Impact of oral onditions on Quality of Life in Peruvian Preschoolers in Rural and Urban Areas / Impacto de las alteraciones bucales en la calidad de vida de preescolares peruanos de zonas rurales y urbanas

Abstract The objective of this study is to determine the impact of oral conditions on the quality of life related to the oral health of preschool children in a rural and urban area of Cusco. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional, from a population of 179 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years, from two public early childhood education institutions, and their respective parents or caregivers in the department of Cusco, Peru. We worked with the entire population that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seventy-four preschool children were selected for each area, deciding to have the same amount of children per group based on the smallest group. A clinical odonto-stomatological examination was carried out for oral conditions (dental caries, malocclusion, and dental trauma) according to the WHO's criteria and a survey that was used for sociodemographic characteristics. In addition, a validated Peruvian version of the ECOHIS questionnaire was used to obtain data on the impact on quality of life. All the variables of the total and individual scores of the ECOHIS domains were analyzed individually and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine the association between variables. The oral conditions prevalence in preschool children in rural areas referring to dental caries was 100% (dmft index > 6), dental trauma 10.8%, and malocclusions 60.8%; for the urban area dental caries was 93.2% (dmft index > 6), dental trauma 9.5% and malocclusions 36.5%. Of the three oral conditions only the experience of dental caries was related to the OHRQOL of preschoolers in urban and rural areas.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el impacto de las alteraciones bucales en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal de niños preescolares de una zona rural y urbana de Cusco. El estudio fue descriptivo y transversal, de una población de 179 preescolares de 3 a 5 años de edad, de dos instituciones públicas de educación inicial, y sus respectivos padres o cuidadores en el departamento de Cusco, Perú. Se trabajó con toda la población que cumplió con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se seleccionaron setenta y cuatro niños preescolares por cada área, decidiendo tener la misma cantidad de niños por grupo en base al grupo más pequeño. Se realizó un examen clínico odonto-estomatológico para detectar alteraciones bucales (caries dental, maloclusión y trauma dental) según los criterios de la OMS y una encuesta que se utilizó para las características sociodemográficas. Además, se utilizó una versión peruana validada del cuestionario ECOHIS para obtener datos sobre el impacto en la calidad de vida. Todas las variables de los puntajes totales e individuales de los dominios ECOHIS fueron analizadas individualmente y se utilizó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis para determinar la asociación entre variables. La prevalencia de alteraciones bucales en niños preescolares de zonas rurales referida a caries dental fue del 100% (índice dmft > 6), traumatismo dental 10,8% y maloclusiones 60,8%; para la zona urbana la caries dental fue del 93,2% (índice dmft > 6), el traumatismo dental 9,5% y las maloclusiones 36,5%. De las tres alteraciones bucales, sólo la experiencia de caries dental se relacionó con la OHRQOL de los preescolares de las zonas urbana y rural.

Características sociodemográficas, de trabalho e saúde de homens e mulheres deficientes residentes em contexto rural / Características sociodemográficas, de trabajo y salud de hombres y mujeres discapacitados residentes en un contexto rural / Sociodemographic characteristics of work and health of disabled men and women living in a rural setting

