Edema-like symptoms are common in ultra-distance cyclists and driven by overdrinking, use of analgesics and female sex – a study of 919 athletes

Abstract Background Ultra-endurance cyclists regularly report various extents of bodily decline during long-distance bicycle rides, including potential kidney function-related symptoms such as swelling of body parts and urine changes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these symptoms in a representative cohort of ultra-endurance cyclists and shed light on potential predictors related to the ride, the rider and the rider’s behavior. Methods Between November 26 and December 14, 2020, 1350 people participated in an online survey investigating potential kidney-related symptoms of ultra-distance cycling. Frequency and severity of edema-like (“swelling”) symptoms and perceived changes in urine output, concentration and quality were associated with ride-related factors, demographic parameters and rider behavior-related variables. Results A total of 919 participants met the predefined inclusion criteria. The majority (N = 603, 65.6%) stated that they suffered from at least one potential kidney function-related symptom, out of which 498 (54.2%) stated one or more edema-like (“swelling”) symptoms. In correlational and multiple regression analyses, female sex, intake of analgesics and drinking strategies correlated with swelling symptoms. Further analyses indicated that drinking due to thirst and/or drinking adapted to ambient sweating and temperature negatively correlated with swelling symptoms, whereas “drinking as much as possible” enhanced these. Intake of analgesics was moderately positively correlated with swelling symptoms. Conclusions According to our survey, edema-like symptoms occur in the majority of ultra-distance cyclists and female sex, drinking strategy and intake of analgesic drugs are major predictors thereof. Studies are needed to investigate the underlying pathophysiological processes of such symptoms.

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Comparison of prevalence and risk factors of somatization between Chinese health care workers and non-health care workers during COVID-19 outbreak

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03294-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiuli Song ◽

Yongjie Zhou ◽

Wenwang Rao ◽

Xiangyang Zhang

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Medical Service ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Related Factors ◽

Dimension Score ◽

Care Workers ◽

High Prevalence

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare prevalence and risk factors of somatization (SOM) between health care workers and non-health care workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods From 14 February to 29 March 2020, an online survey was performed in both 605 health care workers and 1151 non-health care workers. Based on the somatization dimension score of the Symptom Checklist-90, participants were divided into non-SOM group and SOM group. Results Health care workers had higher prevalence rate of SOM (p < 0.001) than non-health care workers, with an OR of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.22–2.36, p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that in non-health care workers, the risk factors of SOM included other ethnicities, insomnia, and suicide, while in health care workers, the risk factors included working 6–8 h per day, and working ≥10 h per day during COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions Our research suggests that both non-health care workers and health care workers have a relatively high prevalence of somatization. However, the related factors for somatization in both groups are significantly different, showing that medical service-related factors are associated with somatization in health care workers, while demographic and clinical factors are associated with somatization in non-health care workers.

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Avoidance of Healthcare Utilization in South Korea during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084363 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4363

Author(s):

Minjung Lee ◽

Myoungsoon You

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

South Korea ◽

Healthcare Utilization ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

Related Factors ◽

First Case ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Health Related

Avoidance of healthcare utilization among the general population during pandemic outbreaks has been observed and it can lead to a negative impact on population health. The object of this study is to examine the influence of socio-demographic and health-related factors on the avoidance of healthcare utilization during the global outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in 2020. Data were collected through an online survey four weeks after the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) confirmed the first case in South Korea; 1000 subjects were included in the analysis. The logit model for regression was used to analyze the associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors regarding the avoidance of healthcare utilization. Among the participants, 73.2% avoided healthcare utilization, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of healthcare avoidance between groups with (72.0%) and without (74.9%) an underlying disease. Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, income level, and residential area) were related to healthcare avoidance. Among the investigated influencing factors, residential areas highly affected by COVID-19 (i.e., Daegu/Gyeoungbuk region) had the most significant effect on healthcare avoidance. This study found a high prevalence of healthcare avoidance among the general population who under-utilized healthcare resources during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the results reveal that not all societal groups share the burden of healthcare avoidance equally, with it disproportionately affecting those with certain sociodemographic characteristics. This study can inform healthcare under-utilization patterns during emerging infectious disease outbreaks and provide information to public health emergency management for implementing strategies necessary to improve the preparedness of the healthcare system.

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Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 500

Author(s):

Marco Trabucco Aurilio ◽

Francesco Saverio Mennini ◽

Simone Gazzillo ◽

Laura Massini ◽

Matteo Bolcato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Effective Vaccine ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Sex

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. Results: A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. Conclusions: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses’ perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.

