Homeownership status and risk of food insecurity: examining the role of housing debt, housing expenditure and housing asset using a cross-sectional population-based survey of Canadian households

Abstract Background Household food insecurity is a potent marker of material deprivation with adverse health consequences. Studies have repeatedly found a strong, independent relationship between owning a home and lower vulnerability to food insecurity in Canada and elsewhere, but the reasons for this relationship are poorly understood. We aimed to examine the influence of housing asset, housing debt and housing expenditure on the relationship between homeownership status and food insecurity in Canada. Methods Cross-sectional data on food insecurity, housing tenure and expenditures, home value, income and sociodemographic characteristics were derived from the 2010 Survey of Household Spending, a population-based survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate odds ratios of food insecurity among households of all incomes (n = 10,815) and those with lower incomes (n = 5547). Results Food insecurity prevalence was highest among market renters (28.5%), followed by homeowners with a mortgage (11.6%) and mortgage-free homeowners (4.3%). Homeowners with a mortgage (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39–0.68) and those without a mortgage (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16–0.35) had substantially lower adjusted odds of food insecurity than market renters, and accounting for the burden of housing cost had minimal impact on the association. Mortgage-free homeowners had lower adjusted odds ratios of food insecurity compared to homeowners with a mortgage, but differences in the burden of housing cost fully accounted for the association. When stratifying homeowners based on presence of mortgage and housing asset level, the adjusted odds ratios of food insecurity for market renters were not significant when compared to mortgage holders with low housing asset. Mortgage-free owners with higher housing asset were least vulnerable to food insecurity (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.11–0.27). Conclusions Substantial disparities in food insecurity exist between households with different homeownership status and housing asset level. Housing policies that support homeownership while ensuring affordable mortgages may be important to mitigate food insecurity, but policy actions are required to address renters’ high vulnerability to food insecurity.

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Women’s Autonomy and Support for Wife Beating: Findings From a Population-Based Survey in Jordan

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/0886-6708.25.3.409 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 409-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Natalia Linos ◽

Marwan Khawaja ◽

Mohannad Al-Nsour

Keyword(s):

Regression Models ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Population Based ◽

Married Women ◽

Wife Beating ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Hypothetical Scenario ◽

Population Based Survey

The aim of this study is to examine attitudes among married women toward wife beating and to investigate the hypothesis that female individual empowerment is associated with such attitudes within a broader context of societal patriarchy in Jordan. The study uses data from a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of married women (n = 5,390) conducted in 2002. Associations between acceptance of wife beating and several women’s empowerment variables, including decision-making power, as well as other risk factors were assessed, using odds ratios from binary logistic regression models. The key finding is that the vast majority (87.5%) of Jordanian women believe that wife beating is justified in at least one hypothetical scenario, and justification is negatively associated with empowerment variables and some demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors.

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SARS-CoV-2 infection is at herd immunity in the majority segment of the population of Qatar

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab221 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed H Al-Thani ◽

Elmoubasher Farag ◽

Roberto Bertollini ◽

Hamad Eid Al Romaihi ◽

Sami Abdeen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Population ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Geographic Location ◽

Population Based ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Previous Infection ◽

Current Infection ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Population Based Survey

Abstract Background Qatar experienced a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic that disproportionately affected the craft and manual worker (CMW) population who comprise 60% of the total population. This study aimed to assess ever and/or current infection prevalence in this population. Methods A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted during July 26-September 09, 2020 to assess both anti-SARS-CoV-2 positivity through serological testing and current infection positivity through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Associations with antibody and PCR positivity were identified through regression analyses. Results Study included 2,641 participants, 69.3% of whom were <40 years of age. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 positivity was 55.3% (95% CI: 53.3-57.3%) and was significantly associated with nationality, geographic location, educational attainment, occupation, and previous infection diagnosis. PCR positivity was 11.3% (95% CI: 9.9-12.8%) and was significantly associated with nationality, geographic location, occupation, contact with an infected person, and reporting two or more symptoms. Infection positivity (antibody and/or PCR positive) was 60.6% (95% CI: 58.6-62.5%). The proportion of antibody-positive CMWs that had a prior SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.9-11.0%). Only seven infections were ever severe and one was ever critical—an infection severity rate of 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2-1.0%). Conclusions Six in every 10 CMWs have been infected, suggestive of reaching the herd immunity threshold. Infection severity was low with only one in every 200 infections progressing to be severe or critical. Only one in every 10 infections had been previously diagnosed suggestive of mostly asymptomatic or mild infections.

