Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Onset Latency in One Saskatchewan First Nation.

BACKGROUND: Sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency are two measures that can be used to assess sleep quality. Factors that are related to sleep quality include age, sex, sociodemographic factors, and physical and mental health status. This study examines factors related to sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency in one First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. METHODS: A baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health project was completed between 2018 and 2019 in collaboration with two Cree First Nations. One-night actigraphy evaluations were completed within one of the two First Nations. Objective actigraphy evaluations included sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency. A total of 167 individuals participated, and of these, 156 observations were available for analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: More females (61%) than males participated in the actigraphy study, with the mean age being higher for females (39.6 years) than males (35.0 years). The mean sleep efficiency was 83.38%, and the mean sleep onset latency was 20.74 (SD = 27.25) minutes. Age, chronic pain, ever having high blood pressure, and smoking inside the house were associated with an increased risk of poor sleep efficiency in the multiple logistic regression model. Age, chronic pain, ever having anxiety, heart-related illness, and smoking inside the house were associated with longer sleep onset latency in the multiple linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency were associated with physical and environmental factors in this First Nation.

STOP-Bang Score and Prediction of Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a First Nation Community in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The STOP-Bang questionnaire is an easy-to-administer scoring model to screen and identify patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, its diagnostic utility has never been tested with First Nation peoples. The objective was to determine the predictive parameters and the utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire as an OSA screening tool in a First Nation community in Saskatchewan. The baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health Project (FNSHP) was completed between 2018 and 2019. Of the available 233 sleep apnea tests, 215 participants completed the STOP-Bang score questionnaire. A proportional odds ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted using the total score of the STOP-Bang as the independent variable with equal weight given to each response. Predicted probabilities for each score at cut-off points of the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) were calculated and plotted. To assess the performance of the STOP-Bang questionnaire, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. These data suggest that a STOP-Bang score ≥ 5 will allow healthcare professionals to identify individuals with an increased probability of moderate-to-severe OSA, with high specificity (93.7%) and NPV (91.8%). For the STOP-Bang score cut-off ≥ 3, the sensitivity was 53.1% for all OSA and 72.0% for moderate-to-severe OSA. For the STOP-Bang score cut-off ≥ 3, the specificity was 68.4% for all OSA and 62.6% for moderate-to-severe OSA. The STOP-Bang score was modestly superior to the symptom of loud snoring, or loud snoring plus obesity in this population. Analysis by sex suggested that a STOP-Bang score ≥ 5 was able to identify individuals with increased probability of moderate-to-severe OSA, for males with acceptable diagnostic test accuracy for detecting participants with OSA, but there was no diagnostic test accuracy for females.

Obesity, Sex, Snoring and Severity of OSA in a First Nation Community in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Sleep disorders have been related to body weight, social conditions, and a number of comorbidities. These include high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which are prevalent in the First Nations communities. We explored relationships between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and risk factors including social, environmental, and individual circumstances. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted with adult participants in 2018−2019 in a First Nations community in Saskatchewan, Canada. The survey collected information on demographic variables, individual and contextual determinants of sleep health, and objective clinical measurements. The presence of OSA was defined as an apnea−hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5. Multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine relationships between the severity of OSA and potential risk factors. In addition to the survey, 233 men and women participated in a Level 3 one-night home sleep test. Of those, 105 (45.1%) participants were reported to have obstructive sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 5). Mild and moderately severe OSA (AHI ≥ 5 to <30) was present in 39.9% and severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30) was identified in 5.2% of participants. Being male, being obese, and snoring loudly were significantly associated with severity of OSA. The severity of OSA in one First Nation appears relatively common and may be related to mainly individual factors such as loud snoring, obesity, and sex.

Intergenerational transfer of occupational risks on family farms.

