ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6214-2440
Current Organisation
University of Sydney
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Epidemiology | Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety | Public Health and Health Services | Aged Health Care | Health Economics |
Environmental Health | Social Structure and Health | Health Related to Ageing | Social Impacts of Climate Change and Variability | Occupational Health | Health Protection and/or Disaster Response
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-11-2018
Abstract: Limited research focuses on risk perceptions of hot weather among ethnic minority groups in remote mountain areas of China. Adopting a multi-stage s ling method, this study received completed questionnaires from 643 participates in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of China in 2017 and 2018. We used multivariate logistic regression models to explore the factors affecting risk perceptions and coping behaviors with regards to hot weather. Results showed that despite a relatively high level of risk perception, the study population in the mountain areas of China had a very low level of preparedness in responding to the risks from heat, and a lack of professional health knowledge in general. In particular, 61.3% (95% CI: 57.1%−5.6%) of the participants felt increasing temperatures in recent years, 73.2% (95% CI: 69.3%−7.0%) thought extreme high temperatures would be a health threat, and 61.3% (95% CI: 57.1%−5.4%) reported physical discomfort during hot weather. However, only 12% (95% CI: 9.5%−4.5%) had the information or knowledge to stay healthy during the extreme high temperatures, and only 24.2% had (95% CI: 20.8%−7.6%) preparation. The logistic regression models suggested that ethnic group, health status, marital status, gender, and employment could affect their perceptions, which could significantly affect the adoption of coping behaviors. In conclusion, our findings have significant implications for developing policies and health education and promotion programs for ethnic minorities in remote regions to maintain good health during hot weather.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 02-02-2022
Abstract: The impact of temperature and rainfall on the occurrence of typhoid aratyphoid fever are not fully understood. This study aimed to characterize the effect of daily ambient temperature and total rainfall on the incidence of typhoid aratyphoid in a sub-tropical climate city of China and to identify the vulnerable groups for disease prevention. Daily notified typhoid aratyphoid fever cases and meteorological data for Taizhou from 2005 to 2013 were extracted from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System and the Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, respectively. Distributed lag nonlinear model was used to quantify the association between daily mean temperature, total rainfall, and typhoid aratyphoid fever. Subgroup analyses by gender, age, and occupation were conducted to identify the vulnerable groups. A total of 625 typhoid fever cases and 1,353 paratyphoid fever cases were reported during the study period. An increased risk of typhoid fever was detected with the increase of temperature (Each 2°C rise resulted in 6%, 95% [confidence interval] CI: 2–10% increase in typhoid cases), while the increased risk was associated with the higher temperature for paratyphoid (the highest cumulative risk of temperature was 33.40 [95% CI: 12.23–91.19] at 33°C). After the onset of mild precipitation, the relative risk of typhoid fever increased in a short-lasting and with a 13–26 days delay, and the risk was no significant after the continuous increase of precipitation (the highest cumulative risk of rainfall was 24.96 [95% CI: 4.54–87.21] at 100 mm). Whereas the risk of paratyphoid fever was immediate and long lasting, and increase rapidly with the increase of rainfall (each 100 mm increase was associated with 26% increase in paratyphoid fever cases). Significant temperature-typhoid aratyphoid fever and rainfall-typhoid aratyphoid fever associations were found in both genders and those aged 0–4 years old, 15–60 years old, farmers, and children. Characterized with a lagged, nonlinear, and cumulative effect, high temperature and rainfall could increase the risk of typhoid aratyphoid fever in regions with a subtropical climate. Public health interventions such as early warning and community health education should be taken to prevent the increased risk of typhoid aratyphoid fever, especially for the vulnerable groups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-04-2022
Abstract: Heatwaves are associated with increased mortality and are exacerbated by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Thus, to inform climate change mitigation and adaptation, we quantified the mortality burden of historical heatwave days in Sydney, Australia, assessed the contribution of the UHI effect and used climate change projection data to estimate future health impacts. We also assessed the potential for tree cover to mitigate against the UHI effect. Mortality (2006–2018) records were linked with census population data, weather observations (1997–2016) and climate change projections to 2100. Heatwave-attributable excess deaths were calculated based on risk estimates from a published heatwave study of Sydney. High resolution satellite observations of UHI air temperature excesses and green cover were used to determine associated effects on heat-related mortality. These data show that % of heatwave days would not breach heatwave thresholds in Sydney if there were no UHI effect and that numbers of heatwave days could increase fourfold under the most extreme climate change scenario. We found that tree canopy reduces urban heat, and that widespread tree planting could offset the increases in heat-attributable deaths as climate warming progresses.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-07-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-023-38103-Y
Abstract: Stressful life events (SLEs) closely correlates with depressive symptoms. Although vulnerability-stress model suggests SLEs interacted with dysfunctional attitudes (DA) to predict depression, the mediation role of DA is poorly understood. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the mediating role of DA and the moderating role of sex between SLEs and self-reported depression. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a s le of 7769 Chinese college students. Participants were assessed in terms of self-reported SLEs, DA and depression variables. Results showed that there were significant sex differences in both SLE and DA. DA mediated the association between SLE and self-reported depression. The moderated mediation model analysis showed that the interaction of SLEs and sex significantly predicted DA in mediator variable model and self-reported depression in dependent variable model. Results indicated that DA partially mediated the association between SLEs and self-reported depression, and sex moderates the association between SLEs and both DA and self-reported depression, which females have bigger changes of DA and depressive symptoms across low and high levels of SLEs than males.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-10-2021
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51302
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51742
Abstract: The MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change in Australia was established in 2017 and produced its first national assessment in 2018 and annual updates in 2019, 2020 and 2021. It examines five broad domains: climate change impacts, exposures and vulnerability adaptation, planning and resilience for health mitigation actions and health co-benefits economics and finance and public and political engagement. In this, the fifth year of the MJA-Lancet Countdown, we track progress on an extensive suite of indicators across these five domains, accessing and presenting the latest data and further refining and developing our analyses. Within just two years, Australia has experienced two unprecedented national catastrophes - the 2019-2020 summer heatwaves and bushfires and the 2021-2022 torrential rains and flooding. Such events are costing lives and displacing tens of thousands of people. Further, our analysis shows that there are clear signs that Australia's health emergency management capacity substantially decreased in 2021. We find some signs of progress with respect to health and climate change. The states continue to lead the way in health and climate change adaptation planning, with the Victorian plan being published in early 2022. At the national level, we note progress in health and climate change research funding by the National Health and Medical Research Council. We now also see an acceleration in the uptake of electric vehicles and continued uptake of and employment in renewable energy. However, we also find Australia's transition to renewables and zero carbon remains unacceptably slow, and the Australian Government's continuing failure to produce a national climate change and health adaptation plan places the health and lives of Australians at unnecessary risk today, which does not bode well for the future.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2021
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1289/EHP6745
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 02-12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.01.053
Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that meteorological factors influence the incidence of influenza. However, little is known regarding the interactions of meteorological factors on the risk of influenza in China. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between meteorological factors and influenza in Shaoyang of southern China, and explore the interaction of temperature with humidity and rainfall. Weekly meteorological data and disease surveillance data of influenza in Shaoyang were collected from 2009 to 2012. According to the incubation period and infectious period of influenza virus, the maximum lag period was set as 3 weeks. A generalized additive model was conducted to evaluate the effect of meteorological factors on the weekly number of influenza cases and a stratification model was applied to investigate the interaction. During the study period, the total number of influenza cases that were notified in the study area was 2506, with peak times occurring from December to March. After controlling for the confounders, each 5 °C decrease in minimum temperature was related to 8% (95%CI: 1-15%) increase in the number of influenza cases at a 1-week lag. There was an interaction between minimum temperature and relative humidity and the risk of influenza was higher in cold and less humid conditions than other conditions. The interaction between minimum temperature and rainfall was not statistically significant in our study. The study suggests that minimum temperature is inversely associated with influenza in the study area of China, and the effect can be modified by relative humidity. Meteorological variables could be integrated in current public health surveillance system to better prepare for the risks of influenza.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.12.067
Abstract: Floods may influence different types of diarrheal diseases and epidemiological studies of pathogen-specific diarrhea due to floods in China are still needed. In addition, few studies have been conducted to quantify the lag and cumulative risk of diarrheal disease due to floods in Guangxi, China. Our study aimed to identify different types of diarrheal diseases that were sensitive to floods and to quantify their lag and cumulative impact. A matched analysis based on time series data of floods and infectious disease from 2006 to 2010 was conducted in Guangxi, China. Each flood day was treated as an independent unit in our study. A simplified assumption that each day of the flood confers the same risk was adopted before analysis. Each flood day was matched to a non-flood day by city and time. Log-linear mixed-effects regression models were used to quantify the association between different types of diarrheal diseases and floods. Lag and cumulative effects were also calculated to get delayed and overall effects. A total of 45,131 diarrhea cases were notified in the study area over the study period. After controlling for the long-term trend, seasonality, and meteorological factors, floods caused a significantly increased risk of total diarrheal diseases. The RR was highest at lag 2 days (RR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.11-1.40). Floods caused a significantly increased risk in bacillary dysentery and in other infectious diarrhea, but not in typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. Floods were significantly associated with total diarrheal diseases and other infectious diarrhea for both cumulative lag 0-7 and 0-14 days. Our study provides strong evidence of a positive association between floods and diarrheal diseases including bacillary dysentery and other infectious diarrhea in study area. Public health interventions should be taken to prevent a potential risk of these flood-sensitive diarrheal diseases according to the different lag period after floods.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2019
