Biomedical subjects

G Haidinger

Publications and source records attributed to G Haidinger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

[Epidemiology and prevention of breast cancer].

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in females in Austria (25% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases). So far no comprehensive theory about etiology exists. Risk factors generally considered to be established are: demographic, reproductive and hormonal factors, diet, benign breast disease, familial aggregation and genetics. Most of the risk factors cannot be affected by primary prevention. Nevertheless women should be informed about cancer risk and lifestyle factors. At present secondary prevention through mammographic screening can reduce the impact of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. In Austria the reduction of advanced cancers at diagnosis, followed by a reduction of mortality rates is plausibly related to screening prevalence.

Austria↗

PubMed2000

The influence of genetic predisposition on the prevalence of atopic diseases in Carinthian school children.

The reasons for the origin and increasing rise in incidence of atopic diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in many countries are still unknown. Our survey carried out within the frame of the ISAAC protocol comprised three districts in the Austrian province of Carinthia. A complete study of first and second year elementary school children was done in order to uncover a relationship between "presumed exposure" to different possible risk factors with that of an atopic disorder (i.e. asthma, hay fever, eczema). The results show a significant association between the occurrence of atopic disorders and genetic predisposition and the fact that a carpet which had previously been present in the child's bedroom, had been removed due to the presence of an allergic disease in a family member. The logistic regression model explains a very small part of the overall variability (R2 = 7.32%).

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1999

Indoor factors and their association to respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthma in Austrian children aged 6-9 years.

The ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood) was founded in 1990 in order to maximise the value of epidemiological research into asthma and allergic diseases, to describe the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in children living in different locations, to make comparisons within and between countries, to provide a framework for further etiological research and to find prevention strategies. We analysed a sub-sample of a population-based study (1995 to 1997) in Upper Austria. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of indoor risk factors on wheezing in children 6-9 years old. Our calculations were based on the results of a questionnaire answered by parents about their children's indoor environment at home. Smoking of the mother during pregnancy and/or during breastfeeding (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.08-1.48), smoking of the mother at the present time (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.12-1.41), a bird (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.06-1.85) or rabbit (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.03-1.82) as a domestic pet, synthetic bedding (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.18-1.49) and dampness or mould at home (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.24-1.65) are associated with a significantly increased risk of childhood wheezing in the last 12 months. Other variables such as "smoking of the father", "cooking with gas", "gas central heating" and other "pets" do not achieve statistical significance.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence of self-reported cervical cancer screening and impact on cervical cancer mortality in Austria.

Pap smear screening was introduced in Austria in the late 1960's and was recommended annually for all women older than 20 years ever since. This is an opportunistic screening. The evaluation has to rely on population based data (mortality, stage distribution, screening prevalence). In a representative cross-sectional study (women aged 20-69 years, n = 933, conducted in 1995), 76% reported at least one Pap screening during their life; the highest prevalence (88%) was reported by women aged 50-59 years, the lowest prevalence (65%) by women aged 60-69 years. Forty-eight per cent of all women reported that they had undergone screening at least 4 times (40-49 years: 57%, 20-29 years: 34%). Between 1980 and 1996, mortality due to cancer of the uterus, part unspecified (ICD-9: 179), decreased by 54% (P = 0.0001) and that of cancer of the cervix (ICD-9: 180) by 44% (P = 0.0001). Since 1980, age-specific incidence rates of invasive disease decreased (P = 0.0001) in all 10-year age groups (20-29 years: -59%, 30-39 years: -48%, 40-49 years: -34%, 50-59 years: -62%, 60-69 years: -59%). The incidence of preinvasive disease increased significantly (P = 0.001) in the age groups 20-29 years by 30% and 30-39 years by 45%, respectively. No significant changes are observed in other age groups. Opportunistic screening has reduced mortality from cervical cancer and particularly limited the increase among younger women, but the high proportion of cancer deaths from uterine cancer, in part unspecified, obscures the actual trend. We estimate that the true mortality from cervical cancer has been nearly halved between 1980 and 1996. Most of this reduction must be attributed to the screening activities in the 1970's and we expect a further decrease as a result of the expanded screening activities in the 1980's.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in Austrian males and associations with sociodemographic variables.

