scholarly journals Contextual characteristics associated with the perceived neighbourhood scale in a cross-sectional study in a large urban centre in Brazil

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e021445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiano de Almeida Célio ◽  
Amélia Augusta de Lima Friche ◽  
M Zane Jennings ◽  
Amanda Cristina de Souza Andrade ◽  
Cesar Coelho Xavier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contextual Characteristics ◽  
Belo Horizonte ◽  
Neighbourhood Scale

IntroductionHealth outcomes have been associated with physical and social characteristics of neighbourhoods, but little is known about the relationship between contextual factors and perceived neighbourhood scale.ObjectiveTo identify the contextual factors associated with self-perceived neighbourhood scale.MethodsWe analysed data from a cross-sectional population-based study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, that took place in 2008–2009. The dependent variable was perceived neighbourhood, encoded as an ordinal scale based on a brief description of the concept of the neighbourhood, and two independent scales relating distance, expressed in terms of geography and time. Street connectivity, demographic density and residents’ perceptions of the neighbourhoods’ physical and social environment were used as contextual predictors. Individual characteristics were used as covariates. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression models estimated the association between perceived neighbourhood scale and contextual characteristics.ResultsResidents that perceive better walkability (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.82) and high amounts of violence (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.62) perceived their neighbourhoods to be larger, even after adjusting for individual characteristics.ConclusionThere are contextual factors that are associated with self-perceived neighbourhood scale. Careful definition of neighbourhood scale is a key factor in improving the results of eco-epidemiological studies. Although these findings must be further explored in other studies, these results can contribute to a better understanding of an appropriate choice of neighbourhood scale, especially for cities in Latin America.

scholarly journals Comparative study of the prevalence of sepsis in patients admitted to dermatology and internal medicine wards

2013 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-747
Author(s):  
Luiz Mauricio Costa Almeida ◽  
Michelle dos Santos Diniz ◽  
Lorena dos Santos Diniz ◽  
Jackson Machado-Pinto ◽  
Francisco Chagas Lima Silva
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Internal Medicine Ward ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Systemic Corticosteroids ◽  
Internal Medicine Wards ◽  
Belo Horizonte

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The prevalence of this condition has increased significantly in different parts of the world. Patients admitted to dermatology wards often have severe loss of skin barrier and use systemic corticosteroids, which favor the development of sepsis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of sepsis among patients admitted to a dermatology ward compared to that among patients admitted to an internal medicine ward. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, observational, comparative study that was conducted at Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. Data were collected from all patients admitted to four hospital beds at the dermatology and internal medicine wards between July 2008 and July 2009. Medical records were analyzed for the occurrence of sepsis, dermatologic diagnoses, comorbidities, types of pathogens and most commonly used antibiotics. RESULTS: We analyzed 185 medical records. The prevalence of sepsis was 7.6% among patients admitted to the dermatology ward and 2.2% (p = 0.10) among those admitted to the internal medicine ward. Patients with comorbidities, diabetes mellitus and cancer did not show a higher incidence of sepsis. The main agent found was Staphylococcus aureus, and the most commonly used antibiotics were ciprofloxacin and oxacillin. There was a significant association between sepsis and the use of systemic corticosteroids (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: It becomes clear that epidemiological studies on sepsis should be performed more extensively and accurately in Brazil so that efforts to prevent and treat this serious disease can be made more effectively.

World Health Organization: The Use of Twins in Epidemiological Studies Report of the WHO Meeting of Investigators

1966 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-128 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Research ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
World Health ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Accessible Information

The WHO Meeting of Investigators on Methodology of Twin Studies was held in Geneva from 24 October to 1 November 1965. The meeting was opened by Dr L. Verhoestraete, Director, Division of Health Protection and Promotion, who welcomed the participants. He said that this meeting of geneticists, epidemiologists and clinicians had been called to review the possible contribution of twin studies, a recognized tool in genetic research, to the broader field of epidemiological investigations, where so far they had found comparatively little use.Professor D. D. Reid was elected Chairman; Professor L. Gedda, Vice-Chairman and Dr R. Cederlöf, Rapporteur.Studies of general population characteristics include vital statistics such as mortality and morbidity data which are obtained on a routine basis. These data constitute one of the best sources of raw material for epidemiological studies and provide easily accessible information for basic research and for programme planning in control of disease. Very often they raise questions concerning the epidemiology of chronic disease, which may help delineate the relevant factors and provide guiding hypotheses for further research in this field. A deeper understanding of disease may also be arrived at through the study of individual characteristics in cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective studies, and through experimental investigations. A cross-sectional study can be used not only in determining prevalence of disease in a population, but it can also serve as the base-point for a longitudinal study of chronic diseases.