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.50405
Abstract: The MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change was established in 2017 and produced its first Australian national assessment in 2018. It examined 41 indicators across five broad domains: climate change impacts, exposures and vulnerability adaptation, planning and resilience for health mitigation actions and health co-benefits economics and finance and public and political engagement. It found that, overall, Australia is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on health, and that policy inaction in this regard threatens Australian lives. In this report we present the 2019 update. We track progress on health and climate change in Australia across the same five broad domains and many of the same indicators as in 2018. A number of new indicators are introduced this year, including one focused on wildfire exposure, and another on engagement in health and climate change in the corporate sector. Several of the previously reported indicators are not included this year, either due to their discontinuation by the parent project, the Lancet Countdown, or because insufficient new data were available for us to meaningfully provide an update to the indicator. In a year marked by an Australian federal election in which climate change featured prominently, we find mixed progress on health and climate change in this country. There has been progress in renewable energy generation, including substantial employment increases in this sector. There has also been some progress at state and local government level. However, there continues to be no engagement on health and climate change in the Australian federal Parliament, and Australia performs poorly across many of the indicators in comparison to other developed countries for ex le, it is one of the world's largest net exporters of coal and its electricity generation from low carbon sources is low. We also find significantly increasing exposure of Australians to heatwaves and, in most states and territories, continuing elevated suicide rates at higher temperatures. We conclude that Australia remains at significant risk of declines in health due to climate change, and that substantial and sustained national action is urgently required in order to prevent this.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2010.10.006
Abstract: To examine the association between co-morbidities and the use of antidiabetic medications or adjunctive cardiovascular medicines among Australian veterans with diabetes. data were sourced from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Claims database. All veterans aged 65 years and over who were dispensed medicines for diabetes from July to December 2006 were included. Dispensings of antidiabetic and adjunctive cardiovascular medicines over the first six months of 2007 were examined. Log binominal regression models were used to calculate the relative risks of the dispensing of medications for various co-morbidities, taking into account potential confounders. among the 14,802 veterans who were dispensed medicines for diabetes, 70% had five or more co-morbidities. Patients who had diabetes-related co-morbidities had significantly less dispensing of metformin monotherapy and more dispensing of insulin than those without these conditions. Patients who had cardiovascular disease were more likely to have three or more oral antidiabetics dispensed (RR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.30), particularly those who had heart failure (RR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.47). Patients with renal disease were more likely to have glitazones dispensed (RR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.24-1.72). Adjunctive cardiovascular medicines were significantly less likely to be dispensed to those with established heart conditions and non-related co-morbidities, particularly dementia. consistent with guideline recommendations, in this cohort more intensive antidiabetic and cardiovascular therapy is used in those with more severe disease as measured by related co-morbidities. Cardiovascular medicines however may be underutilised in those with un-related co-morbidities.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-09-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.JINF.2008.08.004
Abstract: The relationship between weather and food-borne diseases has been of great concern recently. However, the impact of weather variations on food-borne disease may vary in different areas with various geographic, weather and demographic characteristics. This study was designed to quantify the relationship between weather variables and C ylobacter infections in two Australian cities with different local climatic conditions. An ecological-epidemiological study was conducted, using weekly disease surveillance data and meteorological data, over the period 1990-2005, to quantify the relationship between maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, relative humidity and notifications of C ylobacter infections in Adelaide, with a temperate Mediterranean climate, and Brisbane, with a sub-tropical climate. Spearman correlation and time-series adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed taking into account seasonality, lag effects and long-term trends. The results indicate that weekly maximum and minimum temperatures were inversely associated with the weekly number of cases in Adelaide, but positively correlated with the number of cases in Brisbane, with relevant lagged effects. The effects of rainfall and relative humidity on C ylobacter infection rates varied in the two cities. Weather might have different effect on C ylobacter infections in different cities. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of these relationships for they may indicate epidemiologic factors important for control of these infections.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-01-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51857
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.01.130
Abstract: Understanding the potential links between floods and infectious diarrhea is important under the context of climate change. However, little is known about the risk of infectious diarrhea after floods and what factors could modify these effects in China. This study aims to quantitatively examine the relationship between floods and infectious diarrhea and their effect modifiers. Weekly number of infectious diarrhea cases from 2004 to 2011 during flood season in Hunan province were supplied by the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. Flood and meteorological data over the same period were obtained. A two-stage model was used to estimate a provincial average association and their effect modifiers between floods and infectious diarrhea, accounting for other confounders. A total of 134,571 cases of infectious diarrhea were notified from 2004 to 2011. After controlling for seasonality, long-term trends, and meteorological factors, floods were significantly associated with infectious diarrhea in the provincial level with a cumulative RR of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.43) with a lagged effect of 0-1 week. Geographic locations and economic levels were identified as effect modifiers, with a higher impact of floods on infectious diarrhea in the western and regions with a low economic level of Hunan. Our study provides strong evidence of a positive association between floods and infectious diarrhea in the study area. Local control strategies for public health should be taken in time to prevent and reduce the risk of infectious diarrhea after floods, especially for the vulnerable regions identified.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-016-1189-9
Abstract: The extreme heat wave in Australia in 2009 resulted in significantly increased number of daily deaths. The circumstances that lead to deaths during extreme heat have not been explored before in Australia. This study aims to identify the in idual and community risk factors for deaths during this extreme heat wave in Adelaide. A matched case-control study was conducted. Cases were those who died in the Adelaide metropolitan area during the heat wave period. For each case, two community controls were randomly selected, matched by age and gender. Face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted to collect data of demographic information, living environment, social support, health status and behavioural changes during the heat wave. Descriptive analysis, as well as simple and multiple conditional logistic regressions were performed. In total, 82 deaths and 164 matched community controls were included in the analysis, with a median age of 77.5 (range 26.6-100.7). The multiple logistic regression model indicated that, compared with controls, the risk of death during the heat wave was significantly increased for people living alone (AOR = 42.31, 95 % CI 2.3, 792.8) or having existing chronic heart disease (AOR = 22.4, 95 % CI 1.7, 303.0). In addition, having air conditioning in bedrooms (AOR = 0.004, 95 % CI 0.00006, 0.28) and participating in social activities more than once a week (AOR = 0.011, 95 % CI 0.0004, 0.29) indicated significant protective effects. We have identified factors that could significantly impact on the likelihood of deaths during heat waves. Our findings could assist in the development of future intervention programs and policies to reduce mortality associated with a warmer climate.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-04-2015
DOI: 10.3402/GHA.V8.25709
Abstract: Global health has stimulated a lot of students and has attracted the interest of many faculties, thereby initiating the establishment of many academic programs on global health research and education. global health education reflects the increasing attention toward social accountability in medical education. This study aims to identify gaps in the studies on global health education. A critical literature review of empirical studies was conducted using Boolean search techniques. A total of 238 articles, including 16 reviews, were identified. There had been a boom in the numbers of studies on global health education since 2010. Four gaps were summarized. First, 94.6% of all studies on global health education were conducted in North American and European countries, of which 65.6% were carried out in the United States, followed by Canada (14.3%) and the United Kingdom (9.2%). Only seven studies (2.9%) were conducted in Asian countries, five (2.1%) in Oceania, and two (0.8%) in South American/Caribbean countries. A total of 154 studies (64.4%) were qualitative studies and 64 studies (26.8%) were quantitative studies. Second, elective courses and training or programs were the most frequently used approach for global health education. Third, there was a gap in the standardization of global health education. Finally, it was mainly targeted at medical students, residents, and doctors. It had not granted the demands for global health education of all students majoring in medicine-related studies. Global health education would be a potentially influential tool for achieving health equity, reducing health disparities, and also for future professional careers. It is the time to build and expand education in global health, especially among developing countries. Global health education should be integrated into primary medical education. Interdisciplinary approaches and interprofessional collaboration were recommended. Collaboration and support from developed countries in global health education should be advocated to narrow the gap and to create further mutual benefits.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-08-2021
