International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Factors in the Research Institute on Addictions Self-Inventory (RIASI): Associations with Alcohol Use and Problems at Assessment and Follow-Up

by Robert E. Mann, Gina Stoduto, Rosely Flam Zalcman, Thomas H. Nochajski, Louise Hall, Patricia Dill and Elisabeth Wells-Parker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2898-2918; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112898 - 24 Nov 2009

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 15434

Abstract

Impaired driving is a leading cause of alcohol-related deaths and injuries. Rehabilitation or remedial programs, involving assessment and screening of convicted impaired drivers to determine problem severity and appropriate programs, are an important component of society’s response to this problem. Ontario’s remedial program, [...] Read more.

Impaired driving is a leading cause of alcohol-related deaths and injuries. Rehabilitation or remedial programs, involving assessment and screening of convicted impaired drivers to determine problem severity and appropriate programs, are an important component of society’s response to this problem. Ontario’s remedial program, Back on Track (BOT), involves an assessment process that includes administration of the Research Institute on Addictions Self-Inventory (RIASI) to determine assignment to an education or treatment program. The purpose of this study is to identify factors within the RIASI and examine how factor scores are associated with alcohol use and problem indicators at assessment and six-month follow-up. The sample included 22,298 individuals who completed BOT from 2000 to 2005. Principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was conducted on RIASI data and an eight factor solution was retained: (1) Negative Affect, (2) Sensation Seeking, (3) Alcohol-Quantity, (4) Social Conformity, (5) High Risk Lifestyle, (6) Alcohol Problems, (7) Interpersonal Competence, and (8) Family History. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between factors and alcohol and problem measures obtained at assessment and at follow-up. Most factors, except for Interpersonal Competence, were associated with more alcohol use and problems at assessment. A similar pattern was observed at 6-month follow-up, but interestingly some factors (Negative Affect, Sensation Seeking, Alcohol-Quantity and Family History) predicted fewer days of alcohol use. The Interpersonal Competence factor was associated with significantly lower levels of alcohol use and problems at both assessment and follow-up. This work suggests that the RIASI provides information on several domains that have important relationships with alcohol problem severity and outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Public Health)

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291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Distinct Training Methods for a Doctrine of Life with Healthy Heart in a Low Socioeconomic Society Model

by Selma Metintas, Cemalettin Kalyoncu and İnci Arıkan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2883-2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112883 - 19 Nov 2009

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8504

Abstract

This study was conducted in three stages in a semi-rural region of Eskisehir, Turkey. In the first stage, individuals selected by random sampling were evaluated for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the second stage, Group I and Group II training materials were randomly [...] Read more.

This study was conducted in three stages in a semi-rural region of Eskisehir, Turkey. In the first stage, individuals selected by random sampling were evaluated for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the second stage, Group I and Group II training materials were randomly distributed. In the third stage, the subjects were screened one year later to assess and determine if there had been any changes in their attitudes towards the dangers of cardiovascular diseases. The number of active smokers significantly decreased after the training in the both groups. The percentage of people with regulated blood pressure exhibited an increase in Group II more than Group I. Full article

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109 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Indoor Air Pollution: An Old Problem with New Challenges

by John Spengler and Gary Adamkiewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2880-2882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112880 - 19 Nov 2009

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 12447

Abstract

Hazards in our indoor environments have been recognized since biblical times. The advice in Leviticus 14:33–48 for treating mold infested houses has contemporary meaning in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) document on damp and moldy indoor spaces [1]. In the developed world, [...] Read more.

Hazards in our indoor environments have been recognized since biblical times. The advice in Leviticus 14:33–48 for treating mold infested houses has contemporary meaning in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) document on damp and moldy indoor spaces [1]. In the developed world, faulty combustion, carbon monoxide from coal gas, lead paint, poor ventilation of tenement housing and hospitals have been recognized for decades as unhealthy. Indoor air quality, however, was not appreciated as an important component of public health until the proliferation of sealed buildings, energy conservation programs (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), new products, and the recognition of the health effects of radon, asbestos and latex. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Pollution and Human Health)

486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leachability of Arsenic and Heavy Metals from Mine Tailings of Abandoned Metal Mines

by Mihee Lim, Gi-Chun Han, Ji-Whan Ahn, Kwang-Suk You and Hyung-Seok Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2865-2879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112865 - 17 Nov 2009

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 12428

Abstract

Mine tailings from an abandoned metal mine in Korea contained high concentrations of arsenic (As) and heavy metals [e.g., As: 67,336, Fe: 137,180, Cu: 764, Pb: 3,572, and Zn: 12,420 (mg/kg)]. US EPA method 6010 was an effective method for analyzing total arsenic [...] Read more.

