Bloodstream infections in older population: epidemiology, outcome, and impact of multidrug resistance.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) among older patients are frequent with high rate of mortality. Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are associated with higher mortality than with susceptible microorganisms. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MDRO infection during BSI in older population and the factors associated with unfavorable outcome. This study is a retrospective cohort of all BSI episodes occurring among older patients (> 65yo), from April 1, 2010, to December 31, 2016, in a French university hospital for geriatric medicine. A total of 255 BSI episodes were analyzed. Mean age was 86.3±6.5 years, and sex ratio (M/F) was 0.96. Main comorbidities were orthopedic device (26.7%), active neoplasia (24.3%), and diabetes mellitus (18.4%). Main primary sites of infection were urinary tract infections (56.9%), respiratory tract infections (10.6%), intra-abdominal infections (7.1%), and skin and soft tissue infections (4.7%). Main bacteria identified were Escherichia coli (45.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.1%), enterococci (10.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (5.5%), and streptococci (5.1%). MDROs were involved in 17.2% of BSI (gram-negative bacilli: 9.0%; CoNS: 4.3%; and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA): 3.9%). The main factor associated with MDRO BSI was colonization with MDRO (OR=6.29; 95%CI=2.9-14.32). Total mortality was 18.4% and significantly higher in case of initial severity (OR=3.83; 95%CI=1.75-8.38), healthcare-associated infection (OR=5.29; 95%CI=1.11-25.30), and MRSA BSI (OR=9.16; 95%CI=1.67-50.16). BSI due to MDRO is frequent in older population and is strongly associated with carriage of MDRO. Healthcare-associated BSI, severe episodes, and BSI due to MRSA are associated with unfavorable outcome. In these cases, a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be promptly initiated.

Asthma prevalence and associated factors among lebanese adults: the first national survey.

BACKGROUND: No national research has yet explored the prevalence of asthma among adults in Lebanon. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and current asthma, and their determinants among Lebanese adults 16 years old or above. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a multistage cluster sampling. The questionnaire used collected information on asthma, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 6.7% (95% CI 5-8.7%), and that of current asthma was 5% (95% CI 3.6-6.9%). Chronic symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath were worst at night. Factors positively associated with physician-diagnosed asthma were a secondary educational level (adjusted OR, aOR = 4.45), a family history of chronic respiratory diseases (aOR = 2.78), lung problems during childhood (15.9), and allergic rhinitis (4.19). Additionally, consuming fruits and vegetables less than once per week (3.36), a family history of chronic respiratory diseases (3.92), lung problems during childhood (9.43), and allergic rhinitis (8.12) were positively associated with current asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma was within the range reported from surrounding countries. However, repeated cross-sectional studies are necessary to evaluate trends in asthma prevalence in the Lebanese population.

Prevalence and association of asthma and allergic sensitization with dietary factors in schoolchildren: data from the french six cities study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and allergy has recently risen among children. This increase in prevalence might be related to various factors, particularly diet. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and association of asthma and allergic sensitization with dietary factors in the French Six Cities Study. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were performed among 7432 schoolchildren aged 9-11 years in Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Créteil, Marseille, Reims, and Strasbourg. Parental questionnaires, based on the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), were used to collect information on allergic diseases and potential exposure factors including a food frequency questionnaire to evaluate dietary habits. Skin prick testing to common allergens for allergic sensitization and bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) testing to exercise were performed. Confounders control was performed with multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: Asthma symptoms, asthma and allergic sensitization were more prevalent in boys than in girls and were more prevalent in the South than in the North of France. After adjustment for confounders, fruit juice intake was associated with a low prevalence of lifetime asthma (ORa [95 % CI]; 0.73 [0.56-0.97]), butter intake was positively associated with atopic wheeze (1.48 [1.07-2.05]) and having lunch at the canteen 1-2 times/week compared to never or occasionally was associated with a lower prevalence of past year wheeze (0.71 [0.52-0.96]), lifetime asthma (0.76 [0.60-0.96]) and allergic sensitization (0.80 [0.67-0.95]). Meat intake was inversely related to past year wheeze among atopic children (0.68 [0.50-0.98]) while fast food consumption and butter intake were associated with an increase prevalence of asthma (2.39 [1.47-3.93] and 1.51 [1.17-2.00] respectively). Fish intake was associated with a lower prevalence of asthma among non-atopic children (0.61 [0.43-0.87]. None of the dietary factors was associated with BHR. CONCLUSIONS: Diet is associated with wheeze, asthma and allergic sensitization but not with BHR in children. These results provide further evidence that adherence to a healthy diet including fruits, meat and fish seems to have a protective effect on asthma and allergy in childhood. However, prospective and experimental studies are needed to provide causal evidence concerning the effect of diet on asthma and atopy.

