Risk Factors for Respiratory Infections in Dutch GP Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Arianne B van Gageldonk-Lafeber, Marianne AB van der Sande, Marie-Louise A Heijnen, Marcel F Peeters, Aad IM Bartelds, Berry Wilbrink
Primary Institution: National Institute of Public Health and the Environment
Hypothesis
What are the environmental risk factors for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in the Dutch general population?
Conclusion
Exposure to persons with respiratory complaints is a significant risk factor for ARTI consultations, while improved hygiene may help reduce transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- 493 matched pairs of case and control subjects were enrolled.
- Exposure to respiratory complaints inside and outside the household was linked to higher ARTI consultation rates.
- Participants exposed to dampness or mould at home were less likely to visit their GP for ARTI.
Takeaway
If someone around you is sick, you might get sick too! Keeping things clean can help stop germs from spreading.
Methodology
A case-control study was conducted with patients visiting GPs from 2000 to 2003, comparing those with ARTI to age-matched controls.
Potential Biases
Recall bias may affect the accuracy of self-reported exposure data.
Limitations
The study was conducted during moderate influenza activity, and questionnaire data may be less reliable than observational data.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 493 matched pairs of case and control subjects, with a mean age of 36 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI reported for various odds ratios.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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