scholarly journals Public misperception that very low nicotine cigarettes are less carcinogenic

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Justin Byron ◽  
Michelle Jeong ◽  
David B Abrams ◽  
Noel T Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Nicotine Content ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Motivation To Quit ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Many

ObjectiveThe USA is considering a very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarette standard. We sought to characterise the prevalence and correlates of the incorrect belief that VLNC cigarettes are less carcinogenic than current cigarettes, as this could reduce motivation to quit.MethodsParticipants were a nationally representative sample of 650 adult smokers in the USA. In 2015–2016, before the VLNC proposal became public, these smokers took part in an online survey. We used multivariate weighted analyses to calculate ORs and percentages and a χ2 test to examine the association between variables.ResultsOverall, 47.1% of smokers believed that smoking VLNC cigarettes for 30 years would be less likely to cause cancer than smoking current cigarettes. This misperception was more common among smokers who were aged above 55 (56.6%) and black (57.4%). Additionally, 23.9% of smokers reported they would be less likely to quit if the USA adopted a VLNC standard. Thinking that VLNC cigarettes would be less carcinogenic was associated with smokers reporting they would be less likely to quit (P<0.01).ConclusionsMany smokers had the misperception that smoking VLNC cigarettes is less likely to cause cancer, and some stated that they would be less likely to quit. A VLNC standard may be more effective if accompanied by a communication campaign that emphasises the continued dangers of smoking VLNC cigarettes due to the many toxic chemicals in smoke.

scholarly journals Three Versions of the Perceived Stress Scale: Psychometric Evaluation in a Nationally Representative Sample of Chinese Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8312
Author(s):  
Zhuang She ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Ningning Zhou ◽  
Juzhe Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Nationally Representative

(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has created pressure in people’s daily lives, further threatening public health. Thus, it is important to assess people’s perception of stress during COVID-19 for both research and practical purposes. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure perceived stress; however, previous validation studies focused on specific populations, possibly limiting the generalization of results. (2) Methods: This study tested the psychometric properties of three versions of the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14, CPSS-10, and CPSS-4) in the Chinese general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A commercial online survey was employed to construct a nationally representative sample of 1133 adults in Mainland China (548 males and 585 females) during a one-week period. (3) Results: The two-factor (positivity and negativity) solution for the three versions of the CPSS showed a good fit with the data. The CPSS-14 and CPSS-10 had very good reliability and the CPSS-4 showed acceptable reliability. Scores on all three versions of the CPSS were significantly correlated in the expected direction with health-related variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, and perceived COVID-19 risk), supporting the concurrent validity of the CPSS. (4) Conclusions: All three versions of the CPSS appear to be appropriate for use in research with samples of adults in the Chinese general population under the COVID-19 crisis. The CPSS-10 and CPSS-14 both have strong psychometric properties, but the CPSS-10 would have more utility because it is shorter than the CPSS-14. However, the CPSS-4 is an acceptable alternative when administration time is limited.

Delayed entry into HIV medical care in a nationally representative sample of HIV-infected adults receiving medical care in the USA

AIDS Care ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
McKaylee Robertson ◽  
Stanley C. Wei ◽  
Linda Beer ◽  
Demilade Adedinsewo ◽  
Sandra Stockwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Delayed Entry ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative

scholarly journals Reducing Nicotine Without Misleading the Public: Descriptions of Cigarette Nicotine Level and Accuracy of Perceptions About Nicotine Content, Addictiveness, and Risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S101-S107 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Justin Byron ◽  
Marissa G Hall ◽  
Jessica L King ◽  
Kurt M Ribisl ◽  
Noel T Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Percent Reduction ◽  
Online Experiment ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Public ◽  
Nicotine Content ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Motivation To Quit ◽  
Nicotine Level ◽  
Language Description

Abstract Significance The public incorrectly believes very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes are less carcinogenic than current cigarettes, a belief associated with lower motivation to quit under a VLNC standard. We examined how different descriptions of the nicotine level in VLNC cigarettes affect the accuracy of the public’s perceptions about nicotine content, addictiveness, and cancer risk. Methods Participants were a national convenience sample of 1353 US adults (22% smokers). In an online experiment, we randomized participants to a VLNC description using (1) concise language; (2) a percentage; (3) an interpretation; (4) a percentage and interpretation; (5) a percentage and a pictograph; or (6) a percentage, interpretation, and pictograph; or to a control description using (7) FDA's “minimally or nonaddictive” phrasing. We assessed accuracy of perceived nicotine content, addictiveness, and cancer risk compared to current cigarettes. Results Compared to control, the percentage description resulted in more accurate perceptions about nicotine content (76% vs. 49% accuracy) and addictiveness (44% vs. 34%), but less accurate perceptions about cancer risk (56% vs. 68%; all ps &lt; .05). Adding interpretation or pictographs to the percentage description did not increase accuracy. The concise language description reduced accuracy of perceived nicotine content and addictiveness but increased accuracy of cancer risk (all ps &lt; .05). Conclusions Stating that 95% of nicotine would be removed more accurately conveyed the nicotine content and addictiveness of VLNC cigarettes. However, descriptions that better conveyed nicotine content and addictiveness misled people about cancer risk. Implications Implementation of a VLNC standard should include plans for a communication campaign that conveys that VLNC cigarettes will be less addictive but equally toxic to smoke. Stating the percent reduction in nicotine is likely to more clearly communicate reduced addictiveness but may also exacerbate risk misperceptions. VLNC communication requires further study to ensure the public accurately understands a VLNC standard.