Orthorexia nervosa in dietitians and dietetics students-prevalence, risk factors, and interventions: a scoping review using a systematic approach.

CONTEXT: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by compulsive behaviors and increased concerns about healthful eating. Dietitians appear to be especially vulnerable to ON, and it is still debatable whether the disordered eating behaviors motivate individuals to enroll in nutrition programs, or whether these behaviors result from an exaggerated preoccupation with healthy eating triggered during their nutrition studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to provide an overview of the present state of knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors, and interventions addressing ON among dietitians and dietetics students. More specifically, it was examined whether dietitians and dietetics students differ from students attending different education programs or other health professionals with regard to the severity and risk factors of ON, and whether the extent of ON changes during the progression in the nutrition education years of study. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), PsycInfo (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane, ProQuest Central, CABI, ProQuest Dissertations, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink were searched on May 8, 2021, and updated on November 12, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: Records were screened for eligibility; study characteristics, methodology, and findings of included articles were extracted; and the methodological quality assessed using the AXIS tool. Each step was preceded by a calibration exercise and conducted independently and in duplicate by pairs of 2 reviewers. Any disagreements were resolved through discussions. DATA ANALYSIS: A narrative synthesis was performed, whereby the characteristics, methodologies, and results of included studies were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Results were inconclusive; yet, a general status of the relatively "high" prevalence of ON among dietitians and dietetics students was established, stressing the need for systematic research to understand and mitigate orthorexic tendencies in this group. It is still too early to answer questions pertaining to prevalence, risk factors, interventions, and differences between dietetics students and other majors when it comes to severity and progress of ON throughout the continuing years of study, or between dietitians and other professional groups. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BY5KF.

Correlates of Sub-Optimal Feeding Practices among under-5 Children amid Escalating Crises in Lebanon: A National Representative Cross-Sectional Study.

Sub-optimal feeding practices among under-5 children are the major drivers of malnutrition. This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and complementary feeding practices among under 5 children amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the economic and the political crises in Lebanon. A nationally representative stratified random sample of mother-child dyads (n = 511) was collected from households using a stratified cluster sampling design. The survey inquired about infant's feeding and complementary feeding practices using a valid questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of the mother and child were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the determinants associated with under-5 children's practices. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight and obese children was 0.5%, 8.4%, 6.7%, 16.8% and 8.9%, respectively. In total, among under-5 children, the prevalence of ever breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and bottle feeding at birth was 95.1%, 59.1% and 25.8%, respectively. Half the children in this study started solid foods between 4 and 6 months. Regression analysis showed that supporting breastfeeding at hospital (aOR = 8.20, 95% CI (3.03-22.17)) and husband's support (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI (1.9-4.92)) were associated with increased breastfeeding odds. However, mother's occupation (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.55-0.58)) was inversely associated with breastfeeding practices. Male children (aOR = 2.119, 95% CI (1.37-3.27), mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.35-0.95)), and bottle feeding at hospital (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI (0.32-0.77)) were more likely to induce early initiation of solid foods at 4 months of age. This study demonstrated non-negligible rates of malnutrition, low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, and high rates of early introduction of formula feeding and solid foods among Lebanese under-5-children amid escalating crises.

Prevalence of Essential Nutrient Supplement Use and Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Lebanese Mothers towards Dietary Supplement Practices in Maternal, Infancy and Preschool Ages: Findings of a National Representative Cross-Sectional Study.

