scholarly journals Who gets lost and why: A representative cross-sectional survey on sociodemographic and vestibular determinants of wayfinding strategies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Ulrich ◽  
Eva Grill ◽  
Virginia L. Flanagin

AbstractWhen we think of our family and friends, we probably know someone who is good at finding their way and someone else that easily get lost. We still know little about the biological and environmental factors that influence our navigational ability. Here, we investigated the frequency and sociodemographic determinants of wayfinding and their association with vestibular function in a representative cross-sectional sample (N = 783) of the adult German-speaking population. Wayfinding was assessed using the Wayfinding Strategy Scale, a self-report scale that produces two scores for each participant representing to what degree they rely on route-based or orientation (map-based) strategies. We were interested in the following research questions: (1) the frequency and determinants of wayfinding strategies in a population-based representative sample, (2) the relationship between vestibular function and strategy choice and (3) how sociodemographic factors influence general wayfinding ability as measured using a combined score from both strategy scores. Our linear regression models showed that being male, having a higher education, higher age and lower regional urbanization increased orientation strategy scores. Vertigo/dizziness reduced the scores of both the orientation and the route strategies. Using a novel approach, we grouped participants by their combined strategy scores in a multinomial regression model, to see whether individuals prefer one strategy over the other. The majority of individuals reported using either both or no strategy, instead of preferring one strategy over the other. Young age and reduced vestibular function were indicative of using no strategy. In summary, wayfinding ability depends on both biological and environmental factors; all sociodemographic factors except income. Over a third of the population, predominantly under the age of 35, does not successfully use either strategy. This represents a change in our wayfinding skills, which may result from the technological advances in navigational aids over the last few decades.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Pintye ◽  
Agnes Langat ◽  
Benson Singa ◽  
John Kinuthia ◽  
Beryne Odeny ◽  
...  

Background. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is commonly used in antiretroviral treatment (ART) and preexposure prophylaxis regimens. We evaluated the relationship of prenatal TDF use and growth outcomes among Kenyan HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants.Materials and Methods.We included PCR-confirmed HEU infants enrolled in a cross-sectional survey of mother-infant pairs conducted between July and December 2013 in Kenya. Maternal ART regimen during pregnancy was determined by self-report and clinic records. Six-week and 9-monthz-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and head circumference-for-age (HCAZ) were compared among HEU infants with and without TDF exposure usingt-tests and multivariate linear regression models.Results.Among 277 mothers who received ART during pregnancy, 63% initiated ART before pregnancy, of which 89 (32%) used TDF. No differences in birth weight (3.0 kg versus 3.1 kg,p=0.21) or gestational age (38 weeks versus 38 weeks,p=0.16) were detected between TDF-exposed and TDF-unexposed infants. At 6 weeks, unadjusted mean WAZ was lower among TDF-exposed infants (−0.8 versus −0.4,p=0.03), with a trend towards association in adjusted analyses (p=0.06). There were no associations between prenatal TDF use and WLZ, LAZ, and HCAZ in 6-week or 9-month infant cohorts.Conclusion.Maternal TDF use did not adversely affect infant growth compared to other regimens.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 740-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Thomas ◽  
HF Boardman ◽  
H Ogden ◽  
DS Millson ◽  
PR Croft

Using data from a cross-sectional survey and a prospective record linkage study the aims of this study were to: (i) determine sources of advice and care for headaches in a population survey of adults, and (ii) investigate prospectively the influences of headaches on general practice consultation in a 12-month follow-up of the responders to the population survey. A population based cross-sectional survey was mailed to 4885 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with an adjusted response rate of 56% ( n = 2662). The main outcome measures of interest were (i) self-report advice and care-seeking in the survey (ii) consultation with general practitioner for headache and for other conditions in 12-month period subsequent to the survey. Reporting a recent GP consultation for headache was associated with younger age (mean: 46 vs 48 years), female gender (68% vs 60%), and greater headache severity as measured by frequency, pain, and associated disability. The commonest sources of advice and care in the past were GPs (27%), opticians (21%), and pharmacists (8%). Consultations for headache were not common in the 12-months following the survey ( n = 144); however, those reporting a recent headache were almost 4 times more likely to consult subsequently with a headache than those not (relative risk; 95% CI: 3.7; 1.9, 7.0). Recent reporting of headache was also associated with an increased risk of consulting for mental disorders (1.7; 1.2, 2.6), diseases of the digestive (1.6; 1.1, 2.3) and respiratory system (1.4; 1.1, 1.8), and a decreased risk of consulting for circulatory diseases (0.8; 0.7, 1.0). Only a minority of headache sufferers consult their GP, regardless of severity, with opticians and pharmacists being other important sources of information. Headache appears to have an additional impact upon GP workload through increased rates of consultations for nonheadache conditions amongst headache sufferers. The interesting findings regarding rates of consultation for digestive and circulatory conditions amongst headache sufferers may be linked to the use of headache medication.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 2620
Author(s):  
Manjunath Krishna ◽  
Anu M. Oommen ◽  
Jackwin Sam Paul G. ◽  
Vinod J. Abraham ◽  
Kuryan George

