Home Latest Articles
Latest Articles
  • Sheng-hui GE, Yu-qin SHI, Ling ZHANG, Ye-qing TONG
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2349-2353.
    Objective

    To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Hubei from 2020 to 2024 and provide scientific evidence for subsequent prevention and control measures.

    Methods

    Using epidemiological history and clinical case data from the China CDC Information System, we analyzed influenza characteristics in Hubei during 2020 and 2024. Count data were compared using χ2 tests.

    Results

    Hubei reported 1 050 819 influenza cases (609 699 cases in 2023, 58.02%), including 377 576 influenza A (35.93%), 99 676 influenza B (9.49%), and 840 parainfluenza cases (0.08%). Influenza A predominated (χ2=530 018.166, P<0.001). Male cases (564 464, 53.72%) slightly outnumbered females (486 355, 46.28%) (χ2=5 806.006, P<0.001). Seasonal distribution showed winter (463 932 cases) > spring (376 247) > autumn (127 067) > summer (83 573) (χ2=395 402.793, P<0.001). Children aged 0 to 9 years were most affected (549 181 cases, χ2=1 358 132.202, P<0.001). Students (410 818 cases) and kindergarten children (193 027) showed highest incidence (χ2=8 079 748.599, P<0.001). Wuhan reported most cases (368 397), followed by Yichang (105 119)(χ2=2 800 000.000, P<0.001).

    Conclusion

    Influenza in Hubei exhibited distinct seasonality (winter-spring peaks), with 2023 seeing highest incidence. Children under 10 remain most vulnerable, warranting focused prevention in schools and childcare settings.

  • Tian-wei ZHANG, Meng-xia LI, Xi-kang FAN, Zheng ZHU, Jin-yi ZHOU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2343-2348.
    Objective

    Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) represent a critical prognostic factor for COPD patients, significantly impacting health outcomes and imposing substantial economic burdens on families and society.This review aims to summarize current knowledge on ECOPD epidemiology to inform prevention and control strategies.

    Methods

    We conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and preventive measures of ECOPD.

    Results

    Global ECOPD prevalence shows a persistent upward trend with consistently high mortality rates. Significant variations exist across countries, time periods, and populations, influenced by multiple factors including environmental exposures, comorbidities, and healthcare accessibility. Key risk factors include smoking, air pollution, respiratory infections, and poor medication adherence. Effective preventive strategies encompass smoking cessation, vaccination programs, air quality improvement, and optimized disease management.

    Conclusion

    ECOPD remains a major public health challenge requiring urgent attention. Enhanced understanding of its epidemiological patterns and risk factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to reduce disease burden and improve patient outcomes.

  • KAMILI Mai-ri-ha-ba, YIMAMU Mai-wu-la-jiang, Yan-jie WANG, Yu-wei WANG, ABULIMITI A-li-mi-re, KAMILI Mai-di-nu-er, Yang XIANG
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2310-2316.
    Objective

    To systematically compare the performance of seven machine learning algorithms in constructing prediction models for tuberculosis (TB) recurrence among newly treated patients in Kashgar, Xinjiang, providing data support for optimizing recurrence intervention strategies in high-burden areas.

    Methods

    We analyzed 69 476 successfully treated new TB patients from 2016 to 2022 in Kashgar, with follow-up through 2023. Independent predictors were selected through multivariate logistic regression. Seven models (logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, multilayer perceptron, XGBoost, LightGBM, and elastic net) were developed and validated. The optimal model was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

    Results

    Among 69 476 cases, 9 444 (13.59%) experienced recurrence by 2023. Fourteen independent predictors were identified. The seven models showed AUC values ranging from 0.705 to 0.762 in the training set, with the decision tree model performing best (AUC=0.762, 95%CI: 0.758-0.766) and demonstrating good calibration. SHAP analysis revealed sputum culture results at diagnosis, local TB burden, and treatment modality as the top three predictive factors.

    Conclusion

    The decision tree model based on routine surveillance data shows high predictive performance for TB recurrence, with interpretable features that can facilitate early identification of high-risk individuals in clinical practice.

  • Ning-ning PAN, Qing LI, Min LIU, Yuan LI, Pu-hong ZHANG, Ya-min BAI, Jian-wei XU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2379-2384.
    Objective

    To evaluate the effectiveness of salt reduction intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding salt intake among residents in six provinces of China.

