ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3051-7313
Current Organisation
Flinders University
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Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-11-2021
Abstract: Sleep spindles show morphological changes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, previous small studies have limited generalizability, leaving associations between OSA severity measures and spindle metrics uncertain. This study examined cross-sectional associations between OSA severity measures and spindle metrics among a large population-based s le of men. Community-dwelling men with no previous OSA diagnosis underwent home-based polysomnography. All-night EEG (F4-M1) recordings were processed for artifacts and spindle events identified using previously validated algorithms. Spindle metrics of interest included frequency (Hz), litude (µV2), overall density (11–16 Hz), slow density (11–13 Hz), and fast density (13–16 Hz) (number/minute). Multivariable linear regression models controlling for demographic, biomedical, and behavioral confounders were used to examine cross-sectional associations between OSA severity measures and spindle metrics. In adjusted analyses, higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI/h, as a continuous variable) and percentage total sleep time with oxygen saturation & % (TST90) were associated with decreased slow spindle density (AHI, B = −0.003, p = 0.032 TST90, B = −0.004, p = 0.047) but increased frequency (AHI, B = 0.002, p = 0.009 TST90, B = 0.002, p = 0.043). Higher TST90 was also associated with greater spindle litude (N2 sleep, B = 0.04, p = 0.011 N3 sleep, B = 0.11, p & 0.001). Furthermore, higher arousal index was associated with greater spindle litude during N2 sleep (B = 0.31, p & 0.001) but decreased overall density (B = −1.27, p = 0.030) and fast density (B = −4.36, p = 0.028) during N3 sleep. Among this large population-based s le of men, OSA severity measures were independently associated with spindle abnormalities. Further population studies are needed to determine associations between spindle metrics and functional outcomes.
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 20-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25369
Abstract: Malaria continues to be a major cause of infectious disease mortality in tropical regions. However, deaths from malaria are most often not in idually documented, and as a result overall understanding of malaria epidemiology is inadequate. INDEPTH Network members maintain population surveillance in Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites across Africa and Asia, in which in idual deaths are followed up with verbal autopsies. To present patterns of malaria mortality determined by verbal autopsy from INDEPTH sites across Africa and Asia, comparing these findings with other relevant information on malaria in the same regions. From a database covering 111,910 deaths over 12,204,043 person-years in 22 sites, in which verbal autopsy data were handled according to the WHO 2012 standard and processed using the InterVA-4 model, over 6,000 deaths were attributed to malaria. The overall period covered was 1992-2012, but two-thirds of the observations related to 2006-2012. These deaths were analysed by site, time period, age group and sex to investigate epidemiological differences in malaria mortality. Rates of malaria mortality varied by 1:10,000 across the sites, with generally low rates in Asia (one site recording no malaria deaths over 0.5 million person-years) and some of the highest rates in West Africa (Nouna, Burkina Faso: 2.47 per 1,000 person-years). Childhood malaria mortality rates were strongly correlated with Malaria Atlas Project estimates of Plasmodium falciparum parasite rates for the same locations. Adult malaria mortality rates, while lower than corresponding childhood rates, were strongly correlated with childhood rates at the site level. The wide variations observed in malaria mortality, which were nevertheless consistent with various other estimates, suggest that population-based registration of deaths using verbal autopsy is a useful approach to understanding the details of malaria epidemiology.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25363
Abstract: Childhood mortality, particularly in the first 5 years of life, is a major global concern and the target of Millennium Development Goal 4. Although the majority of childhood deaths occur in Africa and Asia, these are also the regions where such deaths are least likely to be registered. The INDEPTH Network works to alleviate this problem by collating detailed in idual data from defined Health and Demographic Surveillance sites. By registering deaths and carrying out verbal autopsies to determine cause of death across many such sites, using standardised methods, the Network seeks to generate population-based mortality statistics that are not otherwise available. To present a description of cause-specific mortality rates and fractions over the first 15 years of life as documented by INDEPTH Network sites in sub-Saharan Africa and south-east Asia. All childhood deaths at INDEPTH sites are routinely registered and followed up with verbal autopsy (VA) interviews. For this study, VA archives were transformed into the WHO 2012 VA standard format and processed using the InterVA-4 model to assign cause of death. Routine surveillance data also provided person-time denominators for mortality rates. Cause-specific mortality rates and cause-specific mortality fractions are presented according to WHO 2012 VA cause groups for neonatal, infant, 1-4 year and 5-14 year age groups. A total of 28,751 childhood deaths were documented during 4,387,824 person-years over 18 sites. Infant mortality ranged from 11 to 78 per 1,000 live births, with under-5 mortality from 15 to 152 per 1,000 live births. Sites in Vietnam and Kenya accounted for the lowest and highest mortality rates reported. Many children continue to die from relatively preventable causes, particularly in areas with high rates of malaria and HIV/AIDS. Neonatal mortality persists at relatively high, and perhaps sometimes under-documented, rates. External causes of death are a significant childhood problem in some settings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25366
