Fears and phobias: reliability and heritability

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. KENDLER ◽  
L. M. KARKOWSKI ◽  
C. A. PRESCOTT
Keyword(s):  
Threshold Model ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Threshold ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Background. Familial factors, which are partly genetic, influence risk for phobias. Prior family and twin studies, however, were based on a single lifetime assessment, which may be only moderately reliable.Methods. We obtained, 8 years apart, two assessments of lifetime history of five unreasonable fears and phobias (agoraphobia and social, situational, animal and blood-injury phobia) from face-to-face and telephone interviews from 1708 individual female twins from a population-based registry. We also obtained, 1 month apart, test–retest reliability on 192 twins. We fitted, using the program Mx, a measurement model that estimates the role of genetic and environmental risk factors correcting for measurement error.Results. Short-term reliability of the five phobias was modest (mean κ=0·46), but higher than long-term stability (mean κ=0·30). Unreliability occurred both for subject recall of unreasonable fears and for interviewer assessment of which fears constituted phobias. Examining fears and phobias together, in a multiple threshold model, results suggested that twin resemblance was due solely to genetic factors, with estimated total heritabilities, corrected for unreliability, of: any 43%, agoraphobia 67%, animal 47%, blood/injury 59%, situational 46% and social 51%. With the exception of animal phobia, similar results were obtained analysing phobias alone.Conclusions. Lifetime histories of unreasonable fears and phobias assessed at personal interview have substantial unreliability. Correcting for unreliability, the liability to fears and their associated phobias is moderately heritable. Individual-specific environmental experiences play an important role in the development of phobias, while familial–environmental factors appear to be of little aetiological significance.

Risk Factors for Malignancies in Pediatric Population: Results of A Population-Based Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolande Saab ◽  
Mirna Naccache ◽  
Rony Zeenny ◽  
Shereen Nabhani-Gebara ◽  
Lydia Sholy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Electrical Networks ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
History Of ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Cancer is the most common cause of disease-related deaths in childhood. Many sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental and genetic risk factors have been associated with a childhood cancer risk. However, few to no such studies have been conducted in the Middle East including Lebanon. This is a population-based case-control study that was conducted in the Lebanese pediatric population. Data was collected through face- to-face interviews, using a questionnaire, with parents of children with cancer in Lebanese pediatric cancer centers over a two-year period. In total, the sample consisted of 322 participants. Results showed that there are several sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental factors, in addition to consanguinity between parents, level of education and occupation of the parents , area of residence of the child (location and proximity to high-voltage electrical networks, garbage disposal areas, industrial factories and high-ways) as well as sibling history of cancer are risk factors for childhood cancers in Lebanon. Conclusion: This study informs policy makers on the risk factors in order to find solution as well as policies to decrease and mitigate these risks.

scholarly journals The German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife)

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-547
Author(s):  
Bastian Mönkediek ◽  
Volker Lang ◽  
Lena Weigel ◽  
Myriam A. Baum ◽  
Eike F. Eifler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Twin Families ◽  
The Life Course

AbstractThe German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife) is a German longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic same-sex twin pairs and their families that was designed to investigate the development of social inequalities over the life course. The study covers an observation period from approximately 2014 to 2023. The target population of the sample are reared-together twins of four different age cohorts that were born in 2009/2010 (cohort 1), in 2003/2004 (cohort 2), in 1997/1998 (cohort 3) and between 1990 and 1993 (cohort 4). In the first wave, the study included data on 4097 twin families. Families were recruited in all parts of Germany so that the sample comprises the whole range of the educational, occupational and income structure. As of 2019, two face-to-face, at-home interviews and two telephone interviews have been conducted. Data from the first home and telephone interviews are already available free of charge as a scientific use-file from the GESIS data archive. This report aims to provide an overview of the study sample and design as well as constructs that are unique in TwinLife in comparison with previous twin studies — such as an assessment of cognitive abilities or information based on the children’s medical records and report cards. In addition, major findings based on the data already released are displayed, and future directions of the study are presented and discussed.