Background: Population based estimates from India on the prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) are scarce. This study aimed to assess the population-based prevalence of PAD in rural and urban Vellore, Tamil Nadu, South India.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using the WHO STEPS methodology and the WHO/Rose questionnaire for intermittent claudication for identifying symptomatic PAD among adults aged 30-64 years. The study was done in nine villages of one rural block and in 48 urban wards of Vellore, between 2011-12. Risk factors for PAD such as sociodemographic factors, tobacco use, anthropometry, known medical conditions, Fasting Plasma Glucose and lipid profile were also assessed and association with PAD estimated using odds ratios, chi-square tests and logistic regression.Results: Among 5429 adults aged 30-64 years, the prevalence of PAD (intermittent claudication) was 4.9/1000 (95% Confidence Interval CI: 3.0/1000 - 6.8/1000). The prevalence in urban Vellore was higher than in the rural area (6.9/1000 vs. 3.8/1000).  After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other confounding factors, current tobacco use was found to be significantly associated with the presence of PAD (adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.10-7.54).Conclusions: This study provides estimates of the burden of PAD in rural and urban adults in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The trend of this condition needs to be monitored in various locations to assess the public health significance and the need for population level measures for diagnosis, treatment and screening. Education regarding harmful effects of tobacco use should also involve education regarding risk of PAD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Bosco Bangamwabo ◽  
John David Chetwood ◽  
Vincent Dusabejambo ◽  
Cyprien Ntirenganya ◽  
George Nuki ◽  
...  

IntroductionDyspepsia accounts for a significant burden of worldwide disease, but there is a relative paucity of data from the sub-Saharan African setting. We undertook to describe the burden, risk factors and severity of dyspepsia across Rwanda.MethodsWe performed a population-based clustered cross-sectional survey between November 2015 and January 2016, nationwide in Rwanda, using the Short Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire to describe the presence and severity of dyspepsia, and the Short Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index to describe the concomitant quality of life effects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to correlate measured sociodemographic factors with dyspepsia.ResultsThe prevalence of clinically significant dyspepsia in the general Rwandan population was 14.2% (283/2000). The univariate factors that significantly predicted severity were gender, profession, socioeconomic status, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin and alcohol use, with gender, current smoking, aspirin use both in the past and currently, and alcohol use in the past remaining significant on multivariate modelling. Dyspeptics had a significantly lower gastrointestinal-related quality of life, though the sociodemographic factors measured did not modify the observed quality of life.ConclusionDyspepsia is prevalent in the Rwandan setting and is associated with a significant burden on quality of life. More work is required to determine the pathological entities involved, and the optimal approach to mitigating this burden.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Neo M. Tapela ◽  
Lei Clifton ◽  
Gontse Tshisimogo ◽  
Moagi Gaborone ◽  
Tebogo Madidimalo ◽  
...  

