Gambling and the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Quebec (Canada): protocol for a mixed-methods study

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has major collateral impacts on mental health. Gambling is among the major public health issues that seems to have been transformed by the pandemic. In the province of Quebec in Canada, gambling is an important leisure activity. About two out of three adults are in Quebec gamble. The objective of this study is to draw a portrait of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gamblers and to learn more about their experiences during the pandemic in the province of Quebec.Method and analysisThis study has a sequential explanatory mixed-method design in two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional online survey with Quebec residents who are 18 years of age or older and have gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. The second phase will be a qualitative study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with gamblers, family members, addiction counsellors and state representatives selected through purposing sampling.Ethics and disseminationThis study is one of the first mixed-methods studies on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling. This study will generate new scientific knowledge on a worrisome public health issue, that is, gambling, and provide a better understanding of the experiences and gambling behaviours of gamblers during the pandemic. This study is funded by the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Government of Quebec and was approved on 27 October 2020 by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS. This is a 2-year study that will be completed in June 2022.

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Exposure to Self-Directed Violence: Understanding Intention to Help and Helping Behaviors among Adolescents and Emerging Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168606 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8606

Author(s):

Victoria Banyard ◽

Kimberly J. Mitchell ◽

Michele L. Ybarra

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Norms ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

Online Survey ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Third Parties ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Helping Behaviors

Exposure to self-directed violence (SDV) is a public health issue. Prevention trains third parties to identify SDV risk and provide help. However, we know little about the range of help provided to those who engage in SDV. The current study used a cross-sectional online survey of 1031 adolescents and emerging adults to learn about their SDV exposure, intent and attempts to help, and barriers to helping. Most participants reported SDV exposure, commonly by a peer, and provided help. Regression analyses showed that intent to help was predicted by social norms and having knowledge of resources, and such knowledge (but not social norms) was also related to actual helping behaviors. Qualitative analysis of short open-ended questions on the survey documented a range of barriers to helping. Findings support but also encourage revision of theoretical models of helping upon which prevention programs are based.

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Gender and Trust in Government Modify: The association between Mental Health and Stringency of Public Health Measures to reduce COVID-19

University of the Future: Re-Imagining Research and Higher Education ◽

10.29117/quarfe.2020.0282 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lily O'Hara ◽

Hanan Abdul Rahim ◽

Zumin Shi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Trust In Government ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Measures ◽

The Government

Introduction: Trust in government to take care of its citizens may affect mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression, particularly as measures become more stringent. The study aimed to investigate the associations between stringency of COVID-19 social distancing policies and mental health outcomes, and the moderating effects of trust in government and gender. Methods: The study consisted of secondary analysis of publicly available cross sectional data from a global online survey COVID-19 survey conducted between 20 March and 7 April 2020. There were 106,497 adult participants (18 years of age and over) from 58 countries. The main outcome measures were indices for depression and worries. The exposure measure was the stringency index. The effect modifier measures were gender and trust in government. Multivariable regression was conducted to determine the three-way interaction between the exposure, modifier and outcome measures, adjusting for age, income and education. Results: The median age of participants (56.4% women) was 37 years. Women had higher worries and depression than men. The proportion of people trusting (44%) and distrusting (45%) the government was almost the same. Among those who strongly trusted the government, an increase in policy stringency was associated with an increase in worries. Among men who distrusted the government, an increase in policy stringency was associated with an increase in depression, but in distrusting women there was an inversed Ushaped association between policy stringency and both worries and depression. Once policies exceeded the 50-point mark on the stringency index, women benefited from the most stringent policies, yet men did not, particularly men who strongly trust or distrust the government. Conclusion: As the stringency of public health measures increases, so too do depression and worries. For safe and effective public health measures, governments should develop strategies to increase trust in their actions.