Abstract: Mortality from external causes, of all kinds, is an important component of overall mortality on a global basis. However, these deaths, like others in Africa and Asia, are often not counted or documented on an in idual basis. Overviews of the state of external cause mortality in Africa and Asia are therefore based on uncertain information. The INDEPTH Network maintains longitudinal surveillance, including cause of death, at population sites across Africa and Asia, which offers important opportunities to document external cause mortality at the population level across a range of settings. To describe patterns of mortality from external causes at INDEPTH Network sites across Africa and Asia, according to the WHO 2012 verbal autopsy (VA) cause categories. All deaths at INDEPTH sites are routinely registered and followed up with VA interviews. For this study, VA archives were transformed into the WHO 2012 VA standard format and processed using the InterVA-4 model to assign cause of death. Routine surveillance data also provide person-time denominators for mortality rates. A total of 5,884 deaths due to external causes were documented over 11,828,253 person-years. Approximately one-quarter of those deaths were to children younger than 15 years. Causes of death were dominated by childhood drowning in Bangladesh, and by transport-related deaths and intentional injuries elsewhere. Detailed mortality rates are presented by cause of death, age group, and sex. The patterns of external cause mortality found here generally corresponded with expectations and other sources of information, but they fill some important gaps in population-based mortality data. They provide an important source of information to inform potentially preventive intervention designs.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25365
Abstract: Mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major global issue, as other categories of mortality have diminished and life expectancy has increased. The World Health Organization's Member States have called for a 25% reduction in premature NCD mortality by 2025, which can only be achieved by substantial reductions in risk factors and improvements in the management of chronic conditions. A high burden of NCD mortality among much older people, who have survived other hazards, is inevitable. The INDEPTH Network collects detailed in idual data within defined Health and Demographic Surveillance sites. By registering deaths and carrying out verbal autopsies to determine cause of death across many such sites, using standardised methods, the Network seeks to generate population-based mortality statistics that are not otherwise available. To describe patterns of adult NCD mortality from INDEPTH Network sites across Africa and Asia, according to the WHO 2012 verbal autopsy (VA) cause categories, with separate consideration of premature (15-64 years) and older (65+ years) NCD mortality. All adult deaths at INDEPTH sites are routinely registered and followed up with VA interviews. For this study, VA archives were transformed into the WHO 2012 VA standard format and processed using the InterVA-4 model to assign cause of death. Routine surveillance data also provide person-time denominators for mortality rates. A total of 80,726 adult (over 15 years) deaths were documented over 7,423,497 person-years of observation. NCDs were attributed as the cause for 35.6% of these deaths. Slightly less than half of adult NCD deaths occurred in the 15-64 age group. Detailed results are presented by age and sex for leading causes of NCD mortality. Per-site rates of NCD mortality were significantly correlated with rates of HIV/AIDS-related mortality. These findings present important evidence on the distribution of NCD mortality across a wide range of African and Asian settings. This comes against a background of global concern about the burden of NCD mortality, especially among adults aged under 70, and provides an important baseline for future work.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2023
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S423397
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044606
