scholarly journals Using Linked Longitudinal Administrative Data to Identify Social Disadvantage

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 865-895
Author(s):  
Serena Pattaro ◽  
Nick Bailey ◽  
Chris Dibben

Abstract Administrative data are widely used to construct indicators of social disadvantage, such as Free School Meals eligibility and Indices of Multiple Deprivation, for policy purposes. For research these indicators are often a compromise between accuracy and simplicity, because they rely on cross-sectional data. The growing availability of longitudinal administrative data may aid construction of more accurate indicators for research. To illustrate this potential, we use administrative data on welfare benefits from DWP’s National Benefits Database and annual earnings from employment from HMRC’s P14/P60 data to reconstruct individual labour market histories over a 5-year period. These administrative datasets were linked to survey data from the Poverty and Social Exclusion UK 2012. Results from descriptive and logistic regression analyses show that longitudinal measures correlate highly with survey responses on the same topic and are stronger predictors of poverty risks than measures based on cross-sectional data. These results suggest that longitudinal administrative measures would have potentially wide-ranging applications in policy as well as poverty research.

2021 ◽  
pp. 002204262110376
Author(s):  
Dylan J. Shaw ◽  
Micah E. Johnson

The prevalence of opioid misuse (OM) among justice-involved children (JIC) is significantly higher than children in the general population, yet little research has examined the predictors of OM among JIC. Goldstein’s “economic compulsive model” hypothesizes that JIC who commit crimes for material gain will have a higher likelihood of meeting past-30 day (P30D) OM criteria. The data in this study were cross-sectional and represented 79,960 Florida JIC. To test the hypothesis, logistic regression analyses were utilized. Over 2000 JIC (2.67%) met P30D OM criteria and JIC who committed crimes for material gain were 2.55 times as likely to meet P30D OM criteria. Findings indicate that children may be incarcerated due to an inability to afford their addiction, contributing to the criminalization of mental health. JIC could benefit from the increased utilization of drug courts and the implementation of a cascade of care model.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming He ◽  
Lihong Chen ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Haijun Ma

Abstract Background: Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a kind of widespread popular parameter to evaluate various types of hepatic steatosis by liver ultrasound transient elastography. We investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and CAP without hepatitis B and C virus-infected in the United States adults, data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).Methods: The present study was cross-sectional research. 4319 American men and women participants ≥18 years old, without B and C hepatitis, were included in our analysis. There are some measures to evaluate the association between SUA and CAP by multivariate logistic regression analyses, fit smoothing curves, generalized additive models, two-piecewise linear regression model and subgroup analyses.Results: There was a positive association between the value of SUA and CAP by multivariate logistic regression analyses after adjusting for various confounders. Besides, the inflection point of non-linear curve relationship was identified as 4.3 mg/dL, for SUA <4.3 mg/dL, the effect size is 10.6 (P< 0.01); Correspondingly, SUA≥ 4.3 mg/dL, the effect size is 4.3 (P< 0.01).Finally, SUA was positively associated with glycohemoglobin less than 6.5% individuals (β =7.3, P< 0.01) and Fasting glucose less than 7.0 mmol/L individuals (β = 6.8, P< 0.01) in the subgroup analysis. Conclusions: Our research found the relationship between SUA and CAP is non-linear. Subgroup analysis indicated that the positive association between SUA and CAP were showed in non-diabetic patients but not in diabetic.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelly Ziade ◽  
Ihsane Hmamouchi ◽  
Lina el Kibbi ◽  
Nizar Abdulateef ◽  
Hussein Halabi ◽  
...  

Abstract ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice and on the rheumatologists themselves, and to develop suggestions to improve the practice.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was designed by members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the activities (in percentage, where 100% corresponds to complete suspension), and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve practice.ResultsA total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered), 37% were 35-44 years-old, 60% were females and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), the use of telemedicine, the impact on income and the practice sector (lowest in private). Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 among patients were reported, of whom 22% died. The top-cited unmet needs were: access to drugs and a telemedicine platform.Conclusion The negative COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice.


