by Bijuan Chen, Zhouwei Zhan, Sisi Yu, Jiali Huang, Chuying Chen, Jie Wang, Jianji Pan, Shaojun Lin, Yun Xu
BackgroundLaryngeal cancer attributable to occupational asbestos exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly in industrialized regions. This study analyzes the burden, trends, and contributing factors of laryngeal cancer due to asbestos exposure in China from 1990 to 2021.
MethodsData were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (1990–2021). We analyzed age-standardized death rates, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs). Temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint and decomposition analyses, and an age-period-cohort (APC) model was applied to examine mortality and DALY trends across different cohorts.
ResultsIn 2021, there were 234 deaths and 4,430 DALYs due to laryngeal cancer attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, predominantly affecting males. Mortality rates declined from 1990 to 2008, followed by a rise until 2012, and a subsequent decline. YLDs showed a consistent increase over time. APC analysis revealed higher mortality and DALY rates in older age groups and earlier birth cohorts. Decomposition analysis indicated that epidemiological changes were the largest driver of increased deaths in men, followed by population growth and aging. For DALYs, aging and population growth were key drivers, while epidemiological changes mitigated the burden.
ConclusionsThe burden of laryngeal cancer attributable to asbestos exposure has declined overall, but disability rates continue to rise, particularly among males. Effective strategies targeting prevention, early detection, and management of asbestos exposure are needed to reduce the disease burden in China.
Reusable menstrual products have gained increasing attention for their environmental and economic benefits, yet their uptake remains limited. University students represent a key demographic for understanding uptake, as young adults forming lifelong menstrual hygiene habits.
To synthesise evidence on university students’ knowledge, usage patterns and perceptions of reusable menstrual products, and identify barriers and facilitators to their adoption, to inform future interventions and educational efforts.
A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus and Global Health was conducted, last updated on 31 October 2024.
Eligible studies contain data on perceptions of reusable menstrual products, specifically of students in university or higher education, or including segregated data on this population. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies were included.
Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. All data were summarised descriptively.
10 studies (4721 participants) across multiple countries were included. Findings suggest that while reusable menstrual products are viewed by some as cost-effective and sustainable, barriers include concerns relating to practical usage and health, limited awareness, misconceptions and cultural taboos. In the university context, peer influence, financial constraints and sociocultural factors play a significant role in shaping product choices.
Targeted education to increase awareness and address practical concerns and misconceptions, alongside peer support and provision of reusable menstrual products, could significantly enhance the adoption of reusable menstrual products in university settings. Further research into the health impacts of these products would support educational interventions.