Gonorrhoea in Greenland: geographic differences in diagnostic activity and incidence of gonorrhoea in 2015

For decades the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been a health concern in Greenland, especially within the age group of 15–34 year olds. However, no overview exists of the potential differences in regional incidence and management of STIs. This study investigates the age, gender and region specific diagnostic activity and incidence of gonorrhoea in Greenland in 2015. The study design was an observational cross sectional register study with inclusion of patients tested for gonorrhoea in 2015. Patients above 15 years of age were included. Data was obtained from the laboratory system used at The Central Laboratory at Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk. We found, in 2015, a total of 17,911 tests for gonorrhoea were performed on both men and women. Women accounted for 68% of the tests, while men accounted for 32%. The positivity rate was 7,878 pr. 100,000 of which 56% were women and 44% were men. The regional distribution showed a disparity of the testing rate and the rate of positive gonorrhoea tests.. Thus, we have documented a high diagnostic activity and high incidence of gonorrhoea in Greenland in 2015 among both women and men. We also found significant regional differences in both diagnostic activity and gonorrhoea incidenc

Sexual and reproductive health in Greenland: evaluation of implementing sexual peer-to-peer education in Greenland (the SexInuk project)

Background: For decades, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, have increased in Greenland, especially within the young age groups (15–29 years). From 2006 to 2013, the number of abortions has been consistent with approximately 800–900 abortions per year in Greenland, which is nearly as high as the total number of births during the same period. Previous studies in Greenland have reported that knowledge about sexual health is important, both as prevention and as facilitator to stop the increasing rates of STIs. A peer-to-peer education programme about sexual health requires adaption to cultural values and acceptance among the population and government in order to be sustainable. Objective: Formative evaluation of a voluntary project (SexInuk), in relation to peer-to-peer education with focus on sexual health. Two workshops were conducted in Nuuk, Greenland, to recruit Greenlandic students. Design: Qualitative design with focus group interviews (FGIs) to collect qualitative feedback on feasibility and implementation of the project. Supplemented with a brief questionnaire regarding personal information (gender, age, education) and questions about the educational elements in the SexInuk project. Eight Greenlandic students, who had completed one or two workshops, were enrolled. Results: The FGIs showed an overall consensus regarding the need for improving sexual health education in Greenland. The participants requested more voluntary educators, to secure sustainability. The articulation of taboo topics in the Greenlandic society appeared very important. The participants suggested more awareness by promoting the project. Conclusion: Cultural values and language directions were important elements in the FGIs. To our knowledge, voluntary work regarding peer-to-peer education and sexual health has not been structurally evaluated in Greenland before. To achieve sustainability, the project needs educators and financial support. Further research is needed to investigate how peer-to-peer education can improve sexual and reproductive health in Greenland

Head-to-Head Comparison of Nasopharyngeal, Oropharyngeal and Nasal Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing

Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) are considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 testing but are technically challenging to perform and associated with discomfort. Alternative specimens for viral testing, such as oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) and nasal swabs, may be preferable, but strong evidence regarding their diagnostic sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 testing is still missing. We conducted a head-to-head prospective study to compare the sensitivity of NPS, OPS and nasal swabs specimens for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing. Adults with an initial positive SARS-CoV-2 test were invited to participate. All participants had OPS, NPS and nasal swab performed by an otorhinolaryngologist. We included 51 confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive participants in the study. The sensitivity was highest for OPS at 94.1% (95% CI, 87 to 100%) compared to NPS at 92.5% (95% CI, 85 to 99%) (p = 1.00) and lowest for nasal swabs at 82.4% (95% CI, 72 to 93%) (p = 0.07). Combined OPS/NPS was detected in 100% of cases, while the combined OPS/nasal swab increased the sensitivity significantly to 96.1% (95% CI, 90 to 100%) compared to that of the nasal swab alone (p = 0.03). The mean Ct value for NPS was 24.98 compared to 26.63 for OPS (p = 0.084) and 30.60 for nasal swab (p = 0.002). OPS achieved a sensitivity comparable to NPS and should be considered an equivalent alternative for SARS-CoV-2 testing

FeNO-based asthma management results in faster improvement of airway hyperresponsiveness

Asthma is characterised by inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Current asthma treatment is based on severity of asthma symptoms only. Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) is not recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. The aim was to compare the usefulness of a FeNO guided versus symptom-based treatment in achieving improved asthma control assessed by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). 80 asthmatic patients were included in a double-blinded, parallel, randomised controlled trial with follow-up visits after 8, 24 and 36 weeks. Treatment was tailored using either a FeNO or Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) based algorithm. Inclusion criteria were asthma symptoms and a provocative dose causing a 15% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s 0.05). When using FeNO as a treatment management tool, lowering of airway responsiveness occurred earlier than using ACQ. However, airway responsiveness and asthma control after 9 months were similar

Subjective taste scores at inclusion, day 30, 90 and 180.

Subjective taste score at inclusion, 30, 90 and 180 after inclusion, stratified by SARS-CoV-2 status. Numeric Rank Scale where 0 is anosmia and 10 is normal sense of taste.</p

Demographic characteristics and risk factors.

Demographic characteristics and risk factors.</p

Subjective smell and taste reports and numerical rank scale (NRS) score at 0, 30, 90 and 180 days after follow-up.

Subjective smell and taste reports and numerical rank scale (NRS) score at 0, 30, 90 and 180 days after follow-up.</p