scholarly journals Smoking and Other Drug Characteristics of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Prisoners in Australia

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Richmond ◽  
Devon Indig ◽  
Tony G. Butler ◽  
Kay A. Wilhelm ◽  
Vicki A. Archer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Australian Community ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile ◽  
Using Data ◽  
High Level ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
Male Prisoners

Introduction and Aim. Although tobacco and alcohol use have declined substantially in the Australian community, substance use among prisoners remains high. The aim was to compare the smoking, drug, and alcohol characteristics, sociodemographic profile, and general health of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal male prisoners in a smoking cessation intervention.Design and Methods. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of data from 425 male prisoners who joined a quit smoking trial conducted at 18 correctional centres in NSW and Queensland using data collected by standardised self-report instruments.Results. Average age was 33 years with 15% from Aboriginal descent. Compared to non-Aboriginal prisoners, Aboriginal prisoners were significantly more likely to have left school with no qualifications, to have been institutionalised as a child, to be previously incarcerated, and commenced smoking at a younger age. The tobacco use profile of both groups was similar; most of them had a medium to high level of nicotine dependence, smoked roll your own tobacco, and were “serious” about quitting.Discussion and Conclusion. Despite differences in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and offending history, the smoking characteristics of Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal prisoners were similar. Incarceration offers an opportunity to encourage smoking cessation and reduction of drug use.

scholarly journals Comparison of healthcare resource utilization and medical costs between patients with seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2110248
Author(s):  
Hyoungyoung Kim ◽  
Soo-Kyung Cho ◽  
Seongmi Choi ◽  
Seul Gi Im ◽  
Sun-Young Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Quantile Regression ◽  
Healthcare Utilization ◽  
Medical Costs ◽  
Healthcare Resource Utilization ◽  
Medical Utilization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Direct Medical Costs ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Objectives: To compare healthcare utilization and medical costs between patients with seronegative (SN) and seropositive (SP) rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We conducted a nationwide population study using the Korean health insurance claims database in 2016. We divided patients with RA into SN and SP groups and compared healthcare utilization including medications, medical utilization, and direct medical costs for 1 year between the groups in a cross-sectional analysis. Differences in costs between patients with SPRA and SNRA were assessed using the quantile regression model. We performed longitudinal analysis using data from 2012 and 2016 to examine changes over time. Results: A total of 103,815 SPRA and 75,809 SNRA patients were included in the analyses. The SPRA group used significantly more methotrexate (73.2% versus 30.3%) and biologic agents (7.9% versus 2.9%) than the SNRA group. The number of RA-related outpatient visits [6.0 ± 3.7 versus 4.4 ± 4.0 times/year, standardized difference (SD) = 0.41] and annual medical costs per patient ($1027 versus $450/year, SD = 0.25) were higher in the SPRA group than the SNRA group. Quantile regression results indicated that the incremental cost of seropositivity on total medical costs of RA patients gradually increased as medical costs approached the upper quantile. The annual direct medical costs for each patient between 2012 and 2016 increased in both groups: by 25.1% in the SPRA group and 37.6% in the SNRA group. Conclusion: Annual RA-related direct medical costs and RA-related healthcare utilization per patient are higher in patients with SPRA than those with SNRA.

scholarly journals Screening for Depressive Mood During Acute Chikungunya Infection in Primary Healthcare Settings

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2552
Author(s):  
Efrén Murillo-Zamora ◽  
Oliver Mendoza-Cano ◽  
Benjamín Trujillo-Hernández ◽  
Xóchitl Trujillo ◽  
Miguel Huerta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Models ◽  
Depressive Mood ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Multicenter Cohort Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Frequent Event ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Background: We aimed to screen for depressive mood experienced during acute chikungunya (CHIKV) infection, and to evaluate the association of several exposures with the risk of depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter cohort study took place and data from 354 adult individuals with confirmed CHIKV infection were analyzed. Participants were recruited in primary health care settings and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) was used. Prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated by means of logistic models were used. Results: Depressive mood (PHQ-2 score 3 or higher) was reported by 44.1% of individuals. Subjects with articular effusion (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.77–8.11), gastrointestinal manifestations (diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain, OR = 1.97, 95 CI 1.21–3.19), and higher length of severe arthralgia (reference ≤ 14 days: 15–30 days, OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.78–6.41; ≥ 30 days, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.95–3.01) were more likely to self-report depressive mood. Increasing age (≥ 40 years old, OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.95) and rash (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.98) were associated with a decreased risk of depressive mood. Conclusions: Depressive mood seemed to be a frequent event among analyzed individuals, and markers associated with its risk were identified.

