scholarly journals Patterns of negative seroconversion in ongoing surveys of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among workers in New York’s largest healthcare system

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 818-822
Author(s):  
Grace Sembajwe ◽  
Rehana Rasul ◽  
Yehuda Jacobs ◽  
Keisha Edwards ◽  
Lorraine Chambers Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Employee Characteristics ◽  
Serology Testing

ObjectivesGiven the importance of continued COVID-19 surveillance, our objective was to present findings from a short follow-up survey of workforce SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in previously seropositive participants and describe associations between work locations and negative seroconversion.MethodsWe conducted a follow-up cross-sectional survey on previously seropositive healthcare workers, using questionnaires and serology testing. Eligible employees previously consented to be contacted were invited by email to participate in a survey and laboratory blood draws. SAS V.9.4 was used to describe employee characteristics and seroconversion status. Binomial regression models were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) of seronegativity. The multivariable analyses included age, gender, race/ethnicity, region of residence, work location, prior diagnosis/PCR results and days between antibody tests. Unadjusted and adjusted PRs 95% CIs and p values were reported.ResultsOf the 3990 employees emailed in the follow-up, 1631 completed an exposure survey and generated a blood-draw requisition form. Average time between serology testing was 4 months. Of the 955 employees with complete serology results, 79.1% were female, 53.4% were white and 46.4% resided in Long Island; 176 participants seroconverted to negative. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for gender, race/ethnicity and region of residence, younger employees (<20–30 years), intensive care unit workers and those with no/negative prior PCR results were more likely to have negative seroconversion.Conclusions and relevancePatterns of negative seroconversion showed significant differences by sociodemographic and workplace characteristics. These results contribute information to workplace serosurveillance.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Factors, Smoke-Free Restrictions, and Media Exposure in Relation to Smoking-Related Attitudes and Behaviors among Adults in Armenia and Georgia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4013
Author(s):  
Christina N. Wysota ◽  
Marina Topuridze ◽  
Zhanna Sargsyan ◽  
Ana Dekanosidze ◽  
Lela Sturua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Readiness To Quit ◽  
Perceived Harm

Background: Perceived harm, social influences, smoke-free policies, and media exposure have been understudied in relation to tobacco-related attitudes/behaviors in aggregate or in low and middle-income countries; thus, this study examined these factors collectively in relation to smoking-related outcomes among Armenian and Georgian adults. Methods: Using 2018 cross-sectional survey data (n = 1456), multivariable regression analyses examined these factors in relation to smoking status, perceived harm among nonsmokers, and readiness to quit and past-year quit attempts among smokers. Results: Significant predictors (p < 0.05) of current smoking (27.3%) included lower perceived harm, more smoking friends, and fewer home and vehicle restrictions. Among nonsmokers, more home and restaurant/bar restrictions, fewer vehicle restrictions, greater anti-tobacco media exposure, and less pro-tobacco media exposure predicted greater perceived harm. Among smokers, greater perceived social acceptability of smoking, less anti-tobacco media exposure, and greater pro-tobacco media exposure predicted readiness to quit (12.7% of smokers). More smoking friends, more home restrictions, less anti-tobacco media exposure, and greater pro-tobacco media exposure predicted past-year quit attempts (19.2%). Conclusions: Findings support the importance of smoke-free policies but were counterintuitive regarding the roles of social and media influences, underscoring the need to better understand how to address these influences, particularly in countries with high smoking rates.

Prevalence and determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Marrakesh province, Morocco: A cross- sectional survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Soufiane El Moussaoui ◽  
Kamal Kaoutar ◽  
Ahmed Chetoui ◽  
Abdeslam El Kardoudi ◽  
Fatiha Chigr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Survey Report ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants during the first 6 months of life. Nevertheless, the practice of breastfeeding is currently declining throughout the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice and its associated factors among mothers living in Marrakesh province, Morocco. METHODS: The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 50.2%. Mothers with age more than 30 years, residing in rural area, receiving counseling related breastfeeding during antenatal follow up and having knowledge about duration of breastfeeding were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding in Marrakesh was higher than the last national survey report but it is still insufficient. These findings have to stress authorities and deciders to sensitize mothers and future mothers to increase exclusive breastfeeding practice notably through the involvement of health professionals.

scholarly journals Support received by family members before, at and after an ill person’s death