    Methods

    This cluster randomized controlled trial employed multistage cluster random sampling to select residents aged 18 to 75 years from six provinces (Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi,Hunan, Sichuan, and Qinghai). A comprehensive salt reduction intervention targeting multiple populations and settings was implemented, followed by questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. Difference-in-differences analysis combined with multilevel logistic regression models was used to assess the net intervention effect.

    Results

    A total of 2 269 participants were included (control group: 1 096; intervention group: 1 173). The intervention significantly improved knowledge, including awareness of daily salt intake recommendations (OR=6.124), the association between high salt intake and hypertension (OR=2.652), the misconception that low salt intake causes weakness (OR=2.469), awareness of low-sodium salt (OR=1.650), and understanding of salt content on food labels (OR=2.486). Positive attitudes toward salt reduction also increased, including willingness to choose low-salt diets (OR=2.717) and confidence in maintaining low-salt diets (OR=2.067). Behavioral improvements were observed in the use of low-sodium salt (OR=1.774), reduced consumption of pickled foods (OR=1.300), and reduced intake of salty snacks (OR=1.997)(all P < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results.

    Conclusion

    The salt reduction intervention effectively enhanced salt-related knowledge and attitudes, while promoting certain salt-reducing behaviors among residents in six provinces.

  • Yin WANG, Xiao-jie SUN
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2425-2430.
    Objective

    To analyze the influencing factors and urban-rural differences in health impairment among empty-nest elderly in China, providing references for reducing health risks and optimizing allocation of elderly care resources.

    Methods

    Using data from 4 025 empty-nest elderly in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS 2018), binary logistic regression was employed to identify influencing factors, and Fairlie decomposition was used to analyze urban-rural differences.

    Results

    The prevalence of health impairment was 10.58%.Logistic regression showed significant associations with age, physical examination, pension insurance, ≥2 chronic diseases, outdoor activities, and access to healthcare/life care services. Fairlie decomposition revealed a total urban-rural difference of -0.0606, with 44.06% explained by observable factors. The main contributors were: number of chronic diseases (28.22%), healthcare access (19.64%), outdoor activities (-14.36%), and physical examination (7.76%).

    Conclusion

    Urban empty-nest elderly show higher health impairment rates than rural counterparts. Priority should be given to addressing disparities in chronic disease management, healthcare access, outdoor activities, and health examination between urban and rural areas.

  • Xing CHEN, Zhi-peng HAN, Yu-lin WANG, Guang-tong WANG, Zhen-jie YU, Qi JING, Shan-ju HU, Ying-rong YU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(13): 2431-2436.
    Objective

    To examine the impact of fertility opportunity cost on childbearing intention among career women, with particular focus on career development cost.

    Methods

    Using data from the Chinese Residents’ Psychology and Behavior Survey, we analyzed 2 183 career women through binary logistic regression to assess how fertility opportunity costs (represented by career development costs) influence childbearing intentions.

    Results

    Among participants, 348 (15.9%) reported higher career development costs, while 627 (28.7%) expressed childbearing intention. Regression analysis showed positive associations between childbearing intention and: Han ethnicity (OR=1.863, 95%CI: 1.086-3.196), being married (OR=2.528,95%CI: 1.842-3.471), having ≥2 children (OR=1.687, 95%CI: 1.175-2.423), and higher career development costs (OR=1.336,95%CI: 1.038-1.721). Negative associations were found for age ≥36 years (OR=0.465, 95%CI: 0.273-0.795) and government/institutional employment (OR=0.770, 95%CI: 0.597-0.994).

    Conclusion

    Fertility opportunity costs, particularly career development costs, significantly influence career women’s childbearing intentions. These findings highlight the need for workplace policies that better support work-life balance and reduce opportunity costs associated with childbearing.

  • Dian-rui YAO, Le YANG, Yang YANG, Zhen-hao LI, Qi YU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(12): 2126-2132.
    Objective

    Based on the life course theory, this study aims to understand the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body roundness index (BRI) among Chinese older adults, as well as gender heterogeneity, in order to provide scientific evidence for the formulation of obesity prevention and control policies for older adults.

    Methods

    Data from 7 695 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2013-2015) were analyzed. OLS regression and RCS models were used to assess the linear and dose-response relationships, respectively, and examine gender differences.

