Biology subjects

Konstantinoudis, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Konstantinoudis, G..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2019

Temporal trends in incidence of childhood cancer in Switzerland, 1985-2014

STRUCTURED ABSTRACTO_ST_ABSBackgroundC_ST_ABSIncidence of childhood cancer increased in most countries worldwide, but the reasons are unclear. This study investigates trends in childhood cancer incidence in Switzerland from 1985 to 2014.\n\nMethodsWe extracted data on all childhood cancer cases diagnosed at ages 0-14 years in Switzerland from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. We included ICCC-3 main groups I-XII and calculated age-standardised, cumulative, and age-specific incidence for different diagnostic groups. We analysed trends in annual age-standardised incidence using JoinPoint regression models.\n\nResultsOver the study period from 1985-2014, 5104 of 5486 cancer diagnoses (93%) were microscopically verified. The proportion of children treated in paediatric cancer centres increased from 84% during 1985-1994 to 93% in 1995-2004 and 98% in 2005-2014 (p<0.001). Using the 2010 European standard population, age-standardised incidence was 143 in 1985-1994, 154 in 1995-2004, and 162 per million in 2005-2014. Over the period 1985-2014, incidence for all cancers increased by 0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-1.0) per year, 0.8% (95% CI 0.2%-1.4%) for leukaemias, 3.8% (95% CI 1.7%-6.0%) for epithelial neoplasms and melanomas, and 3.0% (95% CI 1.3%-4.6%) for CNS tumours for the period 1985-2002.\n\nConclusionTrends in incidence were driven mostly by increases among leukaemias and CNS tumours. For CNS tumours, observed trends may be explained at least partially by diagnostic changes and improved registration. For leukaemias, rising incidence may be real and at least partly due to changes in risk factors.\n\nHighlightsO_LIIn Switzerland, incidence of childhood cancer increased by 18% from 1985-2014.\nC_LIO_LIIncrease in incidence was mainly caused by brain tumours and leukaemias.\nC_LIO_LIImproved registration and diagnostics may have increased brain tumour incidence.\nC_LIO_LIIncreasing trend for leukaemias may be real, but reasons remain elusive.\nC_LI

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2017

Exploring variation in human papillomavirus vaccination uptake: multi-level spatial analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding the factors that influence human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake is critically important to design effective vaccination programmes. In Switzerland, completed HPV vaccination by age 16 years among women ranges from 30 to 79% across 26 cantons (states). Our objective was to identify factors that are associated with the spatial variation in HPV vaccination uptake.\n\nMethods and findingsWe used data from the Swiss National Vaccination Coverage Survey 2009-2016 on HPV vaccination status ([≥]1 dose) of 14-17 year old girls, their municipality of residence and their nationality for 21 of 26 cantons (N=8,965). We examined covariates at municipality level: language, degree of urbanisation, socio-economic position, religious denomination, results of a vote about vaccination laws; and, at cantonal level, availability of school-based vaccination and survey period. We used a series of conditional auto regressive (CAR) models to assess the effects of covariates while accounting for variability between cantons and municipal-level spatial autocorrelation. In the best-fit model, school-based vaccination (adjusted odds ratio, OR: 2.51, 95% credible interval, CI: 1.77-3.56) was associated with increased uptake, while lower acceptance of vaccination laws was associated with lower HPV vaccination uptake (OR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50-0.73). Overall, the covariates explained 88% of the municipal-level variation in uptake.\n\nConclusionsIn Switzerland, cantons play a prominent role in the variation in HPV vaccination uptake, especially through the provision of school-based vaccination delivery. HPV vaccination uptake is also strongly associated with inhabitants attitudes towards vaccination. To increase uptake, efforts should be made both to mitigate vaccination scepticism and to encourage school-based vaccination.

epidemiology↗