Structural barriers to knowledge transfer and exchange among men and women in low-, middle- and high-income countries: an international cross-sectional study with vaccine researchers in 44 countries

Abstract Background Globally, women constitute 30% of researchers. Despite an increasing proportion of women in research, they are still less likely to have international collaborations. Literature on barriers to knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) between men and women remains limited. This study aimed to assess perceived gender barriers to KTE activities in vaccination-related research in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Methods This was a cross-sectional data assessment from a self-administered questionnaire distributed to researchers in the field of vaccination research. The administered questionnaire was developed and validated by WHO and McMaster University. Descriptive statistics were carried out. Structural factors of KTE were assessed using 12 statements measured with a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). An index ranging from 12 to 60 points was created to assess structural factors of KTE, with higher score indicating fewer perceived barriers. Multivariable linear regression modelling was applied to examine the association between KTE barriers and gender. Results A total of 158 researchers were included in the analysis. Regardless of gender and country of affiliation, researchers experienced challenges with respect to KTE activities; particularly factors related to the availability of human and financial resources and level of technical expertise among their target audience. We were also able to identify perceived facilitators among men and women, such as the presence of structures that link researchers and target audiences, the investment of target audiences in KTE efforts and the presence of stable contacts among target audiences. Our linear regression analysis showed that women perceived more barriers than men (R2 = 0.014; B = −1.069; 95% CI −4.035; 1.897). Conclusions Men and women shared common perspectives on barriers to KTE. KTE activities could be strengthened by improving structural efforts to reduce gender differences and increase collaborations between researchers and their target audience.

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Gender Barriers to Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Among Vaccine Researchers in Low-, Middle- and High-Income Countries – An International Cross-Sectional Study in 44 Countries

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30449/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Soha El-Halabi ◽

Ronan McCabe ◽

Birger C. Forsberg ◽

Devy L Elling ◽

Ziad El-Khatib

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Knowledge Transfer ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

High Income ◽

Target Audience ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Gender Barriers ◽

Knowledge Transfer And Exchange

Abstract Background: Globally, women constitute 30% of researchers. Despite an increasing proportion of women in research, they are still less likely to have international collaborations. Literature on barriers to knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) between men and women, remain limited. This study aimed to elucidate perceived gender barriers to KTE activities in vaccination related research in low, middle- and high-income countries. Methods: This was a cross-sectional data from a self-administered questionnaire distributed to researchers in the field of vaccination research. Structural factors to KTE were assessed using 12 statements measured with 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). An index ranging from 12 to 60 points was created to assess structural factors to KTE, with higher score indicating higher perceived barriers. Linear regression modelling was applied to examine the association between KTE barriers and gender. Results: Regardless of gender, researchers experienced challenges with respect to KTE activities, particularly factors related to the availability of human and financial resources, and level of technical expertise among their target audience. We were also able to identify perceived facilitators among men and women, such as the presence of structures that link researchers and target audiences, the investment of target audiences in KTE efforts and the presence of stable contacts among target audience. Our linear regression analysis showed that women have a reduction of 1.069 in their scores in comparison with men (R2=0.014; B=-1.069; 95%CI -4.035;1.897). Conclusions: Men and women shared common perspectives on barriers to KTE. KTE activities could be strengthened by improving structural efforts to reduce gender differences and increase collaborations between researchers and their target audience.

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Affecting Structural Factors on the Entrepreneurship Behavior of the Academic Members of Healthcare

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v49i9.4095 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rafat MOHEBIFAR ◽

Azad SHOKRI ◽

Sima RAFIEI ◽

Negin MOHAMMADI ◽

Maria MOHAMMADI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Academic Staff ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Academic Research ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Structural Elements ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Entrepreneurial Behavior ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Tendency

