Smoking status, cigarettes per day, and their relationship to overweight and obesity among former and current smokers in a national adult general population sample

BACKGROUND

Weight gain after smoking cessation is perceived to be a barrier against quitting smoking. The goal was to analyze overweight and obesity depending on smoking status and number of cigarettes per day (cpd) among former and current smokers.

METHODS

The sample included 7124 residents of Germany aged 18-79 y from a national health examination survey (participation rate: 61.4%). Body weight and height were objectively measured; smoking status and cpd were assessed by a questionnaire administered in a health examination center.

RESULTS

The number of cpd was positively related to being overweight and more so to obesity among former smoking men, but not women. The results were adjusted for age, school education, exercise and alcohol consumption. Men who formerly had smoked more than 30 cpd had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 5.0 for obesity compared to men who had never smoked.

CONCLUSION

With an increasing number of cpd more psychological and physiological processes of compensation of nicotine supply after smoking cessation may be expected. Male smokers should be provided with information on how to prevent weight gain after smoking cessation. To foster smoking cessation, female smokers should be informed that women who stop smoking manage to have no increase in the rates of overweight or obesity when considered at the general population level.

Early angiographic control of perioperative ischemia after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of immediate angiography in patients with defined clinical and laboratory criteria of perioperative myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1999 and December 1999 2052 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in our institution. Out of this cohort 131 (6.4%) patients met the criteria of perioperative myocardial ischemia, which was defined as: (a) increase in the isoenzyme ratio of creatinine phosphokinase (CK/CK-MB] above 10%; (b) ischemic electrocardiographic episodes (defined as a new onset of elevated ST-segment change lasting at least 1 min and involving a shift from baseline of greater than or equal to 0.1 mV of ST-depression and a new association of a postoperative Q; (c) recurrent episodes of, or sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia as well as ventricular fibrillation; (d) hemodynamic deterioration despite adequate inotropic support.

RESULTS

Angiography was performed in 108 patients (5.3%, group A) whereas 23 patients (1.1%, group B) were immediately re-operated due to severely compromised hemodynamics. Angiographic results in group A showed regular grafts in 45 patients (2.2%); 63 patients (3.1%) had either an occlusion (n=41), incorrect anastomosis (n=29), graft stenosis (n=14), graft spasm (n=6), displaced graft (n=6), poor distal run-off (n=5) or incomplete revascularization (n=2). In group A 43 patients underwent a re-operation (34 patients) or an early angioplasty (nine patients). Due to poor coronary artery status no intervention was performed in the remaining 20 patients with angiographic findings. Operative findings in group B showed graft occlusion in ten patients (43.5%), incorrect anastomosis in five patients (21.7%), bleeding, stretched graft, venous graft spasm and displaced graft in one patient (4.3%) each, and no patho-morphological finding in 4 patients (17.4%). Thirty-day mortality rate was ten patients in group A (9.3%), all of them with angiographic findings, as opposed to nine patients (39.1%) in group B.

CONCLUSION

ST-change and elevated CK/CK-MB enzyme ratio is highly indicative for possible graft failure and should be followed early angiographic control to assess the need for reintervention.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Germany: a retrospective epidemiological study from a low-endemic area

AIMS/BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken in order to assess the main features of hepatocellular carcinoma in Germany, a country with low incidences of this tumor.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinomas admitted to the Medical School Hannover between 1993-1997 were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

