ICAR: endoscopic skull‐base surgery

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The perceptions, barriers and enablers to physical activity and minimising sedentary behaviour among Arab‐Australian adults aged 35‐64 years

Issues addressed: The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions, barriers, and enablers to physical activity (PA) and minimising sedentary behaviour among Arab‐Australians, a group who have lower levels of PA and higher rates of certain chronic diseases when compared with the general Australian population. Methods: A total of 28 Arab‐Australians aged 35‐64 years participated in one of five focus groups conducted in Western Sydney during 2017‐2018, a culturally diverse region in New South Wales, Australia. Focus group duration ranged from 35‐90 minutes with 4‐7 participants in each group. Focus group data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Participants had a general understanding of PA and the associated health benefits. Fewer participants were aware of the independent health effects associated with prolonged sitting. A lack of time and motivation due to work, familial duties, domestic roles, and lack of effort reportedly influenced PA participation. Health was perceived to be both a barrier and an enabler to PA. Barriers related to health included pain and existing conditions and enablers included preventive and reactive measures. Social support and accessibility, such as a lack of support networks, the availability of services, and costs were also discussed. Cultural and religious influences, such as traditional gender roles and the importance of gender‐exclusive settings, were also important factors influencing the PA behaviours of participants. Conclusions: This study highlighted the factors that influence the PA levels and sedentary behaviour of Arab‐Australian adults aged 35‐64 years. So what?: The findings of this study could help inform the design and development of culturally‐tailored PA interventions for Arab‐Australian adults

Spatial Analysis of Dengue Seroprevalence and Modeling of Transmission Risk Factors in a Dengue Hyperendemic City of Venezuela

Background Dengue virus (DENV) transmission is spatially heterogeneous. Hence, to stratify dengue prevalence in space may be an efficacious strategy to target surveillance and control efforts in a cost-effective manner particularly in Venezuela where dengue is hyperendemic and public health resources are scarce. Here, we determine hot spots of dengue seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with these clusters using local spatial statistics and a regression modeling approach. Methodology/Principal Findings From August 2010 to January 2011, a community-based cross-sectional study of 2012 individuals in 840 households was performed in high incidence neighborhoods of a dengue hyperendemic city in Venezuela. Local spatial statistics conducted at household-and blocklevel identified clusters of recent dengue seroprevalence (39 hot spot households and 9 hot spot blocks) in all neighborhoods. However, no clusters were found for past dengue seroprevalence. Clustering of infection was detected at a very small scale (20-110m) suggesting a high disease focal aggregation. Factors associated with living in a hot spot household were occupation (being a domestic worker/housewife (P = 0.002), lower socio-economic status (living in a shack (P<0.001), sharing a household with <7 people (P = 0.004), promoting potential vector breeding sites (storing water in containers (P = 0.024), having litter outdoors (P = 0.002) and mosquito preventive measures (such as using repellent, P = 0.011). Similarly, low socio-economic status (living in crowded conditions, P<0.001), having an occupation of domestic worker/housewife (P = 0.012) and not using certain preventive measures against mosquitoes (P<0.05) were directly associated with living in a hot spot block. Conclusions/Significance Our findings contribute to a better comprehension of the spatial dynamics of dengue by assessing the relationship between disease clusters and their risk factors. These results can inform health authorities in the design of surveillance and control activities. Focalizing dengue control measures during epidemic and inter-epidemic periods to disease high risk zones at household and neighborhood-level may significantly reduce virus transmission in comparison to random interventions