scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on feather cover damage in Canadian laying hens in non-cage housing systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Decina ◽  
Olaf Berke ◽  
Nienke van Staaveren ◽  
Christine F. Baes ◽  
Tina M. Widowski ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Feather damage (FD) resulting from feather pecking remains a concern in non-cage housing systems for laying hens worldwide. This study aimed to identify bird-, housing-, and management-related factors associated with FD in non-cage housing systems as the egg production sector phases out the conventional cage system in Canada. A survey on housing and management practices was developed and distributed to 122 laying hen farms where 39 respondents provided information on non-cage flocks. Farmers visually assessed 50 birds throughout the barn for FD using a 0–2 scoring scale according to severity. Prevalence of FD was calculated as the percentage of birds with any form of FD (score > 0). Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with FD prevalence. Results Six variables were included in the final model and accounted for 64% of the variation in FD between farms. FD prevalence was higher with increasing flock age (0.9% ± 0.29) and when birds were housed in all wire/slatted barns compared with all litter barns (37.6% ± 13.1). Additionally, FD prevalence tended to be higher in barns with manure removal only after depopulation (20.1% ± 10.70). Enrichment also tended to be associated with higher FD (19.1% ± 8.04), possibly indicating that it was provided after FD was observed as a control measure, or, was not efficient in reducing the development of FD. Conclusions These findings emphasize the role of litter provision and management (e.g., manure removal effects on air quality), and its potential impact on FD among laying hens in non-cage housing systems in Canada. Further longitudinal and/or intervention studies are needed to assess the potential of the identified factors to function as a management strategy to prevent or reduce FD in non-cage housed laying hens.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily M. Leishman ◽  
Nienke van Staaveren ◽  
Vern R. Osborne ◽  
Benjamin J. Wood ◽  
Christine F. Baes ◽  
...  

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) can be a prevalent issue in commercial turkey production. This study aimed to identify the bird, housing, and management-related factors associated with the prevalence of FPD in the Canadian turkey flocks. A questionnaire and flock health scoring system were developed and disseminated to ~500 commercial turkey farmers across Canada. Farmers were asked to score FPD on a subset of 30 birds within their flock using a 0–2 scoring scale based on severity. The prevalence of FPD in the flock was calculated as the percentage of affected birds (score 1 or 2). A multivariate linear regression modeling was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of FPD. Four variables were included in the final model and accounted for 26.7% of the variation in FPD prevalence among the flocks. FPD prevalence was higher with increasing bird weight (3.6 ± 1.13), higher in flocks bedded with straw (12.1 ± 7.9), higher in flocks where birds were picked up less frequently during daily inspections (11.6 ± 8.10), and higher in flocks that used feed/water additives to reduce litter moisture (20.5 ± 10.59). These findings are a preliminary exploratory assessment of risk factors related to FPD prevalence on Canadian turkey farms. While these findings emphasize the importance of litter management and the stockperson, estimates and P-values from this study should be interpreted with caution. Further, longitudinal studies with the identified variables are required to better determine their influence on FPD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 210-215
Author(s):  
Musab Ghaderi ◽  
Arman Azadi ◽  
Azad Rahmani ◽  
Zohreh Sanaat ◽  
Hosein Nazemiyeh ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the major problems experienced by cancer patients. Identifying the prevalence and factors associated with CRF may be effective in designing appropriate interventions to reduce this problem. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of CRF and its related factors among Iranian cancer survivors. Methods: The samples of this descriptive cross-sectional study included 131 cancer survivors referred to outpatient clinic of Shahid Gazi Hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Brief fatigue inventory (BFI) questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis. Results: The mean (SD) fatigue score was 6.41 (1.68) and 89% of survivors reported that they had suffered from CRF. The factors affecting CRF included blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, anemia, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), marital status, type of cancer, and physical activity. Conclusion: High level of CRF in cancer survivors requires special attention and designing effective interventions through considering the identified factors associated with CRF.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Mateo-Rodríguez ◽  
E Knox ◽  
A Daponte-Codina ◽  

