◽  
Vipula Bataduwaarachchi ◽  
Priyanga Ranasinghe ◽  
Gamini Galappatthy ◽  
Upul Senerath ◽  
...  

Objective. To assess sex-based differences in the prevalence of risk factor, their management, and differences in the prognosis among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Sri Lanka. Methods. Patients diagnosed with ACS were recruited from hospitals throughout the island. The Joint European Societies guidelines were used to assess recommended targets for coronary heart disease risk factors, and the GRACE score was used to assess the post-ACS prognosis. Age-adjusted regression was performed to calculate odds ratios for men versus women in risk factor control. Results. A total of 2116 patients, of whom 1242 (58.7%) were men, were included. Significant proportion of women were nonsmokers; OR = 0.11 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.13). The prevalence of hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes (p<0.001), and dyslipidemia (p=0.004) was higher in women. The LDL-C target was achieved in a significantly higher percentage of women (12.6%); OR = 0.33 (95% CI 0.10 to 1.05). When stratified by age, no significant differences were observed in achieving the risk factor targets or management strategies used except for fasting blood sugar (p<0.05) where more men achieved control target in both age categories. Majority of the ACS patients had either high or intermediate risk for one-year mortality as per the GRACE score. In-hospital and 1-year mean mortality risk was significantly higher among men of less than 65 years of age (p<0.05). Conclusions. Smoking is significantly lower among Sri Lankan women diagnosed with ACS. However, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among them. There was no difference in primary and secondary preventive strategies and management in both sexes but could be further improved in both groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13621-e13621
Author(s):  
Yvonne Sada ◽  
Efthalia Zafeiropoulou ◽  
Peter Richardson ◽  
Jennifer Kramer ◽  
Israel Christie ◽  
...  

e13621 Background: Males have excess risk of most digestive cancers; whether cancer mainly due to virus (stomach), lifestyle including obesity/alcohol (colon/esophagus), or both (liver). We evaluated for secular trends in gender-specific incidence, mortality and survival for these cancers in the U.S. Methods: We used official U.S. Cancer Statistics [USCS] data (2000-2016) to calculate annual age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates (IR/MR). It covers >98% population/all states (vs. SEER-10 statewide registries, covers <1/3rd African-Americans/Whites). We calculated mortality-to-incidence rate ratios (MIR), an established 5-year survival proxy. We used Joinpoint to assess trends in average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: Table shows age-adjusted IRs and MRs for colon, esophagus and stomach cancer decreased for men and women (all AAPCs negative, all significant but stomach IR women), with both liver IR/MR significantly increasing in both genders. Gender differences in relative burden were seen (e.g., MRs in colon>esophagus>liver>stomach in men vs. colon>stomach>liver>esophagus in women), with greatest male excess in esophagus (e.g., 4.4-fold IR). MIRs suggested less favorable survival (higher=worse) for men for esophagus/colon. Conclusion: Substantial gender disparity persists in digestive cancers, with male excess gap decreasing for colon and increasing for liver. [Table: see text]


2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
pp. 1360-1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. H. M. FRIESEMA ◽  
M. SCHOTSBORG ◽  
M. E. O. C. HECK ◽  
W. VAN PELT

SUMMARYShiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) infections have been associated with severe illness. Ruminants are seen as the main reservoir and the major transmission route is considered to be foodborne. In The Netherlands, a case-control study was conducted, using data collected during 2008–2012. Patients were interviewed and controls completed a self-administered questionnaire. Patients travelling abroad were excluded from the analyses. STEC O157 and non-O157 were examined separately and differentiated into two age groups (<10 years, ⩾10 years). We included 130 O157 cases, 78 non-O157 cases and 1563 controls. In both age groups of O157 patients, raw spreadable sausage was the main risk factor for infection. For STEC non-O157 cases aged <10 years, contact with farm animals was the main risk factor and in non-O157 cases aged ⩾10 years, consumption of beef was the main risk factor. During 2008–2012, risk factors for STEC infections in the Dutch population differed between age groups and serogroup categories, and were related to eating meat and contact with farm animals. Advising the public about the risks of consuming raw or undercooked meat (products) and hygiene habits in case of contact with farm animals, could help in the prevention of STEC infections.


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