How Do Social Media Impact Interpersonal Communication Competence?

2020 ◽  
pp. 137-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. Hollenbaugh ◽  
Amber L. Ferris ◽  
Daniel J. Casey
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Communication Competence ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional

The current study examines the role of psycho-social individual characteristics, social media motives, and social media use as predictors of interpersonal communication competence (ICC). Applying the uses and gratifications theoretical framework, this research seeks to explore the potential effects of social media use related to the second digital generation (2DG), or those born after 1990. A cross-sectional study design, surveying 373 college students ages 18-24 years, found that offline social capital, interpersonal interaction, and social activity were direct, positive predictors of ICC. Social media motives and use contributed a small but significant portion of explained variance in the model, above and beyond effects of psycho-social characteristics. Specifically, members of the 2DG who use social media to compensate for offline loneliness, as well as those who were more dependent on social media to fulfill a variety of needs reported lower ICC. Limitations and directions for future research are also offered.

scholarly journals Perception of front-of-pack labels according to social characteristics, nutritional knowledge and food purchasing habits

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Méjean ◽  
Pauline Macouillard ◽  
Sandrine Péneau ◽  
Serge Hercberg ◽  
Katia Castetbon
Keyword(s):  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Health Programme ◽  
Quality Guarantee

AbstractObjectiveTo identify patterns of perception of front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels and to determine social factors, nutritional knowledge and attention to packaging features related to such patterns.DesignCross-sectional. Perception was measured using indicators of understanding and acceptability of three simple FOP labels (the ‘Green Tick’, the logo of the French Nutrition and Health Programme (PNNS logo) and ‘simple traffic lights’ (STL)) and two detailed formats (‘multiple traffic lights’ (MTL) and the ‘colour range’ logo (CR)). Associations of perception patterns with individual characteristics were examined using χ2 tests.SettingData from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study.SubjectsA total of 38 763 adults.ResultsFour perception patterns emerged. Poorly educated individuals were most often found in groups favouring simple formats. The ‘favourable to CR’ group had a high rate of men and older persons. Poor nutritional knowledge was more frequent in the ‘favourable to STL’ group, while individuals with substantial knowledge were proportionally more numerous in the ‘favourable to MTL’ group. The ‘favourable to STL’ group more frequently self-reported noting price and marketing characteristics during purchasing, while the ‘favourable to MTL’ and ‘favourable to CR’ groups declared more interest in nutritional information. The ‘favourable to Green Tick and PNNS logo’ group self-reported paying closer attention to claims and quality guarantee labels.ConclusionsThe ‘favourable to MTL’ cluster was most frequently represented in our survey. However, simple FOP formats may be most appropriate for increasing awareness of healthy eating among targeted groups with poor nutritional knowledge and little interest in the nutritional quality of packaged foods.

AWARENESS ABOUT INDOOR AIR POLLUTION IN GENERAL POPULATION OF RAWALPINDI AND ISLAMABAD

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-83
Author(s):  
Nadia Tariq ◽  
Tamkeen Jaffry ◽  
Rahma Fiaz ◽  
Abdul Majid Rajput ◽  
Sadaf Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
General Population ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Indoor air pollutants are increasingly being associated with respiratory illnesses leading to high degree of morbidity and mortality. There are not sufficient epidemiological studies from Pakistan which assess level of awareness of indoor air pollution resulting in respiratory diseases in population. Methods: This cross sectional survey was carried out on general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Sample size was 223 study subjects selected by non-probability convenient sampling. Knowledge of the study subjects was determined with regard to indoor air pollution, its effects on health and different sources of indoor air pollution with the help of a questionnaire. The influence of age, gender, educational status and socio economic status on the level of awareness was also analyzed. Results: Out of total 223 participants, 115 were males and108 females. Participants aware of indoor air pollution were 91.5% and adequate awareness about its sources was 80.7%. Those who knew indoor air pollution is detrimental to health were 95.1%. Awareness about building construction dust as source of indoor air pollution was maximum (84.8%). There was significant difference in awareness among participants with different monthly incomes and educational status and also between males and females. Conclusion: This study concludes that general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad has fairly good awareness about sources of indoor air pollution. Use of harmful material causing indoor air pollution should be limited or substituted with better ones where possible.

