Understanding How to Strengthen the Neurology Pipeline With Insight From Undergraduate Neuroscience Students

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000013259
Author(s):  
Mia Minen ◽  
Kayla Kaplan ◽  
Sangida Akter ◽  
Dennique Khanns ◽  
Tasha Ostendorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Research University ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Approaches To Learning ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clinical Neurology ◽  
Graduate Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Undergraduate Level

Despite increased neuroscience interest at the undergraduate level, a significant shortage of neurologists in the United States (US) exists. To better understand how to generate more interest in neurology specifically at the undergraduate level, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional online survey of 1085 undergraduates either in neuroscience courses or majoring/minoring in neuroscience from across the US to better understand their clinical neurology experiences and perspectives. The survey quantitatively and qualitatively assessed students’ clinical neurology exposure inside and outside of the classroom, research experiences and career goals. Students were from a broad spectrum of undergraduate institutions (public research university (40.8%), liberal arts College (29.7%) and private research university (29.0%). Most students (89.9%) were looking to pursue graduate studies; 56.9% reported wanting to be a physician and 17.8% expressed interest in obtaining an MD/PhD. Importantly, students reported first exposure to neuroscience at age 16 but felt that they could be exposed to neuroscience as early as 13. Half (50.5%) decided to major in neuroscience before college and a quarter (25.6%) decided to major in their first year of college. Despite high interest in clinical neurology exposure, less than one-third of students had spoken with or shadowed a neurologist, and only 13.6% had interacted with clinical neurology populations. Only 20.8% of students felt volunteer and internship opportunities were sufficiently available. Qualitative results include student perspectives from those who did and did not work with a neurologist, describing how they were or were not able to obtain such opportunities. We discuss translating the survey findings into actionable results with opportunities to target the undergraduate neuroscience interest to improve the neurology pipeline. We describe existing programs that could be integrated into everyday neurology practices and new approaches to learning and training to help leverage the significant undergraduate neuroscience interest. We also raise questions for further research, including exploring (1) how students learn of neurologic conditions/expand their knowledge about additional neurologic conditions, (2) whether qualitative investigation of the experiences of neuroscience undergraduates at specific institutions might provide additional insight, and (3) systems to maintain interest in neuroscience/neurology as students enter medical school.

scholarly journals Loneliness and Its Association With Social Media Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 205630512110338
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Social Loneliness

Social distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic changed social interaction for many and increased the risk of loneliness in the general population. Social media use has been ambiguously related to loneliness, and associations may differ by age. The study aimed to examine loneliness and its association with social media use within different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia during April/May 2020, and 3,810 participants aged 18 years or above were recruited. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between social media use and social and emotional loneliness within separate age groups. Emotional loneliness was higher among young adults and among those who used social media several times daily. Adjusting by sociodemographic variables, using more types of social media was associated with lower social loneliness among the oldest participants, and with higher emotional loneliness among the youngest participants. Among middle-aged participants, using social media more frequently was associated with lower social loneliness. We found that the associations between social media use and loneliness varied by age. Older people’s engagement on social media may be a resource to reduce loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed higher levels of loneliness among high-frequent social media users of younger age.

scholarly journals Similarities and Differences in COVID-19 Awareness, Concern, and Symptoms by Race and Ethnicity in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeb Jones ◽  
Patrick S Sullivan ◽  
Travis H Sanchez ◽  
Jodie L Guest ◽  
Eric W Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Hispanic White