Abstract Background The concept of workability provides a conceptual framework and proposes measures for the evaluation of relevant actions focused on a healthy workforce. In Spain, one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, there are practically no scientific studies on workability and its associated factors. Aims The objective of this study is to examine the associations between workability and variables related to health and work in a sample of workers from Spanish health centres. Methods Cross-sectional study including 1184 health centre workers who completed a questionnaire at baseline, comprising measures of workability, health and other work-related factors. Workability has been analysed as a one-factor construct, and as a two-factor construct. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with workability. Results As a one-dimensional construct, workability is associated with physical and mental health, number of hours of worked, insomnia, work and family life balance, adequate training, never having had an accident and type of contract. When the two-factor measure was used, sensitivity of findings increased, and it was identified that those participants who were older, lived alone and have more years of service in their profession also show worse workability. Conclusions The present study identified factors associated with the workability of health centre workers. The two-factor workability index (WAI) has better psychometric properties and used in combination with the global measure of WAI, identifies important additional aspects, specifically, age and years of professional experience as additional considerations for the intervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1085-1092
Author(s):  
E. K. Kathambi ◽  
J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽  
G. K. Gitau ◽  
C. Kamunde

Background and Aim: The welfare of animals kept in livestock production systems has raised concerns around the world. Adult dairy cattle require adequate rest and spend approximately 12 h/day lying down. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the stall factors and management practices affecting cows' lying time, stall cleanliness, and cows' cleanliness (udder and upper leg), in smallholder dairy cows in Meru County of Kenya. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 milking cows from 73 farms were assessed for daily lying time and cleanliness. Data loggers were used to record the lying time of cows for 3 days. Stall, udder, and upper leg cleanliness were assessed using a 5-score system: 1 (very clean) to 5 (very dirty). Management information was acquired using a questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the farmers in their native Kimeru language. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to determine factors associated with cows' lying time and dichotomized stall and cows' own cleanliness, respectively. Results: The mean daily lying time was 10.9±2.2 h, and the mean stall cleanliness score was 2.4±1.0. The mean average cleanliness scores of the udder and upper legs were 1.9±0.7 and 2.5±1.1, respectively. Overall, 35% of the stalls were categorized as dirty (>2.5), whereas 13% and 47% of the cows had udder and leg cleanliness scores >2.5, respectively. From the final multivariable models (p<0.05), daily lying time increased by 1.0 h for cows older than 5.25 years versus younger cows. Conversely, lying time decreased by 1.0 h with stall cleanliness scores >2.5 and by 1.6 h with poorly positioned neck rails. In an interaction term, addition of new bedding at least once a day without removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the daily lying time of the cows by 1.5 h, whereas failure to add new bedding at least once a day but removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the lying time of the cows by 1.2 h. Farm-level risk factors for stall dirtiness (>2.5) included delayed cleaning of the alley (odds ratio [OR]=6.6, p=0.032), lack of bedding (OR=4.9, p=0.008), and standing idle and/or backward in the stall (OR=10.5, p=0.002). Stalls categorized as dirty (OR=2.9, p=0.041) and lack of bedding (OR=2.7, p=0.065) were cow- and farm-level risk factors for dirtiness of the udder (>2.5), respectively, whereas the stall being dirty (OR=2.3, p=0.043) was the only risk factor (cow level) for dirtiness of the upper legs (>2.5). Conclusion: It was recommended that farmers should pay attention to the specific factors identified regarding the stall design (e.g., neck rail position) and bedding/manure management that impact the cleanliness of cows and their lying time.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Degefa Tola ◽  
Yibeltal Siaraneh Beleta ◽  
Fikru Tafese Jaleta

Abstract Background: Professionals are defined in the context of a particular body of knowledge which is obtained through formal education, expanded level of skills, type of certification proving their entry into the profession; a set of behavioral norms called professionalism and attitudes representing high levels of commitment to and identification with a specific profession. Several factor affecting the development of the nursing profession. Recognizing and determining such factors can be the first step to move towards the professionalization of nursing. The objective of this study was to assess professionalism in nursing and factors associated among nurses working in Arsi zone, Public Hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia 2018. Methods: This study used an Institutional based cross sectional study design. Self-administered structured questionnaire adapted from RNAO (Registered Nurses association of Ontario) guideline, was used to measure the level of professionalism. The sample was 420 nurses from the six Public Hospitals of Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to identify associations. Odds ratio was calculated for related factors with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result: Out of 420 Nurses working in six public Hospitals, 380 responded to the questionnaire, making the response rate of 90.5%. In current study level of professionalism was high among nurses (n=380) with highest percentages on accountability, advocacy, and ethics. Gender (AOR =2.489, 95% CI=1.540-4.023), nursing is indispensable (AOR=1.760, 95% CI=1.104-2.806), job satisfaction (AOR= 1.844, 95% CI = 1.143-2.975) and having up to dated training (AOR= 1.809, 95%CI=1.071-3.055 were significantly associated with overall professionalism level. Conclusion: Nurses working in public hospitals of Arsi zone have relatively had better professionalism level. Gender, nursing is indispensable, job satisfaction, presence of up-to-dated trainings were found significantly associated with professionalism in nursing. Human resource personnel and CEOs of respective hospitals should develop various training programs for nurses and provide encouraging environments for obtaining better qualities in attributes of professionalism. Keywords Attributes of professionalism, Nursing, Professionalism, associated factors