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as características sociodemográficas, de saúde e de trabalho de homens e mulheres com deficiência que residem em contexto rural. Método: Estudo transversal analítico, com 276 pessoas com deficiência residentes em cenário rural de oito municípios da região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário fechado, com variáveis sociodemográficas, de trabalho e saúde, aplicado na residência dos participantes nos meses de setembro de 2018 a julho de 2019. Esses foram digitados e analisados no programa estatístico software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, versão 18.0 por meio de estatística analítica descritiva (comparação de frequência). Para comparar os dois grupos (homens e mulheres) empregou-se o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: Dos homens, 27,8% apresentaram deficiência física e a deficiência múltipla foi mais frequente na mulher (p<0,001). O trabalho na agricultura e do lar eram mais frequentes no sexo feminino e as atividades autônomas e empregatícias, no sexo masculino. Ambos recebiam BPC, ainda que 18% não tivessem nenhum tipo de benefício. Homens tinham duas vezes mais chance de serem tabagistas e quase três vezes maior risco de etilismo que as mulheres (p<0,001). Conclusão: As características de pessoas com deficiência que residem em contexto rural se diferenciam entre os sexos, no que se refere à deficiência, trabalho e hábitos que vulnerabilizam a saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar las características sociodemográficas, de salud y de trabajo de hombres y mujeres con discapacidad que residen en contexto rural. Método: estudio transversal analítico, con 276 personas con discapacidad residentes en escenario rural de ocho municipios de la región noroeste del Estado de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de un cuestionario cerrado, con variables sociodemográficas, de trabajo y salud, aplicado en la residencia de los participantes en los meses de septiembre de 2018 a julio de 2019. Estos fueron introducidos y analizados en el programa estadístico software StatisticalPackageforthe Social Sciencesfor Windows, versión 18.0. por medio de estadística analítica descriptiva (comparación de frecuencia). Para comparar los dos grupos (hombres y mujeres) se empleó la Prueba de chi-cuadrado. Resultados: de los hombres, el 27,8% presentó discapacidad física y la discapacidad múltiple fue más frecuente en la mujer (p<0,001). El trabajo en la agricultura y en el hogar eran más frecuentes en el sexo femenino y las actividades autónomas y de empleo, en el sexo masculino. Ambos recibían BPC, aunque el 18% no tenía ningún tipo de beneficio. Los hombres tenían dos veces más probabilidades de ser fumadores y casi tres veces mayor riesgo de etilismo que las mujeres (p<0,001). Conclusión: las características de las personas con discapacidad que residen en un contexto rural se diferencian entre los sexos, en lo que se refiere a la discapacidad, trabajo y hábitos que vulneran la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: Comparing the sociodemographic characteristics of health and work of men and women with disabilities living in a rural context. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study with 276 people with disabilities living in a rural setting in eight cities in the Northwest Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected through a closed questionnaire with sociodemographic, work and health variables applied at the participants' residence from September 2018 to July 2019. These were typed and analyzed in the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, version 18.0 by means of descriptive analytical statistics (frequency comparison). To compare the two groups (men and women) the Chi-Square test was used. Results: Of the men, 27.8% had physical disabilities and multiple disability was more frequent in women (p<0.001). Work in agriculture and home was more frequent in females and autonomous and employment activities in males. Both received PB, although 18% did not have any kind of benefit. Men were twice as likely to be smokers and almost three times higher risk of alcohol than women (p<0.001). Conclusion: The characteristics of people with disabilities living in a rural setting differ between the genders, with regard to disability, work and habits that make health vulnerable.

Semelhanças e diferenças intergeracionais entre mães e filhas trabalhadoras rurais: características sociodemográficas e reprodutivas / Similitudes y diferencias intergeneracionales entre madres e hijas obreras rurales: características socio demográficas y reproductivas / Intergenerational similarities and differences between rural working mothers and daughters: socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics

RESUMO Objetivo analisar as semelhanças e diferenças intergeracionais envolvendo características sociodemográficas e reprodutivas entre mães e filhas trabalhadoras rurais. Método estudo analítico e quantitativo desenvolvido em fevereiro de 2018 com 21 díades, mães e filhas trabalhadoras rurais, em idade reprodutiva cadastradas no Programa Chapéu de Palha Mulher − Pernambuco. Utilizou-se o questionário da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde para verificar as características sociodemográficas e reprodutivas. Resultados Mães e filhas não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas para estado conjugal (p = 1,00), grau de instrução (p = 0,053), cor/raça (p = 1,00), religião (p = 1,00), idade que começou a trabalhar (p = 0,433) e horas de trabalho por semana (p = 1,00), participação em grupo de planejamento familiar (p = 0,344), uso de método contraceptivo (p = 0,065), aborto espontâneo (p = 1,00) e parto cesáreo (p = 0,459). Conclusão e implicações para a prática Os resultados sugerem que ocorreu o processo de modelação em diversos aspectos, ou seja, a mãe serviu de figura de referência para as suas filhas na tomada de atitudes e comportamentos, o que necessita maior entendimento sobre relação intergeracional, inclusive entre profissionais de saúde para melhor qualificação na assistência, a exemplo, no cuidado reprodutivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar las similitudes y diferencias intergeneracionales que involucran características sociodemográficas y reproductivas entre madres e hijas trabajadoras rurales. Método estudio analítico y cuantitativo desarrollado en febrero de 2018 con 21 díadas, en edad reproductiva, registradas en el Programa Chapéu de Palha Mulher - Pernambuco. Se utilizó el cuestionario de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud para verificar las características sociodemográficas y reproductivas. Resultados Madres e hijas no presentaron diferencias estadísticas para estado civil (p = 1,00), nivel educativo (p = 0,053), color/raza (p = 1,00), religión (p = 1,00), edad a la que trabaja (p = 0,433) y horas de trabajo a la semana (p = 1,00), participación en un grupo de planificación familiar (p = 0,344), uso de métodos anticonceptivos (p = 0,065), aborto espontáneo (p = 1,00) y parto por cesárea (p = 0,459). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica Los resultados sugieren que el proceso de modelado se dio en varios aspectos, o sea, la madre sirvió como figura de referencia para sus hijas en la toma de actitudes y comportamientos, lo que exige una mayor comprensión de la relación intergeneracional, incluso entre los profesionales de la salud para una mejor calificación en asistencia, por ejemplo, en el cuidado reproductivo.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze similarities and differences involving socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics between rural working mothers and daughters. Method An analytical and quantitative study was developed in February 2018 with 21 dyads, rural working mothers and daughters, of reproductive age registered in the Chapéu de Palha Mulher Program in Pernambuco State, Brazil. The National Health Survey questionnaire was adopted to verify socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics. Results Mothers and daughters did not show statistical differences for marital status (p = 1.00), education level (p = 0.053), skin color/race (p = 1.00), religion (p = 1.00), age when started working (p = 0.433) and working hours per week (p = 1.00), participation in a family planning group (p = 0.344), use of contraceptive methods (p = 0.065), miscarriage (p = 1.00), and cesarean childbirth (p = 0.459). Conclusion and implications for practice The results suggest that the modeling process took place in numerous aspects, meaning these mothers fulfilled a reference role for their daughters in decision-making and behaviors. It requires a greater understanding of intergenerational relationships, especially amongst health professionals, for them to provide a better qualification in assistance, such as in reproductive care.

