scholarly journals What are the barriers and facilitators of volunteering among healthcare students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A Saudi-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042910
Author(s):  
Reem S AlOmar ◽  
Nouf A AlShamlan ◽  
Naheel A AlAmer ◽  
Fajar Aldulijan ◽  
Seereen AlMuhaidib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Moral Duties ◽  
Healthy Participants

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the volunteering of undergraduate health students and interns in the Ministry of Health (MOH) services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, its motivational factors and barriers, as well as their risk perception of COVID-19.DesignA cross-sectional study.ParticipantsFrom 12 to 21 May 2020, an online survey was sent to all undergraduate health students and interns in the KSA. This included questions on demographics, volunteering status, risk perception of COVID-19, as well as motivations and barriers towards volunteering.ResultsIn a convenience sample of 6016 students and interns across KSA, 1824 (30.31%) have volunteered with the MOH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering was more likely among older participants, from the College of Medicine, those with self-perceived at risk of COVID-19 infection and those with self-perceived healthy participants. Females, those who did not think that students had moral duties to volunteer, those who were at risk of seasonal influenza and those with self-perceived at risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19 were less likely to volunteer. Patriotism, gaining experience, assisting when able and religious rewards all were reported as major motivators to volunteer. Non-volunteering participants reported that lack of interest, protocol and knowledge, as well as issues related to their personal health and transportation were the main barriers to volunteering.ConclusionsAbout one-third of undergraduate health students and interns volunteered during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in KSA. Moral values were the most important motivations among volunteers. Efforts to encourage heath students and interns to volunteer and providing those with appropriate educational programmes are recommended.

scholarly journals Physician related barriers towards insulin therapy at primary care centres in Trinidad: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shastri Motilal
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Insulin Therapy ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Public

Abstract Background Physician related factors with respect to insulin therapy can contribute to diabetes mellitus (DM) mismanagement. Patient related factors have been previously explored in a Trinidad survey. The main objective of this study was to explore primary care physicians’ (PCPs) related barriers towards insulin therapy. Methods A cross-sectional study on a convenience sample of PCPs in the public primary care system was done using an online survey. Results Of the 170 PCPs contacted, 75 (44%) responded. There were 47 females (62.7%) and 28 males (37.3%) with a mean age of 35.9 yrs. Nearly 40% of physicians admitted that the education given to patients was inadequate to allow initiation of insulin therapy. Half the respondents admitted to insufficient consultation times and inadequate appointment frequency to allow for intensification of insulin therapy. Forty percent of PCPs admitted that HbA1c results were unavailable to guide their management decisions. Only 6.7% of physicians said they had access to rapid acting insulin, while 5.3% said they had access to insulin pens. Conclusion PCPs in Trinidad treating diabetes at the public primary care clinics face several barriers in administering proper insulin therapy. Addressing these factors can improve glycemic control in this population.

scholarly journals Are we Ready to Use Microchip Implants? An International Cross-sectional Study

Organizacija ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-292
Author(s):  
Anja Žnidaršič ◽  
Alenka Baggia ◽  
Antonín Pavlíček ◽  
Jakub Fischer ◽  
Maciej Rostański ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Perceived Trust

Abstract Background and purpose: Despite their clear relevance to human life, microchip implants are still widely viewed as negative, threatening our privacy and raising growing concerns about our health. This paper aims to investigate the important factors influencing people’s perception of microchip implants and their willingness to use them for different purposes. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in three European countries and the data were analysed using the group Structural Equation Modeling approach. Only complete answers to the online survey questionnaire items were used representing a convenience sample of 804 respondents. Results: The results show that perceived ease of use, usefulness and perceived trust are significant predictors of intention to use microchip implants. Perceived trust is influenced by privacy and technology safety. Concerns about painful procedures and other health concerns reduce the perceived usefulness of microchip implants. Apart from the predictor health concerns, the results were similar in all countries. Conclusion: Based on the presented results, researchers interested in investigating the actual use of microchip implants can establish a solid foundation for their research. The results may assist policy makers in developing the regulations to ensure the safe use of microchip implants and allow for a higher level of security. As a follow-up, investigation of changes in the acceptance of microchip implants following the threat of a global pandemic is proposed.