BACKGROUND: Cultures of safety in farm work settings are under the authority of a responsible owner-operator, who establishes rules, attitudes, and behaviors for farm work practices. This novel analysis provides new evidence to show that risks that can lead to injury and are commonly practiced on Canadian farms are indeed transferred between generations. METHODS: Baseline data were provided by representatives from eligible and consenting farms (n = 589) in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, during the first quarter of 2013. Mailed questionnaires were sent to participating farms and completed by a single respondent. Questionnaires included scaled assessments of hazards and safety practices by farm operators, and young workers on each farm. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between farm owner-operator risks and safety practices and those reported for the young workers. FINDINGS: Graphical descriptive analyses showed that as farm owner-operator risks increased, so did those reported for children and young workers. Similarly, as farm owner-operator safe work practices increased, young worker hazards decreased, albeit more modestly. The young worker hazard scale increased by 0.20 (95% CI: 0.10-0.30) points, and decreased by 0.08 (95% CI: -0.016 to -0.000) points for each one-point increase in the owner-operator hazard and safe work practices scales, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational health and safety risks and protections experienced on farms appear to be transferred between generations. This suggests the need to target farm owner-operators, the responsible authority on the farm, as a focus of primary prevention strategies aimed at injury risks to children and young workers.

Duration and quality of sleep in 2 rural Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Estimates of sleep duration and quality are lacking for Canadian First Nations peoples. This study examines the prevalence of and risk factors for short/normal/long sleep duration and sleep quality. METHODS: Five hundred eighty-eight adults participated in the baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health Project conducted in 2018-2019 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Sleep duration and quality were self-reported. RESULTS: Mean sleep duration was 8.18 hours per night. About 45.5% slept the recommended 7 hours per night. However, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality were relatively common: about one-quarter of the participants slept fewer hours than recommended. Sleep duration was significantly less for men than women. Women were significantly more likely to report poor sleep quality than males. Multiple regression models revealed that age was significantly related with shorter sleep duration; sex and employment status were significantly related with sleep duration; and sex and income indicators were significantly associated with sleep quality. Nearly half of participants reported having had the recommended hours of sleep, but nearly two-thirds reported poor sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Information about the proportion of First Nations adults who sleep the recommended duration and the quality of sleep is important in informing health care and health policy.

Housing inadequacy in rural Saskatchewan First Nation communities.

Housing and house conditions on First Nation communities in Canada are important determinants of health for community members. Little is known about rural First Nation housing in the Canadian Prairies. The aim was to survey houses in two rural First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada to understand housing conditions, prevalence of mold/mildew and dampness, and sources, locations and frequency of mold and dampness. Surveys were conducted with an adult member of each household in 144 houses. Surveys assessed: size, age, and number of rooms in the house; number of individuals residing in the house; presence of mold/mildew and dampness, and sources, locations and frequency of mold and dampness. Houses were mostly two-bedrooms (25.7%) or more (67.4%). Thirty-one percent of houses had six or more people living in the house with crowding present in 68.8% of houses. Almost half of the houses (44.5%) were in need of major repairs. More than half of the houses had water or dampness in the past 12 months in which dripping/puddles and standing water were most commonly identified and were from surface water and plumbing. More than half of the houses indicated that this dampness caused damage. A smell of mold or mildew was present in over half of the houses (52.1%) and 73.3% of these houses indicated that this smell was always present. Housing adequacy including crowding, dampness, and mold are significant issues for houses in these two rural Saskatchewan First Nation communities. Housing inadequacy is more common in these rural communities as compared to Canadian statistics. Housing inadequacy is modifiable and is important to address for multiple reasons, but notably, as a social determinant of health. Federal government strategy to address and redress housing in First Nation communities in Canada is a fiduciary responsibility and critical to reconciliation.

Seasonal Changes in Sleep Patterns in Two Saskatchewan First Nation Communities.

Sleep is crucial for maintaining the recovery and restoration of the body and brain. Less sleep is associated with poor mental and physical performance. Seasonal changes in sleep patterns can be observed. This paper examines seasonal effects on sleep timing, duration, and problems in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were available from a community survey of 588 adults aged 18 years and older (range: 18-78 years) with 44.2% males and 55.8% females. Results are presented using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic-regression model to identify the association between seasonal changes in sleep patterns, and demographic, social, and environmental factors. The participants reported sleeping the least during the spring and summer months and sleeping the most during the fall and winter months. This was further confirmed by sleep hours and the lower proportion of recommended hours of sleep during the spring and summer, and a higher proportion of longer sleep duration during the fall and winter months. There was no significant variation in sleeping onset and wake-up times by season. Overall, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of sleep deprivation, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness by season. When stratified by age group and sex, some differences existed in the prevalence of sleep problems by season. More than two-thirds (68.6%) of the participants reported that there was a change in sleep patterns across seasons, and about 26.0% reported a very or extremely marked change in sleep patterns across seasons. Changes in sleep patterns by season were related to money left at the end of the month and damage caused by dampness in the house.