Disparities in the change of cervical cancer mortality rate between urban and rural Chiang Mai in the era of universal health care and the Thai national screening program.

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand established universal health coverage (UHC) in 2002, which also included national-level screening for cervical cancer in 2005. This study examined the changes in mortality of cervical cancer in rural and urban areas in Chiang Mai Province of northern Thailand during the era of UHC and the immediately preceding period. METHODS: Data of cervical cancer patients in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, who died from 1998 through 2012, were used to calculate the change in age-standardized rates of mortality (ASMR) using a joinpoint regression model and to calculate estimated annual percent changes (APC). The change in mortality rate by age groups along with changes by geographic area of residence were determined. RESULTS: Among the 1177 patients who died from cervical cancer, 13(1%), 713 (61%) and 451 (38%) were in the young age group (aged < 30), the screening target group (aged 30-59) and the elderly group (aged ≥60), respectively. The mortality rate among women aged 30-59 significantly declined by 3% per year from 2003 through 2012 (p < 0.001). By area of residence, the mortality rate in women targeted by the screening program significantly decreased in urban areas but remained stable in more rural areas, APC of - 7.6 (95% CI: - 12.1 to - 2.8) and APC of 3.7 (95% CI: - 2.1 to 9.9), respectively. CONCLUSION: The UHC and national cervical cancer screening program in Thai women may have contributed to the reduction of the mortality rate of cervical cancer in the screening target age group. However, this reduction was primarily in urban areas of Chiang Mai, and there was no significant impact on mortality in more rural areas. These results suggest that the reasons for this disparity need to be further explored to equitably increase access to cervical cancer services of the UHC.

Incidence and Risk of Suicide Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer in Rural, Urban, and Metropolitan Areas.

Importance: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are known to be at increased risk of suicide compared with the general population, but there has been insufficient research on whether this risk differs based on patients' rural, urban, or metropolitan residence status. Objective: To evaluate whether the risk of suicide among patients with HNC differs by rural vs urban or metropolitan residence status. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study uses data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database on patients aged 18 to 74 years who received a diagnosis of HNC from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016. Statistical analysis was conducted from November 27, 2020, to June 3, 2021. Exposures: Residence status, assessed using 2013 Rural Urban Continuum Codes. Main Outcomes and Measures: Death due to suicide was assessed by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes (U03, X60-X84, and Y87.0) and the cause of death recode (50220). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of suicide, assessing the suicide risk among patients with HNC compared with the general population, were calculated. Suicide risk by residence status was compared using Fine-Gray proportional hazards regression models. Results: Data from 134 510 patients with HNC (101 142 men [75.2%]; mean [SE] age, 57.7 [10.3] years) were analyzed, and 405 suicides were identified. Metropolitan residents composed 86.6% of the sample, urban residents composed 11.7%, and rural residents composed 1.7%. The mortality rate of suicide was 59.2 per 100 000 person-years in metropolitan counties, 64.0 per 100 000 person-years in urban counties, and 126.7 per 100 000 person-years in rural counties. Compared with the general population, the risk of suicide was markedly higher among patients with HNC in metropolitan (SMR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.49-3.09), urban (SMR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.13-3.71), and rural (SMR, 5.47; 95% CI, 3.06-9.02) areas. In Fine-Gray competing-risk analyses that adjusted for other covariates, there was no meaningful difference in suicide risk among urban vs metropolitan residents. However, compared with rural residents, residents of urban (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.94) and metropolitan counties (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.94) had greatly lower risk of suicide. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that suicide risk is elevated in general among patients with HNC but is significantly higher for patients residing in rural areas. Effective suicide prevention strategies in the population of patients with HNC need to account for rural health owing to the high risk of suicide among residents with HNC in rural areas.