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Nonattendance at Scheduled Appointments in Outpatient Clinics Due to COVID-19 and Related Factors in Taiwan: A Health Belief Model Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094445 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4445

Author(s):

Yi-Ping Hsieh ◽

Cheng-Fang Yen ◽

Chia-Fen Wu ◽

Peng-Wei Wang

Keyword(s):

Health Behaviors ◽

Health Belief Model ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Belief ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Outpatient Clinics ◽

Related Factors ◽

Study Results ◽

Belief Model

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hospital visits and attendance at scheduled appointments have dropped significantly. We used the health belief model (in three dimensions) to examine the determinants of non-attendance of scheduled appointments in outpatient clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in Taiwan (n = 1954) completed an online survey from 10 April 10 to 23 April 2020, which assessed how people perceived and responded to the outbreak of a fast-spreading infectious disease. We performed both univariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine the roles of cognitive, affective, and behavioral health belief constructs in nonattendance at scheduled appointments. The results indicated that individuals who perceived high confidence in coping with COVID-19 were less likely to miss or cancel their doctor’s appointments, whereas individuals who reported high anxiety and practiced more preventive health behaviors, including avoiding crowded places, washing hands more often, and wearing a mask more often, were more likely to miss or cancel their appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-heterosexual participants had a lower rate of nonattendance at scheduled appointments compared with heterosexual ones. The study results increase our understanding of the patients’ cognitive health beliefs, psychological distress, and health behaviors when assessing adherence to medical appointments during a pandemic.

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Demonstration of the relationship between MSD and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/jarhe-08-2020-0269 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Kochu Therisa Karingada ◽

Michael Sony

Keyword(s):

Online Learning ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

The Body ◽

Body Parts ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

The Right ◽

Almost All

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has caught many educational institutions by surprise and warranted an abrupt migration from offline to online learning. This has resulted in an education change, without any time for due consideration, as regards its impact on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on students. The purpose of this study is to investigate MSD related to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students in India. In total, 261 students participated in this online survey.FindingsThe study finds that around 80% of students have reported some symptom in the head, neck and eyes since they started online learning. In total, 58% have reported MSD symptom in the right shoulder and 56% in the right hand fingers. Besides, more than 40 % of students experienced some MSD symptoms, in almost all the body parts studied, due to online learning. Correlation analysis is conducted between time spent on online learning per day and MSD symptoms.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted on MSD and online learning during COVID-19 pandemic.

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Attention to diet, exercise, and weight in the oncology clinic: Results of a national patient survey.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.10549 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 10549-10549

Author(s):

Jennifer A. Ligibel ◽

Lori J. Pierce ◽

Catherine M. Bender ◽

Tracy E Crane ◽

Christina Marie Dieli-Conwright ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Online Survey ◽

Early Stage ◽

Cancer Type ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Related Factors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Diet And Exercise ◽

To Receive

10549 Background: Obesity and related factors are increasingly associated with increased risk of developing and dying from cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conducted a survey of cancer patients to assess their experience in receiving recommendations and referrals related to weight, diet and exercise as a part of their cancer care. Methods: An online survey was distributed to potential participants between March and June 2020 via ASCO channels and patient advocacy organizations, with an estimated reach of over 25,000 individuals. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years, living in the US, and having been diagnosed with cancer. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recommendation and referral patterns. Results: In total, 2419 individuals responded to the survey. Most respondents were female (75.5%), 61.8% had an early-stage malignancy, 38.2% had advanced disease, and 49.0% were currently receiving treatment. Breast cancer was the most common cancer type (36.0%). Average BMI was 25.8 kg/m2. The majority of respondents consumed £2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (50.9%) and exercised £2 times per week (50.4%). Exercise was addressed at most or some oncology visits in 57.5% of respondents, diet in 50.7%, and weight in 28.4%. Referrals were less common: 14.9% of respondents were referred to an exercise program, 25.6% to a dietitian and 4.5% to a weight management program. In multiple regression analyses, racial and ethnicity minority respondents were more likely to receive advice about diet (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.56-2.38) and weight (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.23-2.17) compared to non-Hispanic whites, individuals diagnosed with cancer in the past 5 yrs (vs > 5 yrs) were more likely to receive advice about exercise (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.23-1.79), and breast cancer patients were more likely to receive advice about exercise (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.68) and weight (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03-2.07) than other cancer patients. Overall, 74% of survey respondents had changed their diet or exercise after cancer diagnosis. Respondents reporting that their oncologist spoke to them about increasing exercise or eating healthier foods were more likely to report a change in behavior than those whose oncologists did not (exercise: 79.6% vs 69.0%, P < 0.001; diet 81.1% vs 71.4%, P < 0.001). Respondents whose oncologist had spoken to them about exercise were more likely to exercise > 2 times per week compared to respondents whose oncologists did not address exercise (53.5% vs 44.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In a national survey of oncology patients, slightly more than half of respondents reported attention to diet and exercise during oncology visits. Provider recommendations for diet and exercise were associated with positive changes in these behaviors. Additional attention to diet and exercise as part of oncology visits is needed to help support healthy lifestyle change in cancer patients.