Abstract: COVID-19 has caused a global public health crisis affecting most countries, including Ethiopia, in various ways. This study maps the vulnerability to infection, case severity and likelihood of death from COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Thirty-eight potential indicators of vulnerability to COVID-19 infection, case severity and likelihood of death, identified based on a literature review and the availability of nationally representative data at a low geographic scale, were assembled from multiple sources for geospatial analysis. Geospatial analysis techniques were applied to produce maps showing the vulnerability to infection, case severity and likelihood of death in Ethiopia at a spatial resolution of 1 km×1 km. This study showed that vulnerability to COVID-19 infection is likely to be high across most parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the Somali, Afar, Amhara, Oromia and Tigray regions. The number of severe cases of COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalisation and intensive care unit admission is likely to be high across Amhara, most parts of Oromia and some parts of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. The risk of COVID-19-related death is high in the country’s border regions, where public health preparedness for responding to COVID-19 is limited. This study revealed geographical differences in vulnerability to infection, case severity and likelihood of death from COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The study offers maps that can guide the targeted interventions necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CANEP.2017.11.007
Abstract: Comparative evidence on the burden, trend, and risk factors of cancer is limited. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we aimed to assess cancer burden - incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) - and attributable risk factors for Australia between 1990 and 2015, and to compare them with those of 34 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The general GBD cancer estimation methods were used with data input from vital registration systems and cancer registries. A comparative risk assessment approach was used to estimate the population-attributable fractions due to risk factors. In 2015 there were 198,880 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 183,908-217,365) estimated incident cancer cases and 47,562 (95% UI: 46,061-49,004) cancer deaths in Australia. Twenty-nine percent (95% UI: 28.2-29.8) of total deaths and 17.0% (95% UI: 15.0-19.1) of DALYs were caused by cancer in Australia in 2015. Cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung, colon and rectum, and prostate were the most common causes of cancer deaths. Thirty-six percent (95% UI: 33.1-37.9) of all cancer deaths were attributable to behavioral risks. The age-standardized cancer incidence rate (ASIR) increased between 1990 and 2015, while the age-standardized cancer death rate (ASDR) decreased over the same period. In 2015, compared to 34 other OECD countries Australia ranked first (highest) and 24 The incidence of cancer has increased over 25 years, and behavioral risks are responsible for a large proportion of cancer deaths. Scaling up of prevention (using strategies targeting cancer risk factors), early detection, and treatment of cancer is required to effectively address this growing health challenge.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 10-01-2017
Abstract: Elevated systolic blood (SBP) pressure is a leading global health risk. Quantifying the levels of SBP is important to guide prevention policies and interventions. To estimate the association between SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher and the burden of different causes of death and disability by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2015. A comparative risk assessment of health loss related to SBP. Estimated distribution of SBP was based on 844 studies from 154 countries (published 1980-2015) of 8.69 million participants. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression was used to generate estimates of mean SBP and adjusted variance for each age, sex, country, and year. Diseases with sufficient evidence for a causal relationship with high SBP (eg, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke) were included in the primary analysis. Mean SBP level, cause-specific deaths, and health burden related to SBP (≥110-115 mm Hg and also ≥140 mm Hg) by age, sex, country, and year. Between 1990-2015, the rate of SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 73 119 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 67 949-78 241) to 81 373 (95% UI, 76 814-85 770) per 100 000, and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 17 307 (95% UI, 17 117-17 492) to 20 526 (95% UI, 20 283-20 746) per 100 000. The estimated annual death rate per 100 000 associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 135.6 (95% UI, 122.4-148.1) to 145.2 (95% UI 130.3-159.9) and the rate for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 97.9 (95% UI, 87.5-108.1) to 106.3 (95% UI, 94.6-118.1). For loss of DALYs associated with systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 95.9 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 87.0-104.9 million) to 143.0 million (95% UI, 130.2-157.0 million) [corrected], and for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 5.2 million (95% UI, 4.6-5.7 million) to 7.8 million (95% UI, 7.0-8.7 million). The largest numbers of SBP-related deaths were caused by ischemic heart disease (4.9 million [95% UI, 4.0-5.7 million] 54.5%), hemorrhagic stroke (2.0 million [95% UI, 1.6-2.3 million] 58.3%), and ischemic stroke (1.5 million [95% UI, 1.2-1.8 million] 50.0%). In 2015, China, India, Russia, Indonesia, and the United States accounted for more than half of the global DALYs related to SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg. In international surveys, although there is uncertainty in some estimates, the rate of elevated SBP (≥110-115 and ≥140 mm Hg) increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, and DALYs and deaths associated with elevated SBP also increased. Projections based on this s le suggest that in 2015, an estimated 3.5 billion adults had SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and 874 million adults had SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-11-2014
