1,721,325 research outputs found
Effect of Ozone on COPD and asthma patients in Abuja Nigeria
Full text linkBackground: At high concentrations of ozone occurring during air-pollution episodes, airway sensitivity will increase even in healthy populations. Though there is an indication of the effects of ozone (O3) on COPD and asthma patients, few studies have the effects of short and long-term ozone exposure on them. This study investigates the effects of O3 concentration on COPD and asthma patients in Abuja, Nigeria.
Method: Data were collected on dyspnoea, daily symptoms, monthly FVC, and FEV1 data, routine monitoring O3 data, and meteorological data, we performed correction and multiple regression analyses to calculate the correlation between respiratory disease (COPD and asthma) and ozone exposure.
Results: We observed an association between O3 and lung function (FVC and FEV1). Ozone and FEV1 (-.719, p = .008), and O3 and FVC (-.566, p = 0.055). We observed a larger effect of ozone on lung function (FVC and FEV1) for females (FVC -.792, p = .002; FEV1 -749, p = .005) than males (FVC -.541, p = .070; FEV1 -645, p = .023), We also observed that O3 concentration and daily symptoms showed a significant association (.938, p =.000). Ozone had a greater impact on females than males in respiratory diseases (COPD and asthma). There was also a stronger association between O3 and respiratory condition in the dry season than in the wet season (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Exposure to ozone pollution caused a higher risk to COPD and asthma patients thus worsening their condition. Ozone pollution in Abuja is at a damaging level. The government has a key role to play in control and prevention initiatives to decrease ozone pollution to protect the public. The outcome of this study provides valuable data for further research and improving environmental practice in Nigeria
UK Adolescent School Pupils' Beliefs about Participation in Extra-Curricular Dance
Full text linkBackground/Objectives: Dance is part of the National Curriculum for schools in the United Kingdom (UK) and many schools also offer dance as an extra-curricular activity. However, motivation to participate appears to be low. The purpose of this study was to identify the beliefs of UK adolescent school pupils that underpin motivation to participate in extra-curricular dance based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) [1]. Method/Design: We employed a semi-qualitative method to elicit salient outcome (instrumental and affective), normative and control beliefs about extra-curricular dance participation. Participants were 28 schoolchildren aged 11-13. Content analysis was used to quantify the beliefs cited based on sample frequency. Results: The most cited three instrumental outcome beliefs were, in rank order, use of time, enjoyment, and impact on ability. Affective outcome beliefs were enjoyment, socialising, and expressing myself. Social referents were family, peers, and (non-dance) teachers. Control beliefs were accessibility, dance competence, and time and commitments. Conclusions: The results presented represent the beliefs of a small sample of schoolchildren regarding their motivation for extra-curricular dance participation. Ultimately these beliefs can be used to aid the development of strategies to enhance motivation for extra-curricular activities such as dance with this age group
Modification and Validation of Respiratory Health Questionnaire Derived from ST. George's Respiratory Questionnaire Abuja, Nigeria
Full text linkRespiratory questionnaires, such as St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), are used to assess the non�respiratory effects of COPD and other respiratory illnesses.
The SGRQ has been validated in more than 60 languages and has been widely used for quality-of-life assessment.
However, several studies have identified that the SGRQ is too lengthy for easy use within a clinical setting and is often
challenging to complete in low-literacy environments, including in many developing countries.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to extract questions from SGRQ and develop a simple questionnaire
to be used in areas where SGRQ is relatively new. Modify the reporting period, and assess the validity, and reliability
of this modified version in a population of COPD and asthma patients in Abuja Nigeria.
Method: The questions were extracted from SGRQ and reviewed by the supervisory team and the pulmonologists.
Participants are registered COPD and asthma patients registered in the two hospitals used for the study who were
from an existing cohort used to study the effect of O3, PM10, and NOx on respiratory health in Abuja, Nigeria. Focus
groups and interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions of patients and clinicians on the original and modified
questionnaires using qualitative methods (thematic analysis).
Result: The modified version showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness was
shown by significant changes in responses to the questions. In the participants’ opinion, the modified questionnaire can
be successfully used as a respiratory questionnaire for adult COPD and asthma patients in Nigeria.
Conclusion: This modified SGRQ is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for the evaluation of respiratory
patients in countries where SGRQ is relatively new such as Nigeria. We observed that the modified questionnaire
is equivalent to other versions and can be used in countries where health-related questionnaire such as SGRQ is
relatively new and or low literacy/developing countries
Vaccine Acceptance in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textThis chapter provides a strategic overview of the impact of COVID-19 on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), exploring barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake. An academic debate is presented for the need to apply socio-epidemiological concepts to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in SSA, considering the complex social factors governing vaccine uptake in the region. The chapter provides an insight into the complex nature of vaccine acceptance and uptake, coupled with the unique challenges SSA has faced as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognises the necessity for creative, multifaceted approaches to address this problem. The chapter discusses the unprecedented challenges that the pandemic presented, with specific reference to the fundamentally unique challenges it imposed on SSA. It explores the vaccination roll-out across the region and the core barriers to and facilitators of vaccine uptake. An overview of research evidence on SSA on vaccine hesitancy is also provided. The final parts of the chapter provide an examination of how social epidemiology can be used to explain and address COVID-19 vaccine uptake and an exploration of how potential future directions in vaccine acceptance and uptake across this distinct geographical region can be made beyond the context of COVID-19.<br/
Evaluation of the Awareness of Health Risks Associated with Air Pollution among the Elderly in Sunderland, United Kingdom
Full text linkAir pollution is a global problem, with its health impact disproportionately affecting certain age groups, including the elderly. It is a complex issue driven by human activities, and addressing it requires a strong focus on health literacy and risk communication. Understanding public awareness of air pollution exposure and its health consequences is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to evaluate awareness of the health risks associated with air pollution among the elderly in Sunderland, United Kingdom. A total of 420 participants were recruited, and their responses to questionnaires were collected and analysed using a Chi-square test. The results showed an awareness index of 0.8, indicating that participants were generally aware of the health risks associated with air pollution in the study area. Several factors influenced awareness among older people. The Chi-square test was highly significant (p < 0.01), and the Pseudo R-square value of 0.731 indicated that the explanatory variables accounted for 73.1% of the variation in awareness levels. However, less than half of the sample was fully aware of the health risks posed by air pollution. Enhancing public awareness and promoting exposure-reduction strategies could help protect the elderly and individuals with respiratory diseases
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
'Public Health in SubSaharan Africa'
No full textThis fascinating collection shines a social epidemiological spotlight onto the key public health issues effecting sub-Saharan Africa today.
Beginning with the legacy of colonial rule, the book outlines the complex interplay between population health and a range of social, economic and cultural factors. It shows how social epidemiological methods can offer a deeper understanding of population health, and features chapters on a range of infectious diseases which continue to have a devastating impact on the region, including Sickle Cell Disease, HIV /AIDS, Leprosy and Ebola. The final section of the book includes a series of case studies where social epidemiological methods have been used to explore specific public health issues.
Providing a timely overview of the relationship between social systems and human biology in the region, this important book will interest students and researchers across Public Health, Medicine and African Studie
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