Mine tailings from an abandoned metal mine in Korea contained high concentrations of arsenic (As) and heavy metals [e.g., As: 67,336, Fe: 137,180, Cu: 764, Pb: 3,572, and Zn: 12,420 (mg/kg)]. US EPA method 6010 was an effective method for analyzing total arsenic and heavy metals concentrations. Arsenic in the mine tailings showed a high residual fraction of 89% by a sequential extraction. In Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and Korean Standard Leaching Test (KSLT), leaching concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals were very low [e.g., As (mg/L): 0.4 for TCLP and 0.2 for KSLT; cf. As criteria (mg/L): 5.0 for TCLP and 1.5 for KSLT]. Full article

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Graphical abstract

613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Natural Streamflow since 1470 in the Middle Yellow River, China

by Chi-Yuan Miao and Jin-Ren Ni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2849-2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112849 - 17 Nov 2009

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8915

Abstract

Nowadays, as the available water resources throughout the World are becoming depleted, in order to manage and plan water resource better, more and more attention is being paid into the fluctuating characteristics of water discharges. However, the preexisting research was mainly focused on [...] Read more.

Nowadays, as the available water resources throughout the World are becoming depleted, in order to manage and plan water resource better, more and more attention is being paid into the fluctuating characteristics of water discharges. However, the preexisting research was mainly focused on the last half century. In this paper, the natural streamflow observed since 1470 at the Sanmenxia station in the middle Yellow River basin was collected, and the methods of variation coefficient, moving average, Mann-Kendall test and wavelet transform were applied to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the streamflow. The results showed that, (1) between 1470 and 2007, the natural streamflow changed 200–919 ×10⁸ m³, and water discharge varied moderately; (2) in the middle Yellow River basin, it appears that the most severe and most persistent droughts during circa 1868–1990, the periods of 1470s–1490s, 1920s–1930s and 1990s–2000s also presented the condition of sustained low flows; (3) the natural streamflow series shows increasing and decreasing trends during the periods of 1470–1880 and 1881–2007, respectively, but both trends are not significant at >95% confidence; in addition, it is still found the streamflow series shows abrupt changes circa 1845, 1935 and 1960, respectively; (4) within a 250-year scale, there are circa 11, 26, 67 and 120-year periods for natural streamflow at the Sanmenxia station, and the periodicity of the 120-year one is the strongest. The dynamic characteristics of natural streamflow is the comprehensive result by many influencing factors, such as precipitation, temperature, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, sunspots, human activity etc. Full article

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299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Health and Nursing: A Natural Partnership

by Christine Savage and Joan Kub

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2843-2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112843 - 16 Nov 2009

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 15416

Abstract

The health of individuals occurs within the context of their environment and the other individuals they interact with in the communities they live in, work in and visit. Promoting the health of the public requires multiple strategies aimed at improving the environment, the [...] Read more.

The health of individuals occurs within the context of their environment and the other individuals they interact with in the communities they live in, work in and visit. Promoting the health of the public requires multiple strategies aimed at improving the environment, the health knowledge of groups and individuals, maintaining adequate food and water, and reducing the spread of disease. Many disciplines are needed to meet these goals, but the largest segment of the professional health work force required to meet these needs is nursing. Historically, nursing leaders in public health such as Florence Nightingale and Lillian Wald made significant inroads related to serious health issues because they were nurses. Today across the globe, nurses provide the key components of public health interventions including well baby care, health education, screening and immunization clinics, disaster management and emergency preparedness. With the growing nursing shortage in acute care settings, the brain drain of nurses from certain areas of the world, the shrinking public dollars for preventive health care, the nursing workforce needed to continue to provide these essential health care services is threatened. It is essential to put the spot light on nursing’s role in public health with the hopes of attracting more public funds and more nurses to provide these essential services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing and Public Health)

177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the WHO Keys of Safer Food to Improve Food Handling Practices of Food Vendors in a Poor Resource Community in Ghana

by Eric S. Donkor, Boniface B. Kayang, Jonathan Quaye and Moses L. Akyeh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2833-2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112833 - 13 Nov 2009

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 13741

Abstract

Data was collected from food vendors in a poor resource community in Ghana, which showed that the vendors constituted an important source of oro-faecal transmission. Following this, the WHO five keys of safer food were utilized in an evidence based training programme for [...] Read more.

