scholarly journals Testing behaviour and positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection: insights from web-based participatory surveillance in the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e056077
Author(s):  
Scott A McDonald ◽  
Lucia C Soetens ◽  
C Maarten A Schipper ◽  
Ingrid Friesema ◽  
Cees C van den Wijngaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Administrative Employees ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Lower Test ◽  
Participatory Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Test Result

ObjectivesWe aimed to identify populations at a high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection but who are less likely to present for testing, by determining which sociodemographic and household factors are associated with a lower propensity to be tested and, if tested, with a higher risk of a positive test result.Design and settingInternet-based participatory surveillance data from the general population of the Netherlands.ParticipantsWeekly survey data collected over a 5-month period (17 November 2020 to 18 April 2021) from a total of 12 026 participants who had contributed at least 2 weekly surveys was analysed.MethodsMultivariable analyses using generalised estimating equations for binomial outcomes were conducted to estimate the adjusted ORs of testing and of test positivity associated with participant and household characteristics.ResultsMale sex (adjusted OR for testing (ORt): 0.92; adjusted OR for positivity (ORp): 1.30, age groups<20 (ORt: 0.89; ORp: 1.27), 50–64 years (ORt: 0.94; ORp: 1.06) and 65+ years (ORt: 0.78; ORp: 1.24), diabetics (ORt: 0.97; ORp: 1.06) and sales/administrative employees (ORt: 0.93; ORp: 1.90) were distinguished as lower test propensity/higher test positivity factors.ConclusionsThe factors identified using this approach can help identify potential target groups for improving communication and encouraging testing among those with symptoms, and thus increase the effectiveness of testing, which is essential for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for public health strategies in the longer term.

scholarly journals Testing behaviour and positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection: Insights from web-based participatory surveillance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott A. McDonald ◽  
Loes Soetens ◽  
Maarten Schipper ◽  
Ingrid H. M. Friesema ◽  
Cees C. van den Wijngaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Voluntary Testing ◽  
Administrative Employees ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Participatory Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Abstract BackgroundVoluntary testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is an integral component of an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to identify populations at a high risk for infection but who are less likely to present for testing. Here, we use internet-based participatory surveillance data from the Netherlands to identify sociodemographic and household factors that are associated with a lower propensity to be tested and, if tested, with a higher risk of a positive test result.MethodsMultivariable analyses using generalised estimating equations for binomial outcomes were conducted to estimate the adjusted odds ratios of testing and of positivity associated with participant and household characteristics.ResultsBased on five months (17 November 2020 to 18 April 2021) of weekly surveys obtained from 12,026 participants, males (adjusted odds ratio for testing (ORt): 0.92; adjusted odds ratio for positivity (ORp): 1.30, age-groups <20 (ORt: 0.89; ORp: 1.27) 50-64 years (ORt: 0.94; ORp: 1.06) and 65+ years (ORt: 0.78; ORp: 1.24), diabetics (ORt: 0.97; ORp: 1.06), and sales/administrative employees (ORt: 0.93; ORp: 1.90) were distinguished as lower propensity/higher positivity factors.ConclusionsThe factors identified using this approach can help identify potential target groups for improving communication and encouraging testing among those with symptoms and thus increase the effectiveness of testing, which is essential for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for public health strategies in the longer term.

scholarly journals Dietary intake of protein and fat of 12- to 36-month-old children in a Dutch Total Diet Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemieke Maria Pustjens ◽  
Jacqueline Jozefine Maria Castenmiller ◽  
Jan Dirk te Biesebeek ◽  
Polly Ester Boon
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fat Intake ◽  
Total Diet Study ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
Group 12 ◽  
Food Consumption Survey ◽  
Total Diet ◽  
Diet Study

Abstract Purpose This study attempted gaining insight into the intake of protein and fat of 12- to 36-month-old children in the Netherlands. Methods In 2017, a Total Diet Study (TDS) was carried out in the Netherlands including following three age groups: 12–17-, 18–23- and 24- to 36-month-old children. Protein and fat concentrations of 164 composite samples were analysed and combined with the consumption data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 (DNFCS). Results Median protein intake of the 12- to 35-month-old Dutch children based on the TDS was 35 g/day with main contributions from the food subgroups “milk and milk-based beverages”, “beef” and “yoghurts and desserts”. Median fat intake was 34 g/day with main contributions from the food subgroups “margarines”, “cheeses” and “milk and milk-based beverages”. For the youngest age group (12- to 18-month-old children), (ready to drink) follow-on formula was one of the main contributors to the fat intake. Conclusion Compared to the EFSA reference values, protein intake of the Dutch 12- to 36-month-old children is high, whereas fat intake follows the reference intake. A TDS is a suitable instrument to estimate macronutrient intakes.