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2014
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 04-09-2014
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-10-2021
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although screening programs have reduced mortality rates, there is a need for research focused on finding the main factors that lead primary CRC to progress and metastasize. During tumor progression, malignant cells modify their habitat, corrupting or transforming cells of different origins and creating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cells forming the TME like macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modify the cancer niche. The effects of ROS in cancer are very erse: they promote cellular proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), evasion of cell death programs, migration, and angiogenesis. Due to the multifaceted role of ROS in cancer cell survival and function, ROS-modulating agents such as antioxidants or pro-oxidants could have therapeutic potential in cancer prevention and/or as a complement to systemic treatments. In this review, we will examine the main ROS producer cells and their effects on cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, we will enumerate the latest clinical trials where pro-oxidants and antioxidants have therapeutic uses in CRC.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-09-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516003366
Abstract: Studies on the association between dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) have reported inconsistent findings. Data from the North West Adelaide Health Study, a population-based cohort study undertaken in Australia, were used to assess this association among adults aged 50 years and above. In this specific study, 1182 adults (545 males, 45·9 %) had dietary data collected using a FFQ and also had BMD measurements taken using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Factor analysis with principal component method was applied to ascertain dietary patterns. Two distinct dietary patterns were identified. Pattern 1 (‘prudent pattern’) was characterised by high intake of fruits, vegetables, sugar, nut-based milk, fish, legumes and high-fibre bread. In contrast, pattern 2 (‘Western pattern’) was characterised by high levels of processed and red meat, snacks, takeaway foods, jam, beer, soft drinks, white bread, poultry, potato with fat, high-fat dairy products and eggs. Compared with the study participants in the first tertile (T1, lowest consumption) of the prudent pattern, participants in the third tertile (T3) had a lower prevalence of low BMD (prevalence ratio (PR)=0·52 95 % CI 0·33, 0·83) after adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle and behavioural characteristics, chronic conditions and energy intake. Participants in T3 of the Western pattern had a higher prevalence of low BMD (PR=1·68 95 % CI 1·02, 2·77) compared with those in T1. In contrast to the Western diet, a dietary pattern characterised by high intake of fruits, vegetables and dairy products is positively associated with BMD.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-03-2022
DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2032125
Abstract: Shift work disorder (SWD) is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, defined by symptoms of insomnia and excessive levels of sleepiness resulting from work that occurs during non-standard hours. Sleep problems are common in shift workers, yet our understanding of help seeking behaviours for sleep in shift workers is limited. The primary aim of this study was to examine the help seeking behaviours of Australian workers who meet criteria for SWD. Of the 448 (46% of s le,
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-065318
Abstract: This study aimed to map the national, regional and local prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Ethiopia. Nationwide cross-sectional survey in Ethiopia combined with georeferenced ecological level data from publicly available sources. 9801 participants aged between 15 and 69 years. Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were collected using the WHO’s STEPS survey approach. Bayesian model-based geostatistical techniques were used to estimate hypertension and diabetes prevalence at national, regional and pixel levels (1×1 km 2 ) with corresponding 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs). The national prevalence was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.4 to 20.0) for hypertension and 2.8% (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.1) for diabetes. Substantial variation was observed in the prevalence of these diseases at subnational levels, with the highest prevalence of hypertension observed in Addis Ababa (30.6%) and diabetes in Somali region (8.7%). Spatial overlap of high hypertension and diabetes prevalence was observed in some regions such as the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s region and Addis Ababa. Population density (number of people/km 2 ) was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension (β: 0.015 95% CrI: 0.003–0.027) and diabetes (β: 0.046 95% CrI: 0.020–0.069) whereas altitude in kilometres was negatively associated with the prevalence of diabetes (β: –0.374 95% CrI: –0.711 to –0.044). Spatial clustering of hypertension and diabetes was observed at subnational and local levels in Ethiopia, which was significantly associated with population density and altitude. The variation at the subnational level illustrates the need to include environmental drivers in future NCDs burden estimation. Thus, targeted and integrated interventions in high-risk areas might reduce the burden of hypertension and diabetes in Ethiopia.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25370
