Health Risk Factors and Prevention of Injuries and Diseases : The 4th International Conference on Non-communicable Diseases, June 3th-5th, 2026

The association of exposure to some heavy metals and neurodegenerative diseases in Armenia

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The association of exposure to some heavy metals and neurodegenerative diseases in Armenia Mnatsakanyan, Anna Introduction According to research, more than 50 million people worldwide suffer from neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In Armenia, NDDs are becoming increasingly significant due to population aging (individuals aged 65+ in 2025 is 14.4%), regional environmental risks - particularly heavy metal (HM) pollution, underdiagnosis (especially of Alzheimer’s disease), and the absence of a national registry, which complicates healthcare planning and research. According to the literature, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, Al, As, and Mn are considered possible risk factors for the development of NDDs. In Armenia, non-ferrous metal mining is a leading economic sector and also a major polluter. Therefore, our research aims to identify these metals in environmental samples and biological material (hair). Aim of the study To investigate the content of certain HMs in environmental samples: arable land, street/house dust, and the incidence of NDDs in Armenia. Material and methods Research type: mixed case-control and ecological (correlational), methods: hygienic, chemical analytical, epidemiological, statistical. The concentration of heavy metals in all samples will be determined using an Agilent 4210-MPAES atomic emission spectrometer. All data will be stored in specially created databases and encoded. For association determination, the presence and content of HMs will also be assessed in the hair of individuals with NDDs, namely Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as in hair samples from a control group. To achieve this objective, the following tasks will be completed: (1) Determine the presence and levels of HMs in selected samples. (2) Study the incidence rate and structure of NDDs in the study regions. (3) Conduct a comparative analysis of the content of certain HMs in environmental samples. (4) Comparative analysis of the prevalence of NDDs in the studied regions. (5) Study of the possible relationship between actual concentrations of HMs in environmental objects and the prevalence of NDDs. Results Regional differences in heavy metal contamination are expected, with higher levels potentially associated with increased prevalence of AD and PD and elevated metal concentrations in patients’ hair samples. Exposure to heavy metals may contribute to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and abnormal protein aggregation, which are considered important mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion The findings may support a possible link between environmental heavy metal exposure and neurodegenerative diseases in Armenia, providing a basis for preventive public health strategies and further research.

Triggering factors of hypertensive emergencies in the urban environment: an observational study in the prehospital setting

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Triggering factors of hypertensive emergencies in the urban environment: an observational study in the prehospital setting Toncoglaz, Maia; Spinei, Larisa; Ciobanu, Elena Introduction Hypertensive emergencies represent a major public health problem, being associated with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular complications and mortality. In the context of the rising prevalence of arterial hypertension, identifying the triggering factors of hypertensive crises becomes essential for optimizing preventive interventions and management in the prehospital setting. Behavioral and psycho-emotional factors can significantly influence the occurrence of these acute episodes; however. Aim of the study Assessment of the triggering factors of hypertensive emergencies in urban patients who sought emergency medical care in the prehospital setting. Material and methods The study was a selective, descriptive cross-sectional observational study, including a sample of 418 patients with hypertensive emergencies from the urban area, who received care from the Emergency Medical Service in the prehospital setting. The inclusion criteria were: patients with hypertensive emergencies in the prehospital stage; patients aged over 18 years; and informed consent provided by the patient or by first-degree relatives for participation in the study. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, 95% CI) were used, and group comparisons were performed using the chi-square (χ²) test; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results As a triggering factor for hypertensive crisis, almost all patients reported psychoemotional stress – 414 (99.0%; 95% CI [98.1-99.8]). For approximately two-thirds of the patients, physical inactivity was identified as a triggering factor – 283 (67.7%; 95% CI [63.2-72.2]) cases. Other factors had a considerably smaller contribution to the development of hypertensive episodes. Although women appeared to report hereditary factors more frequently as triggers for hypertensive crises – 48 (20.8%; 95% CI [15.7-26.9]) cases versus 26 (13.9%; 95% CI [9.0-19.0]) in men, as well as excessive salt intake – 36 (15.6%; 95% CI [11.0-20.4]) cases versus 20 (10.7%; 95% CI [6.5-15.4]) in men, no statistically significant differences were found for either of these factors (χ²=3.353; df=1; p=0.067) and (χ²=2.992; df=1; p=0.224), respectively. At the same time, excessive alcohol consumption was reported by only one male patient (0.5%; 95% CI [0.0-1.7]), which does not indicate a statistically significant difference between sexes (χ²=1.238; df=1; p=0.266). Conclusion The study highlights the dominant role of psychoemotional stress as a triggering factor for hypertensive crises, being reported by almost all patients. Physical inactivity is an important factor, present in more than two-thirds of cases. The results emphasize the need for interventions focused on stress reduction and the promotion of an active lifestyle in the prevention of hypertensive emergencies.