Migraine and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Liew ◽  
JJ Wang ◽  
P Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
International Headache Society ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease Mortality ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Disease Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

A recent population-based prospective study reported that in women, migraine with aura (MA), but not migraine without aura (MoA), was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease events (CHD). We sought to confirm this association in an Australian population-based cohort of older men and women ( n = 2331, aged 49-97 years). We defined MA and MoA from face-to-face interview using International Headache Society criteria. Over a mean 6-year follow-up, 30 women (2.8%) and 30 men (4.4%) without any prior CHD history died from CHD-related causes. In women, a history of MA was associated with a non-significant twofold higher risk of CHD death (age-adjusted relative risk 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.8, 5.8, P = 0.11), which remained similar after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. There were no CHD deaths in men with a history of migraine. Our findings support reports that in women, MA, but not MoA, may be associated with increased risk of CHD.

Perceptions of fairness in financial services: an analysis of distribution channels

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harjit Singh Sekhon ◽  
Sanjit Kumar Roy ◽  
James Devlin
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Perceptions Of Fairness ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine fairness within financial services. In making the contribution the authors examine fairness by four different channels to market and across a range of financial services products. The product categories in the study are those with the highest density levels in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – Underpinned by the development of new measures, this paper is based on telephone interviews and on-line surveys with UK customers of financial services. More than 1,000 customers participated in the survey during the middle of 2013. After reporting the measurement model, the authors use ANOVA to report the differences in the perception of the dimensions of fairness by channel to market. Findings – The authors found there to be significant differences in perceptions using different channels to market. The research shows that where a face-to-face interaction takes place, such as branch contact, they are perceived to be fairer than when interactions are more remote. Given the dimensions of fairness, this reveals the importance of communications during explanations so that interactions are deemed to be fair. Research limitations/implications – The focus of this research was the examination of fairness within the setting of the UK’s financial services sector. The authors are minded that if the research is replicated in other countries or contexts then different aspects of fairness might emerge. Practical implications – Given the challenges faced by the financial services sector, there are implications for practitioners because they must be seen to be treating customers fairly. The research shows that remote contact such as the internet is not perceived as being as fair as face-to-face contact. The fair treatment of customers is likely to lead to positive brand benefits. Originality/value – This study complements the understanding of fairness and provides insight for scholars and practitioners, within financial services.

Uncertainty about cellulitis and unmet patient information needs: a mixed methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Information Needs ◽  
History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.

Association of staphylococcal skin infections and swimming

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Charoenca ◽  
R. S. Fujioka
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Skin Infection ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Phage Types ◽  
History Of ◽  
Staphylococcal Skin Infections ◽  
Recreational Use

An association between using coastal waters for recreation and staphylococcal skin infections has been reported by canoe paddlers and several physicians in Hawaii. A retrospective epidemiological/microbiological monitoring study was undertaken to determine the association between S aureus skin infections in youngsters (4 months to 16 years of age) and their exposure to recreational use of coastal waters. Telephone interviews were conducted of 53 patients with such skin infections and 53 similar (controlled for age and sex) patients with no infection. A significant association between skin infection and water exposure was found, the odds showing that those developing skin infection caused by S aureus were 4 times more likely to have had a history of seawater contact than the control group. Moreover, the antibiotic sensitivity patterns and phage types of S aureus isolated from patients were similar to those isolated from seawater at bathing beaches.

scholarly journals Sex disparities in cardiovascular health metrics among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Han ◽  
Ziying Jiang ◽  
Yuanjing Li ◽  
Yongxiang Wang ◽  
Yajun Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Sex Disparities

Abstract Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated sex disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China. Methods This community-based study included 5026 participants (age ≥ 65 years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. In March–September 2018, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors—smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors—blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association’s recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women. Results Of all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global (9.7% vs. 7.8%) and behavioral (18.3% vs. 9.5%) CVH metrics (p < 0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend< 0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions The CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct sex differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors. Trial registration ChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018).

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