Project description:BackgroundPrevious studies have shown the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma around the world as well as in China. Nevertheless, little is known about the epidemiology of asthma in preschool children. Thus, the present study investigated the prevalence and severity of asthma in Shanghai, China, and identified related risk factors for asthma in children at the age of 3-6.MethodsInformation was obtained through the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Risk factor analysis was carried out using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The odds ratio (OR)/adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined.ResultsA total of 6,183 children (3,165 boys and 3,018 girls) covering 12 communities were included in our study, with an average age of 4.2 ± 0.7 years. The prevalence of ever asthma, current asthma, and physician-diagnosed asthma was 16.0, 11.2, and 5.3%, respectively. Parental allergic history, including rhinitis and asthma, was significantly associated with asthma symptoms. The strongest association with current asthma was paternal asthma (aOR = 5.91, 95% CI 3.87-9.01), and maternal asthma had the second strongest association with current asthma (3.85; 2.40-6.17). Among personal factors, allergic rhinitis history, eczema history, food allergy history, and antibiotic use in the first year of life were significantly associated with current asthma (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.52-2.34; aOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.09-1.64; aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.37-2.06; aOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.25-1.87, respectively). More than once paracetamol use per year and per month were associated with current asthma in a dose-response manner. Additionally, female sex was an independent protective factor for ever asthma (0.82; 0.70-0.96). Among environmental factors, dampness or mildew at home was an independent risk factor for ever asthma (1.50; 1.15-1.97) and current asthma (1.63; 1.21-2.19). Floor heating system was significantly associated with ever asthma (1.57; 1.25-1.98) and current asthma (1.36; 1.04-1.78). Furthermore, dampness or mildew, infrequent house cleaning, and truck traffic in residential streets were significantly associated with asthma symptoms only in old communities, while paracetamol use in the first year of life and flooring materials were significant factors only in new communities.ConclusionThe prevalence of asthma has increased among preschool children in Shanghai over the past three decades. The identified risk factors indicated the combined effects of genetic, personal, and environmental factors on asthma symptoms. Differentiated strategies should be taken for preventing asthma in old and new communities.
Project description:OBJECTIVE:We aimed to identify the prevalence and distribution patterns of allergens among Chinese children with asthma/asthma-like symptoms (ALS). METHODS:A total of 3479 children with asthma/ALS were enrolled. Skin prick test (SPT) was used to test the allergen-specific IgE. We analysed allergens prevalence and distribution, and its relationship with demographic characteristics. RESULTS:Aeroallergens prevalence was higher than that of food allergens (p?<?10-?4). Boys had higher aeroallergens prevalence than that in girls (p?<?10-?4). Significant difference of aeroallergens prevalence among cases with different parental allergy history was observed (p?<?10-?4). Age was positively associated with aeroallergens prevalence before the age of 11.5 (P?<?10-?4), particularly before the age of 2.42 (P?<?10-?4). Age was negatively associated with aeroallergens prevalence after the age of 11.5 (P?=?0.021). Age was negatively associated with food allergens prevalence before the age of 3.42 (P?<?10-?4). Age was associated with the intensity of dermatophagoides farinae (DF)/house dust mite (HDM) allergens (P?<?10-?4). Age was negatively associated with the intensity of shrimp, and crab allergens before the age of 3.3 and 3.3, respectively (P?=?0.012, <?10-?4). Boys had higher intensity of DF and HDM allergens than that in girls (P?<?10-?4, P?<?10-?4). Significant differences of the intensity of DF and HDM allergens among groups with different parental allergy history were noted (P?<?10-?4, P?<?10-?4). CONCLUSIONS:Boys and parental allergy history were associated with higher prevalence and intenstity of aeroallergens. Age was positively and negatively associated with aeroallergens prevalence before and after the age of 11.5, respectively. Age was negatively associated with food allergens prevalence before the age of 3.42.
Project description:ObjectivesTo identify patients' beliefs or behaviors related to treatment adherence and to assess association between asthma control and adherence in Asian patients with asthma.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study of adult patients with asthma from specialist clinics in six Asian countries. Patients who were deemed by their treating physicians to require a maintenance treatment with an inhaler for at least 1 year were recruited. Patients completed a 12-item questionnaire related to health beliefs and behaviors, the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), the Asthma Control Test (ACT™), and the Standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-S).ResultsOf the 1054 patients recruited, 99% were current users of inhaled corticosteroids. The mean ACT score was 20.0 ± 4.5 and 64% had well-controlled asthma. The mean MMAS-8 score was 5.5 ± 2.0 and 53% were adherent. Adherence was significantly associated with patients' understanding of the disease and inhaler techniques, and with patients' acceptance of inhaler medicines in terms of benefits, safety, convenience, and cost (p < 0.01 for all). In multivariate analysis, three questions related to patients' acceptance of inhaler medicines remained significantly associated with poor adherence, after adjusting for potential confounders: "I am not sure inhaler type medicines work well" (p = 0.001), "Taking medicines more than once a day is inconvenient" (p = 0.002), and "Sometimes I skip my inhaler to use it over a longer period" (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study showed that patients' acceptance of the benefits, convenience and cost of inhaler medications have a significant impact on treatment adherence in the participating Asian countries.
