scholarly journals Exploring barriers to and facilitators of preventive measures against infectious diseases among Australian Hajj pilgrims: cross-sectional studies before and after Hajj

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 53-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amani S. Alqahtani ◽  
Kerrie E. Wiley ◽  
Mohamed Tashani ◽  
Harold W. Willaby ◽  
Anita E. Heywood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

Knowledge, Information Sources, and Preventive Measures in response to the Infectious Diseases in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A national Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zeng ◽  
Feifei Li ◽  
Wei Liang ◽  
Yinyue Liu ◽  
Bin Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Chinese Children And Adolescents

BACKGROUND Infectious diseases are a priority in public health. Improving the knowledge and preventive measures of children and adolescents is important for disease prevention. Information sources play a crucial role in delivering disease-related knowledge. However, there is limited national-level evidence of the knowledge, information sources, and preventive measures in response to infectious diseases in Chinese children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and interrelationships of knowledge, preventive measures of infectious diseases, and the information sources among Chinese children and adolescents. METHODS Participants in this cross-sectional study were embedded in a baseline survey of a national multi-centered cluster randomized controlled trial in seven provinces in China, using questionnaires to evaluate their level of knowledge and prevention measures, and the main source of information on infectious diseases. RESULTS A total of 30,287 children aged 6-17 years were enrolled. The mean scores of knowledge and preventive measures for infectious diseases were 2.35(SD=0.93) and 12.16 (SD=2.52), respectively. The majority of children and adolescents received information of infectious diseases through school (86.7%) and related groups (86.5%), followed by electronic media (73.4%). The results indicated that there were significant differences in knowledge and preventive measures among children and adolescents with different gender, age, children situation, living situation, residence, region, parents’ age and education level (P<0.05). In addition, multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age, living situation, residential area, region, mother's age, father's education level, knowledge score and main information source could better predict the score of preventive measures. Living with parents (vs Not living with parents; β=0.055 P<0.001), household income of 5000-10000 yuan (vs. Less than 5000 yuan; 0.024, P<0.001), south areas (vs. North: β=0.021), mother's age>35 years (vs.≤35years; 35-45 years: β=0.020, P=0.008; ≥45 years: β=0.022, P=0.005), father's education in high school/vocational school (vs. Junior high school and below; β=0.024, P=0.001), and high knowledge score (β=0.102, P<0.001) were more likely to have a high infectious disease prevention measures score(P<0.05). On the contrary, males (vs Females; β=-0.003, P<0.001), older (vs. 6-8 years; 12-14 years: β=-0.130, P<0.001;15-17years: β=-0.253, P<0.001), rural areas (vs. Urban; β=-0.023, P=0.001), central areas (vs. North; β=-0.036, P<0.001), and fathers aged 35-45 years (vs. ≤35 years; β=-0.021, P=0.009) were significantly associated with low infectious disease prevention measure scores(P<0.05). Interestingly, children or adolescents who accept information about infectious diseases through schools (vs. No; Yes: β=0.054, P<0.001) and paper media (vs. No; Yes: β=0.054, P<0.001) tend to score higher on measures to prevent infectious diseases(P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The national survey provides an overview of knowledge, information sources, and preventive measures in response to infectious diseases in Chinese children and adolescents. The research findings add values to the future intervention and policy-making for promoting the preventive measures of infectious diseases in children and adolescents.

Beating Yourself: How Do Runners Improve Their Own Records?