scholarly journals Test–retest reliability of the EQ-5D-5L and the reworded QOLIBRI-OS in the general population of Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Long ◽  
Suzanne Polinder ◽  
Gouke J. Bonsel ◽  
Juanita A. Haagsma
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
General Population ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Sum Score ◽  
Summary Index ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Eq Vas

Abstract Purpose To assess the test–retest reliability of the EQ-5D-5L and the reworded Quality of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury Overall Scale (QOLIBRI-OS) for the general population of Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (UK). Methods The sample contains 1864 members of the general population (aged 18–75 years) of Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK who completed a web-based questionnaire at two consecutive time points. The survey included items on gender, age, level of education, occupational status, household annual income, chronic health status, and the EQ-5D-5L and reworded QOLIBRI-OS instrument. Test–retest reliability of the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-5D-5L summary index, EQ VAS, reworded QOLIBRI-OS dimensions and reworded QOLIBRI-OS level sum score was examined by Gwet’s Agreement Coefficient (Gwet’s AC) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results Gwet’s AC ranged from 0.64 to 0.97 for EQ-5D-5L dimensions. The ICC ranged from 0.73 to 0.84 for the EQ-5D-5L summary index and 0.61 to 0.68 for EQ VAS in the three countries. Gwet’s AC ranged from 0.35 to 0.55 for reworded QOLIBRI-OS dimensions in the three countries. The ICC ranged from 0.69 to 0.77 for reworded QOLIBRI-OS level sum score. Conclusion Test–retest reliability of the EQ-5D-5L administered via a web-based questionnaire was substantial to almost perfect for the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, good for EQ-5D-5L summary index, and moderate for the EQ VAS. However, test–retest reliability was less satisfactory for the reworded QOLIBRI-OS. This indicates that the web-based EQ-5D-5L is a reliable instrument for the general population, but further research of the reworded QOLIBRI-OS is required.

scholarly journals 343 - Best Practice Guidance on Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia – Recommendations from the INDUCT Network

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 103-103
Author(s):  
Rose-Marie Dröes ◽  
Yvette Vermeer ◽  
Sébastien Libert ◽  
Sophie Gaber ◽  
Sarah Wallcook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
International Training ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Care Technology

The Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia Using Current Technology, INDUCT, is a Marie Sklodowska Curie funded International Training Network that aims to develop a multi-disciplinary, inter-sectorial educational research framework for Europe to improve technology and care for people with dementia, and to provide the evidence to show how technology can improve the lives of people with dementia. Within INDUCT (2016-2020) 15 Early Stage Researchers worked on projects in the areas of Technology to support every day life; technology to promote meaningful activities; and health care technology.Three transversal objectives were adopted by INDUCT: 1) To determine the practical, cognitive and social factors needed to make technology more useable for people with dementia; 2) To evaluate the effectiveness of specific contemporary technology; and 3) To trace facilitators and barriers for implementation of technology in dementia care.The main recommendations resulting from the research projects are integrated in a web-based digital Best Practice Guidance on Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia which will be presented at the congress. The recommendations are meant to be helpful for different target groups, i.e. people with dementia, their formal and informal carers, policy makers, designers and researchers, who can easily select the for them relevant recommendations in the Best Practice Guidance by means of a selection tool. The main aim of the Best Practice Guidance is to improve the development, usage and implementation of technology for people with dementia in the three mentioned technology areas.This Best Practice Guidance is the result of the intensive collaborative partnership of INDUCT with academic and non-academic partners as well as the involvement of representatives of the different target groups throughout the INDUCT project.Acknowledgements: The research presented was carried out within the Marie Sklodowska Curie International Training Network (ITN) action, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015, grant agreement number 676265.