Abstract: As the HIV/AIDS pandemic has evolved over recent decades, Africa has been the most affected region, even though a large proportion of HIV/AIDS deaths have not been documented at the in idual level. Systematic application of verbal autopsy (VA) methods in defined populations provides an opportunity to assess the mortality burden of the pandemic from in idual data. To present standardised comparisons of HIV/AIDS-related mortality at sites across Africa and Asia, including closely related causes of death such as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and pneumonia. Deaths related to HIV/AIDS were extracted from in idual demographic and VA data from 22 INDEPTH sites across Africa and Asia. VA data were standardised to WHO 2012 standard causes of death assigned using the InterVA-4 model. Between-site comparisons of mortality rates were standardised using the INDEPTH 2013 standard population. The dataset covered a total of 10,773 deaths attributed to HIV/AIDS, observed over 12,204,043 person-years. HIV/AIDS-related mortality fractions and mortality rates varied widely across Africa and Asia, with highest burdens in eastern and southern Africa, and lowest burdens in Asia. There was evidence of rapidly declining rates at the sites with the heaviest burdens. HIV/AIDS mortality was also strongly related to PTB mortality. On a country basis, there were strong similarities between HIV/AIDS mortality rates at INDEPTH sites and those derived from modelled estimates. Measuring HIV/AIDS-related mortality continues to be a challenging issue, all the more so as anti-retroviral treatment programmes alleviate mortality risks. The congruence between these results and other estimates adds plausibility to both approaches. These data, covering some of the highest mortality observed during the pandemic, will be an important baseline for understanding the future decline of HIV/AIDS.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S401655
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-06-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00394-023-03191-Z
Abstract: To our knowledge, no studies have examined the association of diet quality and plant-based diets (PBD) with inflammatory-related mortality in obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the joint associations of Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), plant-based dietary index (PDI), healthy PDI (hPDI), unhealthy PDI (uPDI), pro-vegetarian dietary index (PVD), and systemic inflammation with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality risks by obesity status. Participants from NHANES were included in cross-sectional ( N = 27,915, cycle 1999–2010, 2015–2018) and longitudinal analysis ( N = 11,939, cycle 1999–2008). HEI-2015, PDI, hPDI, uPDI, and PVD were constructed based on the 24-h recall dietary interview. The grade of inflammation (low, moderate, and high) was determined based on C-reactive protein (CRP) values and multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the association. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the joint associations of diet and inflammation with mortality. In the fully adjusted model, HEI-2015 (OR T3vsT1 = 0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.84 p -trend = 0.001), PDI (OR T3vsT1 = 0.83, 95% CI 0.75–0.91 p trend = 0.001), hPDI (OR T3vsT1 = 0.79, 95% CI 0.71–0.88 p trend = 0.001), and PVD (OR T3vsT1 = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.97 p trend = 0.02) were associated with lower systemic inflammation. In contrast, uPDI was associated with higher systemic inflammation (OR T3vsT1 = 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.31 p-trend = 0.03). Severe inflammation was associated with a 25% increase in all-cause mortality (OR T3vsT1 = 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.53, p trend = 0.02). No association was found between PDI, hPDI, uPDI, and PVD with mortality. The joint association, between HEI-2015, levels of systemic inflammation, and all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality, was not significant. However, a greater reduction in mortality risk with an increase in HEI-2015 scores was observed in in iduals with low and moderate inflammation, especially those with obesity. Higher scores of HEI-2015 and increased intake of a healthy plant-based diet were associated with lower inflammation, while an unhealthy plant-based diet was associated with higher inflammation. A greater adherence to the 2015 dietary guidelines may reduce the risk of mortality associated with inflammation and may also benefit in iduals with obesity who had low and moderate inflammation.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 07-12-2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-04-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-02-2020