Background: The study aimed to assess affecting structural factors on the entrepreneurship behavior of the academic members of healthcare in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Central Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among faculty members working in five faculties of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2018. Data were collected using a three-part standard questionnaire including demographic characteristics, entrepreneurial behavior and structural factors questions. ANOVA and linear regression modeling were used in STATA software version 14. Results: Of 270 academic staff who participated in the study, 204 (73%) completed the questionnaire. The mean score reported for entrepreneurial behavior was 3.76±0.55 considered high tendency toward entrepreneurship. Moreover, the average conditions of the structural elements have been 2.51±0.89 considered average. Linear regression analysis showed that along with increasing age, entrepreneurship behavior increased (P=0.018, β=0.52), while an increase in educational level led to a decrease in entrepreneurship behaviour (P=0.001, β=-0.74). In a final model, organizational structure revealed a significant effect on entrepreneurship behavior (P<0.001, β=0.25). Only physical facilities didn't show a statistical significant effect on entrepreneurship score (P>0.05). Conclusion: Universities must also pay attention to acquiring and developing the science and technology gained from academic research and transferring them through entrepreneurship channels. Considering the effect of structural elements on entrepreneurial behavior of the academic members, the need for such substructure in the universities and the country’s higher education organizations to assist development of entrepreneurial behavior among the academicians is greatly felt.

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Cross-Sectional Examination of Homocysteine Levels with Sarcopenia and Its Components in Memory Clinic Outpatients

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210083 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Yosuke Yamada ◽

Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽

Fumie Kinoshita ◽

Chi Hsien Huang ◽

Taiki Sugimoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Memory Clinic ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Homocysteine is a common risk factor for cognitive impairment and sarcopenia. However, very few studies have shown an association between sarcopenia and serum homocysteine levels after adjustment for cognitive function. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between homocysteine and sarcopenia in memory clinic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated outpatients in a memory clinic. We enrolled 1,774 participants (≥65 years old) with measured skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and homocysteine. All participants had undergone cognitive assessments and were diagnosed with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or normal cognition. Patient characteristics were compared according to sarcopenia presence, SMI level, or HGS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of homocysteine with sarcopenia, low SMI, or low HGS. Next, linear regression analysis was performed using HGS as a continuous variable. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that low HGS was significantly associated with homocysteine levels (p = 0.002), but sarcopenia and low SMI were not. In linear regression analysis, HGS was negatively associated with homocysteine levels after adjustment for Mini-Mental State Examination score (β= –2.790, p < 0.001) or clinical diagnosis of dementia (β= –3.145, p < 0.001). These results were similar for men and women. Conclusion: Our results showed a negative association between homocysteine and HGS after adjustment for cognitive function. Our findings strengthen the assumed association between homocysteine and HGS. Further research is needed to determine whether lower homocysteine levels lead to prevent muscle weakness.

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Health and nutrition literacy in adults: Links with lifestyle factors and obesity

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.3233/mnm-200471 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 361-370

Author(s):

Maria Michou ◽

Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos ◽

Christos Lionis ◽

Vassiliki Costarelli

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Low Health Literacy (HL) and Nutrition Literacy (NL) are associated with serious negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate certain lifestyle factors and obesity, in relation to HL and NL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of the Attica region, in Greece. The sample consisted of 1281 individuals, aged ≥18 years. HL, NL sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption,) were assessed. Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskall Wallis, Pearson chi-square tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis has shown that smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, were associated with HL levels (–1.573 points for ex-smokers in comparison to smokers, p = 0.035, –1.349 points for alcohol consumers in comparison to non-consumers, p = 0.006 and 1.544 points for physically active individuals to non-active, p = 0.001). With respect to NL levels, it was also not associated with any of these factors. Obesity was not associated with HL and NL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Certain lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are predicting factors of HL levels, in Greek adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle factors and HL and should be taken into account when HL policies are designed.

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Prevalence of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and its association with prediabetes, dyslipidemia and subclinical inflammation markers among young healthy adults in Qatar

BMC Endocrine Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12902-022-00937-4 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yasemin Al Shanableh ◽

Yehia Y. Hussein ◽

Abdul Haseeb Saidwali ◽

Maryam Al-Mohannadi ◽

Budoor Aljalham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Uric Acid ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Multiple Linear Regression ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Uric Acid Level ◽

