Risk factors for acute rheumatic fever: A case-control study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100508
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04T22:22:30Z
• Authors: Michael G. Baker; Jason Gurney; Nicole J. Moreland; Julie Bennett; Jane Oliver; Deborah A. Willia...; Nevil Pierse; Nigel Wilson; Tony R. Merriman; Teuila Percival; Catherine Jackson; Richard Edwards; Florina Chan Mow; William M. Thomson; Jane Zhang; Diana Lennon
• Keywords: Sore throat

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and heart disease (RHD) remain an inequitable cause of avoidable suffering early death in many countries, including among Indigenous Māori Pacific populations New Zealand. There is a lack robust evidence on interventions to prevent ARF. This study aimed identify modifiable risk factors, with the goal producing support policies programs decrease rates ARF.A case-control was undertaken Zealand using hospitalised, first episode ARF cases meeting standard case-definition. Population controls (ratio 3:1) were matched by age, ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, location, sex, recruitment month. A comprehensive, pre-tested questionnaire administered face-to-face trained interviewers.The included 124 372 controls. Multivariable analysis identified strong associations between household crowding (OR 3·88; 95%CI 1·68-8·98) barriers accessing primary health care 2·07; 95% CI 1·08-4·00), as well high intake sugar-sweetened beverages 2·00; 1·13-3·54). marked five-fold higher for those family history 4·97; 2·53-9·77). elevated following self-reported skin infection (aOR 2·53; 1·44-4·42) sore throat 2·33; 1·49-3·62).These globally relevant findings direct attention critical importance access causal factors development They also greater focus role managing infections prevention.This research funded Health Research Council (HRC) Rheumatic Fever Partnership (supported Ministry Health, Te Puni Kōkiri, Cure Kids, Heart Foundation, HRC) award number 13/959.