scholarly journals Low assets and financial stressors associated with higher depression during COVID-19 in a nationally representative sample of US adults

2020 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-215213
Author(s):  
Catherine K Ettman ◽  
Salma M Abdalla ◽  
Gregory H Cohen ◽  
Laura Sampson ◽  
Patrick M Vivier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Probable Depression

BackgroundCOVID-19 and related containment policies have caused or heightened financial stressors for many in the USA. We assessed the relation between assets, financial stressors and probable depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsBetween 31 March 2020 and 13 April 2020, we surveyed a probability-based, nationally representative sample of US adults ages 18 and older using the COVID-19 and Life stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-being survey (n=1441). We calculated the prevalence of probable depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (cut-off ≥10) and exposure to financial stressors by financial, physical and social assets categories (household income, household savings, home ownership, educational attainment and marital status). We estimated adjusted ORs and predicted probabilities of probable depression across assets categories and COVID-19 financial stressor exposure groups.ResultsWe found that (1) 40% of US adults experienced COVID-19-related financial stressors during this time period; (2) low assets (OR: 3.0, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.2) and COVID-19 financial stressor exposure (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.9) were each associated with higher odds of probable depression; and (3) among persons with low assets and high COVID-19 financial stressors, 42.7% had probable depression; and among persons with high assets and low COVID-19 financial stressors, 11.1% had probable depression. Persons with high assets and high COVID-19 financial stressors had a similar prevalence of probable depression (33.5%) as persons with low assets and low COVID-19 financial stressors (33.5%). The more assets a person had, the lower the level of probable depression.ConclusionPopulations with low assets are bearing a greater burden of mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Do people have an ethical obligation to share their health information? Comparing narratives of altruism and health information sharing in a nationally representative sample

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244767
Author(s):  
Minakshi Raj ◽  
Raymond De Vries ◽  
Paige Nong ◽  
Sharon L. R. Kardia ◽  
Jodyn E. Platt
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Ethical Obligation ◽  
Health Information Technologies ◽  
Nationally Representative

Background With the emergence of new health information technologies, health information can be shared across networks, with or without patients’ awareness and/or their consent. It is often argued that there can be an ethical obligation to participate in biomedical research, motivated by altruism, particularly when risks are low. In this study, we explore whether altruism contributes to the belief that there is an ethical obligation to share information about one’s health as well as how other health care experiences, perceptions, and concerns might be related to belief in such an obligation. Methods We conducted an online survey using the National Opinion Research Center’s (NORC) probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Our final analytic sample included complete responses from 2069 participants. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine how altruism, together with other knowledge, attitudes, and experiences contribute to the belief in an ethical obligation to allow health information to be used for research. Results We find in multivariable regression that general altruism is associated with a higher likelihood of belief in an ethical obligation to allow one’s health information to be used for research (OR = 1.22, SE = 0.14, p = 0.078). Trust in the health system and in care providers are both associated with a significantly higher likelihood of believing there is an ethical obligation to allow health information to be used (OR = 1.48, SE = 0.76, p<0.001; OR = 1.58, SE = 0.26, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions Belief that there is an ethical obligation to allow one’s health information to be used for research is shaped by altruism and by one’s experience with, and perceptions of, health care and by general concerns about the use of personal information. Altruism cannot be assumed and researchers must recognize the ways encounters with the health care system influence (un)willingness to share one’s health information.

scholarly journals Personal preferences for Personalised Trials among patients with chronic diseases: an empirical Bayesian analysis of a conjoint survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e036056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Kuen Cheung ◽  
Dallas Wood ◽  
Kangkang Zhang ◽  
Ty A Ridenour ◽  
Lilly Derby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Analysis ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Empirical Bayesian ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative

ObjectiveTo describe individual patient preferences for Personalised Trials and to identify factors and conditions associated with patient preferences.DesignEach participant was presented with 18 conjoint questions via an online survey. Each question provided two choices of Personalised Trials that were defined by up to eight attributes, including treatment types, clinician involvement, study logistics and trial burden on a patient.SettingOnline survey of adults with at least two common chronic conditions in the USA.ParticipantsA nationally representative sample of 501 individuals were recruited from the Chronic Illness Panel by Harris Poll Online. Participants were recruited from several sources, including emails, social media and telephone recruitment of the target population.Main outcome measuresThe choice of Personalised Trial design that the participant preferred with each conjoint question.ResultsThere was large variability in participants’ preferences for the design of Personalised Trials. On average, they preferred certain attributes, such as a short time commitment and no cost. Notably, a population-level analysis correctly predicted 62% of the conjoint responses. An empirical Bayesian analysis of the conjoint data, which supported the estimation of individual-level preferences, improved the accuracy to 86%. Based on estimates of individual-level preferences, patients with chronic pain preferred a long study duration (p≤0.001). Asthma patients were less averse to participation burden in terms of data-collection frequency than patients with other conditions (p=0.002). Patients with hypertension were more cost-sensitive (p<0.001).ConclusionThese analyses provide a framework for elucidating individual-level preferences when implementing novel patient-centred interventions. The data showed that patient preference in Personalised Trials is highly variable, suggesting that individual differences must be accounted for when marketing Personalised Trials. These results have implications for advancing precise interventions in Personalised Trials by indicating when rigorous scientific principles, such as frequent monitoring, is feasible in a substantial subset of patients.