Acid Level ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Subclinical Inflammation ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic hyperuricemia in Qatar and to examine its association with changes in markers of dyslipidemia, prediabetes and subclinical inflammation. Methods A cross-sectional study of young adult participants aged 18 - 40 years old devoid of comorbidities collected between 2012 and 2017. Exposure was defined as uric acid level, and outcomes were defined as levels of different blood markers. De-identified data were collected from Qatar Biobank. T-tests, correlation tests and multiple linear regression were all used to investigate the effects of hyperuricemia on blood markers. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 16. Results The prevalence of asymptomatic hyperuricemia is 21.2% among young adults in Qatar. Differences between hyperuricemic and normouricemic groups were observed using multiple linear regression analysis and found to be statistically and clinically significant after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, smoking and exercise. Significant associations were found between uric acid level and HDL-c p = 0.019 (correlation coefficient -0.07 (95% CI [-0.14, -0.01]); c-peptide p = 0.018 (correlation coefficient 0.38 (95% CI [0.06, 0.69]) and monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR) p = 0.026 (correlation coefficient 0.47 (95% CI [0.06, 0.89]). Conclusions Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is prevalent among young adults and associated with markers of prediabetes, dyslipidemia, and subclinical inflammation.

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Oxidative stress and gut-derived lipopolysaccharides in children affected by Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.

10.21203/rs.2.19372/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lorenzo Loffredo ◽

Alberto Spalice ◽

Francesca Salvatori ◽

De Castro Giovanna ◽

Cristiana Alessia Guido ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Tic Disorders ◽

Streptococcal Infections ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to assess NOX2 levels, as well as serum 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Gram-negative bacteria in the gut of patients with PANDAS. Methods: a cross sectional study was performed to compare serum levels of soluble NOX2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), isoprostanes and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used to assess gut permeability. Results: compared with CT, PANDAS children had higher values of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and LPS. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp was signiﬁcantly correlated with serum LPS (Rs=0.359; p=0.005), zonulin (Rs=0.444; p<0.001) and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.704; p<0.001). LPS signiﬁcantly correlated with serum zonulin (Rs=0.610; p<0.001), and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.591; p=0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of sNOX-2-dp. Isoprostanes and zonulin emerged as the only independent predictive variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2=68%). Conclusion: this study provides evidences that children affected by PANDAS have high circulating levels of sNOX2-dp, isoprostanes and of LPS that could be potentially implicated in the process of neuroinflammation.

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Psychiatric Disorders and Alcohol Consumption Among Low-Income African Americans:Gender Differences

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci9040086 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 86 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sharon Cobb ◽

Shervin Assari

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Low Income ◽

Regression Models ◽

Future Research ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Compulsive Disorder

Background: Although cooccurrence of nonsubstance use disorders (non-SUDs) and substance use is well-established in the literature, most of what we know in this regard is derived from studies that have recruited predominantly White sample populations. As a result, there is a gap in knowledge on this link among low-income African Americans (AAs). There is also a need to understand how low-income AA men and women differ in these associations. Objective: To study whether there is an association between number of non-SUDs and amount of alcohol consumption by AA adults, and whether this association varies between AA men and women. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a nonrandom sample of 150 AA adults with non-SUDs (i.e., major depression, bipolar disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, paranoid disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizoaffective disorder). The independent variable was the number of non-SUDs. The dependent variable was the amount of alcohol consumption. Age, socioeconomic status (educational attainment and household income), and self-rated health were covariates. Gender was the moderator. Linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: A higher number of non-SUDs was not associated with a higher amount of alcohol use in the pooled sample of AA adults. We, however, found a significant interaction between gender and number of non-SUDs on the amount of alcohol use, suggesting a stronger effect of non-SUDs on alcohol consumption in AA men than in AA women. Gender-stratified linear regression models showed a positive association between number of non-SUDs and amount of alcohol consumption in AA men but not in AA women. Conclusion: Non-SUDs impact alcohol use of AA men but not women. Future research should test whether AA men may have a higher tendency to turn to alcohol to regulate their emotions and cope with psychological pain due to multiple non-SUDs. The results also suggest that integration of services for SUDs and non-SUDs may be more relevant to provision of mental health services for AA men than AA women.