Rural melanoma patients in Maryland do not present with more advanced disease than urban patients.

PURPOSE: Rural populations have higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, higher smoking rates, lower rates of health insurance, higher proportions of elderly individuals, decreased access to health services including dermatology, higher all-cause mortality, and higher mortality from melanoma. Despite these disparities, rural patients have not been adequately studied within the dermatologic literature, particularly at geographic units smaller than the county level. METHODS: We used zip codes and Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes to conduct a cross-sectional study on the prevalence and severity of melanoma among 31,750 rural versus urban patients treated by the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology from January, 2016 to June, 2017. RESULTS: Compared to urban patients, rural patients had a 2.6 times higher melanoma prevalence (P<0.0001), travelled much greater distances for treatment (101.8 miles versus 17.7 miles, P<0.0001), and lived in zip codes with median household incomes $18,188 lower ($58,718 versus $76,906; P=0.0040). However, there were no significant differences in Breslow depth or clinical stage between rural and urban patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having a higher prevalence of melanoma and travelling much greater distances to receive care, rural patients did not present with more advanced disease than their urban counterparts.

Polypharmacy and Cognition Function Among Rural Adults.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy (using≥5 medications) is associated with poor health outcomes. Mixed results from past studies surrounding chronic medication use, control of chronic conditions, and their effects on cognitive performance warrant further attention. OBJECTIVE: Investigate a link between polypharmacy and cognition function in rural-dwelling adults in Texas, USA. METHODS: Project FRONTIER (Facing Rural Obstacles to Healthcare Now Through Intervention, Education & Research) is a cross-sectional epidemiological study using community-based participatory research in three counties of Texas. Residents age > 40 were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome is cognitive impairment, and exposures of interest are polypharmacy; comorbidities; and diabetes, hypertension, and depression medication. Logistic regression was used to assess association. RESULTS: Six hundred eighty-nine individuals participated; the mean age was 61, and the majority were female (68.7%).The median number of medications taken by participants was 3.3 (IQR: 0-5); the rate of polypharmacy was 29.6%. Anti-hypertensive agents were the most common medications (15%) used. Polypharmacy users were 2.84 times more likely to have cognitive impairment [OR: 2.84, 95%CI (1.32-6.09)] than those using < 5 medications. Participants on hypertensive medications had 1.85 times higher odds [OR: 1.85, 95%CI (1.14-3.01)] of having cognitive impairment than those who did not have cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy increases the odds of cognitive impairment. The odds of presenting with cognitive impairment increased as the number of medications increased. Additionally, we identified a large, concerning number of participants with pharmacotherapy and poor chronic disease management. A larger study should examine medication adherence among rural elders to manage chronic disease and any healthcare barriers to adherence.

The impact of a population-based prevention program on cardiovascular events: Findings from the heart of new Ulm project.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated risk factors are the principal drivers of mortality and healthcare costs in the United States with rural residents experiencing higher CVD death rates than their urban counterparts. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to examine incidence of major CVD events over 9 years of implementation of the Heart of New Ulm (HONU) Project, a rural population-based CVD prevention initiative. HONU interventions were delivered at individual, organizational, and community levels addressing clinical risk factors, lifestyle behaviors and environmental changes. The sample included 4,056 residents of New Ulm matched with 4,056 residents from a different community served by the same health system. The primary outcome was a composite of major CVD events (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and CVD-related death). Secondary outcomes were the individual CVD events and procedures. RESULTS: The proportion of residents in New Ulm with a major CVD event (7.79%) was not significantly different than the comparison community (8.43%, P = .290). However, the total number of events did differ by community with fewer events in New Ulm than the comparison community (447 vs 530, P = .005), with 48 fewer strokes (84 vs 132, P = .001) and 42 fewer PCI procedures (147 vs 189, P = 0.019) in New Ulm. Incidence of ischemic stroke was lower in the New Ulm community (1.85 vs 2.61, P = .020) than in the comparison community. Other specific CVD events did not have significantly different incidence or frequencies between the 2 communities. CONCLUSION: In HONU, the proportion of residents experiencing a CVD event was not significantly lower than a match comparison community. However, there was a significant reduction in the total number of CVD events in New Ulm, driven primarily by lower stroke, PCI, and CABG events in the intervention community.