Gun ownership among US women

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia A Wolfson ◽  
Deborah Azrael ◽  
Matthew Miller
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Gun Ownership ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative

IntroductionLittle is known about female gun owners in the USA. We describe the number and type of firearms owned, and reasons for owning, by sex.MethodsAn online survey conducted in 2015 of 3949 US adults; cross-tabulations using survey weights generated nationally representative estimates.ResultsTwelve per cent (95% CI 10.6% to 13.6%) of women and 33.3% of men (95% CI 30.3% to 36.5%) personally owned guns. Male and female gun owners are demographically similar and cite similar reasons for owning firearms, but female gun owners own fewer guns (3.6 vs 5.6). Among female gun owners, 40.4% (95% CI 35.5% to 45.5%) own handguns only, whereas 20.7% (95% CI 18.2% to 23.4%) of male gun owners own handguns only. Approximately three of four male (73.4% (95% CI 70.3% to 76.3%)) and female (76.7% (95% CI 71.6% to 81.1%)) handgun owners own guns for protection from strangers. Males and female gun owners are equally likely to store at least one gun loaded and unlocked.ConclusionsMale and female gun owners in the USA are demographically similar, cite similar reasons for owning guns and, despite males owning more guns, are equally likely to store at least one gun loaded and unlocked.

scholarly journals Self-Reported Prevalence of Allergies in the USA and Impact on Skin—An Epidemiological Study on a Representative Sample of American Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3360
Author(s):  
Sophie Seité ◽  
Alyce Mei-Shiuan Kuo ◽  
Charles Taieb ◽  
Tamara Lazić Strugar ◽  
Peter Lio
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
American Population ◽  
Sensitive Skin ◽  
Skin Reactions ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Skin Conditions ◽  
Allergy Prevalence

Background: The rising prevalence of allergies can substantially impact the skin, which is one of the largest targets for allergic and immunologic responses. Objective: Here, we describe the results of an online survey assessing self-reported allergy prevalence in Americans, outline the populations who report allergies, and characterize the skin conditions associated with allergy. Methods: An online survey was conducted in the USA of 2008 adults as a representative sample of the general American population. Results: 41.7% of American adults (mean age 44.7 ± 15.3 years old) reported having allergies. Reported allergies included respiratory allergies (45.2%), skin allergies (41.4) and food allergies (33.9%). 47.7% of those who reported allergies also reported experiencing associated skin reactions. In addition, those who reported allergies were 2 to 4.5 times more likely to report a cutaneous skin disease, 7 times more likely to report sensitive skin, and twice as likely to report experiencing skin reactions when using skincare products compared to those who did not report allergies. Conclusions: It is estimated that over 100 million American adults have allergies. These results will help raise awareness about the burden of allergies and the need to develop solutions to mitigate their impact on health.

scholarly journals Porndemic? A longitudinal study of pornography use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a nationally representative sample of Americans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua B. Grubbs ◽  
Samuel Perry ◽  
Shane Winfield Kraus ◽  
Jennifer T. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Representative Data ◽  
Problematic Use ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Many ◽  
Time Point

Of the many changes in daily life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing efforts and governmentally mandated lockdowns were among the most drastic. Coinciding with these changes, popular pornography websites made some previously premium content available for free, spurring dramatic increases in traffic to these websites. This increase in time spent at home and reported increases in traffic to specific pornographic websites led to some speculation that pornography use might generally increase over the course of the pandemic and that problematic use might also increase. To test these speculations and quantify the effects of the pandemic and its associated restrictions on social behaviors on pornography use, we analyzed data from a longitudinal sample of American adults. Baseline, nationally representative data were collected in August, 2019 via YouGov (N=2,518). Subsequent data were collected in February, 2020 (n=1,677), May, 2020 (n=1,533), August, 2020 (n=1,470), and October, 2020 (n=1,269). Results indicated that, in May, 2020, immediately following the height of the first wave of pandemic related lockdowns, more people reported past month pornography use than at any other time point. Among those who reported use in May, 2020, only 14% reported increases in use since the start of the pandemic, and their use returned to levels similar to all other users by August of 2020. In general, pornography use trended downward over the pandemic, for both men and women. Problematic pornography use trended downward for men and remained low and unchanged in women. Collectively, these results suggests that many fears about pornography use during pandemic related lockdowns were largely not supported by available data.

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