2021 ◽  
pp. 70-79
Author(s):  
Gabriel R. Murchison ◽  
Madina Agénor ◽  
Sari L. Reisner ◽  
Ryan J. Watson

BACKGROUND Transgender and gender nonbinary adolescents experience high rates of peer victimization, but the prevalence of sexual assault in this population has not been established. Some schools restrict transgender and nonbinary students from using restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, with unknown effects on sexual assault risk. We tested whether these restrictions were associated with the 12-month prevalence of sexual assault victimization. METHODS Survey responses were analyzed from 3673 transgender and nonbinary US adolescents in grades 7 through 12 who participated in the cross-sectional 2017 LGBTQ Teen Study. We estimated the association between school restroom and locker room restrictions and sexual assault, adjusting for potential social and behavioral confounders, using logistic regression. We also tested potential mediators. RESULTS The 12-month prevalence of sexual assault was 26.5% among transgender boys, 27.0% among nonbinary youth assigned female at birth, 18.5% among transgender girls, and 17.6% among nonbinary youth assigned male at birth. Youth whose restroom and locker room use was restricted were more likely to experience sexual assault compared with those without restrictions, with risk ratios of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.52) in transgender boys, 1.42 (95% CI: 1.10–1.78) in nonbinary youth assigned female at birth, and 2.49 (95% CI: 1.11–4.28) in transgender girls. Restrictions were not associated with sexual assault among nonbinary youth assigned male at birth. CONCLUSIONS Pediatricians should be aware that sexual assault is highly prevalent in transgender and nonbinary youth and that restrictive school restroom and locker room policies may be associated with risk.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036281
Author(s):  
Taeko Watanabe ◽  
Takehiro Sugiyama ◽  
Hideto Takahashi ◽  
Haruko Noguchi ◽  
Nanako Tamiya

ObjectiveBecause married couples have many environmental influences in common, spouses may develop similar diseases. This study aimed to determine the concordance of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, among married couples in Japan.Research design and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of married couples who were both aged ≥40 years using the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, which is a Japanese national survey. We first determined the proportions of wives and husbands who were receiving therapy for each of the diseases of interest. We then conducted logistic regression analyses using the wives undergoing therapy for each disease as outcomes and the husbands undergoing therapy for the same disease as the principal exposure, adjusting for covariates.ResultsThe subjects of the analyses were 86 941 married couples. The wives of male patients were significantly more likely to be receiving therapy for the same disease. Logistic regression revealed that when husbands were undergoing therapy for these diseases their wives had ORs (95% CIs) of 1.79 (1.72–1.86) for hypertension, 1.45 (1.34–1.58) for diabetes, 2.58 (2.41–2.75) for dyslipidaemia and 1.87 (1.80–1.93) for any of these diseases.ConclusionsIf men have hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidaemia, their wives were also more susceptible to the same disease. Medical professionals and couples may need to recognise these results and consider couple-based interventions to help the prevention, early detection and treatment of these diseases.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uazman Alam ◽  
Yasar Amjad ◽  
Anges Wan Shan Chan ◽  
Omar Asghar ◽  
Ioannis N. Petropoulos ◽  
...  

Background. Experimental and clinical studies suggest a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and both diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy.Methods. We have performed a cross-sectional study in adults with types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. The relationship between the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was evaluated using logistic regression analyses in the presence of demographic and clinical covariates.Results. 657 adults with diabetes were stratified based on retinopathy grading: No Diabetic Retinopathy (39%), Background Diabetic Retinopathy (37%), Preproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (21%), and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (3%), respectively. There were no differences in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (25(OH)D) between the groups (15.3±9.0versus16.4±10.5versus15.9±10.4versus15.7±8.5 ng/mL,P=NS). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between the severity of retinopathy and serum 25(OH)D. Furthermore, there was no difference in serum 25(OH)D between those with (n=94, 14%) and those without (n=563, 86%) Diabetic Maculopathy (16.2±10.0versus15.8±9.8,P=NS) and no relationship was demonstrated by logistic regression analyses between the two variables.Conclusions. This study has found no association between serum 25(OH)D and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawad Ahmad Abu-Shennar ◽  
Hatice Bebis Bebis ◽  
Nurhan Bayraktar Bayraktar