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Socio-demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patient with Thyroid Cancer

Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal ◽

10.3329/akmmcj.v11i1.45668 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 54-58

Author(s):

AKM Farhad Hossain ◽

Md Mahmudur Rahman Siddiqui ◽

Sayada Fatema Khatun

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Thyroid Cancer ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Family Income ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Endocrine System ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Follicular Carcinoma ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease in endocrine system. It is an emerging public health issue associated with burden on the family, community and the nation. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patient with thyroid cancer attending in tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 246 thyroid cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals of Dhaka city from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. The subjects were selected purposively following specific selection criteria and maintaining ethical issues. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed by the statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 23. Results: This study revealed that majority (74.4%) of respondents was female, married (72%), housewife (61.4%), rural respondent (41.1%) and had primary education (69%). Mean (± SD) age of the respondent was 37.85(±12.20) years (Range 14-70 years) and mean (± SD) monthly family income was Tk. 17681(±10602). Out of 246 cases, 204 (82.9%) was papillary and 42 (17.1%) was follicular carcinoma. Various clinical presentations included visible neck swelling in 225 (91.5%), swollen lymph node in 103 (41.9%), pain 90 (36.6%), Difficulties in swallowing 87 (35.4%), Hoarseness of voice in 141 (57.3%), cough along with swelling 47(19.1%), Difficulties in breathing due to swelling in 13(5.3%) of the patients. Conclusion: Incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide specially in female patients in 3rd and 4th decades of life. As thyroid cancer is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, proper screening and early diagnostic facilities at all level should be available to measure its actual burden in the country. Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 11, No. 1: Jan 2020, P 54-58

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Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043421

Author(s):

Rae Thomas ◽

Hannah Greenwood ◽

Zoe A Michaleff ◽

Eman Abukmail ◽

Tammy C Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

National Sample ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Commercial Television ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Gender ◽

Public Health Strategies

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.

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Social marketing to address attitudes and behaviours related to preventable injuries in British Columbia, Canada

Injury Prevention ◽

10.1136/injuryprev-2017-042651 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. i52-i59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennifer Smith ◽

Xin Zheng ◽

Kevin Lafreniere ◽

Ian Pike

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

British Columbia ◽

Social Marketing ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Attitudes ◽

Target Population ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Conscious Thought ◽

Marketing Campaign ◽

Social Marketing Campaign

BackgroundSocial marketing is a tool used in the domain of public health for prevention and public education. Because injury prevention is a priority public health issue in British Columbia, Canada, a 3-year consultation was undertaken to understand public attitudes towards preventable injuries and mount a province-wide social marketing campaign aimed at adults aged 25–55 years.MethodsPublic response to the campaign was assessed through an online survey administered to a regionally representative sample of adults within the target age group between 1 and 4 times per year on an ongoing basis since campaign launch. A linear regression model was applied to a subset of this data (n=5186 respondents) to test the association between exposure to the Preventable campaign and scores on perceived preventability of injuries as well as conscious forethought applied to injury-related behaviours.ResultsCampaign exposure was significant in both models (preventability: β=0.27, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.35; conscious thought: β=0.24, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.35), as was parental status (preventability: β=0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.21; conscious thought: β=0.18, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.30). Exposure to the more recent campaign slogan was predictive of 0.47 higher score on conscious thought (95% CI 0.27 to 0.66).DiscussionThis study provides some evidence that the Preventable approach is having positive effect on attitudes and behaviours related to preventable injuries in the target population. Future work will seek to compare these data to other jurisdictions as the Preventable social marketing campaign expands to other parts of Canada.