Sleep deprivation in two Saskatchewan First Nation communities: a public health consideration.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep deprivation is a common problem in Canada and is associated with many health problems. More than a quarter of Canadians get fewer than the recommended sleep hours (<7 h). This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors for sleep deprivation in two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. METHODS: The baseline cross-sectional survey was completed between 2018 and 2019 in collaboration with the two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. There were five hundred and eighty-eight participants participated in the survey from two communities. A Multivariate logistic regression model was used for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep deprivation (<7 h of sleep) was 25.4%. The multivariate logistics regression revealed that middle and older age groups, visible mold in the house, and being male with nighttime insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with a higher risk of sleep deprivation among study participants in the study. CONCLUSIONS: In these two First Nation communities, a higher proportion of the participants reported having sleep deprivation. This was a unique study, which evolved from ongoing research collaboration with two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Findings will be helpful in the management of patients with sleep deprivation in these communities; as well as for co-creating policy with the communities and future research priorities.

Prevalence of Hormone-Related Cancers (HRCs) at Two-Time Points in Rural Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study (SRHS).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hormone-related cancers (HRCs) among Saskatchewan rural dwellers and explore associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study (SRHS), which was a prospective cohort (2010 to 2014). Completed questionnaires were obtained from 4624 (2797) households, with information about 8261 (4867) individuals more than or equal to 18 years at baseline (follow-up). The crude prevalence of HRCs was calculated using appropriate formulae. Adjusted prevalence was calculated using logistic regression based on the generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: Crude prevalence of HRCs was 3.0% at the baseline. Variables significantly associated with HRCs were: exposure to radiation comprising ultraviolet radiation from sunlight as well as ionizing radiation (odds ratio [OR] 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.23, 4.84), previous history of cancer in sibling (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.07) and in father (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.86). CONCLUSIONS: The study informs the Saskatchewan Health Region for health care resource allocation.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene polymorphisms on the association between smoking and lung function among workers in swine operations.

Workers in swine operations may be at increased risk of developing respiratory problems. These respiratory conditions are more prevalent among workers who are smokers. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes play an important role in human immune responses to various respiratory hazards. This study aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms in TNF genes might alter the effects of smoking on lung function among workers in swine operations. Three hundred and seventy-four full-time workers from large swine operations and 411 non-farming rural dwellers in Saskatchewan were included in this study. Information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pulmonary function, and blood samples were obtained. Multiple linear regression analyses were used in the statistical analysis. Three promoter polymorphisms (rs1799724, rs361525, and rs1800629) in the TNF gene were investigated. Only the interaction term between smoking status and rs1799724 was significant in the multiple regression models. Among workers with the rs1799724 polymorphism (TT+TC), current smokers exhibited significantly lower lung function than nonsmokers. These associations were not observed among workers with the wild-type (CC). These findings were not observed among non-farming rural dwellers. Data demonstrated the possible involvement of TNF gene in (1) development of adverse respiratory conditions among workers who are smokers, (2) importance of smoking cessation among workers, especially those with polymorphisms in the TNF gene, and (3) potential implications in treatment, screening, and prevention.

Prevalence of Insomnia in Two Saskatchewan First Nation Communities.

Insomnia is a common problem in Canada and has been associated with increased use of health care services and economic burden. This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors for insomnia in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Five hundred and eighty-eight adults participated in a baseline survey conducted as part of the First Nations Sleep Health Collaborative Project. The prevalence of insomnia was 19.2% among participants with an Insomnia Severity Index score of ≥15. Following the definition of nighttime insomnia symptoms, however, the prevalence of insomnia was much higher, at 32.6%. Multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that age, physical health, depression diagnosis, chronic pain, prescription medication use for any health condition, and waking up during the night due to terrifying dreams, nightmares, or flashbacks related to traumatic events were risk factors for insomnia among participants from two Saskatchewan Cree First Nation communities.

Insecticide use and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes: A subset meta-analysis of the North American Pooled Project.