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Austrian males and to correlate the findings with sociodemographic variables. In a population-based cross-sectional study in Austria in the year 1995, data on voiding symptoms were collected from a representative sample of men by using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Only 28.6% of the males aged 15 to 89 years (total n = 939) reported no LUTS at all (IPSS = 0). In the group of males who report symptoms, a positive correlation of the IPSS with age is found. Furthermore IPSS correlates with weekly alcohol and nicotine consumption, but not with the respondent's body-mass index (BMI), educational status and monthly household income. The bothersomeness of LUTS increases with age, leaving more than 12% of the males aged 40 to 89 dissatisfied with urinary symptoms. Extrapolated to population numbers, more than 87,000 males in Austria (aged 15 to 89 years) would feel 'terribly' if they were to spend the rest of their lives with urinary symptoms as they were at the time of the survey. Due to an estimated future increase of the proportion of older people in Austria, the number of males with LUTS will rise significantly, thereby placing increased burden on medical resources in the future.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

The burden of cancer in Austria.

The aim of this study was to assess the overall progress against cancer in Austria by analysing changes in age-adjusted mortality rates from 1970 to 1996. For the years 1970 to 1996, age-adjusted rates for all malignant neoplasms and for selected sites were calculated for men and women, according to year, age and sex. The number of cancer deaths were obtained from the Austrian Central Statistical Office--age-adjusted mortality rates of all malignant neoplasms decreased in men between 1971 and 1996 by 13% (from 289.1 to 251.4 deaths per 100,000), and in women between 1970 and 1996 by 19.1% (from 276.6 to 223.7 deaths per 100,000). Among older people (> or = 55 years) the mortality decreased by 13% in men and by 17% in women; among younger people (< 55 years) by 12% and 30%, respectively. The decrease in total cancer mortality is promoted by three tumour sites (the leading causes of cancer deaths in 1970). In both sexes, the decrease of stomach cancer mortality had the major impact, followed by colorectal cancer in women and by lung cancer in men. The observed changes in mortality are primarily related to changing incidence and early detection, rather than improvements in treatment. Unfortunately, there is evidence that prevention is losing ground in Austria. The implementation of the well-established knowledge of cancer prevention and the strengthening of preventative research is urgently needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence of self-reported screening mammography and impact on breast cancer mortality in Austria.

Mammography for breast cancer screening has been available in Austria free of charge since 1974 and has been explicitly recommended for mass screening since 1980. The type of screening is opportunistic. Evaluation has to rely on population-based data (mortality, stage distribution, screening prevalence). In a representative cross-sectional study (women aged 40-79 years, n = 566, conducted in 1995) 58% reported at least one screening mammography; the lowest prevalence was found in the age group 70-74 years: 39.3%, the highest in the age group 50-54 years: 71.4%. 23.1% reported at least 2 mammograms within an interval of less than 2 years; lowest prevalence 70-74 years: 10.7%, highest 50-54 years: 35.7%. Age-standardized mortality rate has stabilized since 1985. Since 1980 age-specific rates have increased significantly in all age groups > 54 years, but a decreasing tendency in most groups has been noted since around 1990. The incidence rates of stage II or worse tumors have increased significantly since 1982, except in the age groups 40-44 and 55-59 years; however, during the past 3 to 6 years the absolute rates of incidence of advanced tumors has decreased in alle age groups. The reduction of advanced cancers at diagnosis, followed by a reduction of mortality rates is plausible related to screening prevalence. More uniform decreasing trends should be expected in the years to come. If not, discontinuation of the current opportunistic form of screening without monitoring and evaluation, financed by public money, has to be discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in Austria as assessed by an open survey of 2,096 men.