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Homoprejudiced violence among Chinese men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional analysis in Guangzhou, China

10.21203/rs.2.19394/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dan Wu ◽

Eileen Yang ◽

Wenting Huang ◽

Weiming Tang ◽

Huifang Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Orientation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Strong Association ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Marriage Education ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cyber Aggression ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Homoprejudiced violence, defined as physical, verbal, psychological and cyber aggression against others because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, is an important public health issue. Most homoprejudiced violence research has been conducted in high-income countries. This study aimed to examine the experience and perpetration of homoprejudiced violence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. Methods MSM in a large Chinese city, Guangzhou, completed an online survey instrument that was distributed through community-based organizations. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the sample characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, residence, occupation, heterosexual marriage, education and income, were carried out to explore associated factors. Results A total of 777 responses were analyzed and most (64.9%) were under the age of 30. Three-hundred-ninety-nine (51.4%) reported experiencing homoprejudiced violence, while 205 (25.9%) reported initiating homoprejudiced violence against others. Compared to respondents who self-identified as gay, respondents who were heterosexual were 0.6 times (AOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) as likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence, whereas those who were unsure about their sexual orientation were 2.6 times (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.5) more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence before. Furthermore, a strong association (AOR=2,4. 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) was identified between experiencing homoprejudiced violence and initiating violence. MSM who had disclosed their sexual orientation to people other than their partners were more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence (AOR=1.8, 95% CI:1.3-2.5). Conclusions These findings suggest the importance of research and the implementation of interventions focused on preventing and mitigating the effects of homoprejudiced violence affecting MSM in China.

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Analisis Hubungan Sikap dan Pengetahuan Keluarga dengan Penerapan Program Indonesia Sehat dengan Pendekatan Keluarga

Jurnal Endurance ◽

10.22216/jen.v5i1.4282 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 13

Author(s):

Ifon Driposwana Putra ◽

Ulfa Hasana

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

The Other ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family Approach ◽

Low Degree ◽

The Government ◽

The Relationship ◽

Improve Health

The government has proclaimed Healthy Indonesia Program with Family Approach (PIS-PK), aiming to improve health level of its people; howeverthe implementation is far from satisfying and not equally distributed so that there is still a low degree of public health. This study aims to analyze the relationship between attitudes and family knowledge with the adoption of the Healthy Indonesia Program with a family approach in Pekanbaru. The type of research is descriptive correlation with cross sectional approach. The sample in this study was 100 families. The result of bivariate analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between family’s attitudes toward PIS-PK, with p value of 0.018. On the other hand, it also showed that there was no significant correlation between family’s knowledge toward PIS-PK, with p value only 0.159. It is hoped that this study can be used as leaning materials, references for health officers, as well as suggestions regarding the implementation of PIS-PKPemerintah telah membuat Program Indonesia Sehat melalui penedekatan keluarga (PIS-PK) dengan tujuan agar meningkatnya derajat kesehatan masyarakat, namun dalam penerapannya masih belum maksimal dan merata sehingga masih terdapat derajat kesehatan masyarakat yang masih rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan sikap dan pengetahuan keluarga dengan penerapan Program Indonesia Sehat dengan pendekatan keluarga di Pekanbaru. Jenis penelitian desktiptif korelasi dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 100 Keluarga. Hasil analisis bivariat didapatkan bahwa ada hubungan yang signifikan antara sikap keluarga dengan penerapan PIS-PKmdengan p value adalah 0,018. Didapatkan juga bahwa tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan keluarga dengan penerapan PIS-PK dengan nilai p value adalah 0,159. Hasil penelitian ini dapat dijadikan bahan ajar dan menjadi acuan oleh petugas kesehatan serta menjadi masukan untuk dalam penerapan PIS-PK

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A cross-sectional survey assessing the preparedness of the long-term care sector to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada

10.21203/rs.3.rs-57368/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Henry Yu-Hin Siu ◽

