scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable patients with rheumatic disease: results of a worldwide survey

RMD Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e001378
Author(s):  
Bella Mehta ◽  
Deanna Jannat-Khah ◽  
Mark Alan Fontana ◽  
Carine J Moezinia ◽  
Carol A Mancuso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Rheumatic Disease ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Racial Ethnic

ObjectiveThere is emerging evidence that COVID-19 disproportionately affects people from racial/ethnic minority and low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Many physicians across the globe are changing practice patterns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to examine the practice changes among rheumatologists and what they perceive the impact to be on their most vulnerable patients.MethodsWe administered an online survey to a convenience sample of rheumatologists worldwide during the initial height of the pandemic (between 8 April and 4 May 2020) via social media and group emails. We surveyed rheumatologists about their opinions regarding patients from low SES and racial/ethnic minority groups in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mainly, what their specific concerns were, including the challenges of medication access; and about specific social factors (health literacy, poverty, food insecurity, access to telehealth video) that may be complicating the management of rheumatologic conditions during this time.Results548 rheumatologists responded from 64 countries and shared concerns of food insecurity, low health literacy, poverty and factors that preclude social distancing such as working and dense housing conditions among their patients. Although 82% of rheumatologists had switched to telehealth video, 17% of respondents estimated that about a quarter of their patients did not have access to telehealth video, especially those from below the poverty line. The majority of respondents believed these vulnerable patients, from racial/ethnic minorities and from low SES groups, would do worse, in terms of morbidity and mortality, during the pandemic.ConclusionIn this sample of rheumatologists from 64 countries, there is a clear shift in practice to telehealth video consultations and widespread concern for socially and economically vulnerable patients with rheumatic disease.

scholarly journals The Impact of Grit on Health Outcomes in College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 455-455
Author(s):  
Amelia Sullivan ◽  
Leigh Neptune ◽  
Kayla Parsons ◽  
Ashley Reynolds ◽  
Carol Byrd-Bredbenner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Experiment Station ◽  
College Undergraduate ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The objective was to examine the relationship between grit and health outcomes in college undergraduate students. Methods A cross-sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable Screener, and the 2-item Hager Food Insecurity Screener. Grit was assessed by generating a mean score using the 8-item short grit scale. Independent t-tests were used to compare health outcomes between students who reported above/below the average grit score of the sample. Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences between grit level and prevalence of food insecurity. Results Participants (N = 655) were 19.8 ± 1.5 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (84%). The average grit score was 3.27 ± 0.54 out of 5. Results indicated that students who were grittier than average (n = 372) reported fewer days/months (d/m) with poor mental health (8.1 ± 8.5 vs. 11.6 ± 9.6, P < 0.001), fewer d/m feeling sad/depressed (6.2 ± 7.7 vs. 9.9 ± 9.3, P < 0.001), more d/m with restful sleep (12.9 ± 9.8 vs. 10.3 ± 8.6, P < 0.001), more d/m feeling very healthy and full of energy (12.6 ± 8.8 vs. 8.4 ± 7.5, P < 0.001), and ate more servings of fruits and vegetables per day (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.1 ± 1.32, P < 0.01). Grittier participants were also less likely to report being food insecure (16.0%) vs. less grittier participants (23.3%), P < 0.05. Conclusions This data indicates that students who were grittier than average reported better HRQOL, consumed a more healthful diet, and were more likely to be food secure. This provides justification for future research to explore grit as a mediating factor that may contribute to better health outcomes, especially in populations particularly susceptible to experiencing poor HRQOL and food insecurity. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

Addressing Mental Health Literacy in a UK university campus population: Positive replication of a Canadian intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 537-544
Author(s):  
Sarah Hunt ◽  
Yifeng Wei ◽  
Stan Kutcher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Mental health concerns on university campuses are increasing in the UK. Improving mental health literacy (MHL) for students may be a useful part of an integrated approach to effectively address these concerns. This study evaluated a previously demonstrated effective Canadian campus MHL resource in a UK student sample. Design: This cross-sectional study conducted on one UK campus reports on student’s opinions about the impact of the Transitions (2nd edition) resource as well as applying a standard measure of MHL. Methods: Online survey using a convenience sample of students during semester 1 conducted over a 1-week period at a large UK university. Results: Use of Transitions (2nd edition) improved student self-reported mental health knowledge, decreased stigma and increased help-seeking intent. Significant ( p < .05) improvement in a standard MHL assessment was also found. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Transitions resource may be a helpful intervention in addressing student mental health in a UK university campus setting.