OBJECTIVE: The lack of knowledge on the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in German-speaking countries prompted us to assess this issue in Austria by means of a large open-scale study. METHODS: A community sample of 2,096 men equal to or older than 20 years, who participated in a health survey in Vienna, completed the recently validated German translation of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). In addition, a detailed urological history and a physical evaluation (including digital rectal examination) were obtained. RESULTS: The mean age in the study population was 47 +/- 14 (range 20-96) years. The mean IPSS increased from 2.1 (20-29 years, n = 128) to 2.6 (30-39, n = 322), 3.0 (40-49, n = 902), 5.8 (50-59, n = 325), 5.7 (60-69, n = 219), 6.4 (70-79, n = 158), and 6.1 (>/=80 years, n = 42). The proportion of patients with moderate/severe LUTS defined by an IPSS >7 increased from 6.3% (20-29 years) to 8.4 (30-39), 11.1 (40-49), 27.1 (50-59), 28.3 (60-69), 36 (70-79), and 35.7% (>/=80 years). Overall, 7.8% of the men aged >/=50 years previously underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. In men aged 50-59 years, this proportion was 1.3%, and it increased to 4.2, 20.9, and 27.5% in those aged 60-69, 70-79, and >/=80 years, respectively. 7% of the men had previously consulted an urologist for micturition problems. In all life decades, these patients had higher IPSS levels than those with no previous urological visit. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data generated, it is estimated that at present in Austria 26.9% (n = 291,761) of the men aged >/=50 years have moderate and further 2.8% (n = 30,815) severe LUTS. 7.8% of the men aged >/=50 years (n = 84,256) had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate. These data confirm the high prevalence of this condition in Austria.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Self-assessment of vulnerability to illness by the Austrian population].

Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in 1995: The self-perceived threat of cancer, myocardial infarction, stroke, traffic accidents, diabetes mellitus, AIDS, Alzheimer's Disease and drug abuse was investigated in a survey among a representative sample of Austrians (aged > or = 15 years) in 1995. The most feared disease was cancer (41%), followed by traffic accidents (38%) and myocardial infarction (36%). The disease feared least was drug abuse (6%). Females feared cancer, stroke, diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease significantly more than males. A cluster analysis reveals that respondents who perceive a higher threat by the diseases have low levels of education and live in rural areas. The age distribution of persons who responded with "very threatening" corresponds well with the age-specific prevalence of the disease. Smoking habits, alcohol consumption and body-mass index have no influence on the self-perceived threat of the investigated diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Development of birth weight in Austria from 1970-1995.

We analysed the development of birth weight of all Austrian live births in the period 1970-1995. The relationship between birth weight and the variables maternal age, length and sex of the newborn and year of birth is described by means of a linear regression model. Over the 26 years an increase of up to 60 g was observed in the mean birth weight. This positive trend may partly be due to the extensive use of the maternity care program ("mother-and-child Passport") introduced in 1974. Maternity payment was made to the mother it she underwent at least five examinations within the antenatal care program. This payment was reduced from 15,000 AS in 1996 to 2000 AS as from January 1st 1997, a measure which may lead to a reduction in the use of this maternity care program, with consequent negative implications for the morbidity of both mother and child and for the positive trend of birth weight development over the past decades.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Childhood cancer mortality in Austria, 1980-1992.

This paper is the first to describe trend analyses focusing on cancer mortality among children (aged 0-14) in Austria covering the period 1980-1992. The data used for analysis were abstracted from the official Austrian mortality statistics of the years 1980-1992. Because of the poor reliability of cancer registry data in Austria in the past, the study is based on mortality date only. The reliability of the mortality data is positively related to a high autopsy rate in Austria. Statistical standardization is based on the European standard population. In the period 1980-1992 cancer was the cause of death of 718 children. Leukaemia was responsible for 34.5% of all childhood cancer deaths and 1.5% of all childhood deaths. The mortality of all malignant neoplasms in children decreased significantly (p = 0.0004) from 54.8 per million in 1980 to 33.9 per million in 1992. This trend is mainly due to the reduction in mortality of leukaemia, which has decreased from 22.3 per million in 1980 to 13.1 per million in 1992 (p = 0.0003). The age group 0-4 years experienced the highest overall cancer mortality (46.7 per million). The decreasing trends are primarily caused by better diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and most probably not by decreasing incidence. Due to the small number of cases this positive effect can only be demonstrated in leukaemia mortality, but not for other cancer sites.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

The impact of sociodemographic variables on immunization coverage of children.