Sociodemographic characteristics of women with invasive cervical cancer in British Columbia, 2004-2013: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Although cancer screening has led to reductions in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) across Canada, benefits of prevention efforts are not equitably distributed. This study investigated the sociodemographic characteristics of women with ICC in British Columbia compared with the general female population in the province. METHODS: In this descriptive study, data of individuals 18 years and older diagnosed with ICC between 2004 and 2013 were obtained from the BC Cancer Registry. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics were derived from standardized health assessment forms (HAFs) completed upon admission in the BC Cancer Registry. Standardized ratios (SRs) were derived by dividing observed and age-adjusted expected counts by ethnicity or race, language, and marital, smoking and urban-rural status. Differences between observed and expected counts were tested using χ2 goodness-of-fit tests. General population data were derived from the 2006 Census, 2011 National Household Survey and 2011/12 Canadian Community Health Survey. RESULTS: Of 1705 total cases of ICC, 1315 were referred to BC Cancer (77.1%). Of those who were referred, 1215 (92.4%) completed HAFs. Among Indigenous women, more cases were observed (n = 85) than expected (n = 39; SR 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.15-2.18). Among visible minorities, observed cases (n = 320) were higher than expected (n = 253; 95% CI 1.26-1.26). Elevated SRs were observed among women who self-identified as Korean (SR 1.78, 95% CI 1.76-1.80), Japanese (SR 1.77, 95% CI 1.74-1.79) and Filipino (SR 1.60, 95% CI 1.58-1.62); lower SRs were observed among South Asian women (SR 0.63, 95% CI 0.62-0.63). Elevated SRs were observed among current smokers (SR 1.34, 95% CI 1.33-1.34) and women living in rural-hub (SR 1.29, 95% CI 1.28-1.31) and rural or remote (SR 2.62, 95% CI 2.61-2.64) areas; the SR was lower among married women (SR 0.90, 95% CI 0.90-0.90). INTERPRETATION: Women who self-identified as visible minorities, Indigenous, current smokers, nonmarried and from rural areas were overrepresented among women with ICC. Efforts are needed to address inequities to ensure all women benefit from cervical cancer prevention.

Influence of Geographic Access on Surgical Center Readmissions After Index Congenital Heart Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of geographic access to surgical center on readmission risk and burden in children after congenital heart surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Children <6 years old at discharge after congenital heart surgery (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score 2-6) were identified using Pediatric Health Information System data (46 hospitals, 2004-2015). Residential distance from the surgery center, calculated using ZIP code centroids, was categorized as <15, 15-29, 30-59, 60-119, and ≥120 miles. Rurality was defined using rural-urban commuting area codes. Geographic risk factors for unplanned readmissions to the surgical center and associated burden (total hospital length of stay [LOS], costs, and complications) were analyzed using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Among 59 696 eligible children, 19 355 (32%) had ≥1 unplanned readmission. The median LOS was 9 days (IQR 22) across the entire cohort. In those readmitted, median total costs were $31 559 (IQR $90 176). Distance from the center was inversely related but rurality was positively related to readmission risk. Among those readmitted, increased distance was associated with longer LOS, more complications, and greater costs. Compared with urban patients, highly rural patients were more likely to have an unplanned readmission but had fewer average readmission days. CONCLUSIONS: Geographic measures of access differentially affect readmission to the surgery center. Increased distance from the center was associated with fewer unplanned readmissions but more complications. Among those readmitted, the most isolated patients had the greatest readmission costs. Understanding the contribution of geographic access will aid in developing strategies to improve care delivery to this population.

Initiation of hepatitis C treatment in two rural Rwandan districts: a mobile clinic approach.

BACKGROUND: To eliminate hepatitis C, Rwanda is conducting national mass screenings and providing to people with chronic hepatitis C free access to Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Until 2020, prescribers trained and authorized to initiate DAA treatment were based at district hospitals, and access to DAAs remains expensive and geographically difficult for rural patients. We implemented a mobile clinic to provide DAA treatment initiation at primary-level health facilities among people with chronic hepatitis C identified through mass screening campaigns in rural Kirehe and Kayonza districts. METHODS: The mobile clinic team was composed of one clinician authorized to manage hepatitis, one lab technician, and one driver. Eligible patients received same-day clinical consultations, counselling, laboratory tests and DAA initiation. Using clinical databases, registers, and program records, we compared the number of patients who initiated DAA treatment before and during the mobile clinic campaign. We assessed linkage to care during the mobile clinical campaign and assessed predictors of linkage to care. We also estimated the cost per patient of providing mobile services and the reduction in out-of-pocket costs associated with accessing DAA treatment through the mobile clinic rather than the standard of care. RESULTS: Prior to the mobile clinic, only 408 patients in Kirehe and Kayonza had been initiated on DAAs over a 25-month period. Between November 2019 and January 2020, out of 661 eligible patients with hepatitis C, 429 (64.9%) were linked to care through the mobile clinic. Having a telephone number and complete address recorded at screening were strongly associated with linkage to care. The cost per patient of the mobile clinic program was 29.36 USD, excluding government-provided DAAs. Providing patients with same-day laboratory tests and clinical consultation at primary-level health facilities reduced out-of-pocket expenses by 9.88 USD. CONCLUSION: The mobile clinic was a feasible strategy for providing rapid treatment initiation among people chronically infected by hepatitis C, identified through a mass screening campaign. Compared to the standard of care, mobile clinics reached more patients in a much shorter time. This low-cost strategy also reduced out-of-pocket expenditures among patients. However, long-term, sustainable care would require decentralization to the primary health-centre level.