Data was collected from food vendors in a poor resource community in Ghana, which showed that the vendors constituted an important source of oro-faecal transmission. Following this, the WHO five keys of safer food were utilized in an evidence based training programme for the vendors to improve their food handling practices. Impact assessment of the food safety training showed that 67.6% of the vendors had acquired some knowledge from the workshop and were putting it into practice. Lack of food safety equipment was a major hinderance to behavioral change among the vendors as far food handling practices are concerned. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Public Health)

243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders on Retention in a Methadone Maintenance Program: An 18-Month Follow-Up Study

by Mònica Astals, Laura Díaz, Antònia Domingo-Salvany, Rocío Martín-Santos, Antoni Bulbena and Marta Torrens

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2822-2832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112822 - 12 Nov 2009

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 11047

Abstract

We assess the influence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders on retention in 189 opioid dependent patients in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and determine the incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity during an 18-month follow-up period. About 68.5 % were retained in the MMT. Neither co-occurring [...] Read more.

We assess the influence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders on retention in 189 opioid dependent patients in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and determine the incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity during an 18-month follow-up period. About 68.5 % were retained in the MMT. Neither co-occurring mental disorders (chi-square = 0.303, df = 1, p = 0.622) nor methadone doses [85 (88.9) vs. 79.2 (85) mg/day, p = 0.672] were related to retention. In the follow-up period 19 new diagnoses were made, mainly major depression and antisocial and borderline personality disorders. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders should be assessed during MMT follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Abuse and Addiction)

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188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence and Risk Factors of Workplace Violence on Nursing Staffs Caring for Chronic Psychiatric Patients in Taiwan

by Wen-Ching Chen, Yu-Hua Sun, Tsuo-Hung Lan and Hsien-Jane Chiu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2812-2821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112812 - 12 Nov 2009

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 13339

Abstract

This one-year follow-up study determined the incidence and risk factors of workplace violence against nursing staff in a psychiatric hospital. The cohort members had a website to report events whenever they came across violence. A total of 971 events were reported. The incidence [...] Read more.

This one-year follow-up study determined the incidence and risk factors of workplace violence against nursing staff in a psychiatric hospital. The cohort members had a website to report events whenever they came across violence. A total of 971 events were reported. The incidence rates of physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying/mobbing, sexual harassment, and racial harassment were 1.7, 3.7, 0.2, 0.3, and 0 per staff-year, respectively. Young age, female sex, lower education, shorter duration of employment, and high level of anxiety of staff seemed to be the determinants of violence. Pre-placement education should focus on these staff to reduce workplace violence. Full article

465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agreement between the SCORE and D’Agostino Scales for the Classification of High Cardiovascular Risk in Sedentary Spanish Patients

by Manuel A. Gómez-Marcos, Gonzalo Grandes, José A. Iglesias-Valiente, Alvaro Sánchez, Imanol Montoya, Luis García-Ortiz and PEPAF Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2800-2811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112800 - 11 Nov 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 11077

Abstract

Background: To evaluate agreement between cardiovascular risk in sedentary patients as estimated by the new Framingham-D’Agostino scale and by the SCORE chart, and to describe the patient characteristics associated with the observed disagreement between the scales. Design: A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving [...] Read more.