Cultural Competency Among Pediatric Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Design

2020 ◽  
pp. 104365962096078
Author(s):  
Manal F. Alharbi ◽  
Manal H. Alhamlan ◽  
Ahmad E. Aboshaiqah
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Cultural Competency ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
High Level

Introduction Saudi Arabia’s culturally diverse population is growing rapidly. The need for cultural competence is greatest in pediatric units where nurses provide care to children in collaboration with their parents. Method Nonprobability sampling of 394 nurses and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to investigate nurses’ cultural competence, and to examine the relationships between the variables and participants’ demographic data in pediatric units across five hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by asking nurses to complete a self-report questionnaire. Results The results suggest a high degree of cultural competency. Participants’ scores indicated high levels of perceived cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cultural competence behavior for performance. Discussion This study supports the 3-D Puzzle Model of culturally congruent care for cultural competence, which assumes that cultural competence is deeply influenced by one’s experiences. The findings revealed a high level of cultural competence despite a lack of information with respect to patient views.

scholarly journals Adequacy of androgen replacement influences bone density response to testosterone in androgen-deficient men

2005 ◽  
Vol 152 (6) ◽  
pp. 881-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Aminorroaya ◽  
Sharyn Kelleher ◽  
Ann J Conway ◽  
Lam P Ly ◽  
David J Handelsman
Keyword(s):  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Testosterone Replacement ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Dexa Scan ◽  
Density Response ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Design And Methods

Objective: Androgen deficiency (AD) leads to bone loss and contributes to osteoporotic fractures in men. Although low bone mineral density (BMD) in AD men is improved by testosterone replacement, the responses vary between individuals but the determinants of this variability are not well defined. Design and methods: Retrospective review of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur in men with established AD requiring regular androgen replacement therapy (ART). After a DEXA scan all men were treated with testosterone implants (800 mg, ~6 month intervals). Patients were classified as having a congenital, childhood, or post-pubertal onset, as well as according to the adequacy of treatment prior to their first DEXA scan as untreated, partially treated or well treated. Results: Men with AD requiring regular ART (n = 169, aged 46.3±1.1 years, range 22–84 years) underwent a DEXA scan prior to being treated with testosterone implants (800 mg, ~6 month intervals). In cross-sectional analysis at the time of the first DEXA scan untreated men (n = 24) had significantly reduced age-adjusted BMD at all four sites (L1–L4, femoral neck, Ward’s triangle and trochanter). Well-treated men (n = 77) had significantly better age-adjusted BMD at all four sites compared with those who were partially treated (n = 66) or untreated (n = 24) with their age-adjusted BMD being normalized. In a longitudinal assessment of men (n = 60) who had two or more serial DEXA scans, at the second DEXA scan after a median of 3 years, men who were previously partially treated (n = 19) or untreated (n = 11) had proportionately greater improvements in BMD, significantly for Ward’s triangle (P = 0.025) and the trochanter (P = 0.044) compared with men (n = 30) previously well treated. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a positive relationship between adequacy of testosterone replacement and BMD in men with overt organic AD. Additionally, the BMD of well-treated AD men approximates that of age-matched non-AD controls. The greatest BMD gains are made by those who have been either untreated or partially treated, and optimal treatment over time (median 3 years) normalizes BMD to the level expected for healthy men of the same age.