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Longer shared parental leave is associated with longer duration of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study among Swedish mothers and their partners

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-020-02065-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Grandahl ◽

Jenny Stern ◽

Eva-Lotta Funkquist

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Parental Leave ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaginal Birth ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is associated with health benefits for both the mother and infant and is therefore important to support; moreover, parental leave is a beneficial factor for breastfeeding. The Swedish parental leave is generous, allowing each parent to take 90 days; additionally, a further 300 days can be taken by either parent. Generally, mothers take 70% of the parental leave days, mainly during the first year. However, breastfeeding duration has declined in the last decade, and it is not known how shared parental leave is associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Aim To investigate how parental leave is associated with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding of the infant during the first 12 months after birth. An additional aim was to describe infants’ and parents’ characteristics and mode of birth in association with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Study, conducted in Sweden in 2012–2015. The parents were recruited at 153 antenatal clinics in nine counties. In total, 813 couples completed a follow-up questionnaire 1 year after birth. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between parental leave and the duration of breastfeeding. Results Infants were exclusively breastfed for, on average, 2.5 months (range 0–12 months) and partially breastfed, on average, 7 months (range 0–12 months). Most of the parental leave was taken by the mother (mean = 10.9 months) during the infant’s first 12 months, while the partner took 3 months, on average. The parental leave (used and planned) during the infant’s first 24 months were, on average, 21 months. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, mothers’ and partners’ high level of education (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively), mothers’ higher age (p = 0.049), non-instrumental vaginal birth (p = 0.004) and longer parental leave for the first 24 months (p < 0.001) were associated with longer duration of partial breastfeeding. Conclusion The duration of partial breastfeeding was associated with higher parental educational level, higher age, non-instrumental vaginal birth and longer parental leave.

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Structural and Biomechanical Corneal Differences between Type 2 Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2019/3764878 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

João N. Beato ◽

João Esteves-Leandro ◽

David Reis ◽

Manuel Falcão ◽

Vítor Rosas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Applanation Tonometry ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose. To analyze and compare corneal structural and biomechanical properties, characterized by corneal hysteresis (CH) and resistance factor (CRF), between patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and determine the main ocular variables that influence them. Methods. Sixty diabetic and 48 age- and sex-matched non-DM patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The DM group was analyzed according to DM duration (<or ≥ 10 years), HbA1c levels (<or ≥ 7%), and presence of retinopathy. CH and CRF were evaluated using the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined by Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam® HR). Intraocular pressure was obtained with ORA (IOPcc) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-GAT). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between demographical, clinical, and ocular variables with the biomechanical properties. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the CH and the CRF between DM and non-DM groups (p=0.637 and p=0.439, respectively). Also, there was no statistical difference between groups for the CCT, IOPcc, or IOP-GAT. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CH was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and negatively associated with IOPcc (p<0.001), while CRF was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and IOPcc (p=0.014). Conclusion. The CCT and IOPcc were found to be the main parameters that affect corneal biomechanical properties both in diabetics and controls. In this study, there was no significant effect of DM type 2 on corneal biomechanics.

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Do aggregates of multiple questions better capture overall fish consumption than summary questions?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980007000468 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 196-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kym Mina ◽

Lin Fritschi ◽

Matthew Knuiman

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Fish Consumption ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fresh Fish ◽

Fresh Frozen

AbstractObjectiveTo compare intake estimates, validity and reliability of two summary questions to measure fish consumption with information from a detailed semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on fish consumption.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study. Participants completed an FFQ and provided blood samples for erythrocyte membrane eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) analysis. Aggregate measures of consumption of fresh/frozen/canned fish (fresh fish) and smoked/salted/dried fish (preserved fish) were generated from the FFQ and were compared with responses to the summary questions regarding intakes of similar items. Both methods were tested for validity, using correlation and linear regression techniques with EPA, and retest reliability.SettingPerth metropolitan area, Western Australia.SubjectsOne hundred and nine healthy volunteers of both sexes, aged 21–75 years.ResultsThe summary fresh fish measure underestimated frequency and grams per week given by the aggregate question by about 50%, while estimates from the summary preserved fish measure were approximately three times that of the aggregate measure. Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that the aggregates accounted for more of the variation in EPA levels, but the difference was minimal. Intra-class correlations confirmed that both methods were reliable.ConclusionsOur study indicates that extensive questioning results in different absolute intakes of fish compared with brief questioning, but does not add any information if ranking individuals according to overall consumption of fish.

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