The dependence of immunization coverage of children in the municipalities of Vienna and Klagenfurt on the sociodemographic variables of their parents is investigated. According to the Austrian vaccination program, the following vaccinations are recommended: diphtheria/tetanus (DT), measles/mumps (MM), poliomyelitis (oPV), tickborne encephalitis (TBE), tuberculosis (BCG) and whooping cough (P). The aim of the study is to identify risk groups, as are children that are not well covered. A cross-sectional study using vaccination certificates of second grade schoolchildren in Vienna and Klagenfurt was performed. A multivariate logistic regression model is used. In Vienna a representative sample of second grade schoolchildren (n = 585) was investigated, in Klagenfurt all second grade schoolchildren (n = 824). The investigation took place during the 1993/1994 schoolyear. In Vienna 34.8% of the children have all the vaccinations recommended, in Klagenfurt 59.6%. Children of Austrian mothers have the best immunization coverage, followed by children whose mothers are from 'other countries', 'not stated', and 'former Yugoslavia'. The immunization rate increases with the mother's increasing age. It is lower if the father is unemployed. The effects of the variables age and unemployment are not dependent on nationality. Children from Klagenfurt are more often completely immunized than children from Vienna. The mother's education does not have a significant influence. The Austrian immunization program is not sufficient to provide a high level of herd immunity. The immunization program recommends vaccinations but does not include a system for finding and recording riskgroups (non-immunized). To improve the situation eight steps needed for a setup of surveillance and containment system are recommended.

Austria↗

PubMed1997

[Descriptive epidemiology of cerebrovascular disorders in Austria].

The trend of cerebrovascular mortality (ICD-9: 530-538) is analyzed. Age-standardized mortality rates for men and women were calculated, covering the the period 1970 to 1994. Furthermore, the development of mortality rates (1974 to 1994) was analyzed for age groups and birth cohorts (5-years intervals). The number of deaths has decreased, from a total of 14,734 in 1970 (6109 men, 8625 women) to 9917 (-32%) in 1994 (men 3541, -42%; women 6376, -26%); age-standardized death rates in men from 201.4/10(5) (-54.7%) to 91.9/10(5), in women 160/10(5) to 77/10(5) (-51.7%). The trend within individual age groups does not show any sex-specific differences. In all birth cohorts the mortality trend in men and women decreases towards younger age groups. The observed linear decrease of mortality in men and women towards younger age groups leads to the assumption that this trend is determined by decreasing incidence, indicating a secular trend. This trend may only be explained but by its risk reducing effect in both, men and women of any age group. Establishing a representative stroke register seems most desirable, in order to make possible assertions as to the trend of incidence and prevalence.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Vaccination status and sociodemographic variables in Viennese public school students].

A representative sample of 585 children, attending 2nd grade elementary school in Vienna, was examined. Vaccination certificates were collected, the parents' attitudes towards recommended vaccinations and data on sociodemographic variables were obtained by questionnaire. Compared to 95.9% of the less educated only 90.4% of the higher educated parents are interested that their children receive all vaccinations recommended (p < 0.01). When the dominant country equals "Austria", parents are more reluctant (p < 0.05) to have their children vaccinated (80.4%), compared to others (former Yugoslavia 92%, Turkey 90.9%, other countries 93.1%). A complete immunization against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis (DT/OPV) was observed in 65.3% of the children. DT/OPV and additionally Mumps and Measles (MM) in 54% and DT/OPV + MM and Pertussis in 43.8% respectively. The immunization coverage is significantly higher (p < 0.01) in children with the dominant country = Austria (DT/OPV 70.7%, DT/OPV + MM 61.8%, DT/OPV + MM + Pertus sis 51.1%) compared to children from former Yugoslavia (DT/OPV 56.3%, DT/OPV + MM 34.5%, DT/OPV + MM + Pertussis 24.1%), Turkey (DT/OPV 54.5%, DT/OPV + MM 40.9%, DT/OPV + MM + Pertussis 33.3%), and "other countries" (DT/OPV 41.4%, DT/OPV + MM 34.5%, DT/OPV + MM + Pertussis 24.1%).