Insecticide use has been linked to increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), however, findings of epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent, particularly for NHL subtypes. We analyzed 1690 NHL cases and 5131 controls in the North American Pooled Project (NAPP) to investigate self-reported insecticide use and risk of NHL overall and by subtypes: follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for each insecticide were estimated using logistic regression. Subtype-specific associations were evaluated using ASSET (Association analysis for SubSETs). Increased risks of multiple NHL subtypes were observed for lindane (OR = 1.60, 1.20-2.10: FL, DLCBL, SLL), chlordane (OR = 1.59, 1.17-2.16: FL, SLL) and DDT (OR = 1.36, 1.06-1.73: DLBCL, SLL). Positive trends were observed, within the subsets with identified associations, for increasing categories of exposure duration for lindane (Ptrend = 1.7 × 10-4 ), chlordane (Ptrend = 1.0 × 10-3 ) and DDT (Ptrend = 4.2 × 10-3 ), however, the exposure-response relationship was nonlinear. Ever use of pyrethrum was associated with an increased risk of FL (OR = 3.65, 1.45-9.15), and the relationship with duration of use appeared monotonic (OR for >10 years: OR = 5.38, 1.75-16.53; Ptrend = 3.6 × 10-3 ). Our analysis identified several novel associations between insecticide use and specific NHL subtypes, suggesting possible etiologic heterogeneity in the context of pesticide exposure.

Domestic Risk Factors for Atopic and non-Atopic Asthma in First Nations Children Living in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Both allergic and non-allergic asthma phenotypes are thought to vary by specific housing and other indoor environmental conditions. This study evaluated risk factors for allergic asthma phenotypes in First Nation children, an understudied Canadian population with recognized increased respiratory morbidity. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a clinical component to assess the respiratory health of 351 school-age children living on two rural reserve communities. Asthma was defined as parental report of physician diagnosed asthma or a report of wheeze in the past 12 months. Atopy was determined by a ≥ 3-mm wheal response to any of six respiratory allergens upon skin prick testing (SPT). Important domestic and personal characteristics evaluated included damp housing conditions, household heating, respiratory infections and passive smoking exposure. Asthma and atopy prevalence were 17.4% and 17.1%, respectively. Of those with asthma, 21.1% were atopic. We performed multivariate multinomial logistic regression modelling with three outcomes: non-atopic asthma, atopic asthma and no asthma for 280 children who underwent SPT. After adjusting for potential confounders, children with atopic asthma were more likely to be obese and to live in homes with either damage due to dampness (p < 0.05) or signs of mildew/mold (p = 0.06). Both natural gas home heating and a history of respiratory related infections were associated with non-atopic asthma (p < 0.01). Domestic risk factors for asthma appear to vary by atopic status in First Nations children. Determining asthma phenotypes could be useful in environmental management of asthma in this population.

Pesticide use and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma: results from the North American Pooled Project (NAPP).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between pesticide exposures and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) using data from the North American Pooled Project (NAPP). METHODS: Three population-based studies conducted in Kansas, Nebraska, and six Canadian provinces (HL = 507, Controls = 3886) were pooled to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for single (never/ever) and multiple (0, 1, 2-4, ≥ 5) pesticides used, duration (years) and, for select pesticides, frequency (days/year) using adjusted logistic regression models. An age-stratified analysis (≤ 40/ > 40 years) was conducted when numbers were sufficient. RESULTS: In an analysis of 26 individual pesticides, ever use of terbufos was significantly associated with HL (OR: 2.53, 95% CI 1.04-6.17). In age-stratified analyses, associations were stronger among those ≤ 40 years of age. No significant associations were noted among those > 40 years old; however, HL cases ≤ 40 were three times more likely to report ever using dimethoate (OR: 3.76 95% CI 1.02-33.84) and almost twice as likely to have ever used malathion (OR: 1.86 95% CI 1.00-3.47). Those ≤ 40 years of age reporting use of 5 + organophosphate insecticides had triple the odds of HL (OR: 3.00 95% CI 1.28-7.03). Longer duration of use of 2,4-D, ≥ 6 vs. 0 years, was associated with elevated odds of HL (OR: 2.59 95% CI 1.34-4.97). CONCLUSION: In the NAPP, insecticide use may increase the risk of HL, but results are based on small numbers.