scholarly journals Risk selection into supplemental private health insurance in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yawen Jiang ◽  
Weiyi Ni
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Instrumental Variable ◽  
Private Health Insurance ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Risk Selection ◽  
Alternative Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Advantageous Selection ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Information on risk selection is important for the regulation and development of supplemental private health insurance (PHI). The research on risk selection into supplemental PHI has been documented in several developed countries where the regulation of the PHI markets was relatively mature. However, evidence on this important aspect of the supplemental PHI market in China is still absent in the literature. The private insurers in China were not prohibited from discrimination against pre-existing conditions and did not guarantee ongoing enrolment. Therefore, the direction and degree of risk selection could not be inferred using the evidence from the other countries. To provide evidence on risk selection into supplemental PHI in China, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2015 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Results Using probit models, we found that individuals having better self-reported general health were more likely to enrol in PHI in China, suggesting advantageous selection. This result was confirmed by an alternative analysis using an instrumental variable. We also adjusted the realized occurrence of hospitalization by excluding potential moral hazard effect and showed that the adjusted hospitalization risk was negatively associated with PHI enrolment, which also indicated advantageous selection. Conclusions The findings suggested potential over-insurance of healthier individuals or under-insurance of less healthy individuals. The regulation of the PHI market in China should aim to address the inefficiency. The current study could also contribute to the information base for policymakers in countries where the PHI markets similarly lack strong regulation.

scholarly journals Effect of changes in green spaces on mental health in older adults: a fixed effects analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mark Noordzij ◽  
Marielle A Beenackers ◽  
Joost Oude Groeniger ◽  
Frank J Van Lenthe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Residential Environment ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Sectional Analysis

BackgroundUrban green spaces have been linked to different health benefits, but longitudinal studies on the effect of green spaces on mental health are sparse and evidence often inconclusive. Our objective was to study the effect of changes in green spaces in the residential environment on changes in mental health using data with 10 years of follow-up (2004–2014).MethodsData from 3175 Dutch adults were linked to accessibility and availability measures of green spaces at three time points (2004/2011/2014). Mental health was measured with the Mental Health Inventory-5. Fixed effects analyses were performed to assess the effect of changes in green spaces on mental health.ResultsCross-sectional analysis of baseline data showed significant associations between Euclidean distances to the nearest green space and mental health, with an increase of 100 m correlating with a lower mental health score of approximately 0.5 (95% CI −0.87 to −0.12) on a 0–100 scale. Fixed effects models showed no evidence for associations between changes in green spaces and changes in mental health both for the entire sample as well as for those that did not relocate during follow-up.ConclusionsDespite observed cross-sectional correlations between the accessibility of green space in the residential environment and mental health, no evidence was found for an association between changes in green spaces and changes in mental health. If mental health and green spaces are indeed causally linked, then changes in green spaces in the Eindhoven area between 2004 and 2014 are not enough to produce a significant effect.

Time From Smoking Cessation and Inflammatory Markers: New Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Analysis of ELSA-Brasil

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 852-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia Soares Peres ◽  
Sandhi Maria Barreto ◽  
Lidyane V. Camelo ◽  
Antonio Luiz P. Ribeiro ◽  
Pedro Guatimosim Vidigal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
New Evidence

scholarly journals Cancer Patients Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Clinical Trial: Characteristics and Correlates of Smoking Rate and Nicotine Dependence

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Miele ◽  
Morgan Thompson ◽  
Nancy C. Jao ◽  
Ravi Kalhan ◽  
Frank Leone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Smoking Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Introduction. A substantial proportion of cancer patients continue to smoke after their diagnosis but few studies have evaluated correlates of nicotine dependence and smoking rate in this population, which could help guide smoking cessation interventions. Aim. This study evaluated correlates of smoking rate and nicotine dependence among 207 cancer patients. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis using multiple linear regression evaluated disease, demographic, affective, and tobacco-seeking correlates of smoking rate and nicotine dependence. Smoking rate was assessed using a timeline follow-back method. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence measured levels of nicotine dependence. Results. A multiple linear regression predicting nicotine dependence showed an association with smoking to alleviate a sense of addiction from the Reasons for Smoking scale and tobacco-seeking behavior from the concurrent choice task (p<.05), but not with affect measured by the HADS and PANAS (p>.05). Multiple linear regression predicting prequit showed an association with smoking to alleviate addiction (p<.05). ANOVA showed that Caucasian participants reported greater rates of smoking compared to other races. Conclusions. The results suggest that behavioral smoking cessation interventions that focus on helping patients to manage tobacco-seeking behavior, rather than mood management interventions, could help cancer patients quit smoking.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Physical Activity Measured by a Consumer Wearable Activity Tracker and That Measured by Self-Report: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Health eHeart Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J Beagle ◽  
Geoffrey H Tison ◽  
Kirstin Aschbacher ◽  
Jeffrey E Olgin ◽  
Gregory M Marcus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Vigorous Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Active Time ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers ◽  
Sectional Analysis