Thiocyanate in excess develops goiter followed by auto immune thyroid diseases even after effective salt iodization in a rural community of north east India.

PURPOSE: Salt iodization in Manipur of north-east India failed to prevent endemic goiter, therefore an in depth study carried out to evaluate thyroid functions of goitrous subjects in a randomly selected region. METHODS: Goiter survey conducted in children and women of reproductive ages by palpation followed by measurement of urinary iodine, thiocyanate and house-hold salt iodine to evaluate iodine nutritional status and consumption pattern of bamboo-shoots (BS). In all grade-2 goitrous subjects, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, TSH, TPO and Tg antibodies, thyroid volume and echogenecity by ultrasonography and cytomorphology of thyroid by FNAC studied. RESULTS: Study population was 2486 children and 1506 women, goiter prevalence was 12.59% and 16.27% respectively; median urinary iodine and mean thiocyanate were 166 µg/l and 0.729 ± 0.408 mg/dl while salt iodine was ≥30 ppm. Serum thyroid hormones and TSH profiles of all grade-2 goitrous subjects showed 16.21% were subclinically hypothyroid, 2.16% overt hypothyroid, 4.86% subclinically hyperthyroid and 6.48% overt hyperthyroid, serum TPO- and Tg-antibodies found positive in 41.62%. Ultrasonographic results showed 24% had enlarged thyroid and 86.4% hypoechoic. Cytomorphological studies showed prevalence of colloid goiter (41.08%), lymphocytic thyroiditis (37.83%), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (8.10%), autoimmune thyroiditis (4.32%), sub-acute thyroiditis (2.16%) and 1.62% each papillary, medullary carcinoma, simple diffused hyperplasia and adenomoid nodular goiter. CONCLUSIONS: Grade-2 goitrous individuals in this mild goiter endemic region were affected by hypo- and hyperthyroidism with hypoechoic thyroid and thyroiditis. Thiocyanate that originates from BS even in presence of adequate iodine developed goiter and led goitrous population towards such diseases.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women in Nonmetropolitan Communities.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence rates of pelvic floor disorders in women in nonmetropolitan communities compared with metropolitan communities are unknown. We hypothesize that the rates are higher in women in nonmetropolitan communities. METHODS: We accessed the health survey data from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2009 to 2010 divided by geocodes into nonmetropolitan (<50,000 inhabitants) and metropolitan communities (>50,000). Responses were analyzed for the following conditions: urinary incontinence and nocturia, bowel urgency and anal incontinence, and symptomatic vaginal bulge. Age-adjusted prevalence rates were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The 2009-2010 NHANES survey was completed nationwide by 302 women in nonmetropolitan communities and 2201 women in metropolitan communities. Overall, prevalence rates of PFDs did not significantly differ between groups. Prevalence rates of urinary incontinence and nocturia at least weekly were similar between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan groups (16.2% vs 14.6%, P = 0.47), with stress incontinence being more common than urgency and other types of incontinence (40% vs 23% and 8%). Women in metropolitan communities reported more bowel urgency than women in nonmetropolitan communities (33.3% vs 26.8%, P = 0.02); however, prevalence rates between both groups are similar with regards to anal incontinence at least once a month or more (9.2% vs 9.0%, P = 0.76). Prolapse symptoms were also not significantly different between the groups (2.4% in both). There was an increase in prevalence in each of the pelvic floor disorder symptoms with age. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor disorders are prevalent and increase with age in women in nonmetropolitan communities at rates similar to women in metropolitan communities.

Prevalence and Associated Dietary Factors of Rome IV Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Rural Western Honduras.