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Food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among adults during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020005005 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽

Karin De Ridder ◽

Sabine Drieskens ◽

Rana Charafeddine ◽

Finaba Berete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Soft Drink ◽

Household Composition ◽

Healthy Diet ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Habits ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Soft Drink Consumption ◽

Snack Consumption

Abstract Objective: To assess food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among Belgian adults during confinement due to COVID-19. Design: Three cross-sectional online health surveys were conducted during March–May 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine associations between self-reported changes in fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet and salted snack consumption or weight as dependent variables and food insecurity indicators as independent variables, adjusted for gender, household composition, educational attainment and household income. Setting: Belgium. Participants: In total, 8640 adults recruited by convenience sampling. Results: About 10·4 % of Belgians often or sometimes feared food shortages, 5·0 % were often or sometimes short of food without money to buy more and 10·3 % often or sometimes could not afford to eat a healthy diet during confinement. These percentages were highest among single-parent families (26·7, 14·4 and 23·4 %, respectively). Adults who often or sometimes feared that food would run out during confinement had significantly higher odds of decreased v. unchanged fruits (3·53; 95 % CI = 2·06, 6·05) and vegetables (5·42; 95 % CI = 2·90, 10·11) consumption and significantly higher odds of increased v. unchanged soft drink consumption (3·79; 95 % CI = 2·20, 6·54). Similar results were found for adults who often or sometimes ran out of food and for adults who often or sometimes were not able to afford a healthy diet. Conclusion: Food insecurity during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium was associated with adverse changes in most dietary behaviours. A strong government response is needed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity to protect public health from ongoing and future pandemics.

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The relationship between socioeconomic position and health literacy among urban and rural adults in regional China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10600-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Chen ◽

Hongfu Ren ◽

Na Wang ◽

Yaqing Xiong ◽

Fei Xu

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Educational Attainment ◽

Socioeconomic Position ◽

Population Based ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Average Income ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Rural Adults

Abstract Background To examine associations of socioeconomic position (SEP), separately indicated by education, monthly family average income (FAI) and occupation, with health literacy (HL) among adults in regional China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among urban and rural adults (aged 25–69 years) who were randomly selected, using the probability proportionate to size sampling approach, from Nanjing municipality of China during October and December of 2016. HL, the outcome variable, was assessed using the Chinese Resident Health Literacy Scale. SEP, our independent variable, was separately measured with educational attainment, monthly family average income and occupation. Logistic regression models were introduced to examine SEP-HL association with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 8698 participants completed the survey. The proportion of participants with unweighted and weighted adequate HL was 18.0% (95%CI = 17.2, 18.8%) and 19.9% (95%CI = 16.6, 23.6%), respectively, in this study. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, each SEP indicator was in significantly positive relation to both unweighted and weight HL level. Participants who obtained 13+ and 10–12 years educational attainment, respectively, had 2.41 (95%CI = 1.60, 3.64) and 1.68 (95%CI = 1.23, 2.29) times odds to record weighted adequate HL compared to their counterparts who were with 0–9 years education. Subjects within upper (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.24, 2.98) and middle FAI tertile (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19, 2.13), respectively, were more likely to report weighted adequate HL relative to those who were within lower FAI tertile. White collars were more likely to have weighted adequate HL (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.61) than blue collars. Conclusions Each of education, FAI and occupation was positively associated with health literacy among urban and rural adults in China. The findings have important implications that different SEP indicators can be used to identify vulnerable residents in population-based health literacy promotion campaigns.

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Paradata analyses to inform population-based survey capture of pregnancy outcomes: EN-INDEPTH study

Population Health Metrics ◽

10.1186/s12963-020-00241-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Vladimir Sergeevich Gordeev ◽

◽

Joseph Akuze ◽

Angela Baschieri ◽

Sanne M. Thysen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Outcomes ◽

Population Based ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Maternal And Newborn Health ◽

Time Data ◽

Additional Time ◽

Electronic Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Improve Measurement ◽