Introduction. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and an emerging public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Few studies have examined performance on the management of hypertension in this region, where the context may be distinct from other developing regions. Objectives. We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control among adults in Botswana, a middle-income African country undergoing rapid demographic transition and with high HIV burden. Methods. In this 2014 cross-sectional survey of adults aged 15–69 years, information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behavior, and medical history was collected through in-person interviews and physical measurements (body mass index and triplicate blood pressure (BP)). Hypertension was defined as self-report of use of antihypertensives in the previous two weeks and/or having elevated BP (≥140/90 mmHg). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to explore factors associated with hypertension, awareness (report of previous diagnosis), treatment (antihypertensives), and control (BP < 140/90). Results. Our analysis (N = 4,007) yielded an age-standardized hypertension prevalence of 30% (95% CI: 28%–32%, N = 1,393). Among hypertensives, 54% (50–58%) were unaware of their condition, 45% (40–50%) of those aware were untreated, and 63% (55–70%) of those on medications were suboptimally treated (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg). A fifth of hypertensives who were diagnosed but not on medications had BP ≥ 180/110 mmHg. Diabetes was the strongest correlate of hypertension and awareness (aOR 4.00, 1.86–8.59; aOR 3.30, 1.44–7.55, respectively). Males were less likely to be aware (aOR 0.62, 0.41–0.94) or controlled (aOR 0.36, 0.16–0.83). Obese individuals were more likely to be treated (aOR 2.17, 1.12–4.22), yet less likely to be controlled (aOR 0.32, 0.15–0.66). Conclusions. We report the first nationally representative estimates of the hypertension care cascade performance in Botswana, which will support planning and future policy evaluations. Findings contribute to the relatively sparse evidence on this subject and may inform development of innovations that improve quality of hypertension management and adherence support in similar settings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1388-1397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Sia Perin ◽  
Marilia Estevam Cornélio ◽  
Henrique Ceretta Oliveira ◽  
Thais Moreira São-João ◽  
Caroline Rhéaume ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess salt intake and its dietary sources using biochemical and self-report methods and to characterize salt intake according to sociodemographic and disease-related variables in a sample of the Brazilian population.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional survey.SettingSalt intake was assessed by biochemical (24 h urinary Na excretion) and self-report methods (sodium FFQ, 24 h dietary recall, seasoned-salt questionnaire, discretionary-salt questionnaire and total reported salt intake).ParticipantsAdults and older people (n 517) aged 20–80 years, living in Artur Nogueira, São Paulo, Brazil.ResultsMean salt intake based on 24 h urinary Na excretion and total reported salt intake was 10·5 and 11·0 g/d, respectively; both measures were significantly correlated. Discretionary salt and seasoned salt were the most important sources of salt intake (68·2 %). Men in the study consumed more salt than women as estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion (11·7 v. 9·6 g salt/d; P<0·0001). Participants known to be hypertensive added more salt to their meals but consumed less salty ultra-processed foods. Waist circumference in both sexes and BMI were positively correlated with salt intake estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion. In addition, regression analysis revealed that being a young male or having a high waist circumference was a predictor of higher salt intake.ConclusionsSalt intake in this population was well above the recommended amount. The main source of salt intake came from salt added during cooking. Salt intake varied according to sex and waist circumference.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711689
Author(s):  
Kashan Niazi