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna O’Sullivan ◽  
Anette Alvariza ◽  
Joakim Öhlén ◽  
Cecilia Larsdotter
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Advanced Illness ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bereaved Family

Abstract Background It is widely recognised, that family members are central to care of people with advanced illness, and that support should be provided to all family members in need thereof. The aim of this study was to investigate family members’ experiences of support received during the last three months of life, at the time of death and after the death of a person with advanced illness. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional survey design was employed, using the VOICES(SF) questionnaire and multiple methods for data analyses. The sample consisted of 485 bereaved family members (aged: 20–90 years old, 70% women) of people who died in hospital between August 2016-April 2017. Results Of the family members, 58,8% reported they had received enough help and support during the illness, whereas 30,2% had not. Family members’ comments about support during the illness were mainly related to care the ill person had or had not received, rather than about support they themselves received. Of all family members, 52,8% reported having had enough support at the time of the ill person’s death. Related to support at death, 14,6% reported that the imminence of death was not clear, which was described as having affected their opportunity to be with the dying person at the time of death. Of all, 25,2% had a follow-up conversation after the death, 48% did not and did not want to, and 21% had no follow-up conversation, but would have liked one. A follow-up conversation was described as helpful for the bereavement process, and disappointment was expressed when not receiving support after the death. Conclusions Family members’ experiences of support were partly related to whether the ill person’s care needs were fulfilled. Healthcare staff expressing empathy and respect in the care of dying people and their family members were important for family members’ experiences of support. Family members’ difficulty recognising that death was imminent and the importance of healthcare staff providing them with clear information were expressed in connection with support at death. Follow-up conversations were valued by family members, especially if with a healthcare professional who was present at the time of death.

scholarly journals Determinants of Method Switching among Social Franchise Clients Who Discontinued the Use of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqas Hameed ◽  
Syed Khurram Azmat ◽  
Moazzam Ali ◽  
Wajahat Hussain ◽  
Ghulam Mustafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Intrauterine Contraceptive Device ◽  
Contraceptive Device ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contraceptive Usage ◽  
Social Franchise ◽  
Intrauterine Contraceptive ◽  
Contraceptive Discontinuation

Introduction. Women who do not switch to alternate methods after contraceptive discontinuation, for reasons other than the desire to get pregnant or not needing it, are at obvious risk for unplanned pregnancies or unwanted births. This paper examines the factors that influence women to switch from Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) to other methods instead of terminating contraceptive usage altogether.Methods. The data used for this study comes from a larger cross-sectional survey conducted in nine (9) randomly selected districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, during January 2011. Using Stata 11.2, we analyzed data on 333 women, who reported the removal of IUCDs due to reasons other than the desire to get pregnant.Results. We found that 39.9% of the women do not switch to another method of contraception within one month after IUCD discontinuation. Use of contraception before IUCD insertion increases the odds for method switching by 2.26 times after removal. Similarly, postremoval follow-up by community health worker doubles (OR = 2.0) the chances of method switching. Compared with women who received free IUCD service (via voucher scheme), the method switching is 2.01 times higher among women who had paid for IUCD insertion.Conclusion. To increase the likelihood of method switching among IUCD discontinuers this study emphasizes the need for postremoval client counseling, follow-up by healthcare provider, improved choices to a wider range of contraceptives for poor clients, and user satisfaction.

scholarly journals Universal PCR and antibody testing demonstrate little to no transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a rural community

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Appa ◽  
Saki Takahashi ◽  
Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer ◽  
Gabriel Chamie ◽  
Aenor Sawyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Community ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural Town ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Prior Infection ◽  
Estimate Precision