Lorand Kristof ◽

Dawn Elston ◽

Abe Hafid ◽

Fred Mather

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Term Care ◽

Wide Range ◽

Significant Public Health ◽

Public Health Officials ◽

The Government

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant public health emergency that impacts all sectors of healthcare. The negative health outcomes for the COVID-19 infection have been most severe in the frail elderly dwelling in Canadian long-term care (LTC) homes.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of Ontario LTC Clinicians working in LTC homes in Ontario Canada was conducted to provide the LTC clinician perspective on the preparedness and engagement of the LTC sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Ontario Long-Term Care Clinicians organization (OLTCC) and was distributed between March 30, 2020 to May 25, 2020. All registered members of the OLTCC and Nurse-led LTC Outreach Teams were invited to participate. The primary outcomes were: 1) the descriptive report of the screening measures implemented, communication and information received, and the preparation of the respondent’s LTC home to a potential COVID-19 outbreak; and 2) the level of agreement, as reported using a five-point Likert scale), to COVID-19 preparedness statements for the respondent’s LTC home was also assessed.Results: The overall response rate was 54% (160/294). LTC homes implemented a wide range of important interventions (e.g. instituting established respiratory isolation protocols, active screening of new LTC admissions, increasing education on infection control processes, encouraging sick staff to take time off, etc). Ample communications pertinent to the pandemic were received from provincial LTC organizations, the government and public health officials. However, the feasibility of implementing public health recommendations, as well as the engagement of the LTC sector in pandemic planning were identified as areas of concern. Medical director status was associated with an increased knowledge of local implementation of interventions to mitigate COVID-19, as well as endorsing increased access to reliable COVID-19 information and resources to manage a potential COVID-19 outbreak in their LTC home.Conclusions: This study highlights the communication to and implementation of recommendations in the Ontario LTC sector, despite some concerns regarding feasibility. Importantly, LTC clinician respondents clearly indicated that better engagement with LTC leaders is needed to plan a coordinated pandemic response.

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COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan: evidence from the second wave of the pandemic

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management ◽

10.1108/jstpm-12-2020-0175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Bahadur Ali Soomro

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Entrepreneurial Intention ◽

Equation Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Negative Effect ◽

The Government ◽

Second Wave

Purpose At present, nearly the whole globe is facing a severe threat of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The study used a deductive approach. An online survey is conducted to collect cross-sectional data from entrepreneurs of Pakistan. Convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 278 usable answers proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results. Findings The findings of the study highlight a significant negative effect of fear of COVID-19 (FO19), perceived susceptibility (PSU) and perceived severity (PSE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) among the entrepreneurs. Practical implications The study would provide the guidelines for policymakers and planners to combat the barriers of fear, PSU and PSE during a pandemic. The findings of the second wave of COVID-19 may provide a warning to the government to take preventive measures to face the severe effect of the pandemic. Finally, the outcomes of the study may enrich the depth of COVID-19 literature globally. Originality/value This study is the first study highlighting factors such as fear, PSU and PSE toward EI in COVID-19 second wave.

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Individual-, Household-, and Community-Level Determinants of Childhood Undernutrition in Bangladesh

Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology ◽

10.1177/2333392819876555 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 233339281987655 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Moriam Khanam ◽

Shafiun N. Shimul ◽

Abdur Razzaque Sarker

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Diarrheal Disease ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Community Level ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Wealth Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Household ◽

Childhood Undernutrition

Introduction: Childhood undernutrition is a crucial public health problem globally. The objective of this study is to measure the prevalence of childhood undernutrition and assess the distinct role of various factors on childhood undernutrition in Bangladesh. Methods: This study utilized the latest cross-sectional data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014. A total of 7256 data on children younger than 5 years old were analyzed. The undernutrition status of children was assessed by stunting (height-for-age), wasting (weight-for-height), and underweight (weight-for-age), while bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify various individual-, household-, and community-level factors of childhood undernutrition. Results: The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 36.5%, 14.6%, and 32.5%, respectively. Along with various individual- and household-level factors (eg, age, recent diarrheal disease, fever, number of under-5 children in the household, mother’s education and nutritional status, and wealth status), community index, particularly regional and geographic variation of community, had significant role for childhood undernutrition in Bangladesh. Conclusion: Childhood undernutrition is an overwhelming public health issue in Bangladesh. In order to improve the nutritional status of under-5 children, interventions should take into account the various predictors discussed in this study. Indeed, a joint effort by the government, nongovernmental organizations, and the community is necessary to improve the childhood nutritional status in Bangladesh.

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