Latest ArticlesTo understand the prevalence and spatial clustering characteristics of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province, and provide scientific basis for further reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis.
Based on the incidence monitoring data of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province in the tuberculosis information management system from 2016 to 2023, this study described and analyzed the distribution characteristics of tuberculosis incidence in the whole province in time, population and region, and used spatial clustering to analyze the key regions and types of incidence rate clustering in the province.
From 2016 to 2023, the annual average reported incidence rate of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province was 100.28/100 000, and the reported incidence rate declined at an average annual rate of 6.82%, from 130.66/100 000 in 2016 to 82.90/100 000 (trend χ2=9 647.38, P<0.001). From 2016 to 2023, the reported incidence rate of men and women will decrease from 165.18/100 000, 93.89/100 000 to 102.32/100 000 and 62.58/100 000 respectively (trend χ2=6 968.96, 2 828.21,all P<0.001). The reported incidence rates in the age groups of <20 years old, 20-39 years old, 40-59 years old and ≥60 years old all showed a downward trend (trend χ2=3 021.42, 3 563.78, 2 477.46, 1 184.20,all P<0.001). The average annual reported incidence rate of men and age groups ≥60 years old were higher than others (χ2=18 845.45, 65 957.05, all P<0.001) and the proportion of farmers was 69.46% higher than that of other occupations (χ2=732 538.16, P<0.001). At the same time, the proportion of medical staff and teachers increased (trend χ2=61.54, 45.87, all P<0.001). Spatial clustering analysis showed that tuberculosis in the province presented a clustered distribution (Moran I=0.293, Z=4.607, P<0.001), with high-high clustered areas mainly concentrated in Wangmo County, Ceheng County and other areas in Qiannan Prefecture.
In recent years, the prevention and control of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province has achieved certain results, but the current situation of prevention and control is still quite severe. Males, age groups ≥60 years old, farmers, medical personnel and teachers are the key population affected by the disease. Areas with relatively backward economic and living standards, such as Wangmo and Ceheng in Qiannan Prefecture, are the key areas affected by the disease.
To explore the relationship between the prevalence of arthritis and cognitive function in the elderly and to verify the mediating effect of activities of daily living(ADL) and the moderating effect of social engagement to provide a reference point for promoting active aging.
This study based on the data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2020, a moderated mediated-effects model was constructed using the PROCESS 4.1 program to analyze the mechanisms of ADL and social engagement in the effects of arthritis on cognitive function in the elderly.
A total of 5 882 elderly were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of arthritis in the elderly had a significant negative effect on cognitive function (β=-1.050, P<0.001); ADL partially mediated between the two, with a significant mediating effect (95% CI:-0.430--0.194), and an effect value of -0.306, with an effect percentage of 29.1%; social engagement significantly moderated the effect of ADL on cognitive function (β=1.594, P<0.001), and the predictive effect of ADL on cognitive function was more significant for the elderly with low social engagement.
ADL mediates the relationship between arthritis prevalence and cognitive function in the elderly; social engagement moderates the relationship between ADL and cognitive function; the elderly should be more aware of precautions to reduce the incidence of the disease; family doctor service teams should strengthen the health management and early intervention of arthritis in the elderly and provide scientific guidance on the use of medication; enhance the ADL of the elderly; and encourage the social engagement of the elderly to strengthen their cognitive function and achieve active ageing.
To understand the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies in Qinghai Province from 2009 to 2023, providing a basis for decision-making in the prevention and control of such events.
Data on incidents from 2009 to 2023 in Qinghai Province were collected and organized from the “Public Health Emergency Report Management Information System”. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the characteristics of these incidents.
A total of 311 public health emergencies were reported in Qinghai Province from 2009 to 2023, with 9 099 cases of illness affecting a total of 480 213 individuals, resulting in 46 deaths. Join point analysis revealed a turning point in infectious disease incidents, with a statistically significant upward trend from 2012 to 2023 (P=0.001). In contrast, non-infectious disease incidents exhibited a notable downward trend, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -8.30% (95%CI: -14.91% to -2.86%, P=0.003). Global spatial autocorrelation results indicated that, except for 2015 when public health emergencies in Qinghai showed a spatial negative correlation (Moran’s I=-0.321, Z=-1.557, P=0.035), no statistical differences were observed in other years (P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the reporting time of incidents and the duration of infectious disease outbreaks (r=0.43, P<0.05), indicating that longer reporting intervals were associated with longer outbreak durations.
There is a correlation between incident reporting and outbreak duration in Qinghai Province. It is recommended to enhance the awareness of timely reporting among medical institutions at all levels and to strengthen epidemic monitoring in key gathering places, such as primary schools, to reduce the occurrence of public health emergencies.
To understand the influencing factors of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) among adult residents of different ethnic groups in Gansu Province, providing foundational data for targeted prevention and control measures.
From May to July 2022,a stratified cluster sampling method was employed based on the altitude of residence (≤1 500 meters, 1 500 to 3 500 meters, >3 500 meters) in Gansu Province. All participants underwent questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and assessments of blood glucose and lipid levels. A non-conditional binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of LDH prevalence among different ethnic groups.