Reliable data for the assessment of the etiology and the tumor stage of HCC were available for 268 patients. The female/male ratio was 1/4. In 51.9% of the patients, HCC was associated with hepatitis virus B or C (HBV, HCV) infection: 35.1% with HBV, 26.9%) with HCV and 10% coinfection with HBV/HCV This result emphasizes the major impact of HBV and HCV infection in liver cancer in Germany. Of all patients with HCC 74.6%) had liver cirrhosis. The predominant majority of the HCC (87%) were restricted to the liver: in only 5.9% could regional lymph node metastases as well as 8.5%) metastases in other organs be clinically diagnosed by chest X-ray, computed tomography scan or sonography. Data to asses the Okuda tumor stage were available for 166 patients: 47% were classified as stage I, 47% as stage II and only 6% as stage III. Serum AFP were determined in 195 patients. In 66% of the patients, the AFP value was elevated, but only in 30% did the AFP level reach the value of 500 microg/l, which is considered to be significant for HCC diagnosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. The proportion of liver cirrhosis was higher in HCV (97.8%) versus HBV (80.6%) associated HCC, which was the only significant (p<0.05) difference in the characteristics of HCC according to the etiology.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that liver cirrhosis is the prime risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis in Germany. However, the very high proportion of hepatitis virus related HCC, in particular the high proportion of HBV infections, contradicts the common view that alcohol is by far the most important etiological factor for hepatocarcinogenesis in low hepatitis virus endemic areas such as Germany.

The Relationship Between Volume and Outcome Following Elective Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) in 131 German Hospitals

OBJECTIVES

Several studies indicate that high-volume hospitals have better results in open repair of unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Up to now no studies had addressed this question in German hospitals.

DESIGN

Post-hoc-analysis from a prospective physician-led registry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Since 1999, the German Society for Vascular Surgery has conducted a prospective registry for open and endovascular repair of AAAs. This study includes 131 hospitals who conducted n=10163 elective open repairs for unruptured AAA between 1999 to 2004. All perioperative variables including annual volume as a continuous variable were analysed in a step-wise logistic regression model. In order to define a threshold annual volume an additional logistic regression analysis was performed by use of annual volume groups (0-9, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 or more). The relationship between annual volume and further outcome parameters (length of procedure, blood transfusion, length of stay) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall mortality rate was 3.2%. The stepwise logistic regression model identified the following predictors of an increased perioperative mortality: age (OR 1.084, 95% CI 1.066-1.102), AAA diameter (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001-1.016), length of procedure (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.006-1.009), ASA-Score (OR 2.636, 95% CI 2.129-3.264), suprarenal clamping (OR 1.447, 95% CI 1.008-2,078), blood transfusion (OR 1.786, 95% CI 1.268-2.514). Annual volume was moderately predictive (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1-1.006) but failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.07). The analysis of volume groups identified a significantly higher risk for hospitals with an annual volume of 1-9 AAA-repairs by comparison to hospitals with an annual volume of 50 or more AAA-repairs (OR 1.903, 95% CI 1.124-3.222). Operations at low volume hospitals were also longer (p<0.001), with an extended postoperative stay (p<0.001) and a higher transfusion rate (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient's age, ASA classification, AAA diameter, length of procedure, suprarenal clamping and blood transfusion are predictive variables for an increased perioperative mortality in elective open AAA repair. Mortality is also increased by a low annual volume. Further studies are needed to examine whether these data are applicable to all German hospitals.

[Tobacco smoking attributable mortality in Germany]

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study is the estimation of mortality rates attributable to tobacco smoking (TAM) for the Federal States of Germany.

METHODS

The 0.5% representative sample of the German population with data about tobacco smoking (microcensus 1995) as well as the data about causes of death according to ICD from the Federal Office of Statistics are used. On these grounds the mortality as well as the smoking prevalence and, on the basis of data of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the mortality risks for smokers in comparison to never-smokers are estimated.

RESULTS

Tobacco-smoking attributable mortality rates vary in females from 5.6% to 13.2% in the Federal States, in males from 24.3% to 29.2% (age: 35 years or older). Women in the City States show the highest TAM rates. The TAM rate for Germany (females and males taken together) is 17.0% of the total mortality at an age of 35 years and above.

CONCLUSION

The data reveal for Germany that tobacco smoking is the most preventable health risk.

