Effect of cigarette smoking on smoking biomarkers, blood pressure and blood lipid levels among Sri Lankan male smokers.

STUDY PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels, exhaled breath carbon monoxide (eCO) levels, blood pressure, blood lipid levels between smokers and non-smokers and to determine the association of smoking intensity with the above parameters. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in selected periurban areas of the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Adult male current tobacco smokers (n=360), aged between 21 and 60 years were studied and compared with anthropometrically matched male non-smokers (n=180). Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire, clinical assessment and measurement of FeNO by FENO monitor and eCO by Smokerlyser. RESULTS: Smokers had significantly lower mean FeNO levels and higher mean eCO values compared with non-smokers. Presentation of palpitations was higher among the smokers and a significantly positive correlation was identified between palpitations and eCO levels. There was a significantly positive correlation between the systolic blood pressure of smokers with the duration of smoking (DS), Brinkman Index (BI), Body Mass Index (BMI) and there was a significantly negative correlation with FeNO levels. The mean arterial pressure was positively correlated with the DS, BI and BMI. There was a significantly negative correlation between FeNO and the number of cigarettes smoked per day, DS and BI of smokers. Significantly higher total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very LDL-C, TC: HDL ratio and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was observed among smokers compared with the non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking was found to impact blood pressure and serum lipid levels thus enhancing the cardiovascular risk among smokers. The levels of eCO and FeNO are useful biomarkers for determining the intensity of smoking. The results indicate the necessity for urgent measures to stop cigarette smoking in Sri Lanka.

Llamamiento a adoptar medidas urgentes para limitar los aumentos de temperatura en el mundo, restablecer la diversidad biológica y proteger la salud / Call for emergency action to limit global temperature increases, restore biodiversity, and protect health

La publicación de este artículo es una iniciativa organizada por la Alianza Global por el Clima y la Salud (GCHA, por sus siglas en inglés) a través de la Alianza de Salud del Reino Unido sobre el Cambio Climático (UKHACC, por sus siglas en inglés) y los miembros del Grupo de Trabajo Latinoamericano sobre Cambio Climático y Salud. La convocatoria tiene un doble objetivo: que los líderes mundiales acuerden los cambios necesarios para mantener el aumento de la temperatura global por debajo de 1,5°C y que los profesionales de la salud adquieran una mayor relevancia en el debate global sobre la crisis climática y la pérdida de la biodiversidad. La convocatoria se desarrolla en el contexto de la próxima celebración de la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas que se iniciará el 14 de septiembre de 2021, así como también de la celebración de la conferencia climática COP26 que este año se realizará en Glasgow. Este artículo, cuya autoría pertenece principalmente a editores de 18 prestigiosas revistas científicas ampliamente representativas de los continentes y disciplinas de la salud del mundo, ya ha sido publicada simultáneamente en más de 200 revistas científicas internacionales (https://www.bmj.com/content/full-list-authors-and-signatories-climate-emergency-editorial-september-2021). En esta ocasión, la Revista Argentina de Salud Pública se suma a esta iniciativa conjunta a través de la publicación del artículo en español, con el fin de promover su difusión en los países de la Región. El editorial expresa también la necesidad de restablecer la diversidad biológica y proteger la salud, y de que los países de altos ingresos hagan mayores recortes en sus emisiones de carbono y transfieran fondos a los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Además, exhorta a la intervención de los gobiernos en el rediseño de los sistemas de transporte, las ciudades, la producción y distribución de alimentos, los mercados para las inversiones financieras, los sistemas de salud, entre otros aspectos, lo que redundaría en amplios beneficios para la salud.

Women's experiences of making healthcare decisions about their breast cancer: A phenomenological study.

There are few studies about how healthcare decisions are made for women with breast cancer in China and this knowledge is vital, both to further develop person-centered health care and to ensure that women have a voice in their healthcare decisions. This phenomenological study explored the meaning of women's lived experiences of making healthcare decisions about their breast cancer in China. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight women with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analytic method. The results of this study identified four themes: authority and expertise, lack of knowledge, family support, and Chinese cultural and social influences. Women were deferential to medical authority and perceived expertise, but they wanted to be involved to a greater degree in healthcare decisions. It is important for health professionals to optimize women's participation in decision-making by removing barriers and advocating on their behalf.

Cross-sectional study of glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition, a global concern, and a serious issue in Sri Lanka, where there is little data regarding the influence of dietary control, exercise, and adherence to medication behaviors among adults diabetes. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, we identified current factors influencing glycemic control and glycemic control behavior among adults with diabetes. A total of 230 people attending diabetes clinics in a tertiary hospital and a primary care institute were administered the self-report Diabetes Information Form, assessing their socioeconomic and medical information and glycemic control behaviors. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The results indicated that most participants had not achieved the recommended fasting blood glucose level (< 126 mg/dL). Although dietary control was practised by 72%, regular exercise was not practised by 85%, and while 77% reported adhering to regular medication, they still had poor glycemic control. The findings highlight the need for health professionals to adopt new strategies for diabetes education to overcome issues related to misconceptions and barriers in providing diabetes care in Sri Lanka.