scholarly journals Electronic cigarettes’ withdrawal severity symptoms among users during intermittent fasting: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna M. Barakat ◽  
Raja’a A. Al-Qudah ◽  
Ibrahim Alfayoumi ◽  
Hala Jehad Al-Obaidi ◽  
Feras Jassim Jirjees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Withdrawal Symptoms ◽  
Intermittent Fasting ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Severity Scores

Abstract Background Recently, electronic cigarette (e-cig) usage has increased significantly, making it a potentially effective smoking cessation tool. In Muslim countries, most people who use e-cigarettes fast the month of Ramadan, which results in intermittent fasting. This study aims to reveal the severity of e-cig withdrawal symptoms among users during this intermittent fasting period. Methods A self-administered survey was developed and validated to solicit anonymous responses from e-cig users living in Jordan, through a cross-sectional study design. Participants were recruited through social media resources. Severity scores of physical (out of 11) and psychological (out of 8) withdrawal symptoms for each participant were assessed and calculated for each participant, depending on the symptoms reported. Results A convenience sample (n = 523) of e-cig adult users were recruited. The majority of the participants were males (96.4%) aged between 18 and 40 years (86.4%). Many participants replaced tobacco smoking with e-cig (53.5%) in order to help them stop smoking. More than half of the participants experienced relatively weak physical (0.82 ± 1.78) and psychological (1.24 ± 1.89) withdrawal symptoms during the month of fasting. Most of the participants (63.2%) preferred to engage themselves with a busy schedule to tolerate the related withdrawal symptoms they experienced. Conclusion E-cigs could play a vital role in smoking cessation among tobacco smokers during intermittent fasting. Ramadan offers a good opportunity for smokers to quit, as the reported physical and psychological e-cig withdrawal symptoms were found to be relatively weak. Awareness and behavioral interventions would help clarify the effect of e-cigs and help determine alternative ways to cease smoking.

scholarly journals Perception of adults toward electronic cigarettes: a cross-sectional study from Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Barakat ◽  
Areej M. Assaf ◽  
Raja’a Al-Qudah ◽  
Samar Thiab ◽  
Manar Alhamed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Introduction: The rate of Jordanian tobacco smokers has been reported to be one of the highest rates in the world. The electronic cigarette (E-cig) has become an option, or an alternative, to tobacco cigarette smoking. This study was aimed to measure the perception of Jordanian adults toward E-cig use. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered survey was developed and validated to solicit anonymous responses from the study participants. A convenience sample (n = 984) was recruited electronically through social media platforms. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were completed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: More than half of the participants (53%) were females, and almost all participants had heard about E-cig (99.2%), mainly from their friends (40%) and social media (34.5%). About half of the participants were nonsmokers and around one-third of them (33.1%) were current E-cig users. The majority of the participating E-cig users had replaced tobacco with E-cig (56.4%)/All the E-cig users reported positive beliefs toward the E-cig as a safer alternative for tobacco smoking. About 45% of participants believed that the E-cig is helpful in tobacco smoking cessation, but should be highly regulated. Conclusion: This study illustrated a significant prevalence of E-cig usage among Jordanian adults. E-cig users perceived E-cig as a safer and cheaper alternative to tobacco smoking and that it helps in tobacco smoking cessation. However, health awareness campaigns are needed for the entire Jordanian community about E-cig use, related emerging health findings, and how to promote tobacco smoking cessation.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

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

scholarly journals Awareness and outcomes of the fruits and veggies (FNV) campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among targeted audiences in California and Virginia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa R. Englund ◽  
Valisa E. Hedrick ◽  
Sofía Rincón-Gallardo Patiño ◽  
Lauren E. Kennedy ◽  
Kathryn W. Hosig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

Abstract Background In 2015, the Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign to apply a unique industry-inspired marketing approach to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two US pilot markets: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among FNV Campaign target audiences in the California and Virginia market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in fruit- and vegetable-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n = 1604; February–July 2017) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n = 860) in the two pilot markets. Descriptive statistics were computed and outcomes compared between unaware and aware respondents, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to assess whether fruit- and vegetable-related attitude, belief, and encouragement outcomes differed by FNV Campaign awareness; logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables (fruit- and vegetable-related behavioral intentions, trying new fruits and vegetables); and ANCOVA was used to assess associations with daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency. Results Approximately 20% (n = 315/1604) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 167, 22.4%) had higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 148, 17.2%) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than mothers unaware of the Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness. Conclusions FNV Campaign awareness was associated with limited but positive short- and intermediate-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.

