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Ataya J, Ismail A, Soqia J, Kousa A, Shahoud Z, Alhalabi R, Zaitouna M. Addressing knowledge gaps in allergies among Syrian hospital patients: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2938. [PMID: 38316903 PMCID: PMC10844623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Allergies have a significant impact on health and quality of life worldwide, yet there is limited research on the awareness and knowledge of allergies. This study aimed to explore the level of awareness and knowledge of allergies among visitors in Syrian hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2022, and a standardized international questionnaire was administered to 504 visitors in three hospitals in Syria. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 23. The final sample comprised 504 questionnaires with 61.7% of participants achieving an average score. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in knowledge of allergy scores between the group with only elementary education (M = 3.76, SD = 1.67, p = 0.011), the group with no education (M = 3.65, SD = 1.65, p = 0.006), and the group with a university education (M = 4.44, SD = 1.25). Notably, no significant differences were found between the other educational groups. A one-way ANOVA was employed to assess the effect of place of living on knowledge of allergy, but no significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.462). Lastly, a significant negative correlation was detected between participant age and knowledge of allergy scores (r(502) = - 0.102, p = 0.022). Allergies represent a substantial global health concern that demands attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. This study emphasizes the importance of investing in health education and awareness campaigns to enhance knowledge and comprehension of allergies, particularly individuals with lower levels of education levels. By equipping individuals with the requisite information to effectively manage their allergies, their overall health and wellbeing can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Ataya
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.
| | | | - Jameel Soqia
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Alyamama Kousa
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Zein Shahoud
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Rawan Alhalabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mazen Zaitouna
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- UMR1195, University Paris Sud, INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France
- Service of Urology, Grand hospital of Est Francilian, Meaux, France
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Sdona E, Turesson A, Zelander CF, Lövquist A, Lauber A, Georgelis A, Bergström A, Jonsson M. Management of children with allergies in preschool and school-Potential for improvements. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023; 34:e14039. [PMID: 37877842 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouela Sdona
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Turesson
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine Fahlén Zelander
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Lövquist
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - André Lauber
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Georgelis
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergström
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marina Jonsson
- Unit of Environmental Medicine, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Alsayed B, Alatawi A, Alatawi OM, Alatawi RH, Alfuhaymani AM, Aljohani JK. Association of Asthma Control With Caregivers' Knowledge and Practices for Children With Asthma in the Tabuk Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e35162. [PMID: 36949969 PMCID: PMC10028399 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous inflammatory disease that affects millions of individuals around the globe. Standardized asthma management is crucial to maintain and control the disease. Caregivers are the leading players in managing asthma during childhood. Studies are lacking in the Tabuk region. The aim of this study was to elucidate knowledge levels and common practices of caregivers of pediatric patients with asthma in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia and its impact on asthma control. Methodology A validated cross-sectional survey of the population of the Tabuk region was conducted from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Convenience sampling via an internet-based questionnaire within the study area was deployed, followed by phone interviews. Results A total of 393 caregivers completed the questionnaire, and the data were analyzed. The median age of asthmatic children was nine years, and most of them were males (60.8%). Most caregivers had a higher education (62.1%). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were found in almost 80% of children. Pulmonary function tests were performed in 42.5% of children, and only one-third underwent radioallergosorbent (RAST) skin testing. About half the children had an asthmatic attack and an emergency department visit once during the previous 12 months, and most were hospitalized during that period. Most caregivers showed good knowledge (score=7) about symptoms of asthma and factors that could worsen the child's asthma, as well as good asthma control practices (score ≥7). Children with poorly controlled asthma were younger, had significant allergic rhinitis symptoms (30%), and underwent pulmonary function tests (60%). Conclusion In the Tabuk region, the extent of asthma control was significantly associated with caregivers' knowledge and practices for children with asthma. Future public education campaigns should focus on closing the observed knowledge and practice gaps to reduce the impact of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr Alsayed
