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International Journal of Public Health

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01-05-2017 | Original Article

Chronic diseases and mortality among immigrants to Israel from areas contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster: a follow-up study

Authors: Danna A. Slusky, Julie Cwikel, Michael R. Quastel

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Objectives

To examine six chronic diseases and all-cause mortality among immigrants to Israel from areas contaminated by the Chernobyl accident.

Methods

The medical data were obtained from the two largest HMOs in Israel. In the assessment of chronic diseases, individuals were divided into three groups: less exposed (n = 480), more exposed (n = 359), and liquidators (n = 45) and in the mortality analysis, into two groups: less exposed (n = 792) and more exposed (n = 590).

Results

Compared to the less exposed, adults from the more exposed group had increased odds of respiratory disorders (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.21, 4.54) and elevated odds, with borderline significance, of ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 0.97, 4.20). In addition, the liquidators had increased odds of hypertension compared to the less exposed (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.24, 5.64). The Cox proportional-hazards model indicated no difference in the ratio of all-cause mortality between the exposed groups during the follow up period.

Conclusions

Our study, conducted approximately two decades after the accident, suggests that exposure to radionuclides may be associated with increased odds of respiratory disorders and hypertension.

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Title: Chronic diseases and mortality among immigrants to Israel from areas contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster: a follow-up study
Authors: Danna A. Slusky
Julie Cwikel
Michael R. Quastel
Publication date: 01-05-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-0941-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Chronic diseases and mortality among immigrants to Israel from areas contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster: a follow-up study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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