Abstract: The use of smartphones/electronic devices and their relationship with outcomes are understudied in adult populations. We determined daytime functional correlates of using technology during the night in a population s le of Australian adults. A cross-sectional, national online survey of sleep health was conducted in 2019 (n = 1984, 18–90 years). Nocturnal technology use was assessed with: “In the past seven days, how often did you wake or were woken to send or receive text messages, emails or other electronic communications?” Waking to use technology during all/most nights was reported by 4.9%, with 13.8% reporting two to three nights per week, and 12.7% reporting just one night per week. Technology users were more likely to be younger, employed, experience financial stress, and speak English as a second language. In adjusted analyses, compared to no use, technology use at least two to three nights per week was significantly associated with daytime problems (sleepiness, fatigue and impaired mood, motivation, and attention) and was more evident in participants not reporting erceiving a sleep problem. Technology use was independently associated with at least one drowsy driving-related motor vehicle accidents/near miss per month (odds ratio [OR] = 6.4, 95% CI = 3.8 to 10.7) and with missing work (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 3.2 to 7.2) and making errors at work (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.3) at least 1 day in the past 3 months due to sleepiness/sleep problem. These associations were not significantly modified by age. Public health implications of waking to engage with electronic devices at night may be significant in terms of safety, productivity, and well-being. Limiting sleep-disrupting technology use will require innovative language- erse strategies targeted broadly across age groups.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-10-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JSR.14078
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-06-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00394-017-1478-Z
Abstract: The relative advantages of dietary analysis methods, particularly in identifying dietary patterns associated with bone mass, have not been investigated. We evaluated principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares (PLS) and reduced-rank regressions (RRR) in determining dietary patterns associated with bone mass. Data from 1182 study participants (45.9% males aged 50 years and above) from the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS) were used. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were constructed using PCA, PLS and RRR and compared based on the performance to identify plausible patterns associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC). PCA, PLS and RRR identified two, four and four dietary patterns, respectively. All methods identified similar patterns for the first two factors (factor 1, "prudent" and factor 2, "western" patterns). Three, one and none of the patterns derived by RRR, PLS and PCA were significantly associated with bone mass, respectively. The "prudent" and dairy (factor 3) patterns determined by RRR were positively and significantly associated with BMD and BMC. Vegetables and fruit pattern (factor 4) of PLS and RRR was negatively and significantly associated with BMD and BMC, respectively. RRR was found to be more appropriate in identifying more (plausible) dietary patterns that are associated with bone mass than PCA and PLS. Nevertheless, the advantage of RRR over the other two methods (PCA and PLS) should be confirmed in future studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-07-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-11-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S301493
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S276932
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-030079
Abstract: Studies examining potential factors of all-cause mortality comprehensively at community level are rare. Using long-term community-based follow-up study, we examined the association of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, metabolic and chronic conditions, and medication and health service utilisation with all-cause mortality. We followed 4056 participants, aged 18–90 years, for 18 years in the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS). Mortality data were obtained from South Australian (SA) public hospitals and registries including SA births, deaths and marriages, the National Death Index and the NWAHS follow-up. Predictors of all-cause mortality were explored using Cox proportional hazard model, adjusting for potential confounders. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and age. Mean (SD) age at baseline was 50.4 (16.4) years. Less than half (47.8%) of the participants were men. A total of 64 689.7 person-years from 4033 participants with 18.7 years of follow-up were generated. The median follow-up time was 17.7 years 614 deaths were recorded. The overall crude death rate was 9.6 (95% CI 8.9 to 10.4) per 1000 person-years. After adjusting for potential confounders, a reduced risk of mortality was significantly associated with being separated or orced, being in the highest Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas quintile, engaging in moderate exercise, being overweight (body mass index: 25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 ) and per 10% increase in per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s. We found that the most important predictors of all-cause mortality were sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics. Sociodemographic factors were more important predictors of all-cause mortality in young age bracket compared with older people. Socioeconomic factors were found to be the most important predictors of all-cause mortality. The study highlights the need to address the social inequalities and strengthen behavioural interventions for different subgroups of population to prevent premature deaths.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2018