Abstract: Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a rodent-borne disease caused by different species of hantaviruses, is widely endemic in China. Shandong Province is one of the most affected areas. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of HFRS, and to predict the regional risk in Shandong Province. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of HFRS cases in Shandong Province from 2010 to 2018. Based on environmental and socioeconomic data, the boosted regression tree (BRT) model was applied to identify important influencing factors, as well as predict the infection risk zones of HFRS. Results: A total of 11,432 HFRS cases were reported from 2010 to 2018 in Shandong, with groups aged 31–70 years (81.04%), and farmers (84.44%) being the majority. Most cases were from central and southeast Shandong. There were two incidence peak periods in April to June and October to December, respectively. According to the BRT model, we found that population density (a relative contribution of 15.90%), elevation (12.02%), grassland (11.06%), cultivated land (9.98%), rural settlement (9.25%), woodland (8.71%), and water body (8.63%) were relatively important influencing factors for HFRS epidemics, and the predicted high infection risk areas were concentrated in central and eastern areas of Shandong Province. The BRT model provided an overall prediction accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 (range: 0.83–0.95). Conclusions: HFRS in Shandong Province has shown seasonal and spatial clustering characteristics. Middle-aged and elderly farmers are a high-risk population. The BRT model has satisfactory predictive capability in stratifying the regional risk of HFRS at a county level in Shandong Province, which could serve as an important tool for risk assessment of HFRS to deploy prevention and control measures.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-07-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S095026881700139X
Abstract: C ylobacter spp. is a commonly reported food-borne disease with major consequences for morbidity. In conjunction with predicted increases in temperature, proliferation in the survival of microorganisms in hotter environments is expected. This is likely to lead, in turn, to an increase in contamination of food and water and a rise in numbers of cases of infectious gastroenteritis. This study assessed the relationship of C ylobacter spp. with temperature and heatwaves, in Adelaide, South Australia. We estimated the effect of (i) maximum temperature and (ii) heatwaves on daily C ylobacter cases during the warm seasons (1 October to 31 March) from 1990 to 2012 using Poisson regression models. There was no evidence of a substantive effect of maximum temperature per 1 °C rise (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0·995, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0·993–0·997) nor heatwaves (IRR 0·906, 95% CI 0·800–1·026) on C ylobacter cases. In relation to heatwave intensity, which is the daily maximum temperature during a heatwave, notifications decreased by 19% within a temperature range of 39–40·9 °C (IRR 0·811, 95% CI 0·692–0·952). We found little evidence of an increase in risk and lack of association between C ylobacter cases and temperature or heatwaves in the warm seasons. Heatwave intensity may play a role in that notifications decreased with higher temperatures. Further examination of the role of behavioural and environmental factors in an effort to reduce the risk of increased C ylobacter cases is warranted.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 06-04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2018.01.005
Abstract: Despite increasing concerns about the health effects of climate change, the extent to which workers are affected by hot weather is not well documented. This study aims to investigate the association between high temperatures and work-related injuries using data from a large subtropical city in China. We used workers' compensation claims to identify work-related injuries in Guangzhou, China during 2011-2012. To feature the heat effect, the study period was restricted to the warm seasons in Guangzhou (1 May-31 October). We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study to examine the association between ambient outdoor temperatures, including daily maximum and minimum temperatures, and cases of work-related injury. The relationships were assessed using conditional Poisson regression models. Overall, a total of 5418 workers' compensation claims were included over the study period. Both maximum and minimum temperatures were significantly associated with work-related injuries, but associations varied by subgroup. One °C increase in maximum temperature was associated with a 1.4% (RR = 1.014, 95%CIs 1.012-1.017) increase in daily injury claims. Significant associations were seen for male and middle-aged workers, workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, and those working in manufacturing sector. And 1 °C increase in minimum temperature was associated with 1.7% (RR = 1.017, 95%CIs 1.012-1.021) increase in daily injury claims. Significant associations were observed for female and middle-aged workers, workers in large-sized enterprises, and those working in transport and construction sectors. We found a higher risk of work-related injuries due to hot weather in Guangzhou, China. This study provides important epidemiological evidence for policy-makers and industry that may assist in the formulation of occupational safety and climate adaptation strategies.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-2021
Abstract: Background: Small-scale studies have identified temperature and other meteorological factors as risk factors for human health. However, only a few have quantified the specific impact of meteorological factors on mumps. A quantitative examination of the exposure–response relationship between meteorological factors and mumps is needed to provide new insights for multi-city analysis. Methods: The daily recorded number of mumps cases and meteorological data in 17 cities of Shandong Province from 2009 to 2017 were collected. A two-stage model was built to explore the relationship between meteorological factors and mumps. Results: A total of 104,685 cases of mumps were recorded from 2009 to 2017. After controlling for seasonality and long-term trends, the effect of low temperature on mumps was significant at the provincial level, with a cumulative RR of 1.035 (95%CI: 1.002–1.069) with a 1-day lagged effect. The proportion of primary and middle school students was determined as an effect modifier, which had a significant impact on mumps (Stat = 8.374, p = 0.039). There was heterogeneity in the combined effect of temperature on mumps (Q = 95.447, p = 0.000), and its size was I2 = 49.7%. Conclusions: We have identified a non-linear relationship between mumps and temperature in Shandong Province. In particular, low temperatures could bring more cases of mumps, with certain lagged effects. More public health measures should be taken to reduce the risks when temperatures are low, especially for cities with a high proportion of primary and secondary school students.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 09-2023
DOI: 10.1001/JAMAPSYCHIATRY.2023.1958
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, and emotional violence, constitutes a critical public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While climate change could escalate violent events, data quantifying its possible association with IPV are scant. To evaluate the association of ambient temperature with the prevalence of IPV among partnered women in low- and middle-income countries in South Asia, and to estimate the association of future climate warming with IPV. This cross-sectional study used data from the Demographic and Health Survey and included 194 871 ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 years from 3 South Asian countries (India, Nepal, and Pakistan). The study applied the mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression model to investigate the association of ambient temperature with IPV prevalence. The study further modeled the change in IPV prevalence under various future climate change scenarios. The data included in the analyses were collected from October 1, 2010, to April 30, 2018, and the current analyses were performed from January 2, 2022, to July 11, 2022. Annual ambient temperature exposure for each woman, estimated based on an atmospheric reanalysis model of the global climate. The prevalence of IPV and its types (physical, sexual, and emotional violence) were assessed based on self-reported questionnaires from October 1, 2010, to April 30, 2018, and the changes in the prevalence with climate changes were estimated through the 2090s. The study included 194 871 ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 years (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [7.6] years overall IPV prevalence, 27.0%) from 3 South Asian countries. The prevalence of physical violence was highest (23.0%), followed by emotional (12.5%), and sexual violence (9.5%). The annual temperature ranges were mostly between 20 °C and 30 °C. A significant association was found between high ambient temperature and the prevalence of IPV against women, with each 1 °C increase in the annual mean temperature associated with a mean increase in IPV prevalence of 4.49% (95% CI, 4.20%-4.78%). According to the study’s projections under the unlimited emissions scenarios (SSPs [shared socioeconomic pathways], as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] 5-8.5), IPV prevalence would increase by 21.0% by the end of the 21st century, while it would only moderately increase under increasingly stricter scenarios (SSP2-4.5 [9.8%] and SSP1-2.6 [5.8%]). In addition, the projected increases in the prevalence of physical (28.3%) and sexual (26.1%) violence were greater than that of emotional violence (8.9%). In the 2090s, India was estimated to experience the highest IPV prevalence increase (23.5%) among the 3 countries, compared with Nepal (14.8%) and Pakistan (5.9%). This cross-sectional, multicountry study provides le epidemiological evidence to support that high ambient temperature may be associated with the risk of IPV against women. These findings highlight the vulnerabilities and inequalities of women experiencing IPV in low- and middle-income countries in the context of global climate warming.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2010.03.005
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the impact of climate variation on malaria in a temperate region of China. A 20-year historical time-series data analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between meteorological variables, including maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and cases of malaria in Jinan, a temperate city in northern China. Data were retrieved from 1959 and 1979 and analyzed on a monthly basis. Spearman correlation and cross-correlation analyses were performed to identify time lag values between each meteorological variable and the number of malaria cases. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was used to quantify the relationship between the meteorological variables and malaria cases. The SARIMA models indicate that a 1 degrees C rise in maximum temperature may be related to a 7.7% to 12.7% increase and a 1 degrees C rise in minimum temperature may result in approximately 11.8% to 15.8% increase in the number of malaria cases. A clear association between malaria and other selected weather variables, including rainfall and humidity, has not been detected in this study. Temperature could play an important role in the transmission of malaria in temperate regions of China.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JIPH.2017.10.001
Abstract: We aimed to quantify the impact of few times floods on bacillary dysentery in Zhengzhou during 2005-2009. The Spearman correlation test was applied first to examine the lagged effects of floods on monthly morbidity of bacillary dysentery during 2005-2009 in Zhengzhou. We further quantified the effects of 7 flood events on the morbidity of bacillary dysentery using the time-series Poisson regression controlling for climatic factors, seasonality, gender and age groups. We estimated years lived with disability (YLDs) to estimate the burden of bacillary dysentery attributed to floods among different population groups. A total of 15,841 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported in the study region over the study period. The relative risks of floods on the morbidity of bacillary dysentery and attributable YLDs among the whole study population, males, females, below 14 years old group, 15-64 years old group, and over 65 years old group were 2.80, 3.13, 2.53, 2.75, 3.03, 2.48, and 1.206, 1.513, 0.913, 3.593, 0.638, 0.880, respectively. Our findings contribute to developing local strategies to prevent and reduce health impact of floods.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-08-2011
DOI: 10.1002/PDS.2219