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abebaw Gedef Azene ◽  
Abiba Mihret Aragaw ◽  
Mihretie Gedefaw

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to identify socio-demographic and health related factors associated with caesarean section in Ethiopia. Results: A total of 256 mothers undergoing to CS among 7193 delivery. Average maternal age of a participant was 29.26 years and 80% of mothers having two and more children. A woman delivered in private institution was 30% (AOR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.32) more likely undergoing CS as compared to home delivery. Factors associated with CS were higher education level (AOR= 1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.12), preceding birth interval (AOR= 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00. 1.03), multiple pregnancy (AOR=1.11; 95% CI 1.08, 1.15), multiple parity (AOR=0.98; 95% CI:0.97, 0.99), large size the child (AOR=1.01; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.02), richest households (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), rural residence (AOR = 0.98 95% CI:0.96, 0.99) and Addis Ababa (AOR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.04,1.09). As a conclusion and recommendation, the prevalence of CS higher in private institutions and Addis Ababa, so professionals should apply CS alone medical indication.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar I. Fernandez-Lazaro ◽  
Juan M. García-González ◽  
David P. Adams ◽  
Diego Fernandez-Lazaro ◽  
Juan Mielgo-Ayuso ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adherence to treatment, a public health issue, is of particular importance in chronic disease therapies. Primary care practices offer ideal venues for the effective care and management of these conditions. The aim of this study is to assess adherence to treatment and related-factors among patients with chronic conditions in primary care settings. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 299 adult patients with ≥1 chronic condition(s) and prescribed medication in primary healthcare centers of Spain. The Morisky-Green-Levine questionnaire was used to assess medication adherence via face-to-face interviews. Crude and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with adherence using the Multidimensional Model proposed by the World Health Organization — social and economic, healthcare team and system-related, condition-related, therapy-related, and patient-related factors. Results The proportion of adherent patients to treatment was 55.5%. Older age (adjusted odds ratio 1.31 per 10-year increment, 95% CI 1.01–1.70), lower number of pharmacies used for medication refills (0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90), having received complete treatment information (3.89, 95% CI 2.09–7.21), having adequate knowledge about medication regimen (4.17, 95% CI 2.23–7.80), and self-perception of a good quality of life (2.17, 95% CI 1.18–4.02) were independent factors associated with adherence. Conclusions Adherence to treatment for chronic conditions remained low in primary care. Optimal achievement of appropriate levels of adherence through tailored multifaceted interventions will require attention to the multidimensional factors found in this study, particularly those related to patients’ education and their information needs.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Kossi Akpaki ◽  
Isabelle Galibois ◽  
Sonia Blaney

Abstract Objective: The objectives of this study were to document feeding practices amongst rural Senegalese children aged 6 to 23 months, and to investigate psychosocial and environmental factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods (IRF). Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January through July 2018. Participants: Ninety-eight mothers of children aged 6-23 months. Setting: The study took place in the region of Matam, northern Senegal. Results: Results show that 27.6% of children were fed according to the minimum acceptable diet, and respectively, 55.1% and 53.1% had the minimum diet diversity and minimum meal frequency. About 65.3% of mothers provided IRF to young children the day before the survey, mostly fish. Mother‘s intention to provide IRF to their children was not associated with the provision of these foods neither was the perceived behavioural control. Child’s age (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.03 - 1.26, p = 0.012) and household food insecurity score (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68 - 0.96, p = 0.014) were the predictors of the provision of IRF to children aged 6-23 months. Conclusions: Household food insecurity status and age of the child rather than mothers’ psychosocial factors were significant predictors of IRF consumption amongst children aged 6-23 months in the study area. More attention should be given to food environment and child-related factors in order to improve children feeding practices and, in particular, their consumption of IRF in the study setting. For instance, home visits and the 5-month-old vaccine consultation in health centers might be opportunities to reinforce the importance of providing IRF as part of complementary foods from the age of 6 months. Implementation of measures for the improvement of socioeconomic conditions and food security of households would also be valuable.


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