A total of 4 545 participants were included, with an overall LDH prevalence of 22.8%. The prevalence was highest among the Tibetan population at 30.6%, with significant differences observed among ethnic groups (P<0.05). For the Han ethnic group, a residence duration of less than 36 months, non-drinking, or residing at altitudes of 1 500-3 500 meters were associated with an increased risk of LDH. Conversely, being younger than 30 years, holding a position as a cadre, or residing at altitudes below 1 500 meters were associated with a reduced risk. Among the Tibetan population, low physical activity intensity, an education level of primary school or below, and a residence duration of 24-36 months were linked to an increased risk of LDH, while being male, engaging in low-intensity activities, and being unmarried were associated with a decreased risk. For the Hui ethnic group, a residence duration of 6-23 months or an age range of 30-59 years were related to an increased risk of LDH.
The prevalence of LDH varies among different ethnic groups in Gansu Province, and the influencing factors also differ.
To explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) trajectories and cognitive impairment and cognitive function in the elderly in China.
Based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2005 to 2018, a sample of 6 423 elderly individuals was selected. Group-based trajectory modeling was employed to construct BMI trajectories, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the relationship between BMI trajectories and the risk of cognitive impairment. Generalized linear models were applied to examine the relationship between BMI trajectories and cognitive function.
Three BMI trajectory groups were identified among males: “Normal-Stable Group (57.59%)”, “Normal-Overweight Group (36.27%)”, and “Overweight-Stable Group (6.13%)”. Among females, three BMI trajectory groups were identified:“Normal-Stable Group (68.14%)”, “Normal-Overweight Group (26.70%)”, and “Overweight-Obese Group (5.16%)”. Using the Normal-Stable Group as reference, after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of cognitive impairment for males in the Normal-Overweight Group and Overweight-Stable Group was [HR (95%CI)] 0.76 (0.64-0.91), P<0.01 and 0.65 (0.43-0.99), P<0.05,respectively. For females, the risk of cognitive impairment in the Normal-Overweight Group and Overweight-Obese Group was [HR(95%CI)] 0.74 (0.63-0.87), P<0.001 and 0.70 (0.50-0.99), P<0.05, respectively. Cognitive function scores for males in the Normal-Overweight Group and Overweight-Stable Group increased by 0.66 (0.42-0.89) points, P<0.001 and 0.78 (0.32-1.24) points, P<0.01,respectively. For females, cognitive function scores in the Normal-Overweight Group and Overweight-Obese Group increased by 1.19(0.91-1.46) points, P<0.001 and 1.44 (0.91-1.96) points, P<0.001, respectively.
There is heterogeneity in the BMI trajectories of the elderly in China, and the classification of BMI trajectories is significantly associated with cognitive impairment and cognitive function. Trajectories of increasing BMI are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment, and cognitive function is generally higher in populations where BMI remains at normal levels.
To analyze the transmission characteristics of the CRF105_0108 subtype in Luzhou, aiming to provide a scientific basis for effective control of its spread in the region.
Genetic sequences obtained from drug-resistant testing of antiretroviral therapy failures among AIDS/HIV patients in Luzhou from 2017 to 2023 were collected for subtype and genotype resistance analysis. The molecular transmission network of CRF105_0108 was constructed using genetic distance methods, and factors influencing network inclusion were analyzed.
A total of 61 CRF105_0108 gene sequences were obtained. A molecular transmission network was constructed at a 1.5% genetic distance, achieving an inclusion rate of 80.33%(49/61), forming 3 molecular clusters and 247 edges. A high-resolution molecular transmission network was constructed at a 0.6% genetic distance, with an inclusion rate of 40.98% (25/61), forming 9 molecular clusters and 22 edges. Univariate analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in network inclusion based on different residential locations (χ2=12.739, P=0.025), while differences in gender and other factors were not statistically significant. The genotype resistance rate for the CRF105_0108 subtype was 54.10% (33/61), with 8 samples exhibiting dual resistance to NRTI and NNRTI.
The transmission of the CRF105_0108 subtype in Luzhou may have formed a large transmission cluster. It is recommended to conduct genetic subtype monitoring and pre-treatment resistance testing for newly reported AIDS/HIV patients, to dynamically monitor the constructed transmission network, and to implement timely intervention measures for high-risk transmitters, thereby enhancing the specificity of antiretroviral therapy and improving the precision of prevention and control efforts.
To evaluate the effectiveness of an all-English small class inquiry-based teaching model for basic theories and practices in epidemiology, providing a reference for further improving the quality of all-English instruction in preventive medicine courses.
Based on the undergraduate course “Basic Theory and Case Study of Epidemiology” at Sichuan University, surveys were conducted before and after the course for students in both small and large all-English classes.A comparative analysis was performed between the two class sizes and within the same class before and after the intervention to explore whether the small class inquiry-based teaching model is more advantageous than traditional large class teaching in enhancing students’ all-English professional competence.