Abstract: Warfarin management in the elderly population is complex as medicines prescribed for concomitant diseases may further increase the risk of major bleeding associated with warfarin use. We aimed to quantify the excess risk of bleeding-related hospitalisation when warfarin was co-dispensed with potentially interacting medicines. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken over a 4-year period from July 2002 to June 2006 to examine bleeding risk associated with medications co-administered in patients taking warfarin using an administrative claims database from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs. All veterans aged 65 years and over who were new users of warfarin were followed until death or study end. Risk of bleeding was assessed using a Poisson GEE model adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, co-morbidity index, previous bleeding related hospitalisations and indicators of health service use. Overall, 17661 veterans who used warfarin at any time during the study period were included. The overall incidence rate of bleeding-related hospitalisations was 4.1 (95% CI 3.7-4.6) per 100 person-years in veterans who were not receiving potentially interacting medicines. Bleeding-related hospitalisation rates were significantly increased when warfarin was co-prescribed with low-dose aspirin (Adjusted rate ratio (AdjRR) 1.44, 95% CI 1.00-2.07), clopidogrel (AdjRR 2.23, 95% CI 1.48–3.36), clopidogrel with aspirin (AdjRR 3.44, 95% CI 1.28-9.23), amiodarone (AdjRR 3.33, 95% CI 1.38–8.00) and antibiotics (AdjRR 2.34, 95% CI 1.55-3.54). Models assessing bleeding risk with warfarin should take account of the range of potentially harmful medicine combinations used in elderly people with comorbid conditions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.5694/MJA17.01245
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JINF.2016.04.034
Abstract: Given increasing frequency of heatwaves and growing public health concerns associated with foodborne disease, we examined the relationship between heatwaves and salmonellosis in Adelaide, Australia. Poisson regression analysis with Generalised Estimating Equations was used to estimate the effect of heatwaves and the impact of intensity, duration and timing on salmonellosis and specific serotypes notified from 1990 to 2012. Distributed lag non-linear models were applied to assess the non-linear and delayed effects of temperature during heatwaves on Salmonella cases. Salmonella typhimurium PT135 notifications were sensitive to the effects of heatwaves with a twofold (IRR 2.08, 95% CI 1.14-3.79) increase in cases relative to non-heatwave days. Heatwave intensity had a significant effect on daily counts of overall salmonellosis with a 34% increase in risk of infection (IRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.78) at >41 °C. The effects of temperature during heatwaves on Salmonella cases and serotypes were found at lags of up to 14 days. This study confirms heatwaves have a significant effect on Salmonella cases, and for the first time, identifies its impact on specific serotypes and phage types. These findings will contribute to the understanding of the impact of heatwaves on salmonellosis and provide insights that could mitigate their impact.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTATROPICA.2022.106454
Abstract: Ross River virus (RRV) infection is one of the emerging and prevalent arboviral diseases in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Although many studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between temperature and RRV infection, there has been no comprehensive review of the association so far. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of temperature on RRV transmission. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science with additional lateral searches from references. The quality and strength of evidence from the included studies were evaluated following the Navigation Guide framework. We have qualitatively synthesized the evidence and conducted a meta-analysis to pool the relative risks (RRs) of RRV infection per 1 °C increase in temperature. Subgroup analyses were performed by climate zones, temperature metrics, and lag periods. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which six were included in the meta-analysis The meta-analysis revealed that the overall RR for the association between temperature and the risk of RRV infection was 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.17). Subgroup analyses by climate zones showed an increase in RRV infection per 1 °C increase in temperature in humid subtropical and cold semi-arid climate zones. The overall quality of evidence was "moderate" and we rated the strength of evidence to be "limited", warranting additional evidence to reduce uncertainty. The results showed that the risk of RRV infection is positively associated with temperature. However, the risk varies across different climate zones, temperature metrics and lag periods. These findings indicate that future studies on the association between temperature and RRV infection should consider local and regional climate, socio-demographic, and environmental factors to explore vulnerability at local and regional levels.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2012.10.042
Abstract: Adelaide experienced an extreme and prolonged 13 days heatwave in summer 2009. The health impacts of this heatwave included an almost 14-fold increase in direct heat-related hospital admissions. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for this extra health burden. A case crossover study was conducted in metropolitan Adelaide to compare the characteristics of patients from the heatwave (exposure) period and non-heatwave (control) periods before and after. Direct heat-related hospitalizations were identified based on the ICD-10 codes (X30, T67, and E86). Patients' data, including age, gender, indicators of health status, living conditions and socio-economic status, were collected from the South Australian Department of Health and patients' case-notes from seven major Adelaide hospitals. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the odd ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results indicate that living at residential aged care (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.15-0.70) and having higher number of co-morbidities (OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.95) reduced the risk of hospital admission for direct heat-related illnesses during the heatwave, while having renal problems (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.07-2.94), reporting a fall prior to hospitalization (OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.10-3.77), receiving assistance from community (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.24-4.30), living alone (OR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.32-4.40), socio-economic disadvantage (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.09-4.04) and no private health insurance (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.05-3.16) increased the risk. In conclusion, the people most at risk during the 2009 heatwave in Adelaide were those who lived alone, received help from community services, with co-existing renal problems or a risk of falls, and with a lower socio-economic status. Findings will assist in refining heat-health response systems and developing intervention programmes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2012.07.011
Abstract: Although measles is a vaccine-preventable infectious disease and the measles vaccine is safe and effective, it still poses a serious threat to the health of children and susceptible populations in China every year. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Shandong Province, China, including its spatial distribution pattern, in order to have a precise prediction of measles epidemics for better public health strategic planning and resource allocation. Longitudinal data study. This study was based on the surveillance data set of measles from all 17 regions (cities) in Shandong Province between 1963 and 2005. Geographical Information Systems and piecewise exponential smoothing of logarithmic transformed data were applied with consideration of the spatial and temporal features of the data. The parameters of epidemic peaks were estimated by filtering off the drifting long-term trends. Measles presented in almost all regions in Shandong Province with different spatial distribution over the 43-year study period. The incidence of measles was very high in the pre-vaccination period, with an average incidence of 617.61/100,000 population in 1963. With the implementation of vaccination, the average incidence of measles decreased to 3.63/100,000 population in 2005, the periodicity died out and the trend remained at a stable low level. Outbreaks have been reported recently. This study identified the effects of different strategies on the incidence of measles observed in Shandong, China, and will provide valuable information to assist local and national public health policy making. There are still some challenges to improve vaccination coverage and efficacy in order to eliminate measles in China. Strengthening surveillance will be essential in the framework of the anticipated global elimination c aign for measles.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1039/C1EM10391A
Abstract: The impact of climate change on enteric infection has been a concern in recent years. This study aims to project disability burdens of bacillary dysentery (BD) associated with increasing temperature in different climatic zones in China. Years Lost due to Disabilities (YLDs) were used as the measure of burden of bacillary dysentery in this study. A temperate city in northern China and a subtropical city in southern China were selected as the study areas. The quantitative relationship between temperature and the number of cases in each city was base on the regression models developed in our previous studies. YLDs for bacillary dysentery in 2000 were used as the baseline data. Projection of YLDs for bacillary dysentery in 2020 and 2050 under future temperature scenarios were conducted. Demographic changes over the next 20 to 50 years in study cities were considered in the projections. Under the temperature scenarios alone, the YLDs for bacillary dysentery may increase by up to 80% by 2020 and 174% by 2050 in the temperate city and up to 75% increase in the YLDs by 2020 and a 147% increase by 2050 in the tropical city. Considering potential changes in both temperature and population size and structure, if other factors remain constant, compared with the YLDs observed in 2000, the YLDs for bacillary dysentery may double by 2020 and triple by 2050 in both the temperate and subtropical cities in China. The temperature-related health burden of enteric infection in China may greatly increase in the future if there is no effective intervention. Relevant public health strategies should be developed at an earlier stage to prevent and reduce the impact of infectious disease associated with climate change.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-015-1130-7
Abstract: An ecological study and a case-crossover analysis were conducted to evaluate the impact of heat waves on nonaccidental deaths, and to identify contributing factors of population vulnerability to heat-related deaths in Jinan, China. Daily death data and meteorological data were collected for summer months (June to August) of 2012-2013. Excess mortality was calculated and multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the increased risk of heat waves on deaths. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to estimate the odd ratios (ORs) of risk factors and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, heat waves were related to 24.88 % excess deaths of total nonaccidental deaths and 31.33 % excess deaths of circulatory diseases, with an OR of 16.07 (95 % CI 8.80-23.33) for total nonaccidental deaths and 12.46 (95 % CI 7.39-17.53) for deaths of circulatory diseases. The case-crossover analysis indicated that older people were more likely to die during heat waves (OR = 1.233, 95 % CI 1.076-1.413) and more deaths occurred outside a hospital during heat waves (OR = 1.142, 95 % CI 1.006-1.296). In conclusion, heat waves have caused excess deaths and significantly increased the risk of circulatory deaths. The risk factors identified in our study have implications for public health interventions to reduce heat-related mortality during extreme heat events.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-09-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-02-2017
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-11-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-007-0109-4