- Internal Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
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Asthma-Related Knowledge and Practices among Mothers of Asthmatic Children: A Latent Class Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052539. [PMID: 35270232 PMCID: PMC8909612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mothers’ knowledge about childhood asthma influences management practices and disease control, but validating knowledge/practice questionnaires is difficult due to the lack of a gold standard. We hypothesized that Latent Class Analysis (LCA) could help identify underlying mother profiles with similar knowledge/practices. A total of 438 mothers of asthmatic children answered a knowledge/practice questionnaire. Using answers to the knowledge/practice questionnaire as manifest variables, LCA identified two classes: Class 1, “poor knowledge” (33%); Class 2, “good knowledge” (67%). Classification accuracy was 0.96. Mothers in Class 2 were more likely to be aware of asthma-worsening factors and indicators of attacks. Mothers in Class 1 were more likely to prevent exposure to tobacco smoke (91.1% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.005). For attacks, mothers in Class 2 were more likely to go to the emergency department and follow the asthma action plan. Mothers in Class 2 more frequently had a high education level (79.5% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.004). Children in Class 2 more frequently had fully controlled asthma (36.7% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.015) and hospitalizations for attacks in the previous 12 months (24.2% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.003). LCA can help discover underlying mother profiles and plan targeted educational interventions.
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Waserman S, Cruickshank H, Hildebrand KJ, Mack D, Bantock L, Bingemann T, Chu DK, Cuello-Garcia C, Ebisawa M, Fahmy D, Fleischer DM, Galloway L, Gartrell G, Greenhawt M, Hamilton N, Hourihane J, Langlois M, Loh R, Muraro A, Rosenfield L, Schoessler S, Tang MLK, Weitzner B, Wang J, Brozek JL. Prevention and management of allergic reactions to food in child care centers and schools: Practice guidelines. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:1561-1578. [PMID: 33965093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Food allergy management in child care centers and schools is a controversial topic, for which evidence-based guidance is needed. Following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, we conducted systematic literature reviews of the anticipated health effects of selected interventions for managing food allergy in child care centers and schools; we compiled data about the costs, feasibility, acceptability, and effects on health equity of the selected interventions; and we developed the following conditional recommendations: we suggest that child care centers and schools implement allergy training and action plans; we suggest that they use epinephrine (adrenaline) to treat suspected anaphylaxis; we suggest that they stock unassigned epinephrine autoinjectors, instead of requiring students to supply their own personal autoinjectors to be stored on site for designated at-school use; and we suggest that they do not implement site-wide food prohibitions (eg, "nut-free" schools) or allergen-restricted zones (eg, "milk-free" tables), except in the special circumstances identified in this document. The recommendations are labeled "conditional" due to the low quality of available evidence. More research is needed to determine with greater certainty which interventions are likely to be the most beneficial. Policymakers might need to adapt the recommendations to fit local circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Waserman
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Heather Cruickshank
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyla J Hildebrand
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Douglas Mack
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Bantock
- Department of Primary Medical Services, Sun Peaks Community Health Centre, Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Theresa Bingemann
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY; Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Derek K Chu
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carlos Cuello-Garcia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Quality in Health Care Residency Program, Tecnologico de Monterrey School of Medicine, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- Department of Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, National Hospital Organization, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - David Fahmy
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M Fleischer
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy/Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo; Department of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Lisa Galloway
- School District No. 73, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Greg Gartrell
- School District No. 73, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Nicola Hamilton
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Hourihane
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Langlois
- District School Board of Niagara, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Loh
- Department of Immunology, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Australia
| | | | - Lana Rosenfield
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Mimi L K Tang
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brenda Weitzner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jan L Brozek