    Results

    Of the 7 695 older adults included in the analysis, those who had experienced ACEs exhibited higher BRI compared to those who had not (β1=0.68, P<0.01;β2=0.74, P<0.01;β3=0.78, P<0.01;β4=0.74, P<0.01). The impact of ACEs on BRI was partially explained by family environment, living conditions, and policy environment, as outlined in the theory of health ecology. The RCS results showed a significant non-linear inverted “J” shaped distribution between ACEs and BRI in the overall population. Gender heterogeneity was observed, with a significant non-linear inverted “U” shaped distribution among males and a significant non-linear relationship among females.

    Conclusion

    ACEs are significantly linked to BRI in Chinese seniors, with gender differences. This has key implications for policy improvement, emphasizing healthy environments, risk prevention, counseling, and early interventions to reduce future health risks.

  • Shu-yue WANG, Jun-fang XU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(12): 2242-2248.
    Objective

    To investigate the correlation between online dating and the occurrence of risky sexual behaviors among transnational migrant populations, and to provide scientific evidence for preventing the spread of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) among transnational migrant populations.

    Methods

    The snowball sampling method was adopted to collect data on transnational migrant populations residing in China. The initial survey seeds were from Yiwu, Guangzhou, Beijing and Hangzhou. Demographic information and data related to sexual behaviors (including the number of casual sexual partners, dating methods, the frequency of condom use, etc.) were collected through questionnaires. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between dating methods and risky sexual behaviors.

    Results

    A total of 341 people were surveyed, with 199 people using condoms consistently, accounting for 58.36%; 99 people using condoms sometimes, accounting for 29.03%; and 43 people never using condoms, accounting for 12.61%. 112 people had multiple casual partners, accounting for 32.84%; and 229 people had only one casual partner, accounting for 67.16%. 48 people met their casual partners through online dating, accounting for 14.08%; and 293 people met their casual partners through non-online dating, accounting for 85.92%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those who met their casual partners through online dating, those who met their casual partners through non-online dating had a higher probability of using condoms consistently (OR value of 3.358, 95% CI of 1.184-9.522).

    Conclusion

    Unprotected sexual behaviors among transnational migrant populations are associated with online dating.

  • Wen- yu SU, Hui-yu JIA, Wen-jing CHANG, Shan JIANG, Jie YU, Gui-feng MA, Lin LIU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(12): 2236-2241.
    Objective

    To explore the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between handgrip strength and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and intervention of ADL impairment in this population.

    Methods

    Based on the 2015 survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a study was conducted involving 2 344 seniors aged 60 and above. Descriptive analysis and partial correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0, and the PROCESS macro program was employed to test for mediation effects.

    Results

    The detection rate of low handgrip strength among elderly individuals in our country is 20.09%, the detection rate of depressive symptoms is 34.94%, and the rate of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) impairment is 20.95%. Handgrip strength is negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (r=-0.055, P<0.01); handgrip strength is also negatively correlated with ADL impairment (r=-0.143, P<0.001), while depressive symptoms are positively correlated with ADL impairment (r=0.259, P<0.001). Depressive symptoms have a partial mediating effect between handgrip strength and ADL in the elderly, with the mediation effect accounting for 12.68%.

    Conclusion

    Handgrip strength can have a significant impact on the activities of daily living (ADL) of older adults due to symptoms of depression, highlighting the importance of self-exercise for this demographic. Interventions that combine improvements in handgrip strength with a reduction in the risk of depressive symptoms may be effective in maintaining the daily living capabilities of older individuals.

  • Hui WANG, Wei-jie DING, Xiao-qin ZHU, Xiao-lin XU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(12): 2205-2211.

    Promoting women’s health is an integral component of achieving health equity. The leading causes of global female mortality are cardiovascular diseases and cancers, while traditional research on women’s health has only focused on sexual and reproductive health. In recent years, growing interest in the impact of gender inequality and social determinants on women’s health has been observed, especially among epidemiologists. Life course epidemiology examines the independent, cumulative, and interactive effects of biological and social factors throughout lifespan on disease and health. It aids in directing measures for health promotion and disease prevention from the fetus to the elderly and promotes evidence-based public health practices. This study summarizes and synthesizes the model frameworks, research progress, and policy practices of life course epidemiology in the application on women’s health research, aiming to provide reference for subsequent studies.