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Foster ◽  
Jos J. de Koning ◽  
Christian Thiel ◽  
Bram Versteeg ◽  
Daniel A. Boullosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pacing Strategy ◽  
Average Coefficient ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
World Records ◽  
Elite Runners

Background: Pacing studies suggest the distribution of effort for optimizing performance. Cross-sectional studies of 1-mile world records (WRs) suggest that WR progression includes a smaller coefficient of variation of velocity. Purpose: This study evaluates whether intraindividual pacing used by elite runners to break their own WR (1 mile, 5 km, and 10 km) is related to the evolution of pacing strategy. We provide supportive data from analysis in subelite runners. Methods: Men’s WR performances (with 400-m or 1-km splits) in 1 mile, 5 km, and 10 km were retrieved from the IAAF database (from 1924 to present). Data were analyzed relative to pacing pattern when a runner improved their own WR. Similar analyses are presented for 10-km performance in subelite runners before and after intensified training. Results: WR performance was improved in 1 mile (mean [SD]: 3:59.4 [11.2] to 3:57.2 [8.6]), 5 km (13:27 [0:33] to 13:21 [0:33]), and 10 km (28:35 [1:27] to 28:21 [1:21]). The average coefficient of variation did not change in the 1 mile (3.4% [1.8%] to 3.6% [1.6%]), 5 km (2.4% [0.9%] to 2.2% [0.8%]), or 10 km (1.4% [0.1%] to 1.5% [0.6%]) with improved WR. When velocity was normalized to the percentage mean velocity for each race, the pacing pattern was almost identical. Very similar patterns were observed in subelite runners in the 10 km. When time improved from 49:20 (5:30) to 45:56 (4:58), normalized velocity was similar, terminal RPE increased (8.4 [1.6] to 9.1 [0.8]), coefficient of variation was unchanged (4.4% [1.1%] to 4.8% [2.1%]), and VO2max increased (49.8 [7.4] to 55.3 [8.8] mL·min−1·kg−1). Conclusion: The results suggest that when runners break their own best performances, they employ the same pacing pattern, which is different from when WRs are improved in cross-sectional data.

scholarly journals Association between Abdominal Fat (DXA) and Its Subcomponents (CT Scan) before and after Weight Loss in Obese Postmenopausal Women: A MONET Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Y. Doyon ◽  
Martin Brochu ◽  
Virginie Messier ◽  
Marie-Ève Lavoie ◽  
May Faraj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Abdominal Fat ◽  
Radiation Doses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

Introduction. Subcutaneous fat (ScF) and visceral fat (VF) measurements using CT scan are expensive and may imply significant radiation doses. Cross-sectional studies using CT scan showed that ScF and VF are significantly correlated with abdominal fat measured by DXA (AF-DXA). The association has not been studied after a weight loss.Objective. To determine (1) the associations between AF-DXA and ScF and VF before and after weight loss and (2) the associations between their changes.Methods. 137 overweight/obese postmenopausal women were divided in two groups (1-caloric restriction or 2-caloric restriction + resistance training). AF was assessed using DXA and CT scan.Results. Correlations between AF-DXA and ScF (before:r=0.87, after;r=0.87;P<.01) and, AF-DXA and VF (before:r=0.61, after;r=0.69;P<.01) are not different before and after the weight loss. Correlations between delta AF-DXA and delta ScF (r=0.72;P<.01) or delta VF (r=0.51;P<.01) were found.Conclusion. The use of AF-DXA as a surrogate for VF after weight loss is questionable, but may be interesting for ScF.

scholarly journals Natural campylobacter colonization in chickens raised under different environmental conditions

1986 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.-B. Lindblom ◽  
E. Sjögren ◽  
B. Kaijser
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Protective Environment ◽  
Age Range

SUMMARYA cross-sectional study of 447 laying hens (age range 0–65 weeks) and a longitudinal study of 164 similar birds showed thatCampylobacter jejuniwas not present in the faeces of newly hatched chicks, but that colonization arose after 5–9 weeks. A survey of 250 broilers obtained from four breeders showed that all were negative forC. jejunibefore and after slaughter at the age of 5 weeks. OnceC. jejunihad appeared in a flock, it rapidly spread to virtually all birds, but at the age of 42 weeks only 20–46% of birds remained colonized, possibly as a result of having developed immunity. Birds housed in the protective environment of a laboratory still became colonized (after 9 weeks). The mode of infection is unknown, but water and food were bacteriologically negative and were deemed to be unlikely sources. Transmission via attendants, flies or other insects remain possibilities. It is concluded that prevention of colonization might be possible within the life-span of broiler chickens (5–7 weeks), but that it would be difficult to extend this period. There is a need to define how colonization arises so that the feasibility and cost of possible preventive measures can be assessed.