scholarly journals Exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs in a convenience sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽  
Michael M. Pedersen ◽  
Kristine Rømer Thomsen ◽  
Birgitte Thylstrup
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Patient Organizations ◽  
Public Media ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The use of cannabis as medicine (CaM) both prescribed and non-prescribed has increased markedly in the last decade, mirrored in a global shift in cannabis policy towards a more permissive stance. There is some evidence that cannabis functions as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids; however, more knowledge is needed on the motives of substitution users, their patterns of use, and perceived effects of substitution use. Aims To explore who substitutes prescription drugs with cannabis, the type of prescription drugs substituted and the type of cannabis used, and the impact that substitution with cannabis has on prescription drug use as well as the motives for substitution in terms of experienced effects and side effects. Methods A self-selected convenience sample was recruited through social media, public media, and patient organizations to take part in an anonymous online survey. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older and use of cannabis (prescribed or non-prescribed) with a medical purpose. Results The final sample included 2.841 respondents of which the majority (91%) used non-prescribed cannabis, and more than half (54.6%) had used CaM with the purpose of replacing a prescribed drug. Compared to non-substitution users, substitution users were more likely to be women and to use CaM in the treatment of chronic pain and other somatic conditions. Pain medication (67.2%), antidepressants (24.5%), and arthritis medication (20.7%) were the most common types of drugs replaced with CaM. Among substitution users, 38.1% reported termination of prescription drug use, and 45.9% a substantial decrease in prescription drug use. The most frequent type of cannabis used as a substitute was CBD-oil (65.2%), followed by ‘hash, pot or skunk’ (36.6%). More than half (65.8%) found CaM much more effective compared to prescription drugs, and 85.5% that the side effects associated with prescription drug use were much worse compared to use of CaM. Conclusion CaM is frequently used as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids. More research is needed on the long-term consequences of use of CaM, including the impact from low and high THC cannabis products on specific somatic and mental health conditions.

scholarly journals Service-user efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after successful withdrawal from antipsychotic medication

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204512532198913
Author(s):  
Miriam Larsen-Barr ◽  
Fred Seymour
Keyword(s):  
Antipsychotic Medication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
What Works ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
The Impact

Background: It is well-known that attempting antipsychotic withdrawal can be a fraught process, with a high risk of relapse that often leads people to resume the medication. Nonetheless, there is a group of people who appear to be able to discontinue successfully. Relatively little is known about how people do this. Methods: A convenience sample of adults who had stopped taking antipsychotic medication for more than a year were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews through an anonymous online survey that investigated antipsychotic medication experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis explored participant descriptions of their efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after the withdrawal process. Results: Of the seven women who volunteered to participate, six reported bipolar disorder diagnoses and one reported diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. The women reported successfully discontinuing antipsychotics for 1.25–25 years; six followed a gradual withdrawal method and had support to prepare for and manage this. Participants defined wellbeing in terms of their ability to manage the impact of any difficulties faced rather than their ability to prevent them entirely, and saw this as something that evolved over time. They described managing the process and maintaining their wellbeing afterwards by ‘understanding myself and my needs’, ‘finding what works for me’ and ‘connecting with support’. Sub-themes expand on the way in which they did this. For example, ‘finding what works for me’ included using a tool-box of strategies to flexibly meet their needs, practicing acceptance, drawing on persistence and curiosity and creating positive life experiences. Conclusion: This is a small, qualitative study and results should be interpreted with caution. This sample shows it is possible for people who experience mania and psychosis to successfully discontinue antipsychotics and safely manage the impact of any symptoms that emerge as a result of the withdrawal process or other life stressors that arise afterwards. Findings suggest internal resources and systemic factors play a role in the outcomes observed among people who attempt to stop taking antipsychotics and a preoccupation with avoiding relapse may be counterproductive to these efforts. Professionals can play a valuable role in facilitating change.

The moderating effect of e-bank structure on French consumers’ trust

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 501-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souheila Kaabachi ◽  
Selima Ben Mrad ◽  
Anne Fiedler
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Trust ◽  
Bank Structure ◽  
Website Features ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an e-bank’s structure (click-and-mortar bank vs internet-only bank) influences the consumer’s evaluation of website quality, and to identify the most significant website features that influence online trust and lead to consumer loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A non-probability convenience sample of 476 online bank users (248 click-and-mortar and 230 internet-only bank users) was used in this study. An online survey was conducted. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings Findings suggest that e-trust and e-loyalty levels depend on the e-banking structure. Click-and-mortar-based online users were found to have more trust and loyalty in their online banks than internet-only bank users. Findings demonstrate that website features are evaluated differently according to the e-bank structure. Information design and interactivity are very important for internet-only banks, and their effect on online trust seems to be higher. On the other hand, website personalization was evaluated as more important for click-and-mortar banks and had a stronger impact on online trust. Practical implications To promote the trustworthiness of their websites and retain customers, internet-only banks should make the experience more tangible for users by developing a pleasant online experience. Personalization is an important variable that can enhance the consumer’s engagement with the brand. Click-and-mortar banks should enhance their interactivity by providing a continuous and consistent experience across different channels of distribution whether online or in-person and provide more interactive tools on their websites. Originality/value This study contributes significantly to the marketing research literature related to consumer trust as well as to the electronic banking literature. It is the first study to compare customers of click-and-mortar banks with customers of internet-only banks when evaluating website features. It also explores the impact of the e-bank model on the relationship between website features and online trust and customer loyalty.