Mothers are understandably concerned about protecting the well-being of their offspring in every way possible, including providing oral dietary supplements (DSs). Up to now, there has been limited data on maternal knowledge and attitudes toward concomitant maternal-child DSs practices in Lebanon. This study evaluated the maternal knowledge and attitudes toward DSs and documented the DS-related practices in mothers and their under-5 children with their correlates. This cross-sectional study involved a representative stratified cluster random sample of 511 mother-child dyads (mothers: mean age ± SD = 30.25 ± 4.98 years; children: mean age ± SD = 18.7 ± 15.5 months, girls: 55.0%). A self-administered questionnaire was used to meet study aims. Most mothers lack awareness and hold unfavorable attitudes regarding DS use. Among all mothers, 47% were DS users, with the majority using vitamin D (82%). Almost 64% of mothers provide DSs for their children, with a predominant use of multivitamin drops (61.0%). "To keep the child healthy" was the reported reason by 60.0% of mothers to provide DSs for their children. Physicians were the primary information source about DSs for most mothers (64.0%). The usage of DSs among mothers was influenced by their pregnancy status, child's age, number of children per household, and their awareness and attitudes towards DSs. DS usage among children was correlated with maternal DS use and their mothers' attitudes towards DSs. DS usage among Lebanese mother-child dyads is common. Mothers should be the focus of education sessions regarding DS use.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among nurses in Lebanon.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among nurses in Lebanon. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by 311 Lebanese nurses between March and April 2020. RESULTS: Only 2% of nurses worked in a specialized COVID-19 ward and 20% have cared for a COVID-19 patient. The majority had sufficient knowledge of COVID-19; 62% declared being afraid of getting infected whereas 90% were afraid for their family members to get infected due to their occupational exposure. The majority of nurses (84.6%) declared following infection prevention and control precautions. Protective equipments were available in limited amounts in hospitals. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses in Lebanon seem to have a satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19. Their safety and well-being remain a priority in this critical period.

Stigma toward people with COVID-19 among the Lebanese population: a cross-sectional study of correlates and mediating effects.

INTRODUCTION: Stigma develops during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic due to the human fear that arises from the anxiety about a disease of an unknown etiology, with the associated detrimental consequences on both the individual and society. This study was conducted to assess if knowledge about COVID-19, attitude, practice and behavior regarding preventive measures against COVID-19, fear, and anxiety towards COVID-19 will affect the level of stigma and evaluate the mediating effect of fear, anxiety, and diagnosis of COVID-19 on stigma. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey conducted between December 20, 2020, and January 05, 2021, enrolled 405 participants recruited from the Lebanese population. Two scales were created and adapted to the Lebanese context to measure the current stigma (stigma discrimination scale, self-stigma scale) toward COVID-19. RESULTS: More than half of the sample had moderate to severe stigma discrimination (62%) and self-stigma (65.9%). The multivariable analysis showed that higher fear of COVID-19 scale (Beta = .143) was significantly associated with a higher stigma discrimination scale. Whereas, higher knowledge score (Beta = -.153) was significantly associated with a lower stigma discrimination scale. Fear of COVID-19, anxiety from COVID-19, being diagnosed with COVID-19, and having a family member with COVID-19 partially mediated the association between knowledge and stigma discrimination scale. No mediation effect of fear and anxiety scale was found between the knowledge and self-stigma score. CONCLUSION: Our main findings indicate that a considerable proportion of the Lebanese population has stigma discrimination behaviors toward COVID-19 patients and that those who were infected with the virus experienced COVID-19-related stigmatization.

A cross-sectional study of COVID-19-related bullying in a sample of Lebanese adults: scale validation, correlates, and mediating effect of fear and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety, raising concerns about a large spectrum of psychological side effects. The primary objective of the study was to validate the COVID-19 Bullying Scale (CBS-11). The second objective was to explore factors associated with COVID-19-related bullying and evaluate the mediating effect of fear and anxiety between knowledge and COVID-19-related bullying. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey conducted between December 20, 2020, and January 5, 2021, recruited 405 Lebanese adults using a snowball sampling technique. The CBS-11, an 11-item tool specifically created for this study, was used to measure bullying behaviors towards COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: All items of the CBS-11 converged over a 1-factor solution with an eigenvalue over 1, accounting for a variance of 75.16%. The scale has a high Cronbach's alpha (.974), indicating excellent reliability. A positive correlation was found between the COVID-19 bullying scale and fear, anxiety, and stigma discrimination. The logistic regression showed that higher fear of COVID-19 (ORa = 1.04), a positive attitude toward COVID-19 preventive measures and hygiene recommendations (ORa = 1.18), higher stigma discrimination scores (ORa = 1.09), and having a health professional family member (ORa = 2.42) were significantly associated with bullying. CONCLUSION: Our main findings showed that the CBS-11 could be an efficient tool to measure bullying behaviors toward COVID-19 patients. Stigma discrimination and fear from COVID-19 were associated with higher bullying attitudes. Future prospective studies are needed to understand better the factors related to bullying among adults during a pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Knowledge and attitudes toward cigarette and narghile smoking among previous smokers in Lebanon.