scholarly journals Looking out for Myself: Exploring the Relationship Between Conspiracy Mentality, Perceived Personal Risk and COVID-19 Prevention Measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëlle Marinthe ◽  
Genavee Brown ◽  
Sylvain Delouvée ◽  
Daniel Jolley
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Preventive Health ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Personal Risk ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives. This research examined how conspiracy mentality may affect compliance with preventive health measures necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and the underlying motivations to comply. Design and Method. We conducted two cross-sectional studies (Study 1 N = 762, Study 2 N = 229) on a French population, measuring conspiracy mentality, compliance with preventive health measures, and perceived risks related to COVID-19. We also measured motivations to comply with preventive measures in Study 2.Results. We show that people high in conspiracy mentality are likely to engage in non-normative prevention behaviours (Study 1), but are less willing to comply with extreme preventive behaviours that are government-driven (Study 2). However, we demonstrate that a perceived risk to oneself (risk of death) and a motivation to protect oneself can act as a suppressor: conspiracy mentality is linked with an increase in the perception of risk to oneself, which in turn, is associated with normative compliance. We also find that perceived risk of death explains the relationship between conspiracy mentality and non-normative prevention behaviours. Conclusions. Our studies showcase how people high in conspiracy theorizing may (dis)engage with prevention behaviours, but that perceived risk and motivation to protect oneself could increase these individuals’ compliance.

Before–After Evaluation of the Realignment of Horizontal Curves on Rural Two-Lane Roads

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (30) ◽  
pp. 43-52
Author(s):  
Raghavan Srinivasan ◽  
Daniel Carter ◽  
Craig Lyon ◽  
Matthew Albee
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Bayes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Road Crashes ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Fatal Crashes ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Crash Modification Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

This study determined the crash modification factors (CMFs) associated with horizontal curve realignment using the before–after empirical Bayes method and compared the results from published CMFs from cross-sectional studies. This evaluation used data from rural, two-lane roads in California, North Carolina, and Ohio. The evaluation revealed a 68% reduction in total crashes, a 74% reduction in injury and fatal crashes, a 78% reduction in run-off-road and fixed object crashes, a 42% reduction in crashes during dark conditions, and an 80% reduction in wet-road crashes, all of which were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The results pertain to a range of site characteristics, the most important of which is the range of before and after degree of curve. The average degrees of curve in the before and after periods were 18.1 (with a minimum of 3.2 and a maximum of 52.1) and 6.9 (with a minimum of 0.0 and a maximum of 16.3), respectively. The average central angle of the curves was approximately 42° (with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 117). The CMFs from this before–after evaluation are lower compared to CMFs estimated from two previous cross-sectional studies. There is a need for further research with a larger sample of sites to assess the reliability of the CMFs obtained from this before–after evaluation.

Systematic Review of Quality Improvement Interventions Directed at Cancer Specialists

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1583-1591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Coory ◽  
Victoria M. White ◽  
Kristin S. Johnson ◽  
David J. Hill ◽  
Michael Jefford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Improvement Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Cancer Specialists ◽  
Quality Improvement Interventions

