Adapted version of the Pubertal Development Scale for use in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether scores in an adapted version of the self-assessment Pubertal Development Scale into Portuguese match those from the gold standard in pubertal development (Tanner scale). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 133 children and adolescents aged nine to 17 years (59 males; mean age of 13 years and six months, with standard deviation = 25 months). Youngsters completed the Pubertal Development Scale and were then examined by specialists in adolescent medicine. RESULTS: Exact absolute agreement of pubertal stages were modest, but significant associations between measures (correlation; intra-class correlation coefficients of consistency) showed that the Pubertal Development Scale adequately measures changes that map onto pubertal development determined by physical examination, on par with international publications. Furthermore, scores obtained from each Pubertal Development Scale question reflected adequate gonadal and adrenal events assessed by clinical ratings, mostly with medium/high effect sizes. Latent factors obtained from scores on all Pubertal Development Scale questions had excellent fit indices in Confirmatory Factor Analyses and correlated with Tanner staging. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that self-assessment of body changes by youngsters using the Portuguese version of the Pubertal Development Scale is useful when estimates of pubertal progression are sufficient, and exact agreement with clinical staging is not necessary. The Pubertal Development Scale is, therefore, a reliable instrument for use in large-scale studies in Brazil that aim at investigating adolescent health related to pubertal developmental. The translated version and scoring systems are provided.

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Global Trends and Correlates of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy: Findings from the iCARE Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060661 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 661

Author(s):

Jovana Stojanovic ◽

Vincent G. Boucher ◽

Myriam Gagne ◽

Samir Gupta ◽

Keven Joyal-Desmarais ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Large Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Country Level ◽

National Differences

The success of large-scale COVID-19 vaccination campaigns is contingent upon people being willing to receive the vaccine. Our study explored COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its correlates in eight different countries around the globe. We analyzed convenience sample data collected between March 2020 and January 2021 as part of the iCARE cross-sectional study. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to explore the correlates of vaccine hesitancy. We included 32,028 participants from eight countries, and observed that 27% of the participants exhibited vaccine hesitancy, with increases over time. France reported the highest level of hesitancy (47.3%) and Brazil reported the lowest (9.6%). Women, younger individuals (≤29 years), people living in rural areas, and those with a lower perceived income were more likely to be hesitant. People who previously received an influenza vaccine were 70% less likely to report COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We observed that people reporting greater COVID-19 health concerns were less likely to be hesitant, whereas people with higher personal financial concerns were more likely to be hesitant. Our findings indicate that there is substantial vaccine hesitancy in several countries, with cross-national differences in the magnitude and direction of the trend. Vaccination communication initiatives should target hesitant individuals (women, younger adults, people with lower incomes and those living in rural areas), and should highlight the immediate health, social and economic benefits of vaccination across these settings. Country-level analyses are warranted to understand the complex psychological, socio-environmental, and cultural factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.

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Measuring Concern Over Coronavirus in an Iranian Non-clinical Sample Using the Coronavirus Disease Concern Scale (COVID-19CS)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-126539/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mahboubeh Dadfar ◽

David Lester

Keyword(s):

Clinical Sample ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Factorial Structure ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Educational Training ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample

Abstract BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health problem and a great challenge in the world, including Iran. The aims of the present study were: (a) to investigate the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Concern Scale (COVID-19CS), (b) to explore correlations of the COVID-19CS scores with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and (c) to examine gender differences. MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 125 medical students was recruited. The COVID-19CS and FCV-19S were administered to the students. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and a Principal Components factor analysis.ResultsCronbach's α was .94. Three factors were extracted labeled “Infection/Unsafety”, “Instability/Fear of Social Isolation”, and “Insecurity/Death Fear.” The COVID-19CS score was positively correlated with the FCV-19S score. There was no sex difference in the COVID-19CS score.ConclusionsThe COVID-19CS is a multidimensional scale. Just over half (56.3%) of students reported concern of COVID-19 and, therefore, appropriate policy-making and evidence-based psycho educational training are necessary to reduce their concern over COVID-19.

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Measuring Concern over Coronavirus in an Iranian non-clinical sample using the Coronavirus Disease Concern Scale (COVID-19CS)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-141240/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mahboubeh Dadfar ◽

David Lester

Keyword(s):

Clinical Sample ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Factorial Structure ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Educational Training ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample

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Characteristics of phantom limb pain in U.S. civilians and service members

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1515/sjpain-2021-0139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah C. Griffin ◽

Aimee L. Alphonso ◽

Monica Tung ◽

Sacha Finn ◽

Briana N. Perry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Phantom Limb Pain ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Limb Loss ◽

Phantom Limb ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Health History ◽

Current Sample ◽

Congenitally Missing

Abstract Objectives The population of Americans with limb loss is on the rise, with a different profile than in previous generations (e.g., greater incidence of amputation due to diabetes). This study aimed to identify the key characteristics of phantom limb sensation (PLS) and pain (PLP) in a current sample of Americans with limb loss. Methods This cross-sectional study is the first large-scale (n=649) study on PLP in the current population of Americans with limb loss. A convenience sample of military and civilian persons missing one or more major limbs was surveyed regarding their health history and experience with phantom limb phenomena. Results Of the participants surveyed, 87% experienced PLS and 82% experienced PLP. PLS and PLP typically first occurred immediately after amputation (47% of cases), but for a small percentage (3–4%) onset did not occur until over a year after amputation. Recent PLP severity decreased over time (β=0.028, 95% CI: −0.05–0.11), but most participants reported PLP even 10 years after amputation. Higher levels of recent PLP were associated with telescoping (β=0.123, 95% CI: 0.04–0.21) and higher levels of pre-amputation pain (β=0.104, 95% CI: 0.03–0.18). Those with congenitally missing limbs experienced lower levels of recent PLP (t (37.93)=3.93, p<0.01) but there were no consistent differences in PLP between other amputation etiologies. Conclusions Phantom limb phenomena are common and enduring. Telescoping and pre-amputation pain are associated with higher PLP. Persons with congenitally missing limbs experience lower levels of PLP than those with amputation(s), yet PLP is common even in this subpopulation.