Background: To evaluate agreement between cardiovascular risk in sedentary patients as estimated by the new Framingham-D’Agostino scale and by the SCORE chart, and to describe the patient characteristics associated with the observed disagreement between the scales. Design: A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving a systematic sample of 2,295 sedentary individuals between 40–65 years of age seen for any reason in 56 primary care offices. An estimation was made of the Pearson correlation coefficient and kappa statistic for the classification of high risk subjects (≥20% according to the Framingham-D’Agostino scale, and ≥5% according to SCORE). Polytomous logistic regression models were fitted to identify the variables associated with the discordance between the two scales. Results: The mean risk in males (35%) was 19.5% ± 13% with D’Agostino scale, and 3.2% ± 3.3% with SCORE. Among females, they were 8.1% ± 6.8% and 1.2% ± 2.2%, respectively. The correlation between the two scales was 0.874 in males (95% CI: 0.857–0.889) and 0.818 in females (95% CI: 0.800–0.834), while the kappa index was 0.50 in males (95% CI: 0.44%–0.56%) and 0.61 in females (95% CI: 0.52%–0.71%). The most frequent disagreement, characterized by high risk according to D’Agostino scale but not according to SCORE, was much more prevalent among males and proved more probable with increasing age and increased LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and systolic blood pressure values, as well as among those who used antihypertensive drugs and smokers. Conclusions: The quantitative correlation between the two scales is very high. Patient categorization as corresponding to high risk generates disagreements, mainly among males, where agreement between the two classifications is only moderate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases and Public Health)

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Open AccessArticle

State Adoption of 100% Smoke-Free Acute Non Federal Hospital Campus Policies

by Adam O. Goldstein, Julea Steiner, Anna McCullough, Kathryn D. Kramer and Melva Fager Okun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2793-2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112793 - 10 Nov 2009

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 9311

Abstract

To assess the number and percentage of acute care hospitals in the U.S. that have adopted smoke-free hospital campus (SFHC) policies, researchers conducted an assessment from January 2008 to May 2008 of available data on SFHC policy adoption in each state. Slightly more [...] Read more.

To assess the number and percentage of acute care hospitals in the U.S. that have adopted smoke-free hospital campus (SFHC) policies, researchers conducted an assessment from January 2008 to May 2008 of available data on SFHC policy adoption in each state. Slightly more than one third (34.4%) of acute care, non-Federal hospitals had adopted such policies, with wide variation of policy adoption between states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smoking and Tobacco Control)

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108 KiB

Open AccessReview

Alcohol-Induced Blackout

by Hamin Lee, Sungwon Roh and Dai Jin Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2783-2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112783 - 6 Nov 2009

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 24000

Abstract

For a long time, alcohol was thought to exert a general depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). However, currently the consensus is that specific regions of the brain are selectively vulnerable to the acute effects of alcohol. An alcohol-induced blackout is [...] Read more.

For a long time, alcohol was thought to exert a general depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). However, currently the consensus is that specific regions of the brain are selectively vulnerable to the acute effects of alcohol. An alcohol-induced blackout is the classic example; the subject is temporarily unable to form new long-term memories while relatively maintaining other skills such as talking or even driving. A recent study showed that alcohol can cause retrograde memory impairment, that is, blackouts due to retrieval impairments as well as those due to deficits in encoding. Alcoholic blackouts may be complete (en bloc) or partial (fragmentary) depending on severity of memory impairment. In fragmentary blackouts, cueing often aids recall. Memory impairment during acute intoxication involves dysfunction of episodic memory, a type of memory encoded with spatial and social context. Recent studies have shown that there are multiple memory systems supported by discrete brain regions, and the acute effects of alcohol on learning and memory may result from alteration of the hippocampus and related structures on a cellular level. A rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is most consistently associated with the likelihood of a blackout. However, not all subjects experience blackouts, implying that genetic factors play a role in determining CNS vulnerability to the effects of alcohol. This factor may predispose an individual to alcoholism, as altered memory function during intoxication may affect an individual‟s alcohol expectancy; one may perceive positive aspects of intoxication while unintentionally ignoring the negative aspects. Extensive research on memory and learning as well as findings related to the acute effects of alcohol on the brain may elucidate the mechanisms and impact associated with the alcohol- induced blackout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Public Health)

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Open AccessReview

Alcoholic Pancreatitis: Pathogenesis, Incidence and Treatment with Special Reference to the Associated Pain

by Raffaele Pezzilli and Antonio M. Morselli-Labate

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2763-2782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112763 - 4 Nov 2009

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 13459

Abstract

Alcoholic pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. One of the most debated points is whether from onset it is a chronic disease or whether it progresses to a chronic form after repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Histological studies on patients with alcoholic pancreatitis [...] Read more.