Purpose Summary evidence on the effectiveness of quality improvement interventions (QIIs) directed at cancer specialists is needed for two reasons. First, there are some innovations over which only cancer specialists have control (eg, surgical technique or chemotherapy regimen). Second, implementation of QIIs has opportunity costs; the time and money spent on an ineffective QII might be better spent on direct patient care. Methods Medical Subject Headings and text words for “quality improvement” were combined with those for “neoplasm” to search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE from January 1990 to August 2012 for studies of QIIs directed at cancer specialists (eg, medical/radiation oncologist, surgeon). All study designs were included. Results Five thousand seven hundred eighty-one articles were screened, but only 12 met the inclusion criteria, including three cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs), seven uncontrolled before-and-after comparisons, and two cross-sectional studies. All 12 studies were conducted in response to concerns about quality of care. No cRCT showed a benefit of the QIIs tested. Some uncontrolled before-and-after and cross-sectional studies reported a benefit from the QII, but these studies are difficult to interpret because of concerns about uncontrolled confounding. Interventions in all studies were multifaceted, but descriptions of different components were limited, and only one study examined their separate impact. Conclusion The published evidence about how to facilitate timely and consistent adoption of new clinical knowledge by cancer specialists into everyday clinical practice is thin. More investment is needed in research about the solution (QIIs) to match the investment in research about the problem (inconsistent/slow adoption of innovative cancer treatments).

scholarly journals Trends in Diabetes Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control in Yangon Region, Myanmar, Between 2004 and 2014, Two Cross-Sectional Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wai Phyo Aung ◽  
Espen Bjertness ◽  
Aung Soe Htet ◽  
Hein Stigum ◽  
Marte Karoline Råberg Kjøllesdal
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Who Steps Methodology ◽  
Who Steps ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
Prevalence Of Diabetes Mellitus

Myanmar is currently facing the burden of non-communicable diseases due to changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns linked to socio-economic development. However, evidence is scarce about changes in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) over time. We aimed to investigate changes in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of DM from 2004 to 2014, among adults aged 25–74 years, in the Yangon region. Two cross-sectional household-based studies, according to World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance (WHO STEPS) methodology, were conducted in 2004 (n = 4448) and 2014 (n = 1372). The overall age-standardized prevalence of DM was 8.3% (95% CI 6.5–10.6) in 2004 and 10.2% (7.6–13.6) in 2014 (p = 0.296). The DM prevalence increased between the study years among elderly participants only, from 14.6% (11.7–18.1) to 31.9% (21.1–45.0) (p = 0.009). Awareness of having DM increased from 44.3% (39.2, 49.6) to 69.4% (62.9–75.2) (p < 0.001). Among participants who were aware of having DM, the proportion under treatment increased from 55.1% (46.8–63.1) to 68.6% (61.5–74.8) (p = 0.015). There was no change in proportion with controlled DM. Adjusted for age, sex and education, mean fasting plasma glucose levels in 2014 were 0.56 mmol/L (0.26–0.84) higher than in 2004. Preventive measures to halt future increases in DM prevalence and to increase the detection of undiagnosed DM cases are needed.

scholarly journals Comparison of Crash Modification Factors for Engineering Treatments Estimated by Before–After Empirical Bayes and Propensity Score Matching Methods

2020 ◽  
pp. 036119812095377
Author(s):  
Bo Lan ◽  
Raghavan Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Empirical Bayes ◽  
Regression To The Mean ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Matching Methods ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Crash Modification Factors ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

Cross-sectional and the empirical Bayes (EB) before–after are two of the most common methods for estimating crash modification factors (CMFs). The EB before–after method has now been accepted as one way of addressing the potential bias caused by the regression to the mean problem. However, sometimes before–after methods may not feasible because of the lack of data from before and after periods. In those cases, researchers rely on cross-sectional studies to develop CMFs. However, cross-sectional studies may provide biased CMFs through confounding. The propensity score (PS) matching method, along with cross-sectional regression models, is one of the methods that can be used to address confounding. Though PS methods are widely used in epidemiology and other studies, there are only a few studies that have used PS matching methods to estimate CMFs. The intent of this study is to evaluate and compare the performance of cross-sectional regression models using PS matching methods with the results from the EB and traditional cross-sectional methods. The comparisons were conducted using two carefully selected simulated datasets. The results indicate that optimal propensity score distance (PSD) matching with maximum variable ratio of 5 performed quite well compared with the EB before–after and the traditional cross-sectional methods.

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