Project description:BackgroundUnderstanding why patients with severe asthma do not follow healthcare provider (HCP) advice to adjust treatment is critical to achieving personalised disease management.MethodsWe reviewed patient choice to follow HCP advice to adjust asthma treatment in a UK-based randomised, controlled, single-blind (study participant), multicentre, parallel group 48-week clinical study comparing biomarker-directed treatment adjustment with standard care in severe asthma.ResultsOf 1572 treatment advisories (291 participants), instructions were followed in 1377 cases (87.6%). Patients were more likely to follow advice to remain on treatment (96.7%) than to either reduce (70.3%) or increase (67.1%) their treatment, with 64% of patients following all treatment advice. Multivariate analysis associated belonging to an ethnic minority group (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.68-5.73) and prior study medication changes (two or more changes: OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.51-5.10) with failure to follow treatment advice. In contrast, emergency room attendance in the prior year (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.92) was associated with following treatment advice. The largest effect was seen with transition onto or off oral corticosteroids (OR 29.28, 95% CI 16.07-53.36) when compared with those requested to maintain treatment. Centre was also an important determinant regarding the likelihood of patients to follow treatment advice.ConclusionsBelonging to an ethnic minority group and multiple prior treatment adjustments were associated with not following HCP treatment advice. Patients also responded differently to HCP advice across UK specialist centres. These findings have implications for the generalisability of models of care in severe asthma and require further focused studies.
Project description:Purpose:Adolescents with asthma often report poor medication adherence and asthma control. Cognitive factors embedded in the social cognitive theory including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and barrier perceptions may explain poor asthma outcomes in this population. This study was performed to examine the extent to which these cognitive factors are intercorrelated and explain medication adherence and asthma control in urban adolescents. Patients and methods:A total of 373 urban adolescents (12-20 years) with asthma completed questionnaires measuring asthma-related self-efficacy, outcome expectations, barrier perceptions, medication adherence, and asthma control. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the extent to which the three cognitive factors predicted medication adherence and asthma control after controlling for covariates including age, sex, household income, and age at diagnosis. Results:Participants' ages were on average 14.68 (±1.94) years; 50% were female, and most (78.6%) were African American. Higher self-efficacy associated with lower barrier perceptions and higher outcome expectations (r=0.50, p<0.001; r=-0.26, p<0.001, respectively). Self-efficacy predicted better asthma control (B=-0.098, p=0.004) and adherence (B=0.426, p=0.011), whereas barrier perceptions predicted poorer asthma control (B=0.13, p<0.001) and adherence (B=-0.568, p<0.001). Self-efficacy independently predicted fewer missed doses (B=-0.621, p=0.006), and barrier perception independently predicted asthma control (B=0.12, p<0.001) and adherence (B=-0.519, p<0.001). Conclusion:Improving medication adherence and asthma control among adolescents may require a multifaceted approach. Interventions focused on increasing self-efficacy and addressing barriers, actual or potential, to medication adherence could ameliorate asthma disparities in urban adolescents.
Project description:Background and purposeAs the global fertility rate declines, China has issued two and three-child policies in the past 10 years. Therefore, this study serves to evaluate fertility intention rates and related factors in couples intending to have a second child and third child.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in mainland China from July to August 2021. Couples with one or two children were invited to participate in our study in order to collect information about more than one child fertility intention and the possibly related factors. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors.ResultsData was collected from a total of 1,026 couples. Among couples with one child, 130 (16.2%) couples had the intention to have a second child. Additionally, only 9.4% of couples with two children desired to have third child. The study revealed large differences in socioeconomic and personal factors between the two groups. For couples with intentions for a second-child, a female age >35 years (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.92), a first child's age range from 3 to 6 (aOR 3.12), annual child spending as a percentage of household income >30% (aOR 2.62), and children's educational barriers (aOR 1.55) were associated with lack of intent to have a second child. Similarly, among couples with two children, parents with family financial constraints (aOR 6.18) and children's educational barriers (aOR 4.93) are more likely to have lack of intent to have a third child. Here, we report that government policies encouraging fertility (aOR 0.04) can effectly promote couples to pursue a second or third child.ConclusionOverall, couples with one or two children in Shanghai had a low intention to give birth to a second or third child. In order to increase the birth rates, it is necessary to implement policies to reduce the burden of raising children and provide relief to parent's pressure of rearing a child with increased free time.
