Alexandra Krettek
Biographic Data
| ID | 6332388 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Alexandra Krettek |
| GIVEN NAMES | Alexandra |
| FAMILY NAME | Krettek |
| SIGNATURE | KRETTEK A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Nordic School of Public Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4583-9315 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 18 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 2 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 18 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2010 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2022 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Obesity Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Health Behaviors in Russia and Norway
Associations between obesity and socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics vary between populations. Exploring such differences should throw light on factors related to obesity. We examined associations between general obesity (GO, defined by body mass index) and abdominal obesity (AO, defined by waist-to-hip ratio) and sex, age, socio-economic characteristics (education, financial situation, marital status), smoking and alcohol consumptio…
Staying True to the Core of Public Health Science in Times of Change
CC BY 4.0 Correspondence: Alexandra Krettek, [email protected]
Effectiveness of health promotion regarding diet and physical activity among Nepalese mothers and their young children
Background: Nepal, like many low- and middle-income countries, exhibits rising burden of cardiovascular diseases. Misconceptions, poor behavior, and a high prevalence of risk factors contribute to this development. Health promotion efforts along with primary prevention strategies, including risk factor reduction in both adults and children, are therefore critical.Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention…
Risk Factors for Ventricular Septal Defects in Murmansk County, Russia
Cardiovascular malformations are one of the most common birth defects among newborns and constitute a leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. Although some risk factors are recognized, the causes of cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) remain largely unknown. In this study, we aim to identify risk factors for ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in Northwest Russia. The study population included singleton births registered in the Murmansk Co…
Risk factors for perinatal mortality in Murmansk County, Russia
BACKGROUND: Factors contributing to perinatal mortality (PM) in Northwest Russia remain unclear. This study investigated possible associations between selected maternal and fetal characteristics and PM based on data from the population-based Murmansk County Birth Registry. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated possible associations between selected maternal and fetal characteristics and PM based on data from the population-based Murmansk County Birt…
Effect of Smoking Behavior before and during Pregnancy on Selected Birth Outcomes among Singleton Full-Term Pregnancy
The aim of our study was to assess associations between smoking behavior before and during pregnancy and selected adverse birth outcomes. This study is based on the Murmansk County Birth Registry (MCBR). Our study includes women who delivered a singleton pregnancy after 37 weeks of gestation (N = 44,486). Smoking information was self-reported and assessed at the first antenatal visit during pregnancy. We adjusted for potential confounders using l…
A cluster-randomized evaluation of an intervention to increase skilled birth attendant utilization in mid- and far-western Nepal
Skilled birth attendant (SBA) utilization is low in remote and rural areas of Nepal. We designed and implemented an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a five-component intervention that addressed previously identified barriers to SBA services in mid- and far-western Nepal. We randomly and equally allocated 36 village development committees with low SBA utilization among 1-year intervention and control groups. The eligible participants for …
Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Nepal
BACKGROUND: Estimates of disease burden in Nepal are based on cross-sectional studies that provide inadequate epidemiological information to support public health decisions. This study compares the health and demographic indicators at the end of 2012 in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site (JD-HDSS) with the baseline conducted at the end of 2010. We also report on the use of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) and associated fact…
Uterine prolapse and its impact on quality of life in the Jhaukhel–Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Bhaktapur, Nepal
BACKGROUND: Uterine prolapse (UP) is a reproductive health problem and public health issue in low-income countries including Nepal. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the contributing factors and stages of UP and its impact on quality of life in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site of Bhaktapur, Nepal. DESIGN: Our three-phase study used descriptive cross-sectional analysis to assess quality of life and stages of UP and case-cont…
Understanding and living with glaucoma and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site
BACKGROUND: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness. A possible association between POAG and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes suggests that the incidence of POAG may increase. People with POAG in Nepal usually present late to hospital and have poor knowledge of glaucoma. OBJECTIVES: Anticipating a knowledge gap regarding these diseases, this study aimed to explore th…
Experiences and perceptions about cause and prevention of cardiovascular disease among people with cardiometabolic conditions
BACKGROUND: Nepal currently faces an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Earlier studies on health literacy and the behavior dimension of cardiovascular health reported a substantial gap between knowledge and practice. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study aimed to deepen understanding of the community perspective on cardiovascular health from the patients' viewpoint. DESIGN: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 13 individuals …
Perceptions of users and providers on barriers to utilizing skilled birth care in mid- and far-western Nepal