Bereavement or Breakup: A Network Approach to Modeling Differential Pathways into Depression

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Burger ◽  
Margaret S. Stroebe ◽  
Pasqualina Perrig-Chiello ◽  
Henk A.W. Schut ◽  
Stefanie Spahni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Graphical Models ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Marital Disruption ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Within Subjects

Background: Prior network analyses demonstrated that the death of a loved one potentially precedes specific depression symptoms, primarily loneliness, which in turn links to other depressive symptoms. In this study, we extend prior research by comparing depression symptom network structures following two types of marital disruption: bereavement versus separation. Methods: We fitted two Gaussian Graphical Models to cross-sectional data from a Swiss survey of older persons (145 bereaved, 217 separated, and 362 married controls), and compared symptom levels across bereaved and separated individuals. Results: Separated compared to widowed individuals were more likely to perceive an unfriendly environment and oneself as a failure. Both types of marital disruption were linked primarily to loneliness, from where different relations emerged to other depressive symptoms. Amongst others, loneliness had a stronger connection to perceiving oneself as a failure in separated compared to widowed individuals. Conversely, loneliness had a stronger connection to getting going in widowed individuals. Limitations: Analyses are based on cross-sectional between-subjects data, and conclusions regarding dynamic processes on the within-subjects level remain putative. Further, some of the estimated parameters in the network exhibited overlapping confidence intervals and their order needs to be interpreted with care. Replications should thus aim for studies with multiple time points and larger samples. Conclusions: The findings of this study add to a growing body of literature indicating that depressive symptom patterns depend on contextual factors. If replicated on the within-subjects level, such findings have implications for setting up patient-tailored treatment approaches in dependence of contextual factors.

scholarly journals To which extent are per-and poly-fluorinated substances associated to metabolic syndrome?

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Zare Jeddi ◽  
Rozita Soltanmohammadi ◽  
Giulia Barbieri ◽  
Aline S. C. Fabricio ◽  
Gisella Pitter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
General Population ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Epidemiologic Evidence ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous persistent environmental contaminants, has led to substantial global concern due to their potential environmental and human health effects. Several epidemiological studies have assessed the possible association between PFAS exposure and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the results are ambiguous. The aim of this study was to assess the current human epidemiologic evidence on the association between exposure to PFAS and MetS. We performed a systematic search strategy using three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for relevant studies concerning the associations of PFAS with MetS and its clinical relevance from inception until January 2021. We undertook meta-analyses where there were five or more studies with exposure and outcomes assessments that were reasonably comparable. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effects models and heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 index and Q test. A total of 12 cross-sectional studies (10 studies on the general population and two studies in the occupational settings) investigated the association between PFAS exposure and MetS. We pooled data from seven studies on the general population for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and five studies for perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Predominately, most studies reported no statistically significant association between concentrations of PFAS and MetS. In the meta-analysis, the overall measure of effect was not statistically significant, showing no evidence of an association between concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS and the risk of MetS. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, current small body of evidence does not support association between PFAS and MetS. However, due to limited number of studies and substantial heterogeneity, results should be interpreted with caution. Further scrutinizing cohort studies are needed to evaluate the association between various and less well-known PFAS substances and their mixture with MetS and its components in both adults and children in different settings.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽  
Jean Joel Bigna ◽  
Sebastien Kenmoe ◽  
Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽  
Marie A. Amougou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

scholarly journals Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Soldavini ◽  
Hazael Andrew ◽  
Maureen Berner
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Security Module ◽  
Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Parental, child and socio-contextual factors associated with parenting self-efficacy among parents of children aged 0–7 years old: the CIKEO study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Fang ◽  
Amy van Grieken ◽  
Irene N. Fierloos ◽  
Dafna A. Windhorst ◽  
Harrie Jonkman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Functioning ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Effective Policy ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background A high parenting self-efficacy (PSE) has been associated with positive parenting and positive child development. However, there is limited and inconsistent information on factors associated with PSE. Objective To investigate factors associated with PSE in parents of children aged 0–7 years old, and to explore whether the associations were different between mothers and fathers. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from a prospective cohort study: the CIKEO study. A total of 1012 parents (mean age = 33.8, SD = 5.0) completed self-reported measure of PSE and 18 potential factors associated with PSE. Results Multivariable models revealed that lower parenting stress, fewer child behavior problems, better eating behavior, better parental and child general health, a smaller number of children living in the household, higher perceived level of social support and having a migration background were associated with higher levels of PSE (p < 0.05). The association between family functioning and PSE differed between mothers and fathers (p for interaction = 0.003): with beta and 95% confidence interval being: 1.29 (− 2.05, 0.87), and 0.23 (− 0.46, 3.29), respectively. Conclusions A range of parental, child and social-contextual factors in relation to PSE were identified. The patterns of associations for most of the factors were similar among mothers and fathers. However, the association between family functioning and PSE might differ for mothers and fathers. Our findings are relevant for tailoring and implementing successful interventions and effective policy making in child care. Trial registration Netherlands National Trial Register number NL7342. Date of registration: 05-November-2018, retrospectively registered.

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