scholarly journals Use of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to assess national surveillance data for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Netherlands, 2005 to 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Vos ◽  
Anne C Teirlinck ◽  
José E Lozano ◽  
Tomás Vega ◽  
Gé A Donker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Laboratory Surveillance ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background To control respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes acute respiratory infections, data and methods to assess its epidemiology are important. Aim We sought to describe RSV seasonality, affected age groups and RSV-type distribution over 12 consecutive seasons in the Netherlands, as well as to validate the moving epidemic method (MEM) for monitoring RSV epidemics. Methods We used 2005−17 laboratory surveillance data and sentinel data. For RSV seasonality evaluation, epidemic thresholds (i) at 1.2% of the cumulative number of RSV-positive patients per season and (ii) at 20 detections per week (for laboratory data) were employed. We also assessed MEM thresholds. Results In laboratory data RSV was reported 25,491 times (no denominator). In sentinel data 5.6% (767/13,577) of specimens tested RSV positive. Over 12 seasons, sentinel data showed percentage increases of RSV positive samples. The average epidemic length was 18.0 weeks (95% confidence intervals (CI):  16.3–19.7) and 16.5 weeks (95% CI: 14.0–18.0) for laboratory and sentinel data, respectively. Epidemics started on average in week 46 (95% CI: 45–48) and 47 (95% CI:  46–49), respectively. The peak was on average in the first week of January in both datasets. MEM showed similar results to the other methods. RSV incidence was highest in youngest (0–1 and >1–2 years) and oldest (>65–75 and > 75 years) age groups, with age distribution remaining stable over time. RSV-type dominance alternated every one or two seasons. Conclusions Our findings provide baseline information for immunisation advisory groups. The possibility of employing MEM to monitor RSV epidemics allows prospective, nearly real-time use of surveillance data.

scholarly journals PERSIANN Dynamic Infrared–Rain Rate (PDIR-Now): A Near-Real-Time, Quasi-Global Satellite Precipitation Dataset

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 2893-2906
Author(s):  
Phu Nguyen ◽  
Mohammed Ombadi ◽  
Vesta Afzali Gorooh ◽  
Eric J. Shearer ◽  
Mojtaba Sadeghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Rain Rate ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Precipitation Patterns ◽  
Diurnal Cycles ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
Precipitation Estimation ◽  
Precipitation Estimates

AbstractThis study presents the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Dynamic Infrared Rain Rate (PDIR-Now) near-real-time precipitation dataset. This dataset provides hourly, quasi-global, infrared-based precipitation estimates at 0.04° × 0.04° spatial resolution with a short latency (15–60 min). It is intended to supersede the PERSIANN–Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) dataset previously produced as the near-real-time product of the PERSIANN family. We first provide a brief description of the algorithm’s fundamentals and the input data used for deriving precipitation estimates. Second, we provide an extensive evaluation of the PDIR-Now dataset over annual, monthly, daily, and subdaily scales. Last, the article presents information on the dissemination of the dataset through the Center for Hydrometeorology and Remote Sensing (CHRS) web-based interfaces. The evaluation, conducted over the period 2017–18, demonstrates the utility of PDIR-Now and its improvement over PERSIANN-CCS at all temporal scales. Specifically, PDIR-Now improves the estimation of rain/no-rain days as demonstrated by a critical success index (CSI) of 0.53 compared to 0.47 of PERSIANN-CCS. In addition, PDIR-Now improves the estimation of seasonal and diurnal cycles of precipitation as well as regional precipitation patterns erroneously estimated by PERSIANN-CCS. Finally, an evaluation is carried out to examine the performance of PDIR-Now in capturing two extreme events, Hurricane Harvey and a cluster of summer thunderstorms that occurred over the Netherlands, where it is shown that PDIR-Now adequately represents spatial precipitation patterns as well as subdaily precipitation rates with a correlation coefficient (CORR) of 0.64 for Hurricane Harvey and 0.76 for the Netherlands thunderstorms.