Abstract Background Limited systematic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in the early months of the United States epidemic curtailed accurate appraisal of transmission intensity. Our objective was to perform case detection of an entire rural community to quantify SARS-CoV-2 transmission using PCR and antibody testing. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the rural town of Bolinas, California (population 1,620), four weeks following shelter-in-place orders. Participants were tested between April 20 th – 24 th, 2020. Prevalence by PCR and seroprevalence from two forms of antibody testing were performed in parallel (Abbott ARCHITECT IgG and in-house IgG ELISA). Results Of 1,891 participants, 1,312 were confirmed Bolinas residents (&gt;80% community ascertainment). Zero participants were PCR positive. Assuming 80% sensitivity, it would have been unlikely to observe these results (p&lt;0.05) if there were &gt;3 active infections in the community. Based on antibody results, estimated prevalence of prior infection was 0.16% (95% CrI: 0.02%, 0.46%). The positive predictive value (PPV) of a positive result on both tests was 99.11% (95% CrI: 95.75%, 99.94%), compared to PPV 44.19%-63.32% (95% CrI range 3.25%-98.64%) if one test was utilized. Conclusions Four weeks following shelter-in-place, SARS-CoV-2 infection in a rural Northern California community was extremely rare. In this low prevalence setting, use of two antibody tests increased seroprevalence estimate precision. This was one of the first community-wide studies to successfully implement synchronous PCR and antibody testing, particularly in a rural setting. Widespread testing remains an underpinning of effective disease control in conjunction with consistent uptake of public health measures.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude & Practice Among Psoriasis Patients in India Towards Teledermatology During COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 01-13
Author(s):  
Archana Mavoori ◽  
Sudha Bala ◽  
Rajiv Kumar Bandaru ◽  
Aruna Kumari Yerra
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital ◽  
Care Teaching ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has imposed upon the entire community norms of social distancing and home quarantine. Follow up consultations in these times can be made through teledermatology through smart phones. Success of this technology in these hours of crisis depends upon the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of patients towards teledermatology. Follow up consultations done through teleconsultations will decrease risk of exposure to COVID-19 among psoriasis patients who need frequent follow ups. Aim: The main objective of this study is to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice of teledermatology through teledermatology among psoriasis patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey, from Psoriasis Clinic registry maintained in the outpatient department of DVL of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India is conducted. A pre-validated self-administered questionnaire is used for the survey to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of teledermatology. Analysis will be done as per study objectives using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: Out of 150 patients, 87(58%) were males and females were 63(42%). Most common age group to participate in the study was 36-45 years- 43(28.7%). Majority of participants were educated up to –graduate 53(35.3%). Males had higher knowledge and attitude scores compared to females. Most of the patients found using teleconsutations easy and convenient. Conclusion: Teledermatology is the need of the hour to be implemented in these hours of COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assem M. Khamis ◽  
Lara A. Kahale ◽  
Hector Pardo-Hernandez ◽  
Holger J. Schünemann ◽  
Elie A. Akl
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Over Time

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

A Follow-Up Study of the Indicators of Teaching Presence Critical to Students in Online Courses

2013 ◽  
pp. 67-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Sheridan ◽  
Melissa A. Kelly ◽  
David T. Bentz
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Teaching Presence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Follow Up Study

The purpose of the study presented in this chapter was to examine students’ perceptions of the importance of various indicators of teaching presence for their success in online courses. A cross-sectional survey design was used to identify the indicators that students perceived to be most important and to determine whether there were potential differences between graduate students and undergraduate students in terms of the students’ perceptions. Although the indicators that students rated as most important were similar for both groups of students, there were statistically significant differences for a few of the indicators. Students’ comments suggested additional indicators and provided insights about the importance of dispositions in online courses.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Medical Follow-up and Psychosocial Well-Being of People Living With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-262
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela ◽  
Stijn Van Hees ◽  
Thalia Tibério dos Santos ◽  
Pieter Vanholder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Homosexuality and Entrepreneurship

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minet Schindehutte ◽  
Michael Morris ◽  
Jeffrey Allen
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Gay Identity ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Differences ◽  
Heterogeneous Nature ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Bisexual

Attempts to understand the heterogeneous nature of the population of entrepreneurs are relatively few in number, and focus largely on gender, race, ethnicity, age and educational differences. The experiences of many other key cohorts have been ignored, including those of gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) individuals. This paper examines the concept of ‘gay identity’ within an entrepreneurial context, and investigates underlying patterns in the structure of the GLB entrepreneurial community. Results are reported of a cross-sectional survey targeted at a sample of GLB entrepreneurs. The study represents the first national sample of these entrepreneurs. Overall trends are identified in the motives, attitudes, perceptions and management practices of GLB entrepreneurs. Cluster analysis is then employed to identify and characterize two distinct subgroups of GLB entrepreneurs, labelled ‘identifiers’ and ‘independents’. A number of theoretical and managerial implications are drawn from the findings.

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