2024 Vol. 6, No. 32
Fractures are a common and serious injury among children. While many studies have utilized clinical data, there is a lack of large-scale community-based research in China.
This cross-sectional study provides national and regionally representative data on the prevalence of fractures among Chinese children aged 6–17 years (6.93%), with higher rates observed in males than in females (8.13% vs. 5.71%) and in rural areas compared to urban areas (7.22% vs. 6.62%). The most common site of fracture was the upper limbs (4.24%, accounting for 63.0% of fractures).
The need to enhance awareness of fracture prevention is critical, particularly for children in rural areas and males in middle childhood. We recommend that local authorities increase investments in educational programs and child safety oversight. Additionally, promoting balanced diets for children, training in proper exercise techniques, and reinforcing participation in outdoor sports are essential.
Previously, it has been proved that a simplified model that uses refraction error value provides a robust and efficient means of predicting myopia for non-myopic students. Intervention targeting non-myopic children with alert refraction errors (or insufficient hyperopia reserve) holds significant importance in reducing the incidence rate of myopia.
This study, comprising two phases (surveillance and cohort studies), was aiming to pinpoint the precise refractive error value for the onset of myopia prediction among non-myopic children in Jiangsu Province.
First, when conducting myopia screenings using pupil dilation for non-myopic populations: the cycloplegic 50th percentile refractive error emerges as a more precise predictive indicator. Second, when conducting myopia screenings without pupil dilation: this study advocates for the incorporation of axial length (AL) and corneal curvature (CC) values as supplementary indicators in screenings.
More than half of Chinese older adults over 60 are suffering from hearing loss (HL), which might increase the risk of depressive symptoms.
The results indicated a significant association between severe or profound HL and depressive symptoms, characterized by notable age and gender disparities, particularly among women aged 60–74 years old.
Timely intervention and treatment for elderly individuals with HL, particularly younger female elders suffering from severe or profound HL, are pivotal in reducing depressive symptom rates and are key policy considerations.
Many studies have shown that hearing loss (HL) is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, but there are still limited studies on this association among Chinese older adults.
Based on the results of pure-tone audiometry tests, HL is associated with cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. The odds ratios (ORs) were 1.23 (1.08–1.40) for mild HL, 1.55 (1.32–1.82) for moderate HL, and 1.87 (1.47–2.39) for severe or profound HL.
Enhanced public awareness of hearing protection is important for preventing cognitive impairment. It is advocated to promote the screening of HL and cognitive function assessment in elderly health examinations or management in primary care services.
Handgrip strength (HS) serves as a diagnostic marker for low muscle strength rate (LMSR) and reflects the level of skeletal muscle. Over the past two decades, global data indicate a downward trend in HS across various countries.
According to the latest national data, the mean HS among Chinese adults aged 20 years and older was recorded at 40.4 kg for males and 25.1 kg for females in 2020. A decline in HS was observed with increasing age, particularly among women. Additionally, lower HS values were reported in rural areas, whereas LMSR was more prevalent in these regions.
The analysis of HS and LMSR among Chinese adults is essential for the development and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at improving HS prevalence rates. This analysis is highly significant for public health, contributing to increased public awareness of LMSR and the promotion of preventative measures.