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Urrutia-Pereira M, Chong-Neto H, Mocellin LP, Ellwood P, Garcia-Marcos L, Simon L, Rinelli P, Solé D. Prevalence of asthma symptoms and associated factors in adolescents and adults in southern Brazil: A Global Asthma Network Phase I study. World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100529. [PMID: 33850603 PMCID: PMC8010518 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Global Asthma Network (GAN) aims to find out the current status of the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema using global surveillance to achieve worldwide recognition and improve the management of asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers. Methods Adolescents (13–14 years old; n = 1058) and their respective parents/caregivers (mean age = 42.1 years, n = 896) living in the town of Uruguaiana, Southern Brazil fulfilled the standardized questionnaire. Results Although the prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was higher among adults than adolescents (18.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively), adolescents showed more severe wheezing and worse control over the disease revealed by higher consumption of short-acting beta-2 agonists; going to the emergency room; hospitalization in the last year and dry night cough. Smoking and paracetamol use were associated with risk for developing asthma symptoms and consuming seafood/fish was protective. For the adults smoking (10 or more cigarettes/day) and exposure to mould in the house were associated with risk for asthma symptoms. Conclusions Adolescents have a high prevalence of asthma symptoms and few have an action plan. Adults do not have their disease under control and they use more relief than preventive medication. Differences in associated factors could determine the outcomes in asthma control among adolescents and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lucas Pitrez Mocellin
- Department of Collective Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Brazil
| | - Philippa Ellwood
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luis Garcia-Marcos
- Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Units, Arrixaca University Children's Hospital, University of Murcia, IMIB Bio-health Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), ARADyAL Network, Spain
| | - Laura Simon
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa), Brazil
| | - Pietro Rinelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa), Brazil
| | - Dirceu Solé
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Miles LM, Ratnarajah K, Gabrielli S, Abrams EM, Protudjer JLP, Bégin P, Chan ES, Upton J, Waserman S, Watson W, Gerdts J, Ben-Shoshan M. Community Use of Epinephrine for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis: A Review and Meta-Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2321-2333. [PMID: 33549844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis is low. Knowledge of rates of epinephrine use in the pre-hospital setting along with identification of barriers to its use will contribute to the development of policies and guidelines. OBJECTIVES A search was conducted on PubMed and Embase in April 2020. Our systematic review focused on 4 domains: (1) epinephrine use in the pre-hospital setting; (2) barriers to epinephrine use in the pre-hospital setting; (3) cost evaluation and cost-effectiveness of epinephrine use; and (4) programs and strategies to improve epinephrine use during anaphylaxis. METHODS Two meta-analyses with logit transformation were conducted to: (1) calculate the pooled estimate of the rate of epinephrine use in the pre-hospital setting among cases of anaphylaxis and (2) calculate the pooled estimate of the rate of biphasic reactions among all cases of anaphylaxis. RESULTS Epinephrine use in the pre-hospital setting was significantly higher for children compared with adults (20.98% [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.38%, 26.46%] vs 7.17% [95% CI: 2.71%, 17.63%], respectively, P = .0027). The pooled estimate of biphasic reactions among all anaphylaxis cases was 3.92% (95% CI: 2.88%, 5.32%). Our main findings indicate that pre-hospital use of epinephrine in anaphylaxis remains suboptimal. Major barriers to the use of epinephrine were identified as low prescription rates of epinephrine autoinjectors and lack of stock epinephrine in schools, which was determined to be cost-effective. Finally, in reviewing programs and strategies, numerous studies have engineered effective methods to promote adequate and timely use of epinephrine. CONCLUSION The main findings of our study demonstrated that across the globe, prompt epinephrine use in cases of anaphylaxis remains suboptimal. For practical recommendations, we would suggest considering stock epinephrine in schools and food courts to increase the use of epinephrine in the community. We recommend use of pamphlets in public areas (ie, malls, food courts, etc.) to assist in recognizing anaphylaxis and after that with prompt epinephrine administration, to avoid the rare risk of fatality in anaphylaxis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura May Miles
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Kayadri Ratnarajah
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sofianne Gabrielli
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jennifer L P Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Philippe Bégin
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Edmond S Chan
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Upton
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Waserman
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Wade Watson
- Division of Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Executive Director, Food Allergy Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moshe Ben-Shoshan
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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