Prior to the all-English instruction, there were significant differences in English reading and writing abilities, as well as listening and speaking skills, between students in large and small classes, with small class students demonstrating superior skills (reading and writing: small class 57.1% vs. large class 26.8%;listening and speaking: small class 50.0% vs. large class 20.5%) (P<0.05). Most students in both class sizes lacked experience in delivering presentations and writing research papers in English before the instruction; however, small class students were more willing to attempt all-English oral presentations in class compared to their large class counterparts (small class 92.9% vs.large class 60.7%) (P<0.05). Following the all-English instruction, a significant improvement was observed in English reading and writing abilities, professional knowledge, mastery of English terminology, and participation in group discussions or projects for students in both classes. Overall, small class students exhibited better listening and speaking skills than those in large classes post-instruction, with 50.0% of small class students demonstrating good English listening and speaking skills compared to 14.1% in large classes, reflecting an overall improvement from pre-instruction levels. Small class students reported increased confidence in writing English research papers and more experiences with all-English presentations compared to large class students. Moreover, over 60% of students from both classes expressed a willingness to participate in international conferences and deliver all-English presentations, showing an increase from pre-instruction levels.
The all-English small class inquiry-based teaching model demonstrates greater advantages over large class teaching in enhancing students’ all-English professional competence, contributing to improved international competitiveness for employment and further studies.Implementing this model for undergraduate students in preventive medicine is both feasible and effective.
To understand the epidemiological characteristics of cervical cancer mortality among women in Jinan city, providing reference for the prevention and control of cervical cancer.
Data on cervical cancer mortality among women in Jinan from 2011 to 2023 were collected. Using SPSS 20.0 software, mortality rates were calculated for urban and rural areas, age-standardized mortality rates for women aged 35 to 64, cumulative mortality rates for those aged 0 to 74, and years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death. The annual average percentage change (AAPC) was employed to analyze trends in cervical cancer mortality.
From 2011 to 2023, the cervical cancer mortality rate for women was 3.05 per 100 000, with a standardized mortality rate of 1.83 per 100 000 and an average age at death of 61.65 years. The truncated mortality rate was 3.36 per 100 000, and the cumulative mortality rate was 0.20%. The mortality rate, standardized mortality rate, proportion of total malignant tumors, truncated mortality rate, and cumulative mortality rate for cervical cancer all exhibited an upward trend, while the age at death showed a downward trend. Mortality rates gradually increased after the age of 30, peaking in the 75 to 79 age group. The cervical cancer mortality rate and YLL rate among women aged 45 to 59 in urban areas and those over 60 in rural areas also showed increasing trends.
The cervical cancer mortality rate in Jinan city is on the rise, with notable urban-rural disparities. Targeted tertiary prevention measures should be implemented to effectively reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer.
To construct a structural equation model to explore the pathways of factors influencing fertility behavior among nulliparous couples of reproductive ages, providing direction for medical interventions aimed at fertility pathways.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, selecting 400 nulliparous couples of reproductive ages from the permanent residents of Chengde city, Hebei Province. Data were collected through general demographic questionnaires, the Childbirth Fear Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Fertility Motivation Questionnaire, and the Fertility Intention-Behavior Questionnaire. Path analysis and mediation effect testing were performed using structural equation modeling.
The constructed structural equation model demonstrated good overall fit. Childbirth fear negatively predicted fertility motivation, intention, and behavior (β values of -0.245, -0.120, and -0.123, respectively), while social support positively predicted fertility motivation, intention, and behavior (β values of 0.247, 0.145, and 0.149, respectively). Fertility motivation positively predicted fertility intention (β value of 0.816), and fertility intention positively predicted fertility behavior (β value of 0.760).
Childbirth fear and social support among nulliparous couples of reproductive ages can indirectly influence fertility behavior through fertility motivation and intention. Medical institutions should strengthen collaboration with community efforts to develop targeted intervention measures that alleviate childbirth concerns among the reproductive population and promote positive fertility behaviors.
To analyze the correlation between changes in uric acid trajectories in a male population undergoing health check-ups and the occurrence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
This study selected 5 316 male subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Health Management Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University over a ten-year period from 2012 to 2022. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was constructed based on uric acid levels, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized to analyze the risks of developing hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia across different uric acid trajectory groups.
The study participants were categorized into low stable, low increasing, moderate increasing, and high increasing groups. The incidence of hypertension in the high increasing group was significantly higher than that in the low stable group. After adjusting for confounding factors, the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that the risk of developing hypertension in the high increasing group was 1.51 times (95%CI: 1.20-1.91, P<0.001) compared to the low stable group. However, no significant correlation was found between changes in uric acid trajectories and the occurrence of diabetes. A significant correlation was observed between changes in uric acid trajectories and dyslipidemia; as uric acid levels increased, the incidence of dyslipidemia also rose. After adjusting for confounding factors, the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the risk of developing dyslipidemia in the high increasing group was 1.75 times (95%CI: 1.44-2.12, P<0.001) compared to the low stable group.
Among male individuals undergoing health check-ups, there is a correlation between uric acid trajectories and hypertension as well as dyslipidemia, yet no significant correlation with the occurrence of diabetes.