To evaluate the proportions of current cigarette smokers (CCS) and current narghile smokers (CNS) as well as previous cigarette smokers (PCS) and previous narghile smokers (PNS) and to assess smoking knowledge and attitudes toward supporting smoking ban or cessation among previous compared with current smokers. This cross-sectional study took place between May and December 2018, and enrolled a sample of 1598 exclusive cigarette smokers (ECS) and 2091 exclusive narghile smokers (ENS), representative of all Lebanese governorates. A questionnaire designed specifically for this study was used to collect data. Among ECS, 45.2% were CCS and 54.8% were PCS. Among ENS, 83.5% were CNS and 16.5% were PNS. Higher age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 1.02 (1.01; 1.03)), higher knowledge (1.05 (1.02; 1.08)), and attitude scores (1.11(1.09; 1.13)) were significantly associated with higher odds of being PCS. Higher age (1.02 (1.01; 1.03)), being employed (1.32 (1.004; 1.72)), higher knowledge (1.04 (1.02; 1.07)), and attitude scores (1.09 (1.07; 1.12)) were significantly associated with higher odds of being PNS. Previous smokers have higher knowledge and better attitude toward supporting smoking cessation compared with current smokers. A better knowledge along with effective interventions, might lead to a positive attitude toward supporting smoking ban or smoking cessation among the general population.

High body mass index and allergies in schoolchildren: the French six cities study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is increasing rapidly worldwide, especially among children and in western countries. This coincides with an increase in body mass index (BMI), which might be a major risk factor for atopic diseases. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between high BMI and allergic diseases, as well as skin-prick test (SPT) positivity and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in 6733 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 9-11 years in the French Six Cities Study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Créteil, Marseille, Reims and Strasbourg. Parental questionnaires based on the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) were used to collect information on allergic diseases and potential risk factors. Skin-prick testing to common allergens was performed to identify the existence of an allergic hypersensitivity and an exercise test was also performed to assess EIA. Height and weight were collected by trained investigators. After computing the BMI (weight/height squared), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs were used to define overweight and obesity. The children were also classified as wheezing or non-wheezing. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding factors, lifetime asthma was associated with high BMI among non-wheezing children (adjusted OR, aOR=1.98, 95% CI (1.06 to 3.70)). In addition, lifetime and past-year allergic rhinitis was associated with high BMI in wheezing children (aOR=1.63, (1.09 to 2.45) and aOR=2.20, (1.13 to 4.27)). However, high BMI was not significantly associated with eczema, SPT positivity or EIA. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a positive association between high BMI and lifetime asthma in non-wheezing children. High BMI was also associated with lifetime and past-year allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed to provide causal evidence.

Diet and allergic diseases among population aged 0 to 18 years: myth or reality?

Allergic diseases are an important health problem. However, epidemiological studies concerning childhood diet-related allergic diseases are scarce. This review examines published articles dealing with diet, dietary patterns and nutrition in relation with allergic diseases among population aged 0 to 18 years. Studies and trials were identified using MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and were limited to those published in English or French from 1992 until 2012. This manuscript also reviews the evidence for maternal diet during pregnancy and diet during early childhood and their association with childhood atopic diseases, taking into account the methodology used to evaluate dietary patterns. The evidence reviewed is derived from large epidemiological studies exploring the effects of different food categories on asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis in children. Overall, maternal diet during pregnancy and a childhood diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are considered as healthy diets that could be protective for allergic diseases in childhood.