Alcoholic pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. One of the most debated points is whether from onset it is a chronic disease or whether it progresses to a chronic form after repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Histological studies on patients with alcoholic pancreatitis have shown that the disease is chronic from onset and that alcoholic acute pancreatitis occurs in a pancreas already damaged by chronic lesions. Genetic factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic disease. The incidence of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis seems to have decreased in the last twenty years. Finally, recent therapeutic studies which have shown medical or surgical approaches capable of reducing the pain episodes in chronic pancreatitis patients will be described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Public Health)

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51 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Editor’s Note – Received Date Error, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 2387-2396

by Gardenia You

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112762 - 3 Nov 2009

Viewed by 7256

Abstract

Editor’s Note added on 3 November 2009: The received date was wrong in Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 2387-2396. [...] Full article

208 KiB

Open AccessReview

Is There a Link between Wheezing in Early Childhood and Adverse Birth Outcomes? A Systematic Review

by Evridiki Patelarou, Maria Chochlidaki, Victoria Vivilaki and Hero Brokalaki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2752-2761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112752 - 3 Nov 2009

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8431

Abstract

We aimed to provide a summary of the existing published knowledge on the association between adverse birth outcomes and the development of wheezing during the first two years of life. We carried out a systematic review of epidemiological studies within the MEDLINE database. [...] Read more.

We aimed to provide a summary of the existing published knowledge on the association between adverse birth outcomes and the development of wheezing during the first two years of life. We carried out a systematic review of epidemiological studies within the MEDLINE database. Epidemiological studies on human subjects, published in English, were included in the review. A comprehensive literature search yielded 72 studies for further consideration. Following the application of the eligibility criteria we identified nine studies. A positive association and an excess risk of wheezing during the first two years of life were revealed for adverse birth outcomes. Full article

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262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chronic Traffic-Induced PM Exposure and Self-Reported Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health in the RHINE Tartu Cohort

by Hans Orru, Rain Jõgi, Marko Kaasik and Bertil Forsberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2740-2751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112740 - 30 Oct 2009

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10683

Abstract

The relationship between exposure to traffic induced particles, respiratory health and cardiac diseases was studied in the RHINE Tartu cohort. A postal questionnaire with commonly used questions regarding respiratory symptoms, cardiac disease, lifestyle issues such as smoking habits, indoor environment, occupation, early life [...] Read more.

The relationship between exposure to traffic induced particles, respiratory health and cardiac diseases was studied in the RHINE Tartu cohort. A postal questionnaire with commonly used questions regarding respiratory symptoms, cardiac disease, lifestyle issues such as smoking habits, indoor environment, occupation, early life exposure and sleep disorders was sent to 2,460 adults. The annual concentrations of local traffic induced particles were modelled with an atmospheric dispersion model with traffic flow data, and obtained PM_exhaust concentrations in 40 × 40 m grids were linked with home addresses with GIS. The relationship between the level of exhaust particles outside home and self-reported health problems were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model. We found a significant relation between fine exhaust particles and cardiac disease, OR = 1.64 (95% CI 1.12–2.43) for increase in PM_exhaust corresponding to the fifth to the 95th percentile range. The associations also were positive but non-significant for hypertension OR = 1.42 (95% CI 0.94–2.13), shortness of breath OR = 1.27 (95% CI 0.84–1.94) and other respiratory symptoms. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A History of Alcohol Dependence Increases the Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Cardiac Surgical Patients

by Judith A. Hudetz, Kathleen M. Patterson, Alison J. Byrne, Zafar Iqbal, Sweeta D. Gandhi, David C. Warltier and Paul S. Pagel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(11), 2725-2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6112725 - 27 Oct 2009

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 11079

Abstract

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after cardiac surgery. We tested the hypothesis that a history of alcohol dependence is associated with an increased incidence and severity of POCD in male patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory [...] Read more.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after cardiac surgery. We tested the hypothesis that a history of alcohol dependence is associated with an increased incidence and severity of POCD in male patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed before and one week after surgery in patients with or without a history of alcohol dependence. Cognitive function was significantly reduced after cardiac surgery in patients with versus without a history of alcohol dependence. The results suggest that a history of alcohol dependence increases the incidence and severity of POCD after cardiac surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Public Health)

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, Volume 6, Issue 11 (November 2009) – 17 articles , Pages 2725-2918

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