Asthma is characterised by inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Current asthma treatment is based on severity of asthma symptoms only. Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) is not recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. The aim was to compare the usefulness of a FeNO guided versus symptom-based treatment in achieving improved asthma control assessed by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).80 asthmatic patients were included in a double-blinded, parallel, randomised controlled trial with follow-up visits after 8, 24 and 36 weeks. Treatment was tailored using either a FeNO or Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) based algorithm. Inclusion criteria were asthma symptoms and a provocative dose causing a 15% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s <635 mg mannitol. At each visit AHR, FeNO, ACQ and blood tests were performed.No differences between the two groups were found at inclusion. AHR from 8 to 24 weeks was improved in the FeNO group compared to the ACQ group (response dose ratio (RDR) geometric mean (95% CI): 0.02 (0.01–0.04) versus 0.05 (0.03–0.07), respectively, p=0.015). AHR to mannitol at 36 weeks showed no differences between the two groups (mean difference RDR (95% CI): −0.02 (−0.05–0.02), p=0.3). Total doses of inhaled steroid and number of exacerbations were similar (p>0.05).When using FeNO as a treatment management tool, lowering of airway responsiveness occurred earlier than using ACQ. However, airway responsiveness and asthma control after 9 months were similar.

BackgroundFor decades, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, have increased in Greenland, especially within the young age groups (15–29 years). From 2006 to 2013, the number of abortions has been consistent with approximately 800–900 abortions per year in Greenland, which is nearly as high as the total number of births during the same period. Previous studies in Greenland have reported that knowledge about sexual health is important, both as prevention and as facilitator to stop the increasing rates of STIs. A peer-to-peer education programme about sexual health requires adaption to cultural values and acceptance among the population and government in order to be sustainable.ObjectiveFormative evaluation of a voluntary project (SexInuk), in relation to peer-to-peer education with focus on sexual health. Two workshops were conducted in Nuuk, Greenland, to recruit Greenlandic students. DesignQualitative design with focus group interviews (FGIs) to collect qualitative feedback on feasibility and implementation of the project. Supplemented with a brief questionnaire regarding personal information (gender, age, education) and questions about the educational elements in the SexInuk project. Eight Greenlandic students, who had completed one or two workshops, were enrolled.ResultsThe FGIs showed an overall consensus regarding the need for improving sexual health education in Greenland. The participants requested more voluntary educators, to secure sustainability. The articulation of taboo topics in the Greenlandic society appeared very important. The participants suggested more awareness by promoting the project.ConclusionCultural values and language directions were important elements in the FGIs. To our knowledge, voluntary work regarding peer-to-peer education and sexual health has not been structurally evaluated in Greenland before. To achieve sustainability, the project needs educators and financial support. Further research is needed to investigate how peer-to-peer education can improve sexual and reproductive health in Greenland.

For decades the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been a health concern in Greenland, especially within the age group of 15–34 year olds. However, no overview exists of the potential differences in regional incidence and management of STIs. This study investigates the age, gender and region specific diagnostic activity and incidence of gonorrhoea in Greenland in 2015. The study design was an observational cross sectional register study with inclusion of patients tested for gonorrhoea in 2015. Patients above 15 years of age were included. Data was obtained from the laboratory system used at The Central Laboratory at Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk. We found, in 2015, a total of 17,911 tests for gonorrhoea were performed on both men and women. Women accounted for 68% of the tests, while men accounted for 32%. The positivity rate was 7,878 pr. 100,000 of which 56% were women and 44% were men. The regional distribution showed a disparity of the testing rate and the rate of positive gonorrhoea tests.. Thus, we have documented a high diagnostic activity and high incidence of gonorrhoea in Greenland in 2015 among both women and men. We also found significant regional differences in both diagnostic activity and gonorrhoea incidence