BackgroundElectronic media are playing a negative role in people’s lives and yet people are unaware of the hazardous effect.AimTo show that screen-time of >1 hour had detrimental associations with school performance.MethodA population-based, cross-sectional survey of 363 students, mean age 14.2 years (grades 5–8), from both government and private-sector schools in Karachi was conducted. A total of 363 students (210 males [57.9%] and 153 females [42.1%]) were included in the study. Of these students, 193 (53.2%) belonged to government schools and 173 (46.8%) to private schools. A questionnaire form was filled in. Weekday, weekend television, and video game screen-time was looked at. The main outcome was self-report of school performance (grades A, B, and C). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent effects of each variable, adjusting for demographics, child personality, and parenting style.ResultsTelevision content measurement showed that 69 (19%) students watched sports channels regularly while 30 (8.3%) and 3 (0.8%) watched educational and action programmes, respectively. The viewers of entertainment TV programmes (268 [73.8%]) and news programmes (159 [43.8%]) were in the majority. In terms of school grades, 154 students (42.4%) attained grade A, 180 students (49.6%) scored grade B, and 29 (8%) obtained grade C. Data showed no association between increased screen-time of ≤1 hour (weekdays as well as weekends) with poor school performance (P=0.46 and P=0.58, respectively).ConclusionScreen-time of ≤1 hour does not have any detrimental associations with poor school performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Bajos ◽  
◽  
Florence Jusot ◽  
Ariane Pailhé ◽  
Alexis Spire ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Significant differences in COVID-19 incidence by gender, class and race/ethnicity are recorded in many countries in the world. Lockdown measures, shown to be effective in reducing the number of new cases, may not have been effective in the same way for all, failing to protect the most vulnerable populations. This survey aims to assess social inequalities in the trends in COVID-19 infections following lockdown. Methods A cross-sectional survey conducted among the general population in France in April 2020, during COVID-19 lockdown. Ten thousand one hundred one participants aged 18–64, from a national cohort who lived in the three metropolitan French regions most affected by the first wave of COVID-19. The main outcome was occurrence of possible COVID-19 symptoms, defined as the occurrence of sudden onset of cough, fever, dyspnea, ageusia and/or anosmia, that lasted more than 3 days in the 15 days before the survey. We used multinomial regression models to identify social and health factors related to possible COVID-19 before and during the lockdown. Results In all, 1304 (13.0%; 95% CI: 12.0–14.0%) reported cases of possible COVID-19. The effect of lockdown on the occurrence of possible COVID-19 was different across social hierarchies. The most privileged class individuals saw a significant decline in possible COVID-19 infections between the period prior to lockdown and during the lockdown (from 8.8 to 4.3%, P = 0.0001) while the decline was less pronounced among working class individuals (6.9% before lockdown and 5.5% during lockdown, P = 0.03). This differential effect of lockdown remained significant after adjusting for other factors including history of chronic disease. The odds of being infected during lockdown as opposed to the prior period increased by 57% among working class individuals (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.00–2.48). The same was true for those engaged in in-person professional activities during lockdown (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03–2.29). Conclusions Lockdown was associated with social inequalities in the decline in COVID-19 infections, calling for the adoption of preventive policies to account for living and working conditions. Such adoptions are critical to reduce social inequalities related to COVID-19, as working-class individuals also have the highest COVID-19 related mortality, due to higher prevalence of comorbidities.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Bajos ◽  
Florence Jusot ◽  
Ariane Pailhé ◽  
Alexis Spire ◽  
Claude Martin ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo assess social inequalities in the trends in COVID-19 infections following lockdownDesignA cross-sectional survey conducted among the general population in France in April 2020, during COVID-19 lockdown.Participants10 401 participants aged 18-64, from a national cohort who lived in the three metropolitan French regions most affected by the first wave of COVID-19.Main outcomeThe main outcome was occurrence of possible COVID-19 symptoms, defined as the occurrence of sudden onset of cough, fever, dyspnea, ageusia and/or anosmia, that lasted more than three days in the 15 days before the survey. We used multinomial regression models to identify social and health factors related to possible COVID-19 before and during the lockdown.ResultsIn all, 1,304 (13.0%; 95% CI: 12.0%-14.0%) reported cases of possible COVID-19. The effect of lockdown on the occurrence of possible COVID-19 was different across social hierarchies. The most privileged class individuals saw a significant decline in possible COVID-19 infections between the period prior to lockdown and during the lockdown (from 8.8% to 4.3%, P=0.0001) while the decline was less pronounced among working class individuals (6.9% before lockdown and 5.5% during lockdown, P=0.03). This differential effect of lockdown remained significant after adjusting for other factors including history of chronic disease. The odds of being contaminated during lockdown as opposed to the prior period increased by 57% among working class individuals (OR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.0-2.48). The same was true for those engaged in in-person professional activities during lockdown (OR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.03-2.29).InterpretationLockdown was associated with social inequalities in the decline in COVID-19 infections, calling for the adoption of preventive policies to account for living and working conditions. Such adoptions are critical to reduce social inequalities related to COVID-19, as working-class individuals also have the highest COVID-19 related mortality, due to higher prevalence of comorbidities.Section 1: What is already known on this topicSignificant differences in COVID-19 incidence by gender, class and race/ethnicity are recorded in many countries in the world. Lockdown measures implemented throughout the globe have been effective in reducing transmission risks.Section 2: What this study addsOur study shows that lockdown’s impact was socially differentiated and has benefited the working classes the least. Such results underline the need to design COVID-19 preventive policies that take into account living and working conditions, as working-class individuals also have the highest COVID-19 related mortality, due to higher prevalence of comorbidities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziad Abdeen ◽  
Christine Jildeh ◽  
Sahar Dkeideek ◽  
Radwan Qasrawi ◽  
Ibrahim Ghannam ◽  
...  

Background. A cross-sectional survey was designed to provide a baseline data on the prevalence and distribution of overweight and obesity and their associations among adults in Palestine.Methods. A random representative sample of 3617 adults aged 18–64 years was collected between October 1999 and October 2000.Results. The prevalence of overweight was 35.5% in women and 40.3% in men, obesity was 31.5% in women and 17.5% in men. Adults aged 45–54 years old were significantly more likely to be obese (29.2% in men and 50.2% in women) or overweight (48.1% in men and 37.2% in women). When compared with women, men showed significantly more normal BMI level (40.5% versus 31.6%;P<0.05). Cut-off points for a high waist circumference and high waist-to-hip ratio identified 57.8% and 47.2% of the population, respectively, to be at an increased and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Sociodemographic factors (age, sex, educational level, and marital status) were also found to be significantly related to BMI.Conclusion. Obesity and overweight are enormous public health problems in Palestine. Population-based research at the national level to investigate the social and cultural factors associated with high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Palestinian adults should be implemented.


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