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to quantify the prevalence of DPN as was assessed by the MNSI, and to evaluate sleep quality as was assessed by the PSQI. Also, to assess the relevance of other factors to sleep quality and DPN among patients with T2DM.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Jordanian Ministry of Health in Amman, Jordan, during the period from the 1 st of June 2018 to the 1 st of September 2018. A total of 549 (269 male and 280 female) patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Data were collected using the MNSI to assess DPN a cutoff point of MNSI based on history score of ≥ 7, and physical examination based on the score of ≥ 2. While the PSQI to assess sleep quality with a cutoff point of PSQI ≥8. Participants' demographic background data were also recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. Mean and standard deviation values were used to summarize continuous variables, and proportions were used for categorical variables. Chi-square was used to test the independent distribution of categorical variables where appropriate. Binary logistic regressions were used to examine the net effect for each of the proposed variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The sample comprised 269 male and 280 female T2DM patients with a mean (SD) age of 2.00 (±0.574) years. Mean (SD) BMI was 3.58 (±0.617) kg/m2, and the mean (SD) duration of diabetes was 1.74 (±0.806) years. The prevalence of DPN based on a history score of ≥ 7 was 31.7% and 33.7% based on physical examination based on the score of ≥ 2 using MNSI. Besides, the results of the study revealed that the mean (SD) PSQI score of the study patients was 6.11(±7.01), with 32.8% who had a PSQI score ≥8. While, logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors independently related to DPN were marital status, working status, smoking status, diet regimen, physical activity, regularly visit treatment physicians, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, hypertension, type of treatment (such as insulin and oral hypoglycemia agents or both), with the type of medications (such as a statin, and metformin). Also, uncontrolled diabetes, HDL-cholesterol levels, and duration of diabetes. On the other hand, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors independently related to sleep quality were cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, hypertension, type of treatment (such as insulin and oral hypoglycemia agents or both), with the type of medications (such as a statin, and metformin). The study showed that subjective sleep quality and quantity, night sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction were the risk factors for poor glycemic control.Conclusions and recommendations: The high prevalence of DPN and poor sleep quality and patients with T2DM in addition to unawareness and poor management of DPN require more physician and health care professionals’ better management of DPN and improve sleep quality at the Jordanian Ministry of Health. Also, the results highlighted the need for intensive programs targeting early detection and prompt implementation of health education. Also, more attention is needed to prevent late-onset DPN complications, even in asymptomatic patients. Old patients with long-standing DM should be screened continuously for DPN. Moreover, the initial measures to prevent DPN and improves sleep quality include glycemic control and implementation with modification of lifestyle and behavioral changes such as appropriate diet, exercise, and regularly visit treating physician.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Alshareef ◽  
Ismaeel Yunusa ◽  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in panic among the general public, leading many people to seek out information related to COVID-19 through various sources, including social media and traditional media. Identifying public preferences for obtaining such information may help health authorities to effectively plan successful health preventive and educational intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the types of sources used for obtaining COVID-19 information on the attitudes and practices of the general public in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic, and to identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the use of different sources of information. METHODS This study used data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted on residents of Saudi Arabia from March 20 to 24, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Bivariate analysis of categorical variables was performed to determine the associations between information sources and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine whether socioeconomic and demographic variables were associated with the source of information used to obtain information about COVID-19. Moreover, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine how sources of information influence attitudes and practices of adhering to preventive measures. RESULTS In this analysis of cross-sectional survey data, 3358 participants were included. Most participants reported using social media, followed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as their primary source of information. Seeking information via social media was significantly associated with lower odds of having an optimistic attitude (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.845, 95% CI 0.733-0.974; <i>P</i>=.02) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 0.725, 95% CI 0.630-0.835; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) compared to other sources of information. Participants who obtained their COVID-19 information via the MOH had greater odds of having an optimistic attitude (aOR 1.437, 95% CI 1.234-1.673; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 1.393, 95% CI 1.201-1.615; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) than those who obtained information via other sources. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that different sources of information influence attitudes and preventive actions differently within a pandemic crisis context. Health authorities in Saudi Arabia should pay attention to the use of appropriate social media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yichao Qiu ◽  
Jian Yu ◽  
Li Tang ◽  
Jun Ren ◽  
Mingxi Shao ◽  
...  

