Sebum production is thought to play a major role in acne vulgaris in adolescents. Psychological stress may exacerbate acne; however, it is not known whether the perceived association between stress and acne exacerbation is due to increased sebum production. The aims of this study were to determine: (i) if psychological stress in adolescents is associated with increased sebum production; and (ii) if stress is associated with increased acne severity independent of, or in conjunction with, increased sebum production. Ninety-four secondary school students in Singapore (mean age 14.9 years) were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. During a high stress condition (prior to mid-year examinations) and a low stress condition (during the summer holidays), the following were evaluated: (i) self-reported stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale; (ii) sebum level at baseline and at 1 h; and (iii) acne severity. The prevalence of self-reported acne in this study population was high (95% in males and 92% in females). Most subjects had mild to moderate acne. Sebum measurements did not differ significantly between the high stress and low stress conditions. For the study population as a whole, we observed a statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.23, p=0.029) between stress levels and severity of acne papulopustulosa. In adolescents, psychological stress does not appear to affect the quantity of sebum production. The study suggests a significant association between stress and severity of acne papulopustulosa, especially in males. Increased acne severity associated with stress may result from factors other than sebum quantity.

In children aged 6 months to <10 years, the incidence of influenza-like illness associated with respiratory syncytial virus was 7.0 per 100 person-years. The highest burden occurred in older infants and children, which may inform vaccination strategies.

The differences among schools coupled with the differing perceptions within schools indicate a need for a comprehensive consideration of what kinds of mental health services are needed and how they can best be made accessible to a diverse body of students experiencing a variety of academic and personal challenges.

No abstract

Background: Among Singaporeans with diabetes, 1 in 3 have not been diagnosed. A large proportion of Singaporean adults are not current for their recommended diabetic screening.Objective: To determine whether handing out diabetes screening leaflets to patients at the point of registration in a general practice (GP) clinic would influence their uptake of diabetes screening.Design: A randomized controlled trial with a follow-up period of 3 months. Outcome measured was whether patients did the diabetes screening test (fasting plasma glucose).Intervention: A leaflet on diabetes screening was given to patients when they registered in the GP clinic. The control group did not receive a leaflet.Setting: A GP clinic in Toa Payoh, a suburb in central Singapore.Participants: 97 patients 40 years old and above who were not known diabetics.Results: There was no significant difference in the uptake of diabetes screenings between the intervention and the control group (p=0.740). Conclusion: Handing out leaflets at registration in theGP clinic does not change uptake of diabetes screening. SFP2018; 44(2): 62-67 1. e research posed minimal risk to subjects.2. Rights and welfare of subjects were not adversely a ected by the waiver.3. Subjects were provided with pertinent information after participation.4. Research could not be practicably carried out without waiver.