Population Based Survey

Abstract Background Paradata are (timestamped) records tracking the process of (electronic) data collection. We analysed paradata from a large household survey of questions capturing pregnancy outcomes to assess performance (timing and correction processes). We examined how paradata can be used to inform and improve questionnaire design and survey implementation in nationally representative household surveys, the major source for maternal and newborn health data worldwide. Methods The EN-INDEPTH cross-sectional population-based survey of women of reproductive age in five Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites (in Bangladesh, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda) randomly compared two modules to capture pregnancy outcomes: full pregnancy history (FPH) and the standard DHS-7 full birth history (FBH+). We used paradata related to answers recorded on tablets using the Survey Solutions platform. We evaluated the difference in paradata entries between the two reproductive modules and assessed which question characteristics (type, nature, structure) affect answer correction rates, using regression analyses. We also proposed and tested a new classification of answer correction types. Results We analysed 3.6 million timestamped entries from 65,768 interviews. 83.7% of all interviews had at least one corrected answer to a question. Of 3.3 million analysed questions, 7.5% had at least one correction. Among corrected questions, the median number of corrections was one, regardless of question characteristics. We classified answer corrections into eight types (no correction, impulsive, flat (simple), zigzag, flat zigzag, missing after correction, missing after flat (zigzag) correction, missing/incomplete). 84.6% of all corrections were judged not to be problematic with a flat (simple) mistake correction. Question characteristics were important predictors of probability to make answer corrections, even after adjusting for respondent’s characteristics and location, with interviewer clustering accounted as a fixed effect. Answer correction patterns and types were similar between FPH and FBH+, as well as the overall response duration. Avoiding corrections has the potential to reduce interview duration and reproductive module completion by 0.4 min. Conclusions The use of questionnaire paradata has the potential to improve measurement and the resultant quality of electronic data. Identifying sections or specific questions with multiple corrections sheds light on typically hidden challenges in the survey’s content, process, and administration, allowing for earlier real-time intervention (e.g.,, questionnaire content revision or additional staff training). Given the size and complexity of paradata, additional time, data management, and programming skills are required to realise its potential.

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Support for cigarette filter waste policies among US adults

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056451 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056451

Author(s):

Minal Patel ◽

Alison F Cuccia ◽

Shanell Folger ◽

Adam F Benson ◽

Donna Vallone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Status ◽

Population Based ◽

Tobacco Product ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cigarette Filter ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Knowledge And Beliefs ◽

Cigarette Butts ◽

Using Data ◽

The Impact

IntroductionLittle is known on whether cigarette filter-related knowledge or beliefs are associated with support for policies to reduce their environmental impact.MethodsA cross-sectional, population-based sample of US adults aged 18–64 years (n=2979) was used to evaluate filter-related knowledge and beliefs by smoking status using data collected between 24 October 2018 and 17 December 2018. Multivariate logistic regression models explored whether these knowledge and belief items were associated with support for two policies, a US$0.75 litter fee and a ban on sales of filtered cigarettes, controlling for demographic characteristics and smoking status.ResultsRegardless of smoking status, 71% did not know plastic was a cigarette filter component and 20% believed filters were biodegradable. Overall, 23% believed filters reduce health harms and 60% believed filters make it easier to smoke; 90% believed cigarette butts are harmful to the environment. Individuals believing cigarette butts harmed the environment were more likely to support a litter fee (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.33, 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.17). Individuals believing that filters are not biodegradable had higher odds of supporting a litter fee (OR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.88). Respondents believing that filters do not make cigarettes less harmful were more likely to support a litter fee (aOR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.88) and filter ban (aOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.64 to 2.50). Belief that filters make it easier to smoke was associated with decreased support for a filter ban (aOR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.83).ConclusionsComprehensive efforts are needed to educate the public about the impact of cigarette filters in order to build support for effective tobacco product waste policy.

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The present situation regarding lymphatic filariasis in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652006000500005 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 48 (5) ◽

pp. 263-267 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Zulma Medeiros ◽

Ayla Alves ◽

José Anchieta Brito ◽

Ladjane Borba ◽

Zailde Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Diagnostic Test ◽

Present Situation ◽

Population Based ◽

Northeast Brazil ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

National Programme ◽

Population Based Survey

A cross-sectional population-based survey on the occurrence of lymphatic filariasis was carried out in the municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. 7,650 individuals of both sexes were examined (from 1,416 households) of whom six tested positive for microfilaria according to the thick blood diagnostic test. The age of the individuals examined varied from 0 to 98 (averaging 26.6 years), whilst the age of the microfilaria-positive individuals varied from 11 to 29, averaging 22.5 years. Five of the six positive cases were male. These cases were residents of the following areas: Pista Preta (one case); Ponte dos Carvalhos (four cases); and Pontezinha (one case). This last case from Pontezinha was autochthonous. Of the individuals examined, 109 (1.4%) cited complaints relating to filariasis. These results suggest that filariasis is being transmitted in the municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, a finding that establishes the need to carry out disease control activities, and to collaborate with the planning of the national programme for the elimination of filariasis.

