RESUMEN
Lung cancer (LC) is currently the leading cause of cancer deaths in Japan. Early detection through lung cancer screening (LCS) is important for reducing mortality. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting willingness to undergo LCS, particularly among young people, is important. This study aimed to elucidate the inclination toward LCS and its determining factors among Japanese university students. This cross-sectional study, involving 10,969 Japanese university students, was conducted in April 2023. A Pearson's chi-square test and a binomial logistic regression analysis were used to analyze factors related to the dependent variable, willingness to undergo LCS in the future. Out of the 6779 participants (61.8%) involved in this study, 6504 (95.9%) provided valid responses, and 4609 (70.9%) expressed a willingness to undergo LCS in the future. Analysis revealed current smoking as a barrier to future willingness to undergo LCS. Other barriers included postponing the age of screening, anxiety about the screening content, and concerns about the possibility of having cancer after screening. Addressing barriers, such as current smoking and anxiety about screening, that prevent young people from undergoing LCS in the future is crucial. Therefore, universities should provide opportunities to educate students about LCS and explore various educational methods.
RESUMEN
Exertional heatstroke (EHS), a severe form of exertional heat illness (EHI), is the third leading cause of death in athletes; thus, early detection and prevention of EHI can help prevent EHS, which is a life-threatening condition. This study aimed to clarify the association between the cognizance of experiencing EHI and living conditions and specific EHI symptoms among collegiate athletes. This study was conducted in October 2022 by administering a questionnaire to 237 male collegiate athletes. Of the 215 (90.7%) respondents, 197 (91.6%) provided valid responses; among them, 88 (44.7%) responded they had experienced EHI, while 109 (55.3%) had not. A history of medical examinations due to EHI, having experienced headaches during summer activities, and having read the EHI manual were factors indicating cognizance of EHI. The number of times meals containing a staple food, main dish, and side dish were eaten in a day was a factor in preventing EHI. Early detection of EHI is important for its prevention, and it is important that athletes themselves have knowledge of symptoms and can correctly self-diagnose EHI. Emphasizing the potential of a well-balanced dietary intake has the potential to prevent EHI is crucial.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos de Estrés por Calor , Condiciones Sociales , Humanos , Masculino , Calor , Trastornos de Estrés por Calor/diagnóstico , Trastornos de Estrés por Calor/epidemiología , Trastornos de Estrés por Calor/prevención & control , Atletas , EstudiantesRESUMEN
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is found primarily in the respiratory tract secretions of infected individuals with one of the main routes of transmission being direct or indirect contact. In this study, using fluorescent paint, we evaluated the spread of contaminants while playing catch with a baseball. Fluorescent paint was applied to the right hand of a right-handed baseball player who then engaged in playing catch with 10 other right-handed players (partners) for 5 min each. The fluorescent paint was detected on the right hands (inside) and gloves (inside) of all the 10 partners as well as on the ball; in some partners it was also detected on the back of the right hands or the back of the gloves. However, except for their right hands, fluorescent paint was not detected on the surface of the bodies of the partners. These observations indicated that the fluorescent paint (mimicking virus-containing contaminants) on the hand spreads very efficiently from person to person during the throwing and catching of a baseball, suggesting that a thorough and frequent disinfection of the hands and equipment is important in the prevention of infections that may occur while playing baseball.
Asunto(s)
Béisbol , COVID-19 , Infección Hospitalaria , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Since the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, educational institutions have implemented measures such as school closures, raising concerns regarding the increase in psychological distress among university students. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that have influenced psychological distress among college freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the conclusion of the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Japan. Psychological distress was measured using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Factors affecting psychological distress were calculated using regression analysis. Of the 2536 participants, 1841 (72.6%) reported having no psychological distress, while 695 (27.4%) reported having psychological distress. Factors that were identified to contribute to psychological distress were lack of sleep, weight gain or loss, worsening of interpersonal relationships, and physical symptoms and illnesses. A willingness to join an athletic club and having an environment in which it is easy to discuss worries and anxieties with others were factors that were identified to hinder psychological distress. It is necessary for universities to offer enhanced supports for physical and interpersonal activities. Additionally, it is imperative to encourage students to look after their physical health and to actively utilize university-based consultation systems.
RESUMEN
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has decreased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) intervention rates. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the willingness of university freshmen to provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictors thereof. A cross-sectional survey of 2789 newly enrolled university students was conducted after the end of the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan; predictors of willingness to provide BCPR were assessed by regression analysis. Of the 2534 participants 1525 (60.2%) were willing to intervene and provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hesitancy due to the anxiety that CPR intervention might result in poor prognosis was a negative predictor of willingness. In contrast, anxiety about the possibility of infection during CPR intervention did not show a negative impact. On the other hand, interest in CPR and willingness to participate in a course, confidence in CPR skills, awareness of automated external defibrillation, and knowledge of CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic, were also positive predictors. This study suggests that the barrier to willingness to intervene with BCPR during a COVID-19 pandemic is not fear of infection, but rather hesitation due to the possibility of poor prognosis from the intervention. The significance of conducting this study during the COVID-19 epidemic is great, and there is an urgent need for measures to overcome hesitation regarding BCPR.