Austria↗

PubMed1996

Impact of non-invasive imaging techniques on the trend of pancreatic cancer mortality in Austria.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of non-invasive imaging techniques on a large scale may falsely suggest an increase in incidence of pancreatic cancer. In the present study, it was investigated whether the new diagnostic techniques have improved the documentation of deaths due to pancreatic cancer and thus have an influence on the trend of mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age-standardized mortality rates for men and women were calculated covering the period 1970 to 1993. Using Spearman's correlation coefficient, the trends during 1970 to 1993 as well as during 1970 to 1978 and 1981 to 1993 were analyzed for statistical significance. Furthermore, the development of mortality during 1973 to 1993 was analyzed in 5-year intervals for various birth cohorts and age groups. RESULTS: Age-standardized mortality rates have increased significantly since 1970, i.e. by 17% in men (p = 0.0021) and by 20% in women (p = 0.001). The observed trend is not linear but characterized by a step-like rise in 1979/1980, coinciding with the introduction of non-invasive imaging techniques on a large scale. CONCLUSIONS: The risk to develop cancer of the pancreas has not significantly changed since 1970. Rather, the documentation of pancreatic cancer on death certificates has improved as a result of the higher diagnostic accuracy, which explains the observed step-like rise in death rates.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The effect of maternal age and birth weight on the temporal trend in stillbirth rate in Austria during 1984-1993.

We assessed the risk of stillbirth in Austria during 1984-1993 in dependence of the variables maternal age, birth weight, year of birth and sex. All children born in Austria between 1984 and 1993 were included in the study (905,939 births). The risk of stillbirth was estimated by means of a logistic regression model. During the study period, stillbirths decreased significantly in Austria. Both birth weight and maternal age had a non-linear association with the risk of stillbirth. The lowest stillbirth rate was in the birth weight category of 3300-3899 grams (g). Of all stillbirths 62% occurred in infants weighing < or = 2500 g at birth. We also found a significant interaction between birth weight and year of birth suggesting that the effect of birth weight was not stable over the years. The proportion of young mothers (< 20 years) decreased clearly over the observation period. The proportion of low birth weight (< = or 2500 g) infants remained around 7.5% during the 10-year period, but the stillbirth rate decreased linearly over time in this group. In infants weighing > 2500 g at birth the stillbirth risk decreased during first five years but started to increase thereafter. Since over 60% of stillbirths in Austria occur in the low birth weight category, it is obvious that more effective strategies are needed for prevention of low birth weight births and fetal immaturity. In addition, further efforts are needed to prevent also high birth weight of newborns particularly in diabetic mothers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Social aspects of dementia].

Calculations of the Austrian Central Statistical Office indicate, that the proportion of elder subjects in relation to the entire inhabitants will increase relevantly. Because of the fact, that diseases with reduced brain function (as well as other diseases) are seen more frequently in a geriatric population, in the future it will become necessary to take suitable social, medical and nursing steps; these steps should provide appropriate health care for most of the afflicted subjects. According to our calculations approximately 87,000 persons suffering from dementia are now living in Austria. The age-pyramid of the population will change and the amount of the geriatric population will increase till the year 2050 about 140% (> or = 65 years) or about 253% (> or = 80 years). Approximately 189,000 people with dementia in the age of 65 years or above have to be attended to special health care. Conditions of cerebral impairment leading to senile dementia will cover the total social surroundings. In our country it will be necessary to incorporate the persons who care for the demented in a comprehensive way.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

[Cellular immunodeficiency (including AIDS): incidence and length of stay of hospitalized cases in Austria in 1990].

The incidence of cellular immunodeficiency (including AIDS), treated at hospitals in Austria in the year 1990, was 3.8 per 100,000 (n = 294, males 6.3 per 100,000, females 1.5 per 100,000). On the average every patient with this diagnosis was admitted to the hospital 3.6 times per year. The average hospitalization time was 7.5 days, summing up to a mean of 27.3 days of stay per case per year. A total of 8031 days was necessary for the hospital care of these patients, costing AS 86873 for care per person in 1990 (AS 3,180 per day in the hospital). In relation to the grand total of approximately 1.8 million admissions to Austrian hospitals, patients with the diagnosis "cellular immunodeficiency (including AIDS)" cover only 0.06% of all admission and 0.03% of patient days per year respectively.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