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 02-12-2021
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01958-2021
Abstract: Increased mortality has been reported in people with insomnia and in those with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, these conditions commonly co-occur and the combined effect of comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (COMISA) on mortality risk is unknown. This study used Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) data to assess associations between COMISA and all-cause mortality risk. Insomnia was defined as difficulties falling asleep, maintaining sleep and/or early morning awakenings from sleep ≥16 times per month, and daytime impairments. OSA was defined as an apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥15 events·h −1 . COMISA was defined if both conditions were present. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between COMISA and all-cause mortality (n=1210) over 15 years of follow-up. 5236 participants were included. 2708 (52%) did not have insomnia/OSA (reference group), 170 (3%) had insomnia-alone, 2221 (42%) had OSA-alone and 137 (3%) had COMISA. COMISA participants had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.39–2.90) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.11–2.61) compared with the reference group. Insomnia-alone and OSA-alone were associated with higher risk of hypertension but not CVD compared with the reference group. Compared with the reference group, COMISA was associated with a 47% (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.06–2.07) increased risk of mortality. The association between COMISA and mortality was consistent across multiple definitions of OSA and insomnia. COMISA was associated with higher rates of hypertension and CVD at baseline, and an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with no insomnia/OSA.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S327478
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-10-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLNESP.2017.08.001
Abstract: There is limited evidence on the link between the overall nutrients intake from diet and bone mineral density (BMD). We assessed the association between nutrient patterns and BMD among an ageing Australian population. Participants (n = 1135 males, 45.8% median age, 62.0 years) with dietary and BMD data in the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Nutrient patterns were identified by factor analysis. Linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between nutrient patterns and BMD (mg/cm Three nutrient patterns (mixed-source [potassium, calcium, fibre, retinol and Vitamin B Whereas animal- and plant-sourced nutrient patterns are not associated with BMD, mixed-source pattern may have benefit in prevention of reduced BMD.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-05-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13051536
Abstract: Evidence on the association between various dietary constructs and obesity risk is limited. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between different diet indices and dietary patterns with the risk of obesity. Non-obese participants (n = 787) in the North West Adelaide Health Study were followed from 2010 to 2015. The dietary inflammatory index (DII®), plant-based dietary index (PDI) and factor-derived dietary pattern scores were computed based on food frequency questionnaire data. We found the incidence of obesity was 7.62% at the 5-year follow up. In the adjusted model, results from multivariable log-binomial logistic regression showed that a prudent dietary pattern (RRQ5 vs. Q1 = 0.38 95% CI: 0.15–0.96), healthy PDI (RR = 0.31 95% CI: 0.12–0.77) and overall PDI (RR = 0.56 95% CI: 0.23–1.33) were inversely associated with obesity risk. Conversely, the DII (RR = 1.59 95% CI: 0.72–3.50), a Western dietary pattern (RR = 2.16 95% CI: 0.76–6.08) and unhealthy PDI (RR = 1.94 95% CI: 0.81–4.66) were associated with increased risk of obesity. Based on the cubic spline analysis, the association between an unhealthy PDI or diet quality with the risk of obesity was non-linear. In conclusion, an anti-inflammatory diet, healthy diet or consumption of healthy plant-based foods were all associated with a lower risk of developing obesity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-03-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00394-018-1656-7