Abstract: This is the first study to identify appropriate regression models for the association between climate variation and salmonellosis transmission. A comparison between different regression models was conducted using surveillance data in Adelaide, South Australia. By using notified salmonellosis cases and climatic variables from the Adelaide metropolitan area over the period 1990-2003, four regression methods were examined: standard Poisson regression, autoregressive adjusted Poisson regression, multiple linear regression, and a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model. Notified salmonellosis cases in 2004 were used to test the forecasting ability of the four models. Parameter estimation, goodness-of-fit and forecasting ability of the four regression models were compared. Temperatures occurring 2 weeks prior to cases were positively associated with cases of salmonellosis. Rainfall was also inversely related to the number of cases. The comparison of the goodness-of-fit and forecasting ability suggest that the SARIMA model is better than the other three regression models. Temperature and rainfall may be used as climatic predictors of salmonellosis cases in regions with climatic characteristics similar to those of Adelaide. The SARIMA model could, thus, be adopted to quantify the relationship between climate variations and salmonellosis transmission.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1464-5491.2009.02872.X
Abstract: To examine the impact of co-morbidity on health service utilization by Australian veterans with diabetes. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken including veterans aged >or= 65 years dispensed medicines for diabetes in 2006. Data were sourced from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs health claims database. Utilization of preventive health services for diabetes was assessed, including claims for glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) test, microabuminuria, podiatry services, diabetes care plans, medication reviews, case conferences, general practitioner (GP) management plans and ophthalmology/optometry services. Among the 17,095 veterans dispensed medicines for diabetes, more than 80% had four or more co-morbid conditions. Those with a higher number of co-morbidities were more likely to have had claims for optometry/ophthalmology services and podiatry services, but not for other services. Veterans with at least one diabetes-related hospital admission had no more claims for diabetes health services than those who had no diabetics-related hospital admission, except for endocrinology services (relative risk = 1.26, 95% confidence intervals 1.15-1.37). Veterans with dementia were less likely to have had claims for diabetes health services while patients with renal failure were more likely to have had claims for the services. Low utilization of preventive diabetes care services is apparent in all co-morbidity groups. Patients with renal failure or dementia used more and less health services resources, respectively. Given the high mean age of this population, there may be valid reasons for the low use, such as competing health demands and patients' preferences.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-07-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP29456
Abstract: Understanding the potential links between floods and bacillary dysentery in China is important to develop appropriate intervention programs after floods. This study aimed to explore the distributed lag effects of floods on bacillary dysentery and to identify the vulnerable groups in Huaihua, China. Weekly number of bacillary dysentery cases from 2005–2011 were obtained during flood season. Flood data and meteorological data over the same period were obtained from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System. To examine the distributed lag effects, a generalized linear mixed model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model were developed to assess the relationship between floods and bacillary dysentery. A total of 3,709 cases of bacillary dysentery were notified over the study period. The effects of floods on bacillary dysentery continued for approximately 3 weeks with a cumulative risk ratio equal to 1.52 (95% CI: 1.08–2.12). The risks of bacillary dysentery were higher in females, farmers and people aged 15–64 years old. This study suggests floods have increased the risk of bacillary dysentery with 3 weeks’ effects, especially for the vulnerable groups identified. Public health programs should be taken to prevent and control a potential risk of bacillary dysentery after floods.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 29-11-2018
DOI: 10.5694/MJA18.00789
Abstract: Climate plays an important role in human health and it is well established that climate change can have very significant impacts in this regard. In partnership with The Lancet and the MJA, we present the inaugural Australian Countdown assessment of progress on climate change and health. This comprehensive assessment examines 41 indicators across five broad sections: climate change impacts, exposures and vulnerability adaptation, planning and resilience for health mitigation actions and health co-benefits economics and finance and public and political engagement. These indicators and the methods used for each are largely consistent with those of the Lancet Countdown global assessment published in October 2017, but with an Australian focus. Significant developments include the addition of a new indicator on mental health. Overall, we find that Australia is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on health, and that policy inaction in this regard threatens Australian lives. In a number of respects, Australia has gone backwards and now lags behind other high income countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom. Ex les include the persistence of a very high carbon-intensive energy system in Australia, and its slow transition to renewables and low carbon electricity generation. However, we also find some ex les of good progress, such as heatwave response planning. Given the overall poor state of progress on climate change and health in Australia, this country now has an enormous opportunity to take action and protect human health and lives. Australia has the technical knowhow and intellect to do this, and our annual updates of this assessment will track Australia's engagement with and progress on this vitally important issue.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-03-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-62475-0
Abstract: China has made great efforts in air pollution control since 2013. However, there is a lack of evaluation of environmental, health and economic co-benefits associated with the national and local air pollution control measures at a city level. We analyzed local air pollution control policies and implementation in Jinan, one of the most heavily air-polluted cities in China between 2013 and 2017. We assessed the changes in exhaust emissions, air quality, mortality and morbidity of associated specific-diseases, and related economic benefits. We also projected the future scenarios of PM 2.5 concentration dropped to 15 μg/m 3 . There were significant decreases in exhaust emissions of SO 2 and NO x in Jinan during the study period. Annual reductions in ambient air pollution were 72.6% for SO 2 , 43.1% for PM 2.5 , and 34.2% for PM 10 . A total of 2,317 (95%CI: 1,533–2,842) premature deaths and 15,822 (95%CI: 8,734–23,990) related morbidity cases had been avoided in 2017, leading to a total of US$ 317.7 million (95%CI: 227.5–458.1) in economic benefits. Decreasing PM 2.5 concentrations to 15 μg/m 3 would result in reductions of 70% in total PM 2.5 -related non-accidental mortality and 95% in total PM 2.5 -related morbidity, which translates into US$ 1,289.5 million (95%CI: 825.8–1,673.6) in economic benefits. The national and local air pollution control measures have brought significant environmental, health and economic benefits to a previously heavy polluted Chinese city.
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1029/2021GH000386
Abstract: Climate change is a significant global health threat that is, underpinned by the existing issue of gender inequality. A scoping review was conducted to better understand the relationship between climate change and women's health. We found a notably higher proportion of existing studies focused on low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Most of the studies included were published after 2010, with predominantly qualitative study designs. Four key themes were identified, including women's exposure to climate change risks, the impacts on women's health, factors contributing to the vulnerability, and responding strategies in addressing climate change. The scoping review indicates that women's health is at higher risks due to the vulnerability to climate change, especially in LMICs. Meanwhile, it is beneficial to have insights from women in terms of adaptation and mitigation strategies to build stronger resilience. Mixed methods are strongly recommended to support evidence‐based policy making in responding to climate change.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 11-07-2021
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51161
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 15-07-2013
Abstract: This study aimed to explore the gender-based seasonal patterns of suicide in Japan between 2005 and 2012. With data from Japanese official reports, we carried out Prais–Winsten regression and Wilcoxon signed-rank test analysis with Stata 12.0 and SPSS 14.0. The suicide number was significantly higher in March, April, May, June, July, and October for both genders. The suicide number in men was markedly higher than that in women in every month. The suicide number in 2010 was lower than that in 2009 for men, while that in 2011 was higher than that in 2010 for women. The findings displayed that the nationwide television and publicity intervention c aigns might have positive effects on decreasing suicide of men while women suffered a post-earthquake increase. In terms of interventions, we should not only square up the seasonal patterns but also the gender differences in vulnerability.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 02-04-2014
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-01-2010
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610209991554
Abstract: Background: Depression is one of the leading contributors to the burden of non-fatal diseases in Australia. Although there is an overall increasing trend in antidepressant use, the relationship between use of antidepressants and depressive symptomatology is not clear, particularly in the older population. Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA), a cohort of 2087 people aged over 65 years at baseline. Four waves of home interviews were conducted between 1992 and 2004 to collect information on sociodemographic and health status. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale. Use of antidepressants was based on self-report, with the interviewer able to check packaging details if available. Longitudinal analysis was performed using logistic generalized estimating equations to detect if there was any trend in the use of antidepressants, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.2% in 1992 and 15.8% in 2004 ( p 0.05). The prevalence of antidepressant users increased from 6.5% to 10.9% ( p 0.01) over this period. Among people with depressive symptoms, less than 20% were taking antidepressants at any wave. Among people without depressive symptoms, the prevalence of antidepressant use was 5.2% in 1992 and 12.0% in 2004 ( p 0.01). Being female (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.25–2.24), having poor self-perceived health status (OR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04–1.32), having physical impairment (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14–1.91) and having depressive symptoms (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.24–2.13) significantly increased the use of antidepressants, while living in community (OR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.37–0.71) reduced the risk of antidepressant use. Conclusions: Use of antidepressants increased, while depressive symptoms remained stable, in the ALSA over a 12-year period. Use of antidepressants was low for people with depressive symptoms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2009.10.068