Lung Function Decline in Farm and Nonfarm Rural Residents of Saskatchewan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the annual changes in lung function among farm and nonfarm adult residences in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. METHODS: Data from the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study survey (2010 to 2014) among 724 adults were used. RESULTS: For forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measurements, estimates of annual decline (in milliliters) were highest in older age male (65+ years) (Mean, SD) (-42.63, 21.16); and among old heavy smokers (-57.79, 24.30). Estimates of annual decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) were highest in current smokers without the use of natural gas (-25.78, 14.78) and among old heavy smokers (-33.88, 20.28). Living on a farm is associated with decreased FEV1 and FVC, but not statistically significant by sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: A complex mix of personal and contextual factors may affect these estimates.

Depression and binge drinking in farm and non-farm rural adults in Saskatchewan, Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Despite some attention paid to farm stress in the popular press, recent Canadian research examining the mental wellbeing of farming populations relative to other rural dwellers is sparse. International research on the topic has shown inconsistent findings and has mainly focused on men. The objective of the present study was to examine the correlates of mental health among rural Saskatchewan women and men, positioning farm/non-farm residence as a main explanatory variable, and depression and binge drinking as measures of mental health. METHODS: The cross-sectional sample consisted of 1701 women (47.8% farm) and 1700 men (53.3% farm) who participated in the 2014 phase of the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study, a prospective cohort study primarily examining the respiratory health of rural people in the southern part of the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were collected using mailed self-report questionnaires and included measures of mental health assessing health professional diagnosed depression and binge drinking, in addition to a broad array of demographic characteristics, stressors and resources. Multiple logistic regression was the primary method of analysis; generalized estimating equations were utilized to account for household clustering. All analyses were conducted separately for women and men and by mental health indicator. RESULTS: Farm/non-farm residence was related to depression but only under particular circumstances, which in turn differed by gender. In women, non-farm residents with two or more chronic conditions reported more depression than their farm counterparts (odds ratio (OR)=2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-5.36); non-farm men with secondary school education reported greater depression than farm-dwelling men (OR=2.93; 95%CI 1.31-6.59). The remaining correlates of depression were generally consistent with previous research in rural populations, including younger age, being non-partnered (men only), higher stress, greater financial strain (women only) and lower social support (women only). Binge drinking was significantly elevated in non-farm women (OR=1.68; 95%CI 1.21-2.33) and non-farm men (OR=1.70; 95%CI 1.33-2.17) compared to the farming population. Among women only, not having access to a regular family doctor/nurse practitioner was associated with an increased likelihood of binge drinking (OR=2.05; 95%CI 1.13-3.71) compared to women perceiving better access. CONCLUSION: The present study is one of very few recently published quantitative studies of the correlates of mental health among farm and non-farm adults in rural Canada. The findings suggest that non-farm dwellers in rural Saskatchewan may be more vulnerable to compromised mental health than their farming counterparts. Additional research employing a longitudinal design and enhanced measurement is required to confirm or refute these findings.

Prevalence and determinants of asthma among aboriginal adolescents in Canada.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of asthma in Aboriginal adolescents in Canada based on the Canadian Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) 2012. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of asthma in Aboriginal adolescents in Canada. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional APS 2012 were analyzed to accomplish the objective. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine significant risk factors of lifetime diagnosis of asthma among Aboriginal adolescents. The outcome of interest for adolescents was based on the question: "Do you have asthma that have been diagnosed by a health professional?" Individual, environmental, and contextual factors were tested for an association with lifetime diagnosis of asthma among adolescents. Results: The overall prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of asthma was 16.0%. The prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of asthma was 16.8% for adolescent boys and 15.3% for adolescent girls. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, the risk factors of lifetime diagnosis of asthma were: age, income, being overweight, smoking inside the home, having one to two children under 18 years in the household, history of bronchitis, living in an urban residence, education, and geographical location. Female sex was reported to have a protective effect on or reduce risk of the prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of asthma compared to the male sex. Conclusions: Lifetime diagnosis of asthma prevalence appears to be lower in Aboriginal adolescent girls than in adolescent boys. Lifetime diagnosis of asthma prevalence in these adolescents is associated with age, income, education, being overweight, smoking inside the home, history of bronchitis, and location of residence, both geographical region and urban residence. The prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of asthma among Aboriginal adolescent is higher compared to the general adolescent population in Canada.