scholarly journals Genetic Variants in Smoking-Related Genes in Two Smoking Cessation Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6597
Author(s):  
Gloria Pérez-Rubio ◽  
Luis Alberto López-Flores ◽  
Ana Paula Cupertino ◽  
Francisco Cartujano-Barrera ◽  
Luz Myriam Reynales-Shigematsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Genotype Frequencies ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Genomic Regions

Previous studies have identified variants in genes encoding proteins associated with the degree of addiction, smoking onset, and cessation. We aimed to describe thirty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seven candidate genomic regions spanning six genes associated with tobacco-smoking in a cross-sectional study from two different interventions for quitting smoking: (1) thirty-eight smokers were recruited via multimedia to participate in e-Decídete! program (e-Dec) and (2) ninety-four attended an institutional smoking cessation program on-site. SNPs genotyping was done by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. The analysis of alleles and genotypes was carried out using the EpiInfo v7. on-site subjects had more years smoking and tobacco index than e-Dec smokers (p < 0.05, both); in CYP2A6 we found differences in the rs28399433 (p < 0.01), the e-Dec group had a higher frequency of TT genotype (0.78 vs. 0.35), and TG genotype frequency was higher in the on-site group (0.63 vs. 0.18), same as GG genotype (0.03 vs. 0.02). Moreover, three SNPs in NRXN1, two in CHRNA3, and two in CHRNA5 had differences in genotype frequencies (p < 0.01). Cigarettes per day were different (p < 0.05) in the metabolizer classification by CYP2A6 alleles. In conclusion, subjects attending a mobile smoking cessation intervention smoked fewer cigarettes per day, by fewer years, and by fewer cumulative pack-years. There were differences in the genotype frequencies of SNPs in genes related to nicotine metabolism and nicotine dependence. Slow metabolizers smoked more cigarettes per day than intermediate and normal metabolizers.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use and Sexual Violence among Nursing Students in Catalonia, Spain: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6036
Author(s):  
Concepció Fuentes-Pumarola ◽  
Zaira Reyes-Amargant ◽  
Alba Berenguer-Simon ◽  
David Ballester-Ferrando ◽  
Maria Dolors Burjalés-Martí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Estimate Prevalence

(1) Background: Sexual violence (SV) has become common in universities for reasons related to unwanted social/peer pressures regarding alcohol/drug use and sexual activities. Objectives: To identify perceptions of SV and alcohol use and estimate prevalence among nursing students in Catalonia, Spain. (2) Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of nursing students attending public universities. (3) Results: We recruited 686 students (86.11% women), who reported as follows: 68.7% had consumed alcohol, 65.6% had been drunk at least once in the previous year, 62.65% had experienced blackouts and 25.55% had felt pressured to consume alcohol. Drunkenness and blackouts were related (p < 0.000). Of the 15.6% of respondents who had experienced SV, 47.7% experienced SV while under the influence of alcohol and were insufficiently alert to stop what was happening, while 3.06% reported rape. SV was more likely to be experienced by women (OR: 2.770; CI 95%: 1.229–6.242; p = 0.014), individuals reporting a drunk episode in the previous year (OR: 2.839; 95% CI: 1.551–5.197; p = 0.001) and individuals pressured to consume alcohol (OR: 2.091; 95% CI: 1.332–3.281; p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Nursing instructors need to raise student awareness of both the effects of alcohol use and SV, so as to equip these future health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with SV among young people.

scholarly journals Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Stefania Costi ◽  
Sara Paltrinieri ◽  
Barbara Bressi ◽  
Stefania Fugazzaro ◽  
Paolo Giorgi Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems.

Differences in Disaster Preparedness Among Dog and Other Pet Owners in Oporto, Portugal

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Zélia Pereira ◽  
Luís Cardoso ◽  
Ana Cláudia Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
County Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices related to disaster preparedness among pet owners in North Portugal. The present research provides an evaluation of differences among pet owners regarding preparedness in the event of disasters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 155 pet owners between September and November 2018. Subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with items addressing sociodemographic characteristics and questions related to owners’ emergency preparedness and practices. Results: In this study, 53.5% of the respondents thought about the possibility of a disaster. Only 21.3% of respondents reported having knowledge on the existence of a disaster kit for pets in case of an emergency. The majority (94.8%) of respondents said they were not aware of the preparedness county-level organization plans. Knowledge and preparedness were found to be significantly higher among dog owners compared with owners of other pet species. Conclusions: The results suggest that Portuguese pet owners have inadequate knowledge on how to prepare for inclusion of their pets in a disaster.

scholarly journals Youth Access to Electronic Cigarettes in an Unrestricted Market: A Cross-Sectional Study from Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1465
Author(s):  
Lukasz Balwicki ◽  
Danielle Smith ◽  
Malgorzata Balwicka-Szczyrba ◽  
Michal Gawron ◽  
Andrzej Sobczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional
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