Abstract: This study aims to quantify the relationship between climate variations and cases of Salmonella infection in subtropical and tropical areas in Australia. Brisbane in a subtropical area and Townsville in a tropical area of Queensland were selected as the study regions. Local meteorological variables and notified cases of Salmonella infection from January 1990 to July 2005 were provided by local authorities. Spearman correlation and time-series adjusted Poisson regression were applied controlling for autoregression, lag effects, seasonal variation and long-term trend. Natural cubic spline and Hockey Stick model were used to estimate a potential threshold temperature. Spearman correlation indicated that maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity at 9 am and 3 pm, and rainfall were all positively correlated with the number of cases in both Brisbane and Townsville, with the lag values of the effects up to 2 weeks in Brisbane and 2 months in Townsville. Only temperature and rainfall were significantly included in the regression models in both regions. The models suggested that a potential 1 degrees C rise in maximum or minimum temperature may cause a very similar increase in the number of cases in the two regions. No threshold for the effect of maximum or minimum temperature on Salmonella infection was detected in either region. The association between climate variations and Salmonella infection could be very similar in subtropical and tropical regions in Australia. Temperature and rainfall may be used as key meteorological predictors for the number of cases in both regions.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 03-2017
Abstract: To assess food safety practices, food shopping preferences, and eating behaviors of people diagnosed with Salmonella or C ylobacter infection in the warm seasons, and to identify socioeconomic factors associated with behavior and practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Salmonella and C ylobacter cases with onset of illness from January 1 to March 31, 2013. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined relationships between socioeconomic position and food safety knowledge and practices, shopping and food preferences, and preferences, perceptions, and knowledge about food safety information on warm days. Respondents in our study engaged in unsafe personal and food hygiene practices. They also carried out unsafe food preparation practices, and had poor knowledge of foods associated with an increased risk of foodborne illness. Socioeconomic position did not influence food safety practices. We found that people's reported eating behaviors and food preferences were influenced by warm weather. Our study has explored preferences and practices related to food safety in the warm season months. This is important given that warmer ambient temperatures are projected to rise, both globally and in Australia, and will have a substantial effect on the burden of infectious gastroenteritis including foodborne disease. Our results provide information about modifiable behaviors for the prevention of foodborne illness in the household in the warm weather and the need for information to be disseminated across the general population. An understanding of the knowledge and factors associated with human behavior during warmer weather is critical for public health interventions on foodborne prevention.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-11-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.JINF.2006.12.002
Abstract: This paper was aimed at examining the relationship between meteorological variables and bacillary dysentery in different climatic and geographic areas in China. Jinan in northern China, with a temperate climate, and Baoan in southern China, with a subtropical climate were chosen as study areas. Spearman correlations and seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models were used to quantify the association between meteorological variables and dysentery. The Hockey Stick model was used to explore the threshold of the effect of temperatures. Maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and air pressure were significantly correlated with the incidence of dysentery in the both cities, with lag effects varying from zero to two months. In the SARIMA models, maximum and minimum temperatures were significantly associated with dysentery transmission. The thresholds for the effects of maximum and minimum temperatures were 17 degrees C and 8 degrees C, respectively, in the northern city. No thresholds were detected in the southern city. Climate variations have different impacts on the transmission of bacillary dysentery in temperate and subtropical cities in China. Public health action should be taken at this stage to reduce future risks of climate change with consideration of local climatic conditions.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-02-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-05-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2015.12.160
Abstract: Jishou and Huaihua, two cities in the west of Hunan Province, had suffered from severe floods because of long-lasting and heavy rainfall during the end of June and July 2012. However, the Disability Adjusted of Life Years (DALYs) of bacillary dysentery caused by the floods have not been examined before. The study aimed to quantify the impact of the floods on the burden of bacillary dysentery in Hunan, China. A unidirectional case-crossover study was firstly conducted to determine the relationship between daily cases of bacillary dysentery and the floods in Jishou and Huaihua of Hunan Province in 2012. Odds ratios (ORs) estimated by conditional logistic regression were used to quantify the risk of the floods on the disease. The years lived with disability (YLDs) of bacillary dysentery attributable to floods were then estimated based on the WHO framework to calculate potential impact fraction in the Burden of Disease study. Multivariable analysis showed that floods were significantly associated with an increased risk of the number of cases of bacillary dysentery (OR=3.270, 95% CI: 1.299-8.228 in Jishou OR=2.212, 95% CI: 1.052-4.650 in Huaihua). The strongest effect was shown with a 1-day lag in Jishou and a 4-day lag in Huaihua. Attributable YLD per 1000 of bacillary dysentery due to the floods was 0.0296 in Jishou and 0.0157 in Huaihua. Our study confirms that floods have significantly increased the risks of bacillary dysentery in the study areas. In addition, a sudden and severe flooding with a shorter duration may cause more burdens of bacillary dysentery than a persistent and moderate flooding. Public health preparation and intervention programs should be taken to reduce and prevent a potential risk of bacillary dysentery epidemics after floods.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 02-12-2020
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.50869
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JURO.2011.05.042
Abstract: Periostin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is differentially expressed in the developing kidney. We analyzed the temporal-spatial expression of periostin in the developing kidney and ureter as well as its roles in ureter branching morphogenesis, nephrogenesis and ureter development. RNA in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence histochemistry were used to investigate the expression of periostin, αv integrin and α-smooth muscle actin during mouse renal and ureteral development. Metanephric explants were cultured in the presence of recombinant periostin, and ureteral branch points/tips and the glomerular number were quantified. Explants were also cultured in the presence of exogenous bone morphogenetic protein 4 and the effect on periostin mRNA levels was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Periostin expression was observed in the mesenchyme surrounding the kidney and ureter, renal stroma, metanephric mesenchyme, ureter epithelium and developing nephrons. At embryonic day 15.5 periostin and αv integrin, a common subunit of periostin receptors, were co-expressed in smooth muscle cells of the ureter, renal artery and intrarenal arteries. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 up-regulated periostin mRNA expression and exogenous periostin inhibited branching morphogenesis and glomerular number. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 which inhibits ureteral branching morphogenesis and promotes smooth muscle cell migration in the ureter up-regulated periostin mRNA expression in the developing kidney. Ureteral smooth muscle cells express periostin and αv integrin. Periostin inhibited ureteral branching morphogenesis and glomerular number. Together these results suggest that periostin and bone morphogenetic protein 4 may have a role in branching morphogenesis, nephrogenesis and possibly smooth muscle cell migration.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-05-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-05-2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-03-2009
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268809002441
Abstract: Ross River virus (RRV) infection is the most common notifiable vector-borne disease in Australia, with around 6000 cases annually. This study aimed to examine the relationship between climate variability and notified RRV infections in the Riverland region of South Australia in order to set up an early warning system for the disease in temperate-climate regions. Notified data of RRV infections were collected by the South Australian Department of Health. Climatic variables and monthly river flow were provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and South Australian Department of Water, Land and Bio ersity Conservation over the period 1992–2004. Spearman correlation and time-series-adjusted Poisson regression analysis were performed. The results indicate that increases in monthly mean minimum and maximum temperatures, monthly total rainfall, monthly mean Southern Oscillation Index and monthly flow in the Murray River increase the likelihood, but an increase in monthly mean relative humidity decreases the likelihood, of disease transmission in the region, with different time-lag effects. This study demonstrates that a useful early warning system can be developed for local regions based on the statistical analysis of readily available climate data. These early warning systems can be utilized by local public health authorities to develop disease prevention and control activities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2012.01.007
Abstract: This study aimed to project the future disability burden of Salmonella infection associated with increased temperature in future in temperate and subtropical regions of Australia in order to provide recommendations for public health policy to respond to climate change. Years Lost due to Disabilities (YLDs) were used as the measure of the burden of disease in this study. Regions in temperate and subtropical Australia were selected for this study. Future temperature change scenarios in the study were based on Australian projections, developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). YLDs for Salmonella infection in 2000 were calculated as the baseline data. YLDs for Salmonella infection in 2030 and 2050 under future temperature change scenarios were projected based on the quantitative relationship between temperature and disease examined in previously published regression models. Future demographic change was also considered in this analysis. Compared with the YLDs in 2000, increasing temperature and demographic changes may lead to a 9%-48% increase in the YLDs for Salmonella infection by 2030 and a 31%-87% increase by 2050 in the temperate region, and a 51%-100% increase by 2030 and an 87%-143% increase by 2050 in the subtropical region, if other factors remain constant. Temperature-related health burden of Salmonella infection in Australia may increase in the future due to change in climate and demography in the absence of effective public health interventions. Relevant public health strategies should be developed at an early stage to prevent and reduce the health burden of climate change.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-16350-Y