BACKGROUND: Although skilled birth care contributes significantly to the prevention of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, utilization of such care is poor in mid- and far-western Nepal. This study explored the perceptions of service users and providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care. DESIGN: We conducted 24 focus group discussions, 12 each with service users and service providers from different health institutions in mid- and…
Correlates of smoking susceptibility among adolescents in a peri-urban area of Nepal
BACKGROUND: Susceptibility to smoking is defined as an absence of firm commitment not to smoke in the future or when offered a cigarette by best friends. Susceptibility begins in adolescence and is the first step in the transition to becoming an established smoker. Many scholars have hypothesized and studied whether psychosocial risk factors play a crucial role in preventing adolescent susceptibility to smoking or discourage susceptible adolescen…
Do non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes associate with primary open-angle glaucoma? Insights from a case–control study in Nepal
BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are rapidly emerging public health problems worldwide, and they associate with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG is the most common cause of irreversible blindness. The most effective ways to prevent glaucoma blindness involve identifying high-risk populations and conducting routine screening for early case detection. This study investigated whether POAG associa…
Barriers to using skilled birth attendants’ services in mid- and far-western Nepal
BACKGROUND: Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) provide important interventions that improve maternal and neonatal health and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. However, utilization and coverage of services by SBAs remain poor, especially in rural and remote areas of Nepal. This study examined the characteristics associated with utilization of SBA services in mid- and far-western Nepal. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined three rural an…
Perceived risks and benefits of cigarette smoking among Nepalese adolescents
To discourage or prevent adolescents from initiating smoking, future intervention programs should focus on communicating not only the health risks but also the social and addiction risks as well as counteract the social benefits of smoking
Transdisciplinary Higher Education—A Challenge for Public Health Science
This paper highlights and discusses issues associated with transdisciplinary teaching and suggests ways to overcome the challenges posed by different epistemologies, methods, and ethical positions. Our own transdisciplinary teaching experience in public health helped us identify some important questions including (i) what is transdisciplinary research in practice, and does methods triangulation yield more valid results?, (ii) from a teaching pers…
Obesity Prevalence in Nepal
The future toll of the obesity epidemic will likely hit hardest in low- and middle-income countries. Ongoing urbanization promotes risk factors including sedentary lifestyle and fat- and sugar-laden diets. Low-income countries like Nepal experience a double disease burden: infectious diseases as well as rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus) frequently characterized by obesity. Nepal curr…
A cluster-randomized evaluation of an intervention to increase skilled birth attendant utilization in mid- and far-western Nepal
Skilled birth attendant (SBA) utilization is low in remote and rural areas of Nepal. We designed and implemented an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a five-component intervention that addressed previously identified barriers to SBA services in mid- and far-western Nepal. We randomly and equally allocated 36 village development committees with low SBA utilization among 1-year intervention and control groups. The eligible participants for …
Obesity Prevalence in Nepal
The future toll of the obesity epidemic will likely hit hardest in low- and middle-income countries. Ongoing urbanization promotes risk factors including sedentary lifestyle and fat- and sugar-laden diets. Low-income countries like Nepal experience a double disease burden: infectious diseases as well as rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus) frequently characterized by obesity. Nepal curr…
Transdisciplinary Higher Education—A Challenge for Public Health Science
This paper highlights and discusses issues associated with transdisciplinary teaching and suggests ways to overcome the challenges posed by different epistemologies, methods, and ethical positions. Our own transdisciplinary teaching experience in public health helped us identify some important questions including (i) what is transdisciplinary research in practice, and does methods triangulation yield more valid results?, (ii) from a teaching pers…
Do non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes associate with primary open-angle glaucoma? Insights from a case–control study in Nepal
BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are rapidly emerging public health problems worldwide, and they associate with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG is the most common cause of irreversible blindness. The most effective ways to prevent glaucoma blindness involve identifying high-risk populations and conducting routine screening for early case detection. This study investigated whether POAG associa…
Barriers to using skilled birth attendants’ services in mid- and far-western Nepal
BACKGROUND: Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) provide important interventions that improve maternal and neonatal health and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. However, utilization and coverage of services by SBAs remain poor, especially in rural and remote areas of Nepal. This study examined the characteristics associated with utilization of SBA services in mid- and far-western Nepal. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined three rural an…
Perceived risks and benefits of cigarette smoking among Nepalese adolescents
To discourage or prevent adolescents from initiating smoking, future intervention programs should focus on communicating not only the health risks but also the social and addiction risks as well as counteract the social benefits of smoking
Understanding and living with glaucoma and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site
BACKGROUND: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness. A possible association between POAG and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes suggests that the incidence of POAG may increase. People with POAG in Nepal usually present late to hospital and have poor knowledge of glaucoma. OBJECTIVES: Anticipating a knowledge gap regarding these diseases, this study aimed to explore th…