Evaluation of sunscreen use among young adults as a primary preventive measure against UV-induced skin damage

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of sunscreen use among young adults as a primary preventive measure against UV-induced skin damage Apresyan, Anna; Asryan, Davit; Aslanyan, Armine Introduction Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main environmental risk factors for skin photoaging, pigmentation changes, and the development of skin cancers. Sunscreens are widely recommended as a primary preventive measure against UVrelated skin damage. However, correct and consistent use is not always observed, especially among young adults. Inadequate awareness regarding proper sunscreen application and underestimation of long-term UV exposure risks may contribute to harmful sun-related behaviors and increased vulnerability to skin disorders. Furthermore, increasing levels of UV radiation associated with climate change and ozone layer depletion emphasize the growing importance of effective sun-protection practices as a public health priority. Aim of the study To evaluate sunscreen, use as a preventive measure against skin damage and to assess awareness and real-life application practices among young adults. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2025 among 101 students aged 18-24 years from different universities in Armenia, using convenience sampling. Participants were recruited on a voluntary basis and completed an anonymous structured questionnaire. The survey assessed the frequency and seasonality of sunscreen use, knowledge about SPF and the UV index, and adherence to recommended application guidelines. Results Among the participants, 72.3% were female. Overall, 64.4% reported using sunscreen products. Sunscreen use was mainly seasonal: 94 participants used it during summer, of whom 23 also used it in winter, 38 in spring, and 34 in autumn. For daily use, 50 participants preferred SPF 30 or SPF 50 products. Only 61% correctly reapplied sunscreen every two hours, and 48.5% knew that sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Regarding UV index awareness, 69.3% did not monitor it, 12.9% were unfamiliar with the concept, and only 17.8% reported following it. Although 95% recognized that sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer, proper and consistent application practices were limited. Conclusion The findings show that general awareness about the protective role of sunscreens is relatively high among young adults; however, this awareness does not fully translate into correct and regular use. Seasonal application patterns, limited attention to the UV index, and incomplete adherence to guidelines indicate the need for stronger educational efforts. Promoting correct and year-round sunscreen use is important for effective primary prevention of UV-related skin damage and skin cancer.

Pilot testing of international instruments for dental fluorosis risk awareness and OHRQoL

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Pilot testing of international instruments for dental fluorosis risk awareness and OHRQoL Tonofa, Irina; Stepco, Elena; Ferdohleb, Alina; Ciobanu, Elena; Stratulat, Silvia Introduction Dental fluorosis is a public health concern in Moldova, especially in endemic areas where drinking-water fluoride may exceed the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Rural communities rely mainly on groundwater, including artesian sources; therefore, risk of fluorosis onset and progression remains high. OHRQoL assessment can capture functional and psychosocial impact and support prevention in children and adolescents. Aim of the study To test, align and adapt standardized instruments for selfassessment of OHRQoL and awareness of dental fluorosis risk, using a combined OHRQoL and CS-OIDP questionnaire. Material and methods A cross-sectional descriptive pilot study included 31 families with children from endemic areas characterized by elevated fluoride concentrations in artesian water sources. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of internationally standardized instruments adapted for assessment of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and awareness of dental fluorosis risk in children living in endemic regions of Moldova. The 49-item assessment tool combined two standardized questionnaires (OHRQoL and CS-OIDP) adapted to the fluorosis context and structured to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, oral health perceptions, daily functional limitations, aesthetic selfassessment, awareness of fluorosis severity, and the impact of fluorosis on quality of life. Internal consistency and reliability of the adapted instrument were planned to be evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Descriptive statistical methods were used to summarize participant characteristics and response distribution. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study, including voluntary participation, confidentiality, anonymity, and informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians prior to inclusion in the study. Results The tool was structured into six sections: general information, OHRQoL, fluorosis impact on daily activities, dental aesthetic self-assessment, self-rated fluorosis severity, and post-intervention assessment; administration was feasible. Among children, 54.9% were boys and 45.1% girls; 87.1% had lived in endemic areas up to age 7 years and 81.7% currently resided there. Dental visits were reported for preventive consultation (22.1%), tooth pain (25.8%), treatment continuation (22.6%), and family physician referral (6.5%); 22.6% attended a dental consultation only for the second time in their lives. Socioeconomic status was reported as unsatisfactory in 16.3%, satisfactory in 32.3%, and good/very good in the remaining families. Conclusion Pilot adaptation of a standardized assessment instrument for endemic dental fluorosis may support OHRQoL indicator development and awareness assessment; further validation is warranted.