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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-10-2018 | Original Article

Cold sensitivity and associated factors: a nested case–control study performed in Northern Sweden

Authors: Albin Stjernbrandt, Daniel Carlsson, Hans Pettersson, Ingrid Liljelind, Tohr Nilsson, Jens Wahlström

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2018

Abstract

Purpose

To identify factors associated with the reporting of cold sensitivity, by comparing cases to controls with regard to anthropometry, previous illnesses and injuries, as well as external exposures such as hand–arm vibration (HAV) and ambient cold.

Methods

Through a questionnaire responded to by the general population, ages 18–70, living in Northern Sweden (N = 12,627), cold sensitivity cases (N = 502) and matched controls (N = 1004) were identified, and asked to respond to a second questionnaire focusing on different aspects of cold sensitivity as well as individual and external exposure factors suggested to be related to the condition. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to determine statistical significance.

Results

In total, 997 out of 1506 study subjects answered the second questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 81.7%. In the multiple conditional logistic regression model, identified associated factors among cold sensitive cases were: frostbite affecting the hands (OR 10.3, 95% CI 5.5–19.3); rheumatic disease (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.7); upper extremity nerve injury (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.0); migraines (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.3); and vascular disease (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9). A body mass index ≥ 25 was inversely related to reporting of cold sensitivity (0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6).

Conclusions

Cold sensitivity was associated with both individual and external exposure factors. Being overweight was associated with a lower occurrence of cold sensitivity; and among the acquired conditions, both cold injuries, rheumatic diseases, nerve injuries, migraines and vascular diseases were associated with the reporting of cold sensitivity.

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Title: Cold sensitivity and associated factors: a nested case–control study performed in Northern Sweden
Authors: Albin Stjernbrandt
Daniel Carlsson
Hans Pettersson
Ingrid Liljelind
Tohr Nilsson
Jens Wahlström
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1327-2

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Cold sensitivity and associated factors: a nested case–control study performed in Northern Sweden

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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