Project description:ObjectiveTo investigate the factors associated with halitosis in Chinese white-collar employees.Materials and methodsSubjects in three randomly selected office buildings in Shanghai, China, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling. Oral malodor was assessed by measuring volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) with a portable sulfide monitor. Subjects' oral health, including dental caries, periodontal status, and tongue coating, was evaluated clinically. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about participants' demographic characteristics, oral hygiene habits, and health behaviors.ResultsOf the 805 subjects invited to participate in this study, 720 were enrolled (89.4% response rate). Data from these subjects were used for statistical analyses. The prevalence of halitosis was 33.2%. In the final regression model, halitosis was significantly related to tongue coating thickness, periodontal pocket depth, no food consumption within 2 hours prior to oral examination, and less intake frequency of sweet foods.ConclusionsIn this Chinese white-collar population, tongue coating and periodontal disease were associated with halitosis. Oral hygiene education should be provided at the population level to encourage the maintenance of oral health and fresh breath. Consumption of sweet foods may reduce VSC production, although this finding requires further investigation.
Project description:BackgroundOral mucosal diseases (OMDs) encompass a variety of different types of diseases. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and related risk factors of OMDs among residents in the Baoshan District of Shanghai, China, and provide a scientific basis for prevention and control strategies.MethodsA sample of 653 residents aged 17 to 92 years from the Baoshan community was investigated in 2014. Each resident was surveyed by questionnaire to evaluate their oral mucosa and oral mucosa examinations were conducted. We followed up with 607 residents in 2018. All data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 software package (Chicago, IL, USA) at the general population, gender and age levels. A X2 test was used to compare rates of risk factors and logistic regression analysis was used to detect the correlation between disease and risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence rate of OMDs was found to be 9.19%-9.56% (2014-2018). The most common OMDs were atrophic glossitis (1.84%), recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU, 1.68%), burning mouth syndrome (BMS, 1.38%), oral lichen planus (OLP, 1.23%) and traumatic ulcers (1.23%). The prevalence of RAU and BMS in different age groups was significantly different. Tobacco and alcohol use and psychological factors in the OMDs group were higher than the no-OMDs group. Systemic diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM) was significantly relevant to OLP.ConclusionAge, tobacco and alcohol use, and psychological factor correlated strongly with the occurrence and development of OMDs, and they should be the focus of primary prevention. General epidemiological studies suggested that OLP was closely related to DM.
Project description:The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of hepatitis C among MMT patients, hepatitis C virus (HCV) knowledge of patients and MMT staff members, and the barriers preventing them from receiving or delivering HCV-related services in MMT clinics of China.Data were collected from 240 MMT patients and 58 staff members in Shanghai MMT clinics. Structured questionnaires (HCV Knowledge Scale and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and several self-developed questionnaires were used to assess (1) patient and staff HCV knowledge, (2) attitudes toward HCV-related services in MMT clinics, and (3) what type of HCV-related services the staff members have provided in their routine work. The HCV test results were based on the patients' medical records.The HCV seropositive rate was high (70%), and both patients and staff had limited HCV knowledge. The mean score of patient HCV knowledge was 6.8 out of 20 (SD = 3.7), whereas the mean score of staff HCV knowledge was 10.9 out of 20 (SD = 3.1). For HCV-positive patients, only 13.7% had accessed HCV medical treatment. Barriers included the cost of medical treatment, lack of HCV knowledge, lack of professional training for patients to receive HCV-related services from individuals or MMT clinics, and lack of an adequate policy-making system.HCV infection remains an important problem among MMT patients in China. Barriers to HCV-related services are attributable to individual, clinical, and policy-related factors. This study may provide evidence-based information for future work to optimize the resources of MMT clinics.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01647191 . Registered 17 April 2012.
Project description:OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the health status of older Chinese people living in the community, in order to inform strategies to expand access to healthcare. METHODS:Two-phase stratified cluster sampling was applied; 2000 older people participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in Shanghai between June and August, 2011. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the respondents' characteristics. Based on Andersen's healthcare utilization model, a chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were performed to examine the influences of predisposing, enabling, need, and contextual factors on healthcare utilization. RESULTS:We found that 44.5% of the older people in the sample had good self-reported health status, while 12.8% were poor, 14.5% had visited hospitals or clinics as outpatients in the previous two weeks, and 16.5% had been hospitalized in the previous year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that outpatient health services were more likely to be used by women and those whose income was from friends or social relief, who had poor to good self-reported health status, who were experiencing declining health, who engaged in volunteer activities, and who had chronic diseases. Meanwhile, hospitalization was more likely among those in the older age groups, those with pension income, living in outer suburbs, with poor self-reported health status, experiencing difficulty with activities of daily living and outdoor activities, or having a chronic disease. CONCLUSIONS:The results showed the impact of economic status, health status, demographic and social characteristics, and other factors on the health service utilization of elderly people living in the community in Shanghai. Need variables were the strongest predictors of health service use, although contextual factors also contributed.