Experiences and perceptions about cause and prevention of cardiovascular disease among people with cardiometabolic conditions
BACKGROUND: Nepal currently faces an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Earlier studies on health literacy and the behavior dimension of cardiovascular health reported a substantial gap between knowledge and practice. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study aimed to deepen understanding of the community perspective on cardiovascular health from the patients' viewpoint. DESIGN: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 13 individuals …
Perceptions of users and providers on barriers to utilizing skilled birth care in mid- and far-western Nepal
BACKGROUND: Although skilled birth care contributes significantly to the prevention of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, utilization of such care is poor in mid- and far-western Nepal. This study explored the perceptions of service users and providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care. DESIGN: We conducted 24 focus group discussions, 12 each with service users and service providers from different health institutions in mid- and…
Correlates of smoking susceptibility among adolescents in a peri-urban area of Nepal
BACKGROUND: Susceptibility to smoking is defined as an absence of firm commitment not to smoke in the future or when offered a cigarette by best friends. Susceptibility begins in adolescence and is the first step in the transition to becoming an established smoker. Many scholars have hypothesized and studied whether psychosocial risk factors play a crucial role in preventing adolescent susceptibility to smoking or discourage susceptible adolescen…
Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Nepal
BACKGROUND: Estimates of disease burden in Nepal are based on cross-sectional studies that provide inadequate epidemiological information to support public health decisions. This study compares the health and demographic indicators at the end of 2012 in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site (JD-HDSS) with the baseline conducted at the end of 2010. We also report on the use of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) and associated fact…
Uterine prolapse and its impact on quality of life in the Jhaukhel–Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Bhaktapur, Nepal
BACKGROUND: Uterine prolapse (UP) is a reproductive health problem and public health issue in low-income countries including Nepal. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the contributing factors and stages of UP and its impact on quality of life in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site of Bhaktapur, Nepal. DESIGN: Our three-phase study used descriptive cross-sectional analysis to assess quality of life and stages of UP and case-cont…
Risk factors for perinatal mortality in Murmansk County, Russia
BACKGROUND: Factors contributing to perinatal mortality (PM) in Northwest Russia remain unclear. This study investigated possible associations between selected maternal and fetal characteristics and PM based on data from the population-based Murmansk County Birth Registry. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated possible associations between selected maternal and fetal characteristics and PM based on data from the population-based Murmansk County Birt…
Effect of Smoking Behavior before and during Pregnancy on Selected Birth Outcomes among Singleton Full-Term Pregnancy
The aim of our study was to assess associations between smoking behavior before and during pregnancy and selected adverse birth outcomes. This study is based on the Murmansk County Birth Registry (MCBR). Our study includes women who delivered a singleton pregnancy after 37 weeks of gestation (N = 44,486). Smoking information was self-reported and assessed at the first antenatal visit during pregnancy. We adjusted for potential confounders using l…
A cluster-randomized evaluation of an intervention to increase skilled birth attendant utilization in mid- and far-western Nepal
Skilled birth attendant (SBA) utilization is low in remote and rural areas of Nepal. We designed and implemented an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a five-component intervention that addressed previously identified barriers to SBA services in mid- and far-western Nepal. We randomly and equally allocated 36 village development committees with low SBA utilization among 1-year intervention and control groups. The eligible participants for …
Risk Factors for Ventricular Septal Defects in Murmansk County, Russia
Cardiovascular malformations are one of the most common birth defects among newborns and constitute a leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. Although some risk factors are recognized, the causes of cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) remain largely unknown. In this study, we aim to identify risk factors for ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in Northwest Russia. The study population included singleton births registered in the Murmansk Co…
Effectiveness of health promotion regarding diet and physical activity among Nepalese mothers and their young children
Background: Nepal, like many low- and middle-income countries, exhibits rising burden of cardiovascular diseases. Misconceptions, poor behavior, and a high prevalence of risk factors contribute to this development. Health promotion efforts along with primary prevention strategies, including risk factor reduction in both adults and children, are therefore critical.Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention…
Staying True to the Core of Public Health Science in Times of Change
CC BY 4.0 Correspondence: Alexandra Krettek, [email protected]
Obesity Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Health Behaviors in Russia and Norway
Associations between obesity and socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics vary between populations. Exploring such differences should throw light on factors related to obesity. We examined associations between general obesity (GO, defined by body mass index) and abdominal obesity (AO, defined by waist-to-hip ratio) and sex, age, socio-economic characteristics (education, financial situation, marital status), smoking and alcohol consumptio…
Medicine (18 works) · Environmental health (14 works) · Population (9 works) · Public health (9 works) · Demography (7 works) · Odds ratio (7 works) · Nursing (6 works) · Gerontology (5 works) · Global Maternal and Child Health (5 works) · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology (5 works)