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Effect of Opium Consumption on Cardiovascular Diseases – A cross- sectional study based on data of Rafsanjan cohort study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-60126/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Parvin Khalili ◽

Fatemeh Ayoobi ◽

Maryam Mohamadi ◽

Ahmad Jamalizadeh ◽

Carlo La Vecchia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Odds Ratios ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Baseline Phase ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Differences Of Opinion ◽

Opium Use

Abstract Background: There are differences of opinion about the beneficial or detrimental effects of opium consumption on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). So, we aimed to study the association between opium use and CVDs. Methods: We used data obtained from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), with detailed, validated data on opium consumption and some other exposures. A total of 10,000 adults were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the possible relationships of opium consumption with the prevalence of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). Results: In this study, 9990 participants in the baseline phase of the Rafsanjan adult cohort study were included according to their completed questionnaire. Among all participants, 870 and 296 individuals were found to suffer from IHD and MI, respectively. Opium consumption was found to be relatively high in the RCS participants, especially in men (men= 2150 and women= 228). Opium use was associated with a higher odds of IHD and MI, with the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.51 (1.22-1.86) and 1.79 (1.31-2.45), respectively. Also, dose-response increases were observed with the highest odds ratios in the 4th quartile for MI and IHD (p-values for trend < 0.001). Increased odds were observed for the two main methods of opium consumption, i.e. oral and smoking, but oral administration had higher odds ratio.Conclusions: Opium consumption is associated with the increased odds of both IHD and MI diseases.

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Association of Coffee Consumption with Hearing and Tinnitus Based on a National Population-Based Survey

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10101429 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1429 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sang-Youp Lee ◽

Gucheol Jung ◽

Myoung-jin Jang ◽

Myung-Whan Suh ◽

Jun Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Coffee Consumption ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Population Based ◽

Age Group ◽

Tinnitus Questionnaire ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

National Population ◽

The One ◽

Population Based Survey

Coffee is the one of the most common beverages worldwide and has received considerable attention for its beneficial health effects. However, the association of coffee with hearing and tinnitus has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of coffee with hearing and tinnitus based on a national population-based survey. We evaluated hearing and tinnitus data from the 2009–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and their relationship with a coffee consumption survey. All patients underwent a medical interview, physical examination, hearing test, tinnitus questionnaire and nutrition examination. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between coffee and hearing loss or tinnitus. We evaluated 13,448 participants (≥19 years) participants. The frequency of coffee consumption had a statistically significant inverse correlation with bilateral hearing loss in the 40–64 years age group. Daily coffee consumers had 50–70% less hearing loss than rare coffee consumers, which tended to be a dose-dependent relationship. In addition, the frequency of coffee consumption had an inverse correlation with tinnitus in the 19–64 years age group but its association was related with hearing. Brewed coffee had more of an association than instant or canned coffee in the 40–64 years age group. These results suggest a protective effect of coffee on hearing loss and tinnitus.

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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a high-altitude setting in Peru: adult population-based cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.12149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e12149

Author(s):

Charles Huamaní ◽

Lucio Velásquez ◽

Sonia Montes ◽

Ana Mayanga-Herrera ◽

Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz

Keyword(s):

High Altitude ◽

Adult Population ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Ecological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

San Sebastian ◽

Population Based Survey

Background There are several ecological studies, but few studies of the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 at high altitude. We aimed to estimate the population-based seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 in three settings of Cusco at the end of the first wave among adults. Methods A population-based survey was conducted in September 2020, in three settings in the region of Cusco: (1) Cusco city at 3,300 meters above the sea level (m.a.s.l.), (2) the periphery of Cusco (Santiago, San Jerónimo, San Sebastián, and Wanchaq) at 3,300 m.a.s.l., and (3) Quillabamba city, located at 1,050 m.a.s.l. People aged ≥ 18 years within a family unit were included. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was based on identifying anti- SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (IgM and IgG) in serum using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 chemiluminescence test. Results We enrolled 1924 participants from 712 families. Of the total, 637 participants were anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Seroprevalence was 38.8% (95% CI [33.4%–44.9%]) in Cusco city, 34.9% (95% CI [30.4%–40.1%]) in the periphery of Cusco, and 20.3% (95% CI [16.2%–25.6%]) in Quillabamba. In 141 families (19.8%; 95% CI [17.0%–22.8%]) the whole members were positive to the test. Living with more than three persons in the same house, a positive COVID-19 case at home, and a member who died in the last five months were factors associated with SARS-COV-2 seropositivity. Dysgeusia/dysosmia was the symptom most associated with seropositivity (aPR = 2.74, 95% CI [2.41–3.12]); whereas always wearing a face shield (aPR = 0. 73; 95% CI [0.60–0.89]) or a facial mask (aPR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.63–0. 92) reduced that probability. Conclusions A great proportion of Cusco’s city inhabitants presented anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the end of the first wave, with significant differences between settings. Wearing masks and face shields were associated with lower rate of seropositivity; however, efforts must be made to sustain them over time since there is still a high proportion of susceptible people.

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