scholarly journals Vaccine impact and effectiveness of meningococcal serogroup ACWY conjugate vaccine implementation in the Netherlands: a nationwide surveillance study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milou Ohm ◽  
Susan J M Hahné ◽  
Arie van der Ende ◽  
Elizabeth A M Sanders ◽  
Guy A M Berbers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Vaccination Programme ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Mass Campaign ◽  
Conjugate Vaccination ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In response to the recent serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (IMD-W) epidemic in the Netherlands, meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate vaccination for 14-month-olds was replaced with a MenACWY conjugate vaccination, and a mass campaign targeting 14-18 year-olds was executed. We investigated the impact of MenACWY vaccination implementation in 2018-2020 on incidence rates and estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods We extracted all IMD cases diagnosed between July 2014 and December 2020 from the national surveillance system. We calculated age group-specific incidence rate ratios by comparing incidence rates before (July 2017-March 2018) and after (July 2019-March 2020) MenACWY vaccination implementation. We estimated VE in vaccine-eligible cases using the screening method. Results Overall, IMD-W incidence rate lowered by 61% (95%CI 40-74). It declined by 82% (95%CI 18-96) in vaccine-eligible age group (15-36 month-olds and 14-18 year-olds) and by 57% (95%CI 34-72) in vaccine non-eligible age groups. VE was 92% (95%CI -20-99.5) against IMD-W vaccine-eligible toddlers. No IMD-W cases were reported in vaccine-eligible teenagers after the campaign. Conclusions The MenACWY vaccination programme was effective in preventing IMD-W in the target population. The IMD-W incidence reduction in vaccine non-eligible age groups may be caused by indirect effects of the vaccination programme. However, disentangling natural fluctuation from vaccine-effect was not possible. Our findings encourage the use of toddler- and teenager MenACWY vaccination in national immunization programmes especially when implemented together with a teenager mass campaign during an epidemic.

HYPERMEDIA DEVELOPMENT AS SELF-REGULATED LEARNING RESOURCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH DEBATING TRAINING

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Ubaidah Ubaidah
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
High School English ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Expert Teacher ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Test Result

This research was aimed to develop Hypermedia as an alternative learning resources that support self-regulated learning implementation for English Debating Training in Highschool. The product was developed by the framework of web-based learning environment development model. To ensure the effectivity of the product, hypermedia was tested on formative and sumative evaluation involving expert, teacher, and students as participants. At the end of the study, the product was found effective which is indicated by (1) 80% of students often use this hypermedia at their home as self-regulated learning resources, (2) the improvement of students debating knowledge which indicated by the improvement test result by 3.3 poin, and (3) outstanding the students’ achievement of debating competencies that 50% of the students have above average debating skills after learning with hypermedia “Enjoy Your Debate!”

Acceptance and use of communication technology by the elderly (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Clarke ◽  
Precious Onyeachu
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Working Age

BACKGROUND Population aging is a global phenomenon, with the proportion of the population over the age of 60 increasingly rapidly. However ownership and use of technology by people in this age group remains low, which impacts on introduction of and the assumptions made for, technology-based activities such as telehealth and telemedicine. It is essential to gain accurate information on the level of technology ownership in target groups. However, many studies on levels of technology ownership and use report using electronic methods for their survey, which introduces bias and may result in a higher value. OBJECTIVE To determine the level of ownership of technology in the elderly population using an unbiased data collection methodology. METHODS Our study collects data from patients invited to attend a clinic for their annual flu vaccination, and thereby captures a cross section of the population that is unbiased by the collection method. 309 patients completed a questionnaire, and were considered in three (3) age groups; young adults (25 to 45) (n=72), working-age (46 to 59) (n=80) and older adults (60 and above) (n=157). RESULTS In the older adult group (60+), 50 people (32%) out of 157 respondents had a mobile or smart phone and 107 (68%) did not; 38 people (24%) out of 157 respondents owned and used a computer and 119 (76%) had never used or owned a computer or tablet CONCLUSIONS Our results show a significantly lower ownership of technology in the elderly than found in other similar studies, which we attribute to the method of collection of the data, and consider to be a true reflection of the ownership in the general population.

Public health consequences

Pertussis ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 241-256
Author(s):  
Tami H. Skoff ◽  
Colin S. Brown ◽  
Gayatri Amirthalingam
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Severe Morbidity ◽  
Maternal Immunization ◽  
Single Strategy ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Global Health Problem

Although pertussis can cause morbidity and mortality across all age groups, infants are at greatest risk for severe disease, especially during the first months of life. Despite the implementation of effective vaccination programmes, pertussis remains a significant global health problem and protecting those at highest risk is a priority. Numerous public health strategies, including cocooning, maternal vaccination during pregnancy, targeted vaccination of healthcare personnel, and post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis, have been used to control the burden of pertussis with varying degrees of success. While maternal immunization during pregnancy has been demonstrated to be highly effective at preventing disease among infants during the first months of life, no single strategy alone is sufficient to control pertussis across age groups. In the setting of a resurgence in disease, a combination of approaches is needed to minimize the burden of disease, especially among those at highest risk for severe morbidity and mortality.

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