Determinants of injury among older Saskatchewan farm operators: A prospective cohort study.

SIGNIFICANCE: The agricultural industry differs from other businesses in the composition of its workforce. Often farm owner-operators work beyond what society would expect to be a normal retirement age. Older farmers may be less receptive to behavioral changes designed to improve worksite safety and are at increased risk for experiencing a work-related injury. We had a unique opportunity to evaluate the relative influence of specific occupational conditions and practices reported by older farm operators (age ≥55 years) on the occurrence of injury using a longitudinal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline data were provided by eligible and consenting farm members in the first quarter of 2013. These farms were then followed longitudinally by mail surveys over 24 months to document injury experiences. For each survey, mailed questionnaires were sent to participating farms and completed by a single respondent. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine which characteristics of the farm work environment were protective. RESULTS: A total of 96 farm injuries were reported by 73 of 566 farm operators. Medium (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58; confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.96) or high (HR = 0.53; CI, 0.30-0.94) worksite physical safety and high economic security (HR = 0.41; CI, 0.24-0.71) were protective in reducing injury among older farmers. CONCLUSION: Safety features in the physical environment and economic security are important protective factors for injury among older farmers. This supports injury prevention theory that suggests that engineering controls are superior to changes in work practices or the use of personal protective equipment in reducing injuries among older farmers.

Glyphosate use and associations with non-Hodgkin lymphoma major histological sub-types: findings from the North American Pooled Project.

Objectives Some epidemiological studies have suggested positive associations between glyphosate use and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but evidence is inconsistent and few studies could evaluate histological sub-types. Here, associations between glyphosate use and NHL incidence overall and by histological sub-type were evaluated in a pooled analysis of case-control studies. Methods The analysis included 1690 NHL cases [647 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 468 follicular lymphoma (FL), 171 small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and 404 other sub-types] and 5131 controls. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for NHL overall and sub-types with self-reported ever/never, duration, frequency, and lifetime-days of glyphosate use. Results Subjects who ever used glyphosate had an excess of NHL overall (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.83). After adjustment for other pesticides, the OR for NHL overall with "ever use" was 1.13 (95% CI 0.84-1.51), with a statistically significant association for handling glyphosate >2 days/year (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02-2.94, P-trend=0.2). In pesticide-adjusted sub-type analyses, the ordinal measure of lifetime-days was statistically significant (P=0.03) for SLL, and associations were elevated, but not statistically significant, for ever years or days/year of use. Handling glyphosate >2 days/year had an excess of DLBCL (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.07-4.28; P-trend=0.2). However, as with the other sub-types, consistent patterns of association across different metrics were not observed. Conclusions There was some limited evidence of an association between glyphosate use and NHL in this pooled analysis. Suggestive associations, especially for SLL, deserve additional attention.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk and organophosphate and carbamate insecticide use in the north American pooled project.

Organophosphates and carbamates have been among the most commonly used insecticides, with both agricultural and residential uses. Previous studies have suggested associations of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with some of these chemicals; however, many studies have been limited in their ability to evaluate associations with lymphoma subtypes. We evaluated the use of eleven organophosphate and two carbamate insecticides in association with NHL in the North American Pooled Project, which includes data from case-control studies in the United States and Canada (1690 cases/5131 controls). We used unconditional logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders, including use of other pesticides, to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between these chemicals and NHL overall, and NHL subtypes, i.e., follicular (FL), diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and others. Ever use of malathion was associated with increased risk of NHL overall (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14-1.81) compared with never users. Categories using tertiles of duration (<4 yrs., 4-12 yrs., and >12 yrs) also showed a significant exposure-response for increasing years of use of malathion and risk of NHL (OR<4vsUnex = 1.33 (0.88, 2.03), OR4-12vsUnex = 1.42 (1.02, 1.96), OR>12vsUnex = 1.55 (1.05, 2.28, p-trend < 0.01)). In addition, malathion use was statistically significantly associated with FL (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.11-2.27) and DLBCL (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.16-2.22) while there were no apparent associations with SLL or other subtypes, the p-value for heterogeneity across subtypes, however, was not significant. These results support previous studies suggesting an association between insecticide use and NHL overall, and provide new information on associations with NHL subtypes.