Tobacco-smoking prevalence among physicians and nurses in countries with different tobacco-control activities

The aim of the study was to compare rates of smokers among physicians and nurses in the USA, a country with relatively high levels of activity in tobacco control, with those in a country with low levels of tobacco-control efforts. Analysis of interview data in three cross-sectional population studies was carried out. The tobacco-smoking rate of the physicians in the country with low prevention activity dropped to 18%, which is still much higher than the smoking rate in the US and other European countries. In conclusion, prevention activity on a national level might contribute to reducing the rate of current smokers among physicians to a large extent, less so in nurses.

Tobacco smoking- and alcohol drinking-attributable cancer mortality in Germany

The aim was to estimate the cancer mortality explained by tobacco smoking and alcohol risk drinking. The methods included (1) smoking rates from the largest population survey and alcohol drinking data from the German National Health Survey, and (2) vital statistics from Germany. The tobacco- and alcohol-related data were analysed using formulas for the estimation of attributable fractions. The results show that 19.7% of all malignant neoplasm deaths are explained by tobacco smoking alone, a further 0.2% by alcohol consumption alone and a further 5.6% by tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking. It is concluded that this overlap in the two substance use behaviours has to be taken into account when considering attributable mortality data.

Validity of overweight and obesity in a nation based on self-report versus measurement device data

OBJECTIVE

To analyze overweight and obesity in a nation by self-report (SR) data and by data about the target person provided via other household members compared to measurement devices (MD). The magnitude of hypothesized under-reporting by the SR data should be estimated with adjustment for age, gender, and education.

DESIGN

Two cross-sectional studies, nationally representative health examination surveys (response rates: 61.4 and 73.2%, respectively).

SETTING

Adult general population of Germany aged 20-79 years.

SUBJECTS

Sample 1 included 6806 residents. Samples 2 (n=98 673) and 3 (n=34 960) included residents in the second survey.

MEASUREMENTS

In sample 1 MD data were collected, in sample 2 SR data were collected, and in sample 3 body weight and height information was provided from another household member living together with the target person.

RESULTS

MD data revealed higher proportions of overweight and obesity compared to SR. Among women with body mass index (BMI) 35.00 or higher, the odds ratio (OR) was 3.9 (95% confidence interval, CI, 3.2-4.7), and among men 2.8 (CI, 2.2-3.6) for MD versus SR. Data from other household members also revealed higher proportions of overweight and obesity than SR (OR for BMI 35.00 or higher 2.1, CI, 1.7-2.5, for data from other household members versus SR in women and OR 1.3, CI, 1.1-1.5, in men).

CONCLUSIONS

MD data should be used when providing proportions of overweight and obesity in a nation such as Germany.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor: a component in chromaffin granules which promotes the survival of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurones in vitro and in vivo

Chromaffin cells can restore function to the damaged nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in animal models of Parkinson's disease. It has been reported that a protein which is released from chromaffin granules can promote the survival of dopaminergic neurones in vitro and protect them against N-methylpyridinium ion toxicity. This neurotrophic effect has been found to be mediated by astroglial cells and blocked by inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signal transduction pathway. Here we report the identification of bovine heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in chromaffin granules and the cloning of the respective cDNA from bovine-derived adrenal gland. Protein extracts from bovine chromaffin granules were found to promote the survival of embryonic dopaminergic neurones in culture, to the same extent as recombinant human HB-EGF. Furthermore, the neurotrophic action of the chromaffin granule extract could be abolished by antiserum to recombinant human HB-EGF. We also show that intracerebral injection of recombinant human HB-EGF protected the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in an in vivo adult rat model of Parkinson's disease. Intracerebral administration of this protein at the same time as a 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the medial forebrain bundle was found to spare dopamine levels in the striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive neurones in the midbrain. This study has found that the main component in chromaffin granules responsible for their neurotrophic effect on dopaminergic neurones is HB-EGF. Furthermore, HB-EGF has significant protective effects on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurones in vivo, making it a potential candidate for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Smoking status, obesity and hypertension in a general population sample: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

In some studies, hypertension is more common in never and former smokers than in current smokers.