Abstract: Diet is a major determining factor for many non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). However, evidence on diet-related NCD burden remains limited. We assessed the trends in diet-related NCDs in Australia from 1990 to 2015 and compared the results with other countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We used data and methods from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015 study to estimate the NCD mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to 14 dietary risk factors in Australia and 34 OECD nations. Countries were further ranked from the lowest (first) to highest (35th) burden using an age-standardized population attributable fraction (PAF). In 2015, the estimated number of deaths attributable to dietary risks was 29,414 deaths [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 24,697 - 34,058 or 19.7% of NCD deaths] and 443,385 DALYs (95% UI 377,680-511,388 or 9.5% of NCD DALYs) in Australia. Young (25-49 years) and middle-age (50-69 years) male adults had a higher PAF of diet-related NCD deaths and DALYs than their female counterparts. Diets low in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and whole grains, but high in sodium, were the major contributors to both NCD deaths and DALYs. Overall, 42.3% of cardiovascular deaths were attributable to dietary risk factors. The age-standardized PAF of diet-related NCD mortality and DALYs decreased over the study period by 28.2% (from 27.0% in 1990 to 19.4% in 2015) and 41.0% (from 14.3% in 1990 to 8.4% in 2015), respectively. In 2015, Australia ranked 12th of 35 examined countries in diet-related mortality. A small improvement of rank was recorded compared to the previous 25 years. Despite a reduction in diet-related NCD burden over 25 years, dietary risks are still the major contributors to a high burden of NCDs in Australia. Interventions targeting NCDs should focus on dietary behaviours of in iduals and population groups.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-10-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JSR.14069
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-10-2014
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V7.25550
Abstract: In Ethiopia, most deaths take place at home and routine certification of cause of death by physicians is lacking. As a result, reliable cause of death (CoD) data are often not available. Recently, a computerized method for interpretation of verbal autopsy (VA) data, called InterVA, has been developed and used. It calculates the probability of a set of CoD given the presence of circumstances, signs, and symptoms reported during VA interviews. We applied the InterVA model to describe CoD in a rural population of Ethiopia. VA data for 436/599 (72.7%) deaths that occurred during 2010-2011 were included. InterVA-4 was used to interpret the VA data into probable cause of death. Cause-specific mortality fraction was used to describe frequency of occurrence of death from specific causes. InterVA-4 was able to give likely cause(s) of death for 401/436 of the cases (92.0%). Overall, 35.0% of the total deaths were attributed to communicable diseases, and 30.7% to chronic non-communicable diseases. Tuberculosis (12.5%) and acute respiratory tract infections (10.4%) were the most frequent causes followed by neoplasms (9.6%) and diseases of circulatory system (7.2%). InterVA-4 can produce plausible estimates of the major public health problems that can guide public health interventions. We encourage further validation studies, in local settings, so that InterVA can be integrated into national health surveys.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-02-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-09-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S359437
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044618
Abstract: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evidence on risk factors for transmission, disease severity and COVID-19 related deaths in Africa. A systematic review has been conducted to synthesise existing evidence on risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes across Africa. Data were systematically searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, MedRxiv and BioRxiv. Studies for review were included if they were published in English and reported at least one risk factor and/or one health outcome. We included all relevant literature published up until 11 August 2020. We performed a systematic narrative synthesis to describe the available studies for each outcome. Data were extracted using a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which four were exclusively on Africa and the remaining 11 papers had a global focus with some data from Africa. Higher rates of infection in Africa are associated with high population density, urbanisation, transport connectivity, high volume of tourism and international trade, and high level of economic and political openness. Limited or poor access to healthcare are also associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. Older people and in iduals with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and anaemia experience severe forms COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and death. Similarly, high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high prevalence of tobacco consumption and low levels of expenditure on health and low levels of global health security score contribute to COVID-19 related deaths. Demographic, institutional, ecological, health system and politico-economic factors influenced the spectrum of COVID-19 infection, severity and death. We recommend multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to mitigate the identified factors and strengthen effective prevention strategies.
Publisher: Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Date: 06-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-08-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Yohannes Adama Melaku.