BACKGROUND Commercially acquired wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit provide objective, accurate measurements of physically active time and step counts, but it is unclear whether these measurements are more clinically meaningful than self-reported physical activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare self-reported physical activity to Fitbit-measured step counts and then determine which is a stronger predictor of BMI by using data collected over the same period reflecting comparable physical activities. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data collected by the Health eHeart Study, a large mobile health study of cardiovascular health and disease. Adults who linked commercially acquired Fitbits used in free-living conditions with the Health eHeart Study and completed an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) between 2013 and 2019 were enrolled (N=1498). Fitbit step counts were used to quantify time by activity intensity in a manner comparable to the IPAQ classifications of total active time and time spent being sedentary, walking, or doing moderate activities or vigorous activities. Fitbit steps per day were computed as a measure of the overall activity for exploratory comparisons with IPAQ-measured overall activity (metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-h/wk). Measurements of physical activity were directly compared by Spearman rank correlation. Strengths of associations with BMI for Fitbit versus IPAQ measurements were compared using multivariable robust regression in the subset of participants with BMI and covariates measured. RESULTS Correlations between synchronous paired measurements from Fitbits and the IPAQ ranged in strength from weak to moderate (0.09-0.48). In the subset with BMI and covariates measured (n=586), Fitbit-derived predictors were generally stronger predictors of BMI than self-reported predictors. For example, an additional hour of Fitbit-measured vigorous activity per week was associated with nearly a full point reduction in BMI (–0.84 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –1.35 to –0.32) in adjusted analyses, whereas the association between self-reported vigorous activity measured by IPAQ and BMI was substantially smaller in magnitude (–0.17 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –0.34 to –0.00; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 versus Fitbit) and was dominated by the Fitbit-derived predictor when compared head-to-head in a single adjusted multivariable model. Similar patterns of associations with BMI, with Fitbit dominating self-report, were seen for moderate activity and total active time and in comparisons between overall Fitbit steps per day and IPAQ MET-h/wk on standardized scales. CONCLUSIONS Fitbit-measured physical activity was more strongly associated with BMI than self-reported physical activity, particularly for moderate activity, vigorous activity, and summary measures of total activity. Consumer-marketed wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit may be useful for measuring health-relevant physical activity in clinical practice and research.

scholarly journals Media Exposure Related to the PTSS During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Risk Perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiqing Wang ◽  
Ling Jiang ◽  
Shuang Ma ◽  
Qinian Chen ◽  
Chengbin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the relationship between media exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and to highlight the underlying mechanisms mediated by risk perception.Methods: This survey was conducted online in China from February 1st to February 10th, 2020. A total of 2,858 Chinese citizens aged ≥18 years from 31 provinces and autonomous regions were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess media exposure, PTSS, and risk perception.Results: The prevalence of respondents with heightened PTSS scores was 22.2%. After controlling for covariates, media exposure (more than five times a day) was significantly and positively associated with a high level of PTSS (B = 4.11, p &lt; 0.001), and risk perception (worry and severity) significantly mediated the relationship between media exposure and PTSS (all 95% CIs did not include 0).Conclusions: Based on these findings, the frequency of media exposure was associated with PTSS. Risk perception (worry and severity) mediated the relationship between media exposure and PTSS. The mental health, particularly PTSS, of the general population should be closely monitored and “infodemics” should be combatted while addressing the COVID-19 outbreak; cognitive interventions may be promising.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document