AIM

To examine the associations between hypertension and smoking status, when divided into subgroups by overweight and obesity.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We used data from a national health survey with a probability sample of the national population of Germany aged 18 to 79 (n = 6903 with complete data). Smoking status data were collected via questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were assessed by body mass index, hypertension by blood pressure measurement and by participants' statements about antihypertensive treatment. Analyses were adjusted for gender, age, history of coronary artery disease, serum cholesterol levels, alcohol drinking, exercise, and education.

RESULTS

Obese former smokers who were abstinent for 3 or more years had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.6 (95% confidence interval, CI 2.3-5.7) for mild hypertension (> or =140 mmHg systolic or > or =90 mmHg diastolic blood pressure) and an adjusted OR 6.5 (95%CI 3.6-11.8) for moderate or severe hypertension (> or =160 mmHg systolic or > or =100 mmHg diastolic). Normal weight never or former smokers did not differ from normal weight current smokers smoking > or =15 cigarettes/day with regard to likelihood of hypertension (normal weight never smokers, OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.8-1.5; normal weight former smokers, abstinent 3 or more years, OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.5-1.3).

DISCUSSION

In this nationally representative sample, never or former smoking was unrelated to hypertension among normal weight individuals.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

[Routine detection of the THC metabolite 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in forensic practice]

A method for the detection of 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, one of the predominant metabolites of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in human urine, is presented. As screening method a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay is used (Emit dau). Positive results are confirmed by GLC/MS as alternative method. After glucuronide hydrolysis the metabolite is isolated using a C18 reversed phase column and methylated in the 1-hydroxy and 9-carboxy position. The methylated metabolite is detected by gas chromatography/mass fragmentography. This fairly rapid method seems to be useful in forensic routine analysis.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Distinct reconstitution of neutrophil functions after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

The study investigated in detail neutrophil functions shortly after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT).

METHODS

Different functions of neutrophils in 14 patients who received allogeneic PBSCT were investigated. The migratory capacity as well as the ability to induce oxidative burst following stimulation with either Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-MLP) or opsonized Escherichia coli was analysed after engraftment (between day +30 and +40) and compared with the results obtained from healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

There are no differences in terms of the migratory capacity (P = 0.17), as well as regarding the oxidative burst after incubation with PMA (P = 0.08) or f-MLP (P = 0.06), compared with healthy men. In contrast, the capacity of neutrophils to induce oxidative burst following stimulation with E. coli is highly impaired (P = 0.0001) in patients shortly after engraftment.

CONCLUSION

The recovery of neutrophils after allogeneic PBSCT is not only influenced by the varying time of engraftment, but also represents a process that differs in distinct biological functions compared to normal granulopoieses.

Improved upper limits on the stochastic gravitational-wave background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Ω_{GW}(f)=Ω_{α}(f/f_{ref})^{α}, we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of α=0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Ω_{GW}(f)<5.6×10^{-6}. For the 600-1000 Hz band, Ω_{GW}(f)<0.14(f/900  Hz)^{3}, a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Ω_{GW}(f)<1.8×10^{-4} using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Ω_{GW}(f)<1.0(f/1300  Hz)^{3} for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

A novel multi-detection technique for three-dimensional reciprocal-space mapping in grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction

A new scattering technique in grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction geometry is described which enables three-dimensional mapping of reciprocal space by a single rocking scan of the sample. This is achieved by using a two-dimensional detector. The new set-up is discussed in terms of angular resolution and dynamic range of scattered intensity. As an example the diffuse scattering from a strained multilayer of self-assembled (In,Ga)As quantum dots grown on GaAs substrate is presented.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

[Tobacco- or alcohol-attributable inpatient treatments]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine how many inpatient treatments are attributable to tobacco smoking or alcohol risk-drinking in a high tobacco smoking and alcohol per capital consumption country.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Relative mortality risks from international studies, inpatient diagnoses in the year 1997 (n = 12,803,729), rates of tobacco smokers and alcohol risk drinkers from Germany (microcensus 1995, n = 169,403; German National Health Survey 1990/1991, n = 7450) were the data base.