Abstract: Measles-containing vaccine (MCV) has been effective in controlling the spread of measles. Some countries have declared measles elimination. But recently years, the number of cases worldwide has increased, posing a challenge to the global goal of measles eradication. This study estimated the relationship between meteorological factors and measles using spatiotemporal Bayesian model, aiming to provide scientific evidence for public health policy to eliminate measles. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on monthly data of measles and meteorological variables in 136 counties of Shandong Province from 2009 to 2017. Spatiotemporal Bayesian model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological factors on measles, and to evaluate measles risk areas at county level. Case population was ided into multiple subgroups according to gender, age and occupation. The effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups were compared. Specific meteorological conditions increased the risk of measles, including lower relative humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure higher wind velocity, sunshine duration, and diurnal temperature variation. Taking lowest value (Q1) as reference, RR (95%CI) for higher temperatures (Q2–Q4) were 0.79 (0.69–0.91), 0.54 (0.44–0.65), and 0.48 (0.38–0.61), respectively RR (95%CI) for higher relative humidity (Q2–Q4) were 0.76 (0.66–0.88), 0.56 (0.47–0.67), and 0.49 (0.38–0.63), respectively RR (95%CI) for higher wind velocity (Q2–Q4) were 1.43 (1.25–1.64), 1.85 (1.57–2.18), 2.00 (1.59–2.52), respectively. 22 medium-to-high risk counties were identified, mainly in northwestern, southwestern and central Shandong Province. The trend was basically same in the effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups, but the magnitude of the effects was different. Meteorological factors have an important impact on measles. It is crucial to integrate these factors into public health policies for measles prevention and control in China.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2014.08.006
Abstract: A better understanding of public perceptions, attitude and behavior in relation to climate change will provide an important foundation for government׳s policy-making, service provider׳s guideline development and the engagement of local communities. The purpose of this study was to assess the perception towards climate change, behavior change, mitigation and adaptation measures issued by the central government among the health professionals in the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China. In 2013, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was undertaken among 314 CDC health professionals in various levels of CDC in Shanxi Province, China. Descriptive analyses were performed. More than two thirds of the respondents believed that climate change has happened at both global and local levels, and climate change would lead to adverse impacts to human beings. Most respondents (74.8%) indicated the emission of greenhouse gases was the cause of climate change, however there was a lack of knowledge about greenhouse gases and their sources. Media was the main source from which respondents obtained the information about climate change. A majority of respondents showed that they were willing to change behavior, but their actions were limited. In terms of mitigation and adaptation measures issued by the Chinese Government, respondents׳ perception showed inconsistency between strategies and relevant actions. Moreover, although the majority of respondents believed some strategies and measures were extremely important to address climate change, they were still concerned about economic development, energy security, and local environmental protection. There are gaps between perceptions and actions towards climate change among these health professionals. Further efforts need to be made to raise the awareness of climate change among health professionals, and to promote relevant actions to address climate change in the context of the proposed policies with local sustainable development.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/797312
Abstract: It has been reported that motor vehicle emissions contribute nearly a quarter of world energy-related greenhouse gases and cause nonnegligible air pollution primarily in urban areas. Reducing car use and increasing ecofriendly alternative transport, such as public and active transport, are efficient approaches to mitigate harmful environmental impacts caused by a large amount of vehicle use. Besides the environmental benefits of promoting alternative transport, it can also induce other health and economic benefits. At present, a number of studies have been conducted to evaluate cobenefits from greenhouse gas mitigation policies. However, relatively few have focused specifically on the transport sector. A comprehensive understanding of the multiple benefits of alternative transport could assist with policy making in the areas of transport, health, and environment. However, there is no straightforward method which could estimate cobenefits effect at one time. In this paper, the links between vehicle emissions and air quality, as well as the health and economic benefits from alternative transport use, are considered, and methodological issues relating to the modelling of these cobenefits are discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2014.10.004
Abstract: Motor vehicle emissions contribute nearly a quarter of the world's energy-related greenhouse gases and cause non-negligible air pollution, primarily in urban areas. Changing people's travel behaviour towards alternative transport is an efficient approach to mitigate harmful environmental impacts caused by a large number of vehicles. Such a strategy also provides an opportunity to gain health co-benefits of improved air quality and enhanced physical activities. This study aimed at quantifying co-benefit effects of alternative transport use in Adelaide, South Australia. We made projections for a business-as-usual scenario for 2030 with alternative transport scenarios. Separate models including air pollution models and comparative risk assessment health models were developed to link alternative transport scenarios with possible environmental and health benefits. In the study region with an estimated population of 1.4 million in 2030, by shifting 40% of vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) by passenger vehicles to alternative transport, annual average urban PM2.5 would decline by approximately 0.4μg/m(3) compared to business-as-usual, resulting in net health benefits of an estimated 13deaths/year prevented and 118 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) prevented per year due to improved air quality. Further health benefits would be obtained from improved physical fitness through active transport (508deaths/year prevented, 6569DALYs/year prevented), and changes in traffic injuries (21 deaths and, 960 DALYs prevented). Although uncertainties remain, our findings suggest that significant environmental and health benefits are possible if alternative transport replaces even a relatively small portion of car trips. The results may provide assistance to various government organisations and relevant service providers and promote collaboration in policy-making, city planning and infrastructure establishment.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-07-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S136898001900185X
Abstract: There is an urgent need to identify and develop cross-sectoral policies which promote and support a healthy, safe and sustainable food system. To help shape the political agenda, a critical first step is a shared definition of such a system among policy makers across relevant sectors. The aim of the present study was to determine how Australian policy actors define, and contribute to, a healthy, safe and sustainable food system. A Delphi survey, consisting of two rounds, was conducted. Participants were asked how they define, and contribute to, a healthy, safe and sustainable food system (Round 1) and indicate their level of agreement with summary statements (Round 2). This was an online Delphi survey conducted in Australia. Twenty-nine and fourteen multisectoral and multilevel policy makers completed Round 1 and Round 2, respectively. The definition included food processing regulation, environmentally friendly food production and access to nutritious food. All agreed that it was important for them to improve access and supply of healthy food and ensure healthy planning principles are applied. There were cross-sectoral differences in definitions and contributions however, critical consensus was achieved. The study contributes to the definition of key elements of a cross-sectoral food and nutrition policy to meet today’s environmental, health, social and economic challenges however, further research using a more representative multisectoral s le is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.10.053
Abstract: Studies about the modified effect among various meteorological factors on bacillary dysentery (BD) are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ambient temperature and its effect modifiers on BD in Jinan. Daily data of BD cases and meteorological factors from 2005 to 2013 were collected. A generalized additive model (GAM) was conducted to explore the relationship between meteorological factors and BD. Then a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was developed to assess the lag and cumulative effect. Finally, the modified effect between temperature and other meteorological factors on BD was explored by the GAM and a weather-stratified model. A total of 11,738 cases of BD were notified over the study period. The exposure-response relationship between temperature and BD was liner with a single threshold value of 0 °C. Results of DLNM showed that after temperature exceeds the threshold, each 5 °C rise in temperature caused a 19% (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14-1.24) increase in the number of cases of BD at lag 0. The analysis of cumulative effects showed that each 5 °C rise in temperature can increase the number of cases by 61% (RR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.58-1.63) at lag 0-lag 7 days. The effect modification of the association between temperature and BD by humidity was observed in our study, while the modification by precipitation and wind speed were not statistically significant. The risk of BD was highest when temperature and humidity were both high. Our study indicates that temperature is significantly associated with the risk of BD in the study area, and the effect can be modified by humidity. Public health professionals and medical service providers should pay more attention BD prevention and control when the weather condition of both high temperature and high humidity would occur.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.JINF.2007.07.004
Abstract: To identify weather-related risk factors and their roles in Japanese encephalitis transmission and to provide policy implications for local health authorities and communities. Data on notified cases of Japanese encephalitis and weather variables over the period 1959-1979 were collected from Jinan city, a temperate city in China. Due to seasonality of the disease, the data analysis was restricted to five months from June to October each year. Spearman correlation analysis and time-series adjusted Poisson regression analysis were performed to quantify the relationship between weather and the number of cases. The Hockey Stick model was used to detect potential threshold temperatures. Monthly mean maximum and minimum temperatures, monthly total rainfall and monthly mean relative humidity were positively correlated to monthly notification of Japanese encephalitis, while monthly mean air pressure was inversely correlated. Lag times varied from one to two months. All these weather variables were significant in the adjusted Poisson regression model. Thresholds of 25.2 degrees C for maximum temperature and 21.0 degrees C for minimum temperature were also detected. Weather variables could have affected the transmission of Japanese encephalitis in this urban area of China. Public health interventions should be developed at this stage to reduce future risks related to climate change.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-12-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-09-2019
Abstract: Little is known about the potential interactive effects of heat waves and ambient particulate matter on cardiovascular morbidity. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to examine whether particulate matter (PM10) modifies the association between heat waves and emergency hospital admissions for six cardiovascular diseases in Greater Sydney, Australia during the warm season for 2001–2013. We estimated and compared the effect of heat waves on high- and low-level PM10 days at lag0–lag2, adjusting for dew-point temperature, ambient ozone, ambient nitrogen dioxide, and public holidays. We also investigated the susceptibility of both younger (0–64 years) and older populations (65 years and above), and tested the sensitivity of three heat wave definitions. Stronger heat wave effects were observed on high- compared to low-level PM10 days for emergency hospital admissions for cardiac arrest for all ages combined, 0–64 years and 65 years and above conduction disorders for 0–64 years and hypertensive diseases for all ages combined and 0–64 years. Overall, we found some evidence to suggest that PM10 may modify the association between heat waves and hospital admissions for certain cardiovascular diseases, although our findings largely differed across disease, age group, lag, and heat wave definition.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-06-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2006.03.005