scholarly journals Culturally Congruent Health Care of COVID-19 in Minorities in the United States: A Clinical Practice Paper From the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 434-443
Author(s):  
Norma G. Cuellar ◽  
Elizabeth Aquino ◽  
Martha A. Dawson ◽  
Mary Joy Garcia-Dia ◽  
Eun-Ok Im ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clinical Paper ◽  
Culturally Congruent ◽  
National Coalition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Introduction: Race and ethnicity along with social determinants of health have been identified as risk factors for COVID-19. The purpose of this clinical paper is to provide an overview of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA), present COVID-19 epidemiological data on five racial–ethnic groups, identify culturally congruent health care strategies for each group, and provide directions for practice and research. Method: NCEMNA collaborated to provide a clinical paper that addresses information about COVID-19 and culturally congruent health care in five racial–ethnic groups. Results: Every organization presented common themes across the different groups and unique perspectives that each group is faced with during this challenge. Discussion: This article provides an introduction to the issues that minority groups are facing. It is imperative that data are collected to determine the extent of the impact of COVID-19 in diverse communities in the country.

scholarly journals Pathways from Food Insecurity to Health Outcomes among California University Students

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna M. Martinez ◽  
Michael A. Grandner ◽  
Aydin Nazmi ◽  
Elias Ruben Canedo ◽  
Lorrene D. Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Characteristics ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Impact

The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among college students is alarmingly high, yet the impact on student health has not been well investigated. The aim of the current study was to examine the simultaneous relationships between food insecurity and health-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI) and overall health in a college student population. Randomly sampled students in the University of California 10 campus system were invited to participate in an online survey in spring 2015. The analytic sample size was 8705 graduate and undergraduate students. Data were collected on FI in the past year, daily servings of fruits and vegetables (FV), number of days in the past week of enough sleep and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), height and weight, self-rated health, and student characteristics. Using path analysis, mediated pathways between FI, BMI, and poor health were examined through FV intake, number of days of MVPA and enough sleep. Analyses controlled for student characteristics. Mean BMI was 23.6 kg/m2 (SD, 5.0), and average self-rated health was good. FI was directly and indirectly related to higher BMI and poor health through three pathways. First, FI was related to fewer days of enough sleep, which in turn was related to increased BMI and poor health. Second, FI was related to fewer days of MVPA, which in turn was related to increased BMI and poor health. Third, FI was related to fewer daily servings of FV, which in turn was related to poor health. FI is associated with poor health behaviors among college students, which may contribute to higher weight status and poor health. These findings highlight the importance of food security for a healthy college experience.

Attitudes toward food fraud in Israel and Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (7) ◽  
pp. 2219-2232
Author(s):  
Inna Levy ◽  
Pamela Kerschke-Risch
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Food Fraud ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Kosher Food ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe current research focused on attitudes toward food fraud (AFF) and examined the impact of types of food fraud, gender differences, and country of residence.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of German (n = 151) and Israeli (n = 496) participants was recruited through an online survey. They filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and AFF scale, which includes three subscales: organic fraud, kosher fraud, and spraying fraud.FindingsThe results indicate that there is a significant effect of type of fraud, country of residence, and gender. German participants expressed more negative attitudes toward organic food fraud and less negative attitudes toward kosher fraud than Israeli participants. Women expressed more negative attitudes toward organic and kosher food frauds than men.Originality/valueThis study offers insight into cross-cultural and gender differences in attitudes toward food fraud. The findings suggest that public attitudes toward food fraud represent not just severity of possible consequences, but also environmental and religious aspects of consumption, norms and culture.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Perceived Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Testing

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee S. James ◽  
Sandra Hall ◽  
K. Allen Greiner ◽  
Dan Buckles ◽  
Wendi K. Born ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Screening Barriers ◽  
The Impact

Purpose. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective, but only one-half of age-eligible adults adhere to national guidelines. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups are less likely to be screened. Methods. Baseline data from a prospective study were used to examine the associations among CRC screening screening barriers, and SES. A convenience sample of adults (N = 291) aged 40 years and older was recruited from a federally qualified health center. Questionnaires were administered orally and included demographics, health, health behavior, and screening barriers. Results. In logistic regression, having health insurance was associated with greater odds of screening. Bivariate analyses detected few differences in fecal occult blood test (FOBT) barriers, but several endoscopy barriers were more common among the lowest SES groups. For example, fear of injury from endoscopy was more likely among low-income and uninsured participants. Discussion. The impact of SES on cancer screening is complex, but low-SES participants more often reported certain barriers than their higher-SES counterparts. This was more evident for endoscopy than for FOBT. Programs targeted at low-SES patients may need to focus on barriers that are not fully addressed in traditional promotion efforts.

Reducing Hospital Readmissions: Addressing the Impact of Food Security and Nutrition

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (S1) ◽  
pp. 86-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Swinburne ◽  
Katie Garfield ◽  
Aliza R. Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Economic Incentive ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Nutritional Needs ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition ◽  
The Impact

Food insecurity in the United States is a profound public health challenge that hospitals are uniquely situated to address. Through the enactment of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, the Affordable Care Act provides a strong economic incentive for hospitals to actively confront food insecurity within the communities they serve. While there is a spectrum of nutrition interventions that hospitals can look to when engaging in these efforts, healthy food prescriptions and medically tailored meals are two particularly innovative and promising approaches that could help hospitals reduce readmissions by addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable patients.

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