RESULTS

Of all inpatient treatment cases in the year 1997, 9.9 % (n = 1,273,651) were tobacco- or alcohol-attributable. The inpatient stays took 1.5 days more than those who were not tobacco- or alcohol-attributable.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that early detection and early intervention are needed for the decrease of the number of inpatient treatments.

Aneurysmen und Dissektionen der thorakalen und abdominellen Aorta

One to four per cent of all deaths in patients over 65 are caused by aneurysmatic diseases of the abdominal or thoracic aorta. For elective surgery in abdominal aneurysms, open surgery and endovascular treatment both demonstrate brilliant overall results. In the thoracic aorta, new endovascular procedures have led to considerable reductions of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, in view of the endovascular procedure's high cost and the still unclear long-term behaviour of the stent device, a second opinion from a specialised centre is an absolute necessity.

Floating thrombus on an ASD occluder device in a patient with hemophilia A

The case presented is that of a 29-year-old man with a history of hemophilia A who was admitted with recurrent onsets of transient cerebrovascular ischemia; he had undergone a transvenous closure of an atrial septal defects with an occluder device (Cardioseal Starflex) two months ago. Due to a factor-VIII deficiency, no further anticoagulation therapy was initiated. On admission, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a floating thrombus on the left atrial side of the umbrella. The device was explanted via a right minithoracotomy, and the atrial septal defect was closed. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Model reduction techniques for the computation of extended Markov parameterizations for generalized Langevin equations

The generalized Langevin equation is a model for the motion of coarse-grained particles where dissipative forces are represented by a memory term. The numerical realization of such a model requires the implementation of a stochastic delay-differential equation and the estimation of a corresponding memory kernel. Here we develop a new approach for computing a data-driven Markov model for the motion of the particles, given equidistant samples of their velocity autocorrelation function. Our method bypasses the determination of the underlying memory kernel by representing it via up to about twenty auxiliary variables. The algorithm is based on a sophisticated variant of the Prony method for exponential interpolation and employs the positive real lemma from model reduction theory to extract the associated Markov model. We demonstrate the potential of this approach for the test case of anomalous diffusion, where data are given analytically, and then apply our method to velocity autocorrelation data of molecular dynamics simulations of a colloid in a Lennard-Jones fluid. In both cases, the velocity autocorrelation function and the memory kernel can be reproduced very accurately. Moreover, we show that the algorithm can also handle input data with large statistical noise. We anticipate that it will be a very useful tool in future studies that involve dynamic coarse-graining of complex soft matter systems.

[Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption among apprentices at vocational schools in West Pomerania, Germany]

Little is known about tobacco smoking and health risk drinking among apprentices at vocational schools. The aim of this study was to determine the proportions of subjects who smoke or drink alcohol in a risky way, their preparedness to stop smoking, and the proportions of smokers and risk drinkers according to occupational groups and general school education. The methods included a survey of all apprentices in their first year of vocational training and all trainees in a course of preparation for occupation in a north-eastern region of Germany. All vocational schools of the study region participated. At the time of the survey, 77.9% of the apprentices were present. Among them, 99.8% (N=1 124) filled in questionnaires. The data revealed that among the total sample 61.2% were daily or less than daily current smokers. Among adults, 8.2%, among those at age 17 or younger 12.9% had a mean daily consumption of more than 12 grams (females) or more than 24 grams (males) of pure alcohol. These proportions were 12.6-18.0% among apprentices of blue collar occupations and 2.8-6.5% among apprentices of white collar or health occupations. Among subjects who had left school without graduation, 85.0%, and among those with the highest school education 36.9% were current smokers. It is concluded that vocational schools are a suitable and essential setting to reach a high risk population concerning tobacco smoking or unhealthy alcohol consumption.