Abstract: To investigate the impact of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on dysentery transmission, the relationship between monthly dysentery cases in Shandong Province of China and the monthly Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), a broad index of ENSO, was examined over the period 1991-2003. Spearman correlations and generalized linear models were calculated to detect the association between the SOI and dysentery cases. Data from 1991 to 2001 were used to estimate the parameters, while data from 2002 to 2003 were used to test the forecasting ability of the model. After controlling for seasonality, autocorrelation, and a time-lagged effect, the results indicate that there was a significant negative association between the number of dysentery cases and the SOI, with a lagged effect of 2 months. A one-standard-deviation decrease in the SOI might cause up to 207 more dysentery cases per month in Shandong Province. This is the first report of the impact of the Southern Oscillation on dysentery risk in China, indicating that the SOI may be a useful early indicator of potential dysentery risk in Shandong Province.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJRESP-2020-000684
Abstract: Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution leads to respiratory morbidity and mortality however, the evidence of the effect on lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adult populations is inconsistent. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the associations between particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) exposure and lung function, as well as COPD prevalence, in older Chinese adults. We used data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) China Wave 1, which includes 11, 693 participants from 64 townships in China. A cross-sectional analysis explored the association between satellite-based air pollution exposure estimates (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm [PM 10 ], ≤2.5 µm [PM 2.5 ] and NO 2 ) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV 1 /FVC ratio and COPD (defined as post-bronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC %). Data on lung function changes were further stratified by COPD status. Higher exposure to each pollutant was associated with lower lung function. An IQR (26.1 µg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 was associated with lower FEV 1 (−71.88 mL, 95% CI –92.13 to –51.64) and FEV 1 /FVC (−2.81, 95% CI −3.37 to –2.25). For NO 2 , an IQR increment of 26.8 µg/m 3 was associated with decreases in FEV 1 (−60.12 mL, 95% CI –84.00 to –36.23) and FVC (−32.33 mL, 95% CI –56.35 to –8.32). A 31.2 µg/m 3 IQR increase in PM 10 was linked to reduced FEV 1 (−8.86 mL, 95% CI −5.40 to 23.11) and FEV 1 /FVC (−1.85, 95% CI −2.24 to –1.46). These associations were stronger for participants with COPD. Also, COPD prevalence was linked to higher levels of PM 2.5 (POR 1.35, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.43), PM 10 (POR 1.24, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.29) and NO 2 (POR 1.04, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.11). Ambient air pollution was associated with lower lung function, especially in in iduals with COPD, and increased COPD prevalence in older Chinese adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12134
Abstract: A major heatwave occurred in Australia in early 2009 with considerable and varied health impacts in South Australia (SA) and Victoria. The aim of this study was to investigate the heat-adaptive behaviours of older people in these states. A computer-assisted telephone survey of 1000 residents of SA and Victoria aged 65 years or older was conducted at the end of summer 2010-2011. The majority of respondents reported undertaking heat-adaptive behaviours. In SA, there was a significantly higher proportion of households with air conditioning compared to Victoria, and a higher recall of heat-health messages. In both states, self-reported morbidity during heatwaves was higher in women, persons with poorer health and those with cardiovascular conditions. An increase in global temperatures in conjunction with an ageing population is a concern for public health. Our findings suggest acclimatisation to hot weather may influence behaviours and health outcomes in older people.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-05-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-016-1174-3
Abstract: Assessing and responding to health risk of climate change is important because of its impact on the natural and societal ecosystems. More frequent and severe flood events will occur in China due to climate change. Given that population is projected to increase, more people will be vulnerable to flood events, which may lead to an increased incidence of HAV infection in the future. This population-based study is going to project the future health burden of HAV infection associated with flood events in Huai River Basin of China. The study area covered four cities of Anhui province in China, where flood events were frequent. Time-series adjusted Poisson regression model was developed to quantify the risks of flood events on HAV infection based on the number of daily cases during summer seasons from 2005 to 2010, controlling for other meteorological variables. Projections of HAV infection in 2020 and 2030 were estimated based on the scenarios of flood events and demographic data. Poisson regression model suggested that compared with the periods without flood events, the risks of severe flood events for HAV infection were significant (OR = 1.28, 95 % CI 1.05-1.55), while risks were not significant from moderate flood events (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI 0.72-1.87) and mild flood events (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI 0.87-1.48). Using the 2010 baseline data and the flood event scenarios (one severe flood event), increased incidence of HAV infection were estimated to be between 0.126/10
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.08.030
Abstract: Little information about the effects of floods on typhoid fever is available in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the relationships between floods and typhoid fever and to identify the vulnerable groups in Yongzhou, China. Weekly typhoid fever data, flood data and meteorological data during the flood season (April to September) from 2005 to 2012 were collected for this study. A Poisson generalized linear model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was conducted to quantify the lagged and cumulative effects of floods on typhoid fever, considering the confounding effects of long-term trend, seasonality, and meteorological variables. The model was also used to calculate risk ratios of floods for weekly typhoid fever cases among various subpopulations. After adjusting for long-term trend, seasonality, and meteorological variables, floods were associated with an increased number of typhoid fever cases with a risk ratio of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.10-1.92) at 1-week lag and a cumulative risk ratio of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.21-2.57) at lag 0-1 weeks. Males, people aged 0-4 years old, people aged 15-64 years old, farmers, and children appeared to be more vulnerable than the others. Our study indicates that floods could significantly increase the risks of typhoid fever with lag effects of 1 week in the study areas. Precautionary measures should be taken with a focus on the identified vulnerable groups in order to control the transmission of typhoid fever associated with floods.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAD.2013.05.100
Abstract: The effects of socio-economic factors on suicide were gender-dependent. Japanese suicide mortality gender ratio (male: female) had gradually increased during the twentieth century. With the data covering 1947-2010 collected from Japanese official websites, we conducted non-parametric rank test, curve estimations, spearman ranking correlation and quantile regression in succession with Stata version 12.0. The suicide mortality rate in male with a "U" shape had been always higher than that in female with a "J" shape. The male suicide mortality peaked around in 1955 (38.5 per 100,000 populations), dropped quickly afterwards until the 1970s it increased in the 1980s with another peak in 2003 (33.2 per 100,000 populations). For female, an overall decreasing trend was seen with a peak during the 1950s (23.5 per 100,000 populations in 1958). It dropped gradually afterwards with small variations in 1970s and 80s, and was stabilized after 1995 (9.3 per 100,000 populations). The unemployment rate could be used as a single positive predictor of suicide mortality for men (p<0.01), while the total fertility rate (TFR) (p<0.01) and orce rate (p<0.01) were significantly associated positively and negatively with women's suicide, respectively. The impact of mental disorders was not analyzed and age-specific analysis was not conducted. The findings of these gender differences in, and the associated factors with, suicide in Japan, warranted further studies including delineation of the implications of differential economic pressure between genders, as well as child-rearing pressure and marriage satisfaction.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 04-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-02-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-022-18817-8
Abstract: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) poses a great disease burden in China. However, there are few studies on the relationship between temperature variability (TV) and HFMD. Moreover, whether air pollutions have modified effects on this relationship is still unknown. Therefore, this study aims to explore the modified effects of air pollutants on TV-HFMD association in Zibo City, China. Daily data of HFMD cases, meteorological factors, and air pollutants from 2015 to 2019 were collected for Zibo City. TV was estimated by calculating standard deviation of minimum and maximum temperatures over the exposure days. We used generalized additive model to estimate the association between TV and HFMD. The modified effects of air pollutants were assessed by comparing the estimated TV-HFMD associations between different air stratums. We found that TV increased the risk of HFMD. The effect was strongest at TV03 (4 days of exposure), when the incidence of HFMD increased by 3.6% [95% CI: 1.3-5.9%] for every 1℃ increases in TV. Males, children aged 0-4 years, were more sensitive to TV. We found that sulfur dioxide (SO
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-05-2017
DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2016.90
Abstract: Studies quantifying relationships between floods and diarrheal diseases have mainly been conducted in low-latitude regions. It’s therefore increasingly important to examine these relationships in midlatitude regions, where they may have significant public health implications. This study aimed to examine the association between floods and bacillary dysentery in the city of Dalian, China. A generalized additive mixed model was applied to examine the association between floods and bacillary dysentery. The relative risk (RR) of flood impact on bacillary dysentery was estimated. A total of 18,976 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported in Dalian during the study period. Two weeks’ lagged effect was detected from the impact of floods on bacillary dysentery. The RR of flood impact on bacillary dysentery was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.03-1.33). Floods have significantly increased the risk of bacillary dysentery in Dalian. More studies should focus on the association between floods and infectious diseases in different regions. Our findings have significant implications for managing the negative health impact of floods in the midlatitude region of China. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2017 :190–195)
Start Date: 2020
End Date: 2022
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2023
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 01-2012
End Date: 03-2015
Amount: $139,399.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 07-2020
End Date: 12-2023
Amount: $488,456.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity