scholarly journals Association between participation in the government subsidy programme for domestic travel and symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infection in Japan: cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e049069
Author(s):  
Atsushi Miyawaki ◽  
Takahiro Tabuchi ◽  
Yasutake Tomata ◽  
Yusuke Tsugawa
Keyword(s):  
Sore Throat ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Fever ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Government Subsidy ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Taste Disorder ◽  
The Government

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between participation in government subsidies for domestic travel (subsidise up to 50% of all travel expenses) introduced nationally in Japan on 22 July 2020 and the incidence of symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infections.DesignCross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data.SettingInternet survey conducted between 25 August and 30 September 2020 in Japan. Sampling weights were used to calculate national estimates.Participants25 482 survey respondents (50.3% (12 809) women; mean (SD) age, 48.8 (17.4) years).Main outcome measuresIncidence rate of five symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 infection (high fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and smell and taste disorder) within the past month of the survey, after adjustment for characteristics of individuals and prefecture fixed effects (effectively comparing individuals living in the same prefecture).ResultsAt the time of the survey, 3289 (12.9%) participated in the subsidy programme. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that participants in the subsidy programme exhibited higher incidence of high fever (adjusted rate, 4.7% for participants vs 3.7% for non-participants; adjusted OR (aOR) 1.83; 95% CI 1.34 to 2.48; p<0.001), sore throat (19.8% vs 11.3%; aOR 2.09; 95% CI 1.37 to 3.19; p=0.002), cough (19.0% vs 11.3%; aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.26 to 3.01; p=0.008), headache (29.2% vs 25.5%; aOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.44; p=0.006) and smell and taste disorder (2.6% vs 1.8%; aOR 1.98; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.40; p=0.01) compared with non-participants. These findings remained qualitatively unaffected by additional adjustment for the use of 17 preventative measures (eg, social distancing, wearing masks and handwashing) and fear against the COVID-19 infection.ConclusionsThe participation of the government subsidy programme for domestic travel was associated with a higher probability of exhibiting symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Association between Participation in Government Subsidy Program for Domestic Travel and Symptoms Indicative of COVID-19 Infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Miyawaki ◽  
Takahiro Tabuchi ◽  
Yasutake Tomata ◽  
Yusuke Tsugawa
Keyword(s):  
Sore Throat ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Fever ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Government Subsidy ◽  
Government Subsidies ◽  
Taste Disorder ◽  
Subsidy Program

ABSTRACTImportanceAs countermeasures against the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many countries have introduced or considering financial incentives for people to engage in economic activities such as travel and use restaurants. Japan has implemented a large-scale, nationwide government-funded program that subsidizes up to 50% of all travel expenses since July 2020 with the aim of reviving the travel industry. However, it remains unknown as to how such provision of government subsidies for travel impacted the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between participation in government subsidies for domestic travel in Japan and the incidence of COVID-19 infections.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing the data from a large internet survey conducted between August 25 and September 30, 2020, in Japan, we examined whether individuals who used subsidies experienced a higher likelihood of symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 infection.ExposureParticipation in the government subsidy program for domestic travel.Main Outcomes and MeasuresFive symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 infection (high fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and smell and taste disorder) within the past one month of the survey.ResultsOf the 25,482 respondents (50.3% [12,809] women; mean [SD] age, 48.4 [17.4] years), 3,289 (12.9%) participated in the subsidy program at the time of survey. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that participants in the subsidy program exhibited higher incidence of high fever (adjusted rate, 4.8% for participants vs. 3.7% for non-participants; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.90; 95%CI, 1.42-2.54; p<0.001), sore throat (19.8% vs. 11.3%; aOR, 2.09; 95%CI, 1.37-3.20; p=0.002), cough (19.1% vs. 11.2%; aOR 1.96; 95%CI, 1.27-3.02; p=0.007), headache (29.1% vs. 25.5%; aOR, 1.24; 95%CI, 1.07-1.43; p=0.007), and smell and taste disorder (2.6% vs. 1.8%; aOR 1.98; 95%CI; 1.15-3.40; p=0.01) compared with non-participants.Conclusion and RelevanceThe participants of government subsidies for domestic travel experienced a higher incidence of symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Financial Resources and Biomarkers of Aging in the National Health and Aging Trends Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 589-589
Author(s):  
Laura Samuel ◽  
Laken Roberts ◽  
Danielle Boyce ◽  
Melissa Hladek ◽  
Sarah LaFave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hemoglobin A1c ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Diabetes Diagnosis ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Income Group ◽  
Biomarkers Of Aging

Abstract Lower income and financial strain (i.e. difficulty making ends meet) are associated with worse aging biomarkers, but evidence among nationally representative samples is limited. This cross-sectional study tested whether income to poverty ratio (analyzed separately for those &lt;500% vs. ≥500% poverty threshold) and financial strain are associated with biomarkers of aging among NHATS participants aged ≥65 years (n=4,648), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, gender, smoking, BMI, and diabetes diagnosis for hemoglobin A1c. Sampling weights were applied. Among those with incomes &lt;500% poverty, higher income was associated with lower hemoglobin A1c (b= -0.0196, p=0.007), CMV (b= -0.0689, p&lt;0.001) and CRP (b= -0.0428, p=0.012). Among those with incomes ≥500%, higher income was associated with lower IL-6 (b= -0.0001, p=0.023) and lower CMV (b= -0.0001, p&lt;0.001). Financial strain was not associated with biomarkers. Income is more strongly associated with biomarkers among the lower income group, calling for special attention to this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals The Utilization of Protective Face Masks among Polish Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: Do We Pass the Exam?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 841
Author(s):  
Radomir Reszke ◽  
Łukasz Matusiak ◽  
Piotr K. Krajewski ◽  
Marta Szepietowska ◽  
Rafał Białynicki-Birula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Who Criteria ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Organization

Relevant personal protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic include face masks, possibly decreasing the risk of infection among the general population and healthcare workers (HCW) if utilized properly. The aim of the study was to assess whether different Polish HCW utilize face masks according to the 2020 World Health Organization guidance (WHO) criteria. This cross-sectional study included 1156 respondents who participated in an internet survey evaluating mask-related behaviors. All the WHO criteria were complied with by 1.4% of participants, regardless of medical profession, specialty or place of employment. HCW mostly adhered to criterion 1 (C1; strict covering of the face and mouth with the mask; 90.8%), C4 (washing/disinfecting the hands after touching/taking off the mask; 49%) and C3 (taking off the mask properly without touching the anterior surface; 43.4%), whereas C2 (avoidance of touching the mask with hands) was complied with least commonly (6.8%). HCW with mask-induced itch (31.6%) complied to C2 less often (odds ratio 0.53; p = 0.01). The study reveals that Polish HCW rarely adhere to all the 2020 WHO guidance criteria on the use of masks, whereas the adherence to particular criteria is variable and may be associated with the presence of skin-related conditions and other factors. Better compliance with the recommendations in the future is necessary to increase personal safety of HCW and prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Masaki Machida ◽  
Itaru Nakamura ◽  
Takako Kojima ◽  
Reiko Saito ◽  
Tomoki Nakaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance

Vaccination could be a key protective measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it is important to understand the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general public. However, there is no study on the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy situation in Japan and assess the factors associated with such issues. This was a cross-sectional study based on an internet survey completed by 2956 people. Participants were asked to indicate how likely they were to get vaccinated for COVID-19. In addition, the participants responded to questions regarding sociodemographic factors, attitudes, and beliefs regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The proportion of participants with a high likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccine was 62.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that vaccine acceptance was lower among several sociodemographic groups, such as women, adults aged 20–49 years, and those with a low-income level. Several psychological factors, especially the perceived effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, and willingness to protect others by getting oneself vaccinated, were associated with vaccine acceptance. Our results indicate that the perceived effectiveness of the vaccine and willingness to protect others may play an important role in the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.

scholarly journals Government management capacities and the containment of COVID-19: a repeated cross-sectional study across Chinese cities

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e041516
Author(s):  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Junjian Yi
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Government Management ◽  
The Government ◽  
Laws And Policies ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

ObjectivesBetter understanding of the dynamics of the COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus disease) pandemic to curb its spread is now a global imperative. While travel restrictions and control measures have been shown to limit the spread of the disease, the effectiveness of the enforcement of those measures should depend on the strength of the government. Whether, and how, the government plays a role in fighting the disease, however, has not been investigated. Here, we show that government management capacities are critical to the containment of the disease.SettingWe conducted a statistical analysis based on cross-city comparisons within China. China has undergone almost the entire cycle of the anticoronavirus campaign, which allows us to trace the full dynamics of the outbreak, with homogeneity in standards for statistics recording.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOutcome measures include city-specific COVID-19 case incidence and recoveries in China.ResultsThe containment of COVID-19 depends on the effectiveness of the enforcement of control measures, which in turn depends on the local government’s management capacities. Specifically, government efficiency, capacity for law enforcement, and the transparency of laws and policies significantly reduce COVID-19 prevalence and increase the likelihood of recoveries. The organisation size of the government, which is not closely related to its capacity for management, has a limited role.

scholarly journals Student and educator perspectives on virtual institutional introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar A. Almohammed ◽  
Lama H. Alotaibi ◽  
Shatha A. Ibn Malik
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Virtual Training ◽  
Care Experience ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Practice Experience ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has required governments around the world to suspend face-to-face learning for school and university students. Colleges of pharmacy are faced with the challenge of training students in hospitals that are under considerable pressure at this time. The government of Saudi Arabia has moved all classes and training online to limit the spread of the virus. This study describes the experience of the Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE and APPE) students and preceptors engaged in the virtual IPPE training. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe and appraise the implemented virtual IPPE training from the experiences of IPPE and APPE students, and their preceptor. The IPPE students described their experiences in close-ended questionnaires, while APPE students in open-ended questionnaires, and the preceptor described the experiences in narrative. The study focused on highlighting the advantages, opportunities, challenges, and shortcomings of the virtual training. Results Two preceptors and seven APPE students participated in the preparation and administration of the virtual training. The IPPE students’ experiences, based on 87 respondents, were mostly positive. Although IPPE students enjoyed the time flexibility that allowed the learning of new skills and reflection on previous experiences, 15% experienced difficulty finding quiet places with a reliable internet connection or had difficulty working on team-based activities. Moreover, some were anxious about the lack of adequate patient-care experience. On the other hand, the APPE students found the experience enriching as they gained experience and understanding of academic workflow, gained skills, and overcame the challenges they faced during this virtual training experience. Conclusions Future training programs should be organized to overcome the challenges and to maximize the benefits of training experiences. Schools of pharmacy may benefit from the training materials constructed, prepared, and administered by APPE students to improve IPPE students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

scholarly journals Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽  
Ilana Eli ◽  
Nir Uziel ◽  
Joanna Smardz ◽  
Anahat Khehra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Different ◽  
Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

scholarly journals Survey of iodine deficiency and intestinal parasitic infections in school-going children: Bie Province, Angola

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1314-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Tomlinson ◽  
Vera Adams ◽  
Mickey Chopra ◽  
Pieter Jooste ◽  
Emmerentia Strydom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iodine Deficiency ◽  
International Health ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Protozoa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
The Government

AbstractObjectiveTo obtain baseline pre-intervention prevalence levels of iodine deficiency and parasitic and helminth infections in school-going children in Bie Province, Angola.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted in randomly selected schools. The target population was children aged 6–10 years.SettingBie Province, Angola.SubjectsA total of 1029 children sampled, with 791 stool samples and 826 urine samples collected from twenty-four schools.ResultsWidespread severe and moderate deficiencies in iodine. Children in five schools were severely iodine deficient. All sampled schoolchildren were iodine deficient to a greater or lesser extent. In all, 80 % of all children across the twenty-four schools were infected with one or a combination of intestinal helminths and intestinal protozoa.ConclusionsThese findings have serious implications for the cognitive development of Angolan children, as well as for Angola’s development in terms of productivity and economic potential. It is strongly recommended that the provincial and national Ministries of Health, in collaboration with international health agencies, immediately plan and implement a strategy to provide sufficient iodine through iodised oil capsules and iodised salt to the iodine-deficient population. National coalitions need to be strengthened among the government, partners and salt producers. It is also recommended that all the children in schools be de-wormed for multiple helminth species at least twice a year.

Knowledge and attitude about tobacco use among school personnel in Bangalore South-a Cross Sectional Study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Dr. Padma K Bhat ◽  
Dr. Sushma S G ◽  
Dr. Jayachandra M Y
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
School Personnel ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Second Hand Smoke ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
The Government

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.

scholarly journals Work-environmental determinants of mass fainting illness among textile factory workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-122
Author(s):  
Maly Phy ◽  
Twisuk Pungpeng ◽  
Chaweewon Boonshuyar ◽  
Thanu Chartananondh
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Screening Instrument ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Environmental Determinants ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a brief screening instrument to identify risk factors of factory workers experiencing mass fainting illness (MFI) due to work-environmental determinants. Design/methodology/approach A factory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 740 workers in October 2017 and was completed with face-to-face interviews. Data analyses included univariate logistic regression, backward stepwise linear regression and multiple logistic regression. Sum scores on significant items and receiver operator characteristic curves were used to compute potential cut-off points and the sensitivity and specificity rates. Findings Significant work-environmental factors were identified as working at very high speeds, having less influence on the choice of working partners, perceived high temperature at work, having less opportunity to do their best at work, and concern about losing a job in the next six months. In developing a screening instrument, a 6.5 cut-off point that corresponded to 99.6 percent sensitivity and 92.2 percent specificity was identified. Originality/value The study concludes that this MFI-instrument could potentially be used to prevent MFI. By understanding the policy implications, the government body, employers, workers, development partners and stakeholders should work toward preventing MFI. Implementing a preventive measure is therefore warranted due to the health education impact.

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