BACKGROUND: The literature is limited regarding the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in Central America, and the role of dietary factors. METHODS: The Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire and National Cancer Institute Diet History questionnaire were administered in one-on-one interviews to a distributed cross section of the general adult population of Western Honduras. Our aim was to estimate prevalence of common FGIDs and symptoms and their relationships to dietary habits. RESULTS: In total, 815 subjects were interviewed, of whom 151 fulfilled criteria for an FGID (18.5%). Gastroduodenal FGIDs were noted in 9.4%, with epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) more common than postprandial distress syndrome, 8.5% versus 1.6%. Among bowel disorders, functional abdominal bloating (FAB) was most prevalent (6.3%), followed by irritable bowel syndrome (3.6%), functional diarrhea (FDr; 3.4%), and functional constipation (1.1%). A significant inverse association was noted between regular bean intake and any FGID (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.63), driven by IBS and FDr. Vegetable consumption was associated with lower prevalence of functional diarrhea (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.04-0.35) and any diarrheal disorder (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.04-0.31). Subjects with a median daily intake of ≥ 4 corn tortillas had 1.75 (95% CI 1.22-2.50) times the odds of having any FGID. CONCLUSIONS: FGIDs were common in this rural low-resource setting in Central America, with an intriguing distribution of specific FGIDs. EPS and FAB were common, but IBS was not. Local dietary factors were associated with specific FGIDs, suggesting that diet may play a role in global variations of FGIDs.

Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and associated risk factors in primary school children in urban and rural environments.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in primary school children is a significant problem, yet its prevalence is not well known outside large urban settings. Information on the burden and risk factors of SDB in children could be used to improve resource allocation when providing care across a large country. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of SDB among school-aged children comparing rural and urban settings, and to investigate associated risk factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of primary school students in Turkey were selected from urban and rural areas and data were collected using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, asthma, and allergic rhinitis questionnaires completed by the parents. RESULTS: Questionnaires were collected from a total of 139 schools from 58 provinces. A total of 11,013 students were contacted, and 9045 (73%) completed the study. There was no difference in the prevalence of SDB between rural and urban settings (16% vs. 15%, p = 0.612). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that current wheezing, current rhinoconjunctivitis, being overweight, parental snoring, and current mold at home were significant risk factors for SDB in both rural and urban children. Current tobacco smoke exposure (OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.19-1.85), near roadway air pollution exposure (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.108-1.791), and mold at home in the first year of life (OR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.26-2.23) were associated with SDB in urban children. History of maternal/paternal adenotonsillectomy was a significant predictor of SDB in the rural setting (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.12-2.39). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SDB is high in children living in both settings but associated risk factors may vary. Children residing in rural areas should also be screened for sleep-disordered breathing during routine health visits.

Effects of a Household Air Pollution Intervention with Liquefied Petroleum Gas on Cardiopulmonary Outcomes in Peru. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Approximately 40% of people worldwide are exposed to household air pollution (HAP) from the burning of biomass fuels. Previous efforts to document health benefits of HAP mitigation have been stymied by an inability to lower emissions to target levels. Objectives: We sought to determine if a household air pollution intervention with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) improved cardiopulmonary health outcomes in adult women living in a resource-poor setting in Peru. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled field trial in 180 women aged 25-64 years living in rural Puno, Peru. Intervention women received an LPG stove, continuous fuel delivery for 1 year, education, and behavioral messaging, whereas control women were asked to continue their usual cooking practices. We assessed for stove use adherence using temperature loggers installed in both LPG and biomass stoves of intervention households. Measurements and Main Results: We measured blood pressure, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and respiratory symptoms using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire at baseline and at 3-4 visits after randomization. Intervention women used their LPG stove exclusively for 98% of days. We did not find differences in average postrandomization systolic blood pressure (intervention - control 0.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -2.1 to 3.4), diastolic blood pressure (0.3 mm Hg; -1.5 to 2.0), prebronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.14 L/s/m2; -0.02 to 0.29), postbronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.11 L/s/m2; -0.05 to 0.27), or St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (-1.4; -3.9 to 1.2) over 1 year in intention-to-treat analysis. There were no reported harms related to the intervention. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a difference in blood pressure, lung function, or respiratory symptoms during the year-long intervention with LPG. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02994680).

Prevalence of malocclusion and non-physiological oral habits in primary school children from Ercilla, Chile / Prevalencia de maloclusión y hábitos bucales no fisiológicos en niños de primaria de Ercilla, Chile

Introduction: Dentomaxillary Anomalies (DMA) affect the growth and morphology of the stomatognathic system of individuals, representing a public health problem. Few studies have described its prevalence among vulnerable populations in Chile. The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of DMA and its association to non-physiological habits (NFH) and sociodemographic characteristics among primary school children living in Ercilla, Chile. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of 327 primary school students from six schools in Ercilla, were assessed through an intraoral and extraoral evaluation. Overjet, overbite, molar relationship, presence of DMAs, and NFHs were measured. Descriptive statistics, analysis of association between DMAs and studied factors, and logistic regression models were done and odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals presented. Results: A total of 61.5% of students presented at least one DMA. Chi-square test showed no significant association between DMA prevalence and NHFs, however, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, children with NFH were 1.69 (95%CI 1.02-2.78) times more likely to have DMAs. Gender and area of residence were not significantly associated with DMAs. Conclusion: In children from Ercilla, DMAs were associated with NFHs, however, sociodemographic characteristics did not have a significant role in the presence of DMA, suggesting that sociodemographic factors might not strongly influence orthodontic needs among children from this geographical area.