Prevalence of Food Addiction during Covid-19 Pandemic in Amman, Jordan: A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Ruba Musharbash
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Food Addiction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Impact

Aim: Emerging evidence highlights the impact of stressful conditions on eating behaviours, particularly the consumption of foods high in salt, sugar and fat. The impact of the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on food addiction is still un-estimated. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of food addiction among the Jordanian population during the quarantine. Materials and methods: A Cross-sectional study has been conducted between the 27th of April and the 4th of June of 2020. An online survey of Yale food addiction scale v.2.0 (YFAS 2.0) was distributed. A convenience sample was collected through social media sites. Differences in socio-demographic characteristics were analysed using t-test and chi-square tests. Food addiction was classified based on the scoring scale. Determinants of food addition were predicted by using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of food addiction was 21.5% among adults. Among food addiction participants, 76.4% were diagnosed as severely food addicted. More than 50% of the participants reported high consumption of foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat (48.2%, 51.8%, and 52.5%, respectively). Overweight and obese young adults were more likely to have food addiction compared to normal weight. The multinominal logistic regression model revealed that there was no determinants of food addiction among adults. Conclusion: During the first months of the quarantine, the prevalence of food addiction was higher among obese and overweight adults compared to normal-weight adults.

scholarly journals Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001268
Author(s):  
Angela Koipuram ◽  
Sandra Carroll ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Diana Sherifali
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

scholarly journals Awareness and outcomes of the fruits and veggies (FNV) campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among targeted audiences in California and Virginia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa R. Englund ◽  
Valisa E. Hedrick ◽  
Sofía Rincón-Gallardo Patiño ◽  
Lauren E. Kennedy ◽  
Kathryn W. Hosig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

Abstract Background In 2015, the Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign to apply a unique industry-inspired marketing approach to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two US pilot markets: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among FNV Campaign target audiences in the California and Virginia market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in fruit- and vegetable-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n = 1604; February–July 2017) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n = 860) in the two pilot markets. Descriptive statistics were computed and outcomes compared between unaware and aware respondents, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to assess whether fruit- and vegetable-related attitude, belief, and encouragement outcomes differed by FNV Campaign awareness; logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables (fruit- and vegetable-related behavioral intentions, trying new fruits and vegetables); and ANCOVA was used to assess associations with daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency. Results Approximately 20% (n = 315/1604) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 167, 22.4%) had higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 148, 17.2%) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than mothers unaware of the Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness. Conclusions FNV Campaign awareness was associated with limited but positive short- and intermediate-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use and Sexual Violence among Nursing Students in Catalonia, Spain: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6036
Author(s):  
Concepció Fuentes-Pumarola ◽  
Zaira Reyes-Amargant ◽  
Alba Berenguer-Simon ◽  
David Ballester-Ferrando ◽  
Maria Dolors Burjalés-Martí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Estimate Prevalence

(1) Background: Sexual violence (SV) has become common in universities for reasons related to unwanted social/peer pressures regarding alcohol/drug use and sexual activities. Objectives: To identify perceptions of SV and alcohol use and estimate prevalence among nursing students in Catalonia, Spain. (2) Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of nursing students attending public universities. (3) Results: We recruited 686 students (86.11% women), who reported as follows: 68.7% had consumed alcohol, 65.6% had been drunk at least once in the previous year, 62.65% had experienced blackouts and 25.55% had felt pressured to consume alcohol. Drunkenness and blackouts were related (p < 0.000). Of the 15.6% of respondents who had experienced SV, 47.7% experienced SV while under the influence of alcohol and were insufficiently alert to stop what was happening, while 3.06% reported rape. SV was more likely to be experienced by women (OR: 2.770; CI 95%: 1.229–6.242; p = 0.014), individuals reporting a drunk episode in the previous year (OR: 2.839; 95% CI: 1.551–5.197; p = 0.001) and individuals pressured to consume alcohol (OR: 2.091; 95% CI: 1.332–3.281; p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Nursing instructors need to raise student awareness of both the effects of alcohol use and SV, so as to equip these future health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with SV among young people.

scholarly journals Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Stefania Costi ◽  
Sara Paltrinieri ◽  
Barbara Bressi ◽  
Stefania Fugazzaro ◽  
Paolo Giorgi Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems.

Evaluating the Association Between Artificial Sweetener Intake and Indicators of Stress and Anxiety

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110221
Author(s):  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Artificial Sweetener ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Very High

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption and stress and anxiety, among a sample of college students. Two-hundred and twenty-seven students from a large mid-western university participated in this cross-sectional study. Students completed an online survey that evaluated NNS using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Stress and anxiety were evaluated using previously validated instruments. Most students reported very low/low/average concern for stress (63.9%), and had low/moderate anxiety (82.3%). Participants experiencing high and very high levels of stress had significantly higher NNS consumption compared to those with a very low and low risk, and concern for stress ( p < .046; d = 0.28). There was no difference however for NNS intake and anxiety. Reduction of artificial sweetener intake may be associated with stress levels among college students. However, more research is needed to examine any causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and stress.

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