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College students’ alcohol expectancies and sexual assault bystander behavior

American Journal of Health Studies ◽

10.47779/ajhs.2017.88 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer R Boyle

Keyword(s):

Sexual Assault ◽

Online Survey ◽

Alcohol Expectancies ◽

Sexual Assault Prevention ◽

Sexual Assaults ◽

Bystander Behavior ◽

Related Factors ◽

Assault Prevention ◽

College Sexual Assault ◽

Linear Regressions

Many college sexual assault prevention efforts have focused on the bystander approach. Whilemost sexual assaults among students occur within the context of alcohol, no studies have examined theimpact of alcohol-related factors on bystander behavior. This exploratory study assessed relationshipsbetween students’ alcohol expectancies and the likelihood of intervening in a potential sexual assault.Students(n=220) completed an online survey. Linear regressions were performed. Among men, greateroverall expectancy scores(Stnd.ß=0.375,p=.008) and greater sociability scores(Stnd.ß=0.354,p=.012)were related to greater likelihood of action. Among women, greater self-perception scores were related toless likelihood of action(Stnd.ß=-0.215,p=.010). Explanations for differences between sexes are explored.

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Prevalence and family factors associated with loneliness during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from South India

INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND NEUROSCIENCES ◽

10.32746/10.32746/ijmhns.2020.v3.i2.52 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (02) ◽

pp. 61-67

Author(s):

G. Sanjana ◽

Vijaya Raghavan

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

South India ◽

Survey Design ◽

Southern India ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Family Discord ◽

The Impact

Background: Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life. It can be detrimental to the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals and communities. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness is considered as a public health crisis. Hence, the objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and family related factors associated with loneliness among general population in south India. Materials and Methods: The study employed a crosssectional online survey design. The data was collected in the first phase of the lockdown in 2020 from adults in Southern India. Socio-demographic profile and family related variables were collected using a semistructured proforma. Loneliness was assessed by UCLA loneliness scale. Results: Of 573 total respondents to the survey, aged between 18-65 years, 43% were male and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 63% (358/573). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of loneliness. Family discord was associated with higher rates of loneliness (p less than 0.01). Other factors associated were younger age and being single. Conclusion: Rates of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown were high in Southern India. Findings suggest that interventions should prioritize younger people. Increasing social support and improving interpersonal skills, which in turn would help reduce family discord and may reduce the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness.

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Knowledge, attitude and practice towards Covid-19 pandemic of pharmacy students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

MedPharmRes ◽

10.32895/ump.mpr.5.4.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 5-11

Author(s):

Quynh Diem Le ◽

Nghi Hue To ◽

Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Ho Chi Minh City ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Related Factors ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Good Level ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Introduction: The rapid increase of infected cases and fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge health crisis to the world and Vietnam in particular. Health professionals were put under massive pressure in preventing pandemic. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) during the COVID-19 disease through an online survey as well as related infection control practices among pharmacy students in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP). Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data obtained from an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis was performed using statistical tests and linear regression model for practice. The total study sample, chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria was taken from pharmacy students in UMP during the study period. Results: A scale of KAP towards COVID-19 was developed with 43 questions and received 1,089 responses. We acknowledged that the awareness and practice of these students were at a good level (with a mean score of 8.37±0.77 and 8.46±1.33, respectively) and the attitude was optimistic with a mean score of 6.22±0.68. Related factors to practice included gender (p=0.005), year of study (p=0.013); to knowledge included the time spent in university (p=0.040); to attitude included social distancing (p=0.024). Multivariable regression analysis showed that practice is related with male gender (β=-0.254; p=0.001), the first 3 school years (β = 0.173; p=0.020), knowledge score (β =0.154; p=0.003). Conclusions: Based on a constructive scale, the study noted students' knowledge-attitude-practice towards COVID-19 at a good level. School year and knowledge scores positively affected practice scores, while male students had a negative effect.

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Infrastructural and Human Factors Affecting Safety Outcomes of Cyclists

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su10020299 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 299 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Sergio Useche ◽

Luis Montoro ◽

Francisco Alonso ◽

Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios

Keyword(s):

Human Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

User Characteristics ◽

Severe Injuries ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Road Crashes ◽

Safety Outcomes

The increasing number of registered road crashes involving cyclists during the last decade and the high proportion of road crashes resulting in severe injuries and fatalities among cyclists constitutes a global issue for community health, urban development and sustainability. Nowadays, the incidence of many risk factors for road crashes of cyclists remains largely unexplained. Given the importance of this issue, the present study has been conducted with the aim of determining relationships between infrastructural, human factors and safety outcomes of cyclists. Objectives: This study aimed, first, to examine the relationship between key infrastructural and human factors present in cycling, bicycle-user characteristics and their self-reported experience with road crashes. And second, to determine whether a set of key infrastructural and human factors may predict their self-reported road crashes. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, a total of 1064 cyclists (38.8% women, 61.2% men; M = 32.8 years of age) from 20 different countries across Europe, South America and North America, participated in an online survey composed of four sections: demographic data and cycling-related factors, human factors, perceptions on infrastructural factors and road crashes suffered. Results: The results of this study showed significant associations between human factors, infrastructural conditions and self-reported road crashes. Also, a logistic regression model found that self-reported road crashes of cyclists could be predicted through variables such as age, riding intensity, risky behaviours and problematic user/infrastructure interactions. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that self-reported road crashes of cyclists are influenced by features related to the user and their interaction with infrastructural characteristics of the road.

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