Introducción: Las anomalías dentomaxilares (ADM) afectan el crecimiento y la morfología del sistema estomatognático de los individuos, lo que representa un problema de salud pública. Pocos estudios han descrito su prevalencia en poblaciones vulnerables en Chile. El objetivo del estudio fue explorar la prevalencia de ADM y su asociación con hábitos no fisiológicos (HNF) y características sociodemográficas en niños de escuela primaria que viven en Ercilla, Chile. Material y Métodos:Se evaluó una muestra de conveniencia de 327 estudiantes de educación básica de seis escuelas de Ercilla mediante una evaluación intraoral y extraoral. Se midieron el resalte, la sobremordida, la relación molar, la presencia de DMA y HNF. Se realizó estadística descriptiva, análisis de asociación entre ADMs y los factores estudiados, y modelos de regresión logística y se presentaron odds ratio con intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados: El 61,5% de los alumnos presentó al menos una ADM. La prueba de chi-cuadrado no mostróuna asociación significativa entre la prevalencia de ADM y HNF, sin embargo, después de ajustar de acuerdo a factores sociodemográficos, los niños con HNF tenían 1,69 (IC del 95%: 1,02 a 2,78) veces más probabilidades de tener ADMs. El género y el área de residencia no se asociaron significativamente con las ADMs. Conclusión: En los niños de Ercilla, las DMA se asociaron con NFH, sin embargo, las características sociodemográficas no tuvieron un papel significativo en la presencia de DMA, lo que sugiere que los factores sociodemográficos podrían no influir fuertemente en las necesidades de ortodoncia entre los niños de esta área geográfica.

Is Surgical Site Infection (SSI) after skin surgery affected by home municipal versus non-municipal water supply?

PURPOSE: SSI represent one of the most common sources of morbidity and escalated healthcare costs in skin cancer management. It has been shown that exposing wounds to treated water does not increase SSIs, however a large proportion of Australasian patients reside in rural areas dependant on roof or bore collected water for their primary water supply, and no data exist regarding the association between tank water supply and SSI following skin surgery. METHODOLOGY: A nine-month retrospective analysis of patients undergoing skin cancer surgery at the Auckland Regional Plastic Surgery Unit was performed. Wounds assessed using a validated wound infection scoring system. Rates of SSI analysed against various clinical factors (water supply, smoking status, immunocompromise, glucose intolerance) and surgical factors (type of reconstruction, ulceration, lesion site, surface area of lesion). RESULTS: 857 lesions were excised from 357 patients over the period studied. 718 lesions (83.7%) had municipal and 139 lesions (16.3%) had non-municipal water as their primary supply. Overall rate of clinically significant SSI was 15.6%, with no difference between municipal and non-municipal water groups (15.6% vs. 15.8% P = 0.946). Further subgroup analysis did not reveal any difference in rate of SSI based on type of surgical closure (direct closure, skin graft vs. flap). CONCLUSION: Non-municipal water supply was not associated with change in SSI relative to home municipal water supply in patients receiving skin cancer surgery. Our data supplements existing literature that water exposure does not influence SSI following skin surgery irrespective of primary home water supply.

Expect delays: poor connections between rural and urban health systems challenge multidisciplinary care for rural Americans with diabetic foot ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Rural Americans with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) face a 50% increased risk of major amputation compared to their urban counterparts. We sought to identify health system barriers contributing to this disparity. METHODS: We interviewed 44 participants involved in the care of rural patients with DFUs: 6 rural primary care providers (PCPs), 12 rural specialists, 12 urban specialists, 9 support staff, and 5 patients/caregivers. Directed content analysis was performed guided by a conceptual model describing how PCPs and specialists collaborate to care for shared patients. RESULTS: Rural PCPs reported lack of training in wound care and quickly referred patients with DFUs to local podiatrists or wound care providers. Timely referrals to, and subsequent collaborations with, rural specialists were facilitated by professional connections. However, these connections often were lacking between rural providers and urban specialists, whose skills were needed to optimally treat patients with high acuity ulcers. Urban referrals, particularly to vascular surgery or infectious disease, were stymied by 1) time-consuming processes, 2) negative provider interactions, and 3) multiple, disconnected electronic health record systems. Such barriers ultimately detracted from rural PCPs' ability to focus on medical management, as well as urban specialists' ability to appropriately triage referrals due to lacking information. Subsequent collaboration between providers also suffered as a result. CONCLUSIONS: Poor connections across rural and urban healthcare systems was described as the primary health system barrier driving the rural disparity in major amputations. Future interventions focusing on mitigating this barrier could reduce the rural disparity in major amputations.