Purpose: We evaluated the level of sex hormones in female patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) to determine whether they are associated with the onset and/or progression of POAG.Methods: The cross-sectional study enrolled 63 women with POAG and 56 healthy women as normal control subjects. Furthermore, 57 women with POAG were included and followed-up for at least 2 years in the cohort study. All subjects were evaluated for serum concentration of sex hormones [prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TESTO), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (PROG), and estrogen (E2)] and underwent visual field (VF) examination. In the cross-sectional study, Spearman analysis, linear regression analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess risk factors for POAG in women. In the cohort study, Cox regression analyses and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed to identify factors associated with VF progression in women with POAG.Results: In the cross-sectional study, the level of E2 was significantly lower in the POAG group than in the normal group (p &lt; 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed that the decreased level of E2 was a risk factor of POAG (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09–0.78, p &lt; 0.05), especially in premenopausal subjects. In the cohort study, there were 29 non-progression subjects and 28 progression subjects. Patients in the progression group had significantly lower levels of E2 than those in the no progression group (p &lt; 0.01). The decreased level of E2 at baseline was associated with POAG progression (HR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.02–0.46, p &lt; 0.05), especially in premenopausal subjects. Patients with POAG and with lower baseline E2 levels had significantly lower VF non-progression rates than patients with higher E2 levels (log-rank test p &lt; 0.001), especially premenopausal subjects (log-rank test p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, logistic regression analyses, Cox regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that PROG, LH, FSH, and TESTO were risk factors of POAG and/or significantly associated with POAG progression.Conclusion: A decreased E2 level is a POAG risk factor and is associated with VF progression in women with POAG, especially in premenopausal subjects. Additionally, other sex hormones (PROG, LH, FSH, and TESTO) might also play a role in POAG pathogenesis.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 468
Author(s):  
Liesbeth C. de Goeij ◽  
Ondine van de Rest ◽  
Edith J. M. Feskens ◽  
Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot ◽  
Elske M. Brouwer-Brolsma

Various dairy nutrients have been associated with cognitive performance. Several observational studies have explored associations between the intake of total dairy or some dairy subgroups and cognitive performance. However, studies on the potential impact of a broad variety of dairy subclasses are scarce. We examined cross-sectional associations between a wide assortment of dairy products and cognitive performance. A total of 619 Dutch community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years completed a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed with an extensive neuropsychological test battery; the tests were clustered into cognitive domains using z-scores. Linear and logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, habitual physical activity, total energy intake, and dietary factors, were performed to quantify the associations. The Benjamini–Hochberg method was used to correct for multiple testing. After full adjustment, higher skimmed dairy (β ± SD: 0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.06), fermented dairy (0.04 ± 0.02, p = 0.09), and buttermilk (0.08 ± 0.03, p = 0.19) consumption were associated with better executive functioning. Logistic regression analyses indicated that a 30 g increase in Dutch cheese intake was associated with a 33% lower probability of poor information processing speed (PR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.97). No associations were observed between dairy consumption and attention and working memory or episodic memory.


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