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Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey among Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes ◽

10.2337/db18-2393-pub ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2393-PUB

Author(s):

KENICHIRO TAKAHASHI ◽

MINORI SHINODA ◽

RIKA SAKAMOTO ◽

JUN SUZUKI ◽

TADASHI YAMAKAWA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Large Scale ◽

Japanese Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Diabetes Survey

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Gambling-like video game practices: A cross-sectional study of links with problem gambling and disordered gaming

10.31234/osf.io/fh3vx ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

David Zendle

Keyword(s):

Video Games ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Video Game ◽

Large Scale ◽

Significant Degree ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Video Gaming ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Streaming Services ◽

Clinically Significant

A variety of practices have recently emerged which are related to both video games and gambling. Most prominent of these are loot boxes. However, a broad range of other activities have recently emerged which are also related to both gambling and video games: esports betting, real-money video gaming, token wagering, social casino play, and watching videos of both loot box opening and gambling on game streaming services like Twitch.Whilst a nascent body of research has established the robust existence of a relationship between loot box spending and both problem gambling and disordered gaming, little research exists which examines whether similar links may exist for the diverse practices outlined above. Furthermore, no research has thus far attempted to estimate the prevalence of these activities.A large-scale survey of a representative sample of UK adults (n=1081) was therefore conducted in order to investigate these issues. Engagement in all measured forms of gambling-like video game practices were significantly associated with both problem gambling and disordered gaming. An aggregate measure of engagement was associated with both these outcomes to a clinically significant degree (r=0.23 and r=0.43). Engagement in gambling-like video game practices appeared widespread, with a 95% confidence interval estimating that 16.3% – 20.9% of the population engaged in these activities at least once in the last year. Engagement in these practices was highly inter-correlated: Individuals who engaged in one practice were likely to engage in several more.Overall, these results suggest that the potential effects of the blurring of lines between video games and gambling should not primarily be understood to be due to the presence of loot boxes in video games. They suggest the existence of a convergent ecosystem of gambling-like video game practices, whose causal relationships with problem gambling and disordered gaming are currently unclear but must urgently be investigated.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Helicobacter pylori infection is positively associated with gallstones: a large-scale cross-sectional study in Japan.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718017450.793521099 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Sum Lee

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Large Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Helicobacter Pylori Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-020-00901-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wafaa Husain ◽

Fatemah Ashkanani

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fast Food ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Lifestyle Behaviours ◽

Late Night ◽

Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

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Examination of Construct Validity and Criterion-Related Validity of the German Motor Test in Egyptian Schoolchildren

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168341 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8341

Author(s):

Osama Abdelkarim ◽

Julian Fritsch ◽

Darko Jekauc ◽

Klaus Bös

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Large Scale ◽

Body Height ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Latent Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Order ◽

Motor Test ◽

Health Related

Physical fitness is an indicator for children’s public health status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the construct validity and the criterion-related validity of the German motor test (GMT) in Egyptian schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 931 children aged 6 to 11 years (age: 9.1 ± 1.7 years) with 484 (52%) males and 447 (48%) females in grades one to five in Assiut city. The children’s physical fitness data were collected using GMT. GMT is designed to measure five health-related physical fitness components including speed, strength, coordination, endurance, and flexibility of children aged 6 to 18 years. The anthropometric data were collected based on three indicators: body height, body weight, and BMI. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS AMOS 26.0 using full-information maximum likelihood. The results indicated an adequate fit (χ2 = 112.3, df = 20; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.956; RMSEA = 0.07). The χ2-statistic showed significant results, and the values for CFI and RMSEA showed a good fit. All loadings of the manifest variables on the first-order latent factors as well as loadings of the first-order latent factors on the second-order superordinate factor were significant. The results also showed strong construct validity in the components of conditioning abilities and moderate construct validity in the components of coordinative abilities. GMT proved to be a valid method and could be widely used on large-scale studies for health-related fitness monitoring in the Egyptian population.

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From Stress to Psychopathology: Relationship with Self-Reassurance and Self-Criticism in Czech University Students

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction ◽

10.1007/s11469-021-00516-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yasuhiro Kotera ◽

Jaroslava Dosedlova ◽

Denise Andrzejewski ◽

Greta Kaluzeviciute ◽

Makoto Sakai

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Transactional Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Path Analyses ◽

As Stress

AbstractPsychological stress has become a major concern, potentially leading to diverse health problems including psychopathology such as depression and anxiety. Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is an established model, conceptualizing stressful experiences via person–environment relationship. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the pathway from stress to depression/anxiety, with a focus on self-criticism (inadequate-self and hated-self) and self-reassurance (reassured-self) in Czech students who suffered from high prevalence of mental health problems. Convenience sample of 119 undergraduates completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and the Forms of the Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used to aid an accurate and complete report of the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were positively associated with inadequate-self and hated-self while negatively associated with reassured-self. Both inadequate-self and hated-self partially mediated the stress–depression and stress–anxiety relationships, whereas reassured-self only partially mediated the stress–depression relationship. Inadequate-self had greater impact on the stress–depression/anxiety pathways than hated-self and reassured-self. Findings indicate that clinical treatment may benefit from targeting the feelings of inadequacy to prevent stress progressing to psychopathology. This is particularly relevant as stress levels are rising globally. Our findings offer developments to the Transactional Model, and help practitioners and educators identify solutions to protect mental health of Czech university students.

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