BACKGROUND Existing health disparities based on race and ethnicity in the United States are contributing to disparities in morbidity and mortality during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey of American adults to assess similarities and differences by race and ethnicity with respect to COVID-19 symptoms, estimates of the extent of the pandemic, knowledge of control measures, and stigma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe similarities and differences in COVID-19 symptoms, knowledge, and beliefs by race and ethnicity among adults in the United States. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March 27, 2020 through April 1, 2020. Participants were recruited on social media platforms and completed the survey on a secure web-based survey platform. We used chi-square tests to compare characteristics related to COVID-19 by race and ethnicity. Statistical tests were corrected using the Holm Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. RESULTS A total of 1435 participants completed the survey; 52 (3.6%) were Asian, 158 (11.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, 548 (38.2%) were Hispanic, 587 (40.9%) were non-Hispanic White, and 90 (6.3%) identified as other or multiple races. Only one symptom (sore throat) was found to be different based on race and ethnicity (<i>P</i>=.003); this symptom was less frequently reported by Asian (3/52, 5.8%), non-Hispanic Black (9/158, 5.7%), and other/multiple race (8/90, 8.9%) participants compared to those who were Hispanic (99/548, 18.1%) or non-Hispanic White (95/587, 16.2%). Non-Hispanic White and Asian participants were more likely to estimate that the number of current cases was at least 100,000 (<i>P</i>=.004) and were more likely to answer all 14 COVID-19 knowledge scale questions correctly (Asian participants, 13/52, 25.0%; non-Hispanic White participants, 180/587, 30.7%) compared to Hispanic (108/548, 19.7%) and non-Hispanic Black (25/158, 15.8%) participants. CONCLUSIONS We observed differences with respect to knowledge of appropriate methods to prevent infection by the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Deficits in knowledge of proper control methods may further exacerbate existing race/ethnicity disparities. Additional research is needed to identify trusted sources of information in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black communities and create effective messaging to disseminate correct COVID-19 prevention and treatment information.

scholarly journals Barriers and Motivators of Bicycling by Gender Among Older Adult Bicyclists in the Midwest

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Grimes ◽  
Matthew Chrisman ◽  
Joseph Lightner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social ◽  
Personal Level ◽  
Barriers And Motivators

Introduction. Physical activity (PA), particularly low-impact activities like bicycling, can improve health in older adults. However, bicycling rates are lower in the Midwest than other regions in the United States. Therefore, it is important to identify unique social, personal, and environmental factors that inhibit or promote bicycling, and how these are associated with PA. The influences of these factors were explored using the social ecological model. Method. A cross-sectional online survey was developed using previously validated local and national bicycling questionnaires, then distributed to Midwestern bicyclists 50 years and older. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to understand the influences of social, personal, and environmental barriers and promoters on bicycling patterns. All models were conducted separately by gender, and accounted for age, race, education, marital status, income, and employment. Results. Social promoters (B = 0.386, p = .002), such as having friends/family that bicycle were associated with greater PA. Personal promoters (B = −0.311, p = .006) such as needing to lose weight were associated with reduced PA. Environmental factors had no associations with PA. However, individual environmental components, such as number of vehicles on the roads, were significantly associated with PA for both males and females. Females reported more barriers than males. The overall model accounted for 16.1% of the total variance in PA levels. Conclusion. Interventions to promote PA via bicycling in older adults should focus on social factors, while also reducing personal-level factors for males. Interventions for females could focus on reducing specific personal, social, and environmental barriers.

Variation in career and workplace attitudes by generation, gender, and culture differences in career perceptions in the United States and China

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Yi ◽  
Barbara Ribbens ◽  
Linna Fu ◽  
Weibo Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Generational Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Work Values ◽  
The United States ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and understand how age, gender and culture affect individual career and work-related attitudes in Chinese and American samples. Design/methodology/approach – Online and printed questionnaires were administered to employees and managers in China, whereas in the USA, faculty, staff and students at a Midwestern university responded to an online survey. Snowball sampling technique was used to collect data. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to test the hypothesis. Findings – The study showed different work values and attitudes in the workplace between Chinese and the US samples, and indicated the specifics influences that national culture has on them. Culture affects generational changes; generational differences in the US sample are bigger than in Chinese sample; work values differ across generations and cultures; traditional gender role differences persist more strongly across generations in Chinese sample than in the US sample. Research limitations/implications – Generalizability issues; cross-sectional data. Practical implications – US-based multi-national corporations need to understand these differences and better manage their diverse employees operating in China. Originality/value – This study compared generation, culture and gender differences simultaneously; parallel groups at similar life stages were used by basing the boundaries of each generation on the distinct cultural events of each nation. This approach is more consistent with generation definitions than by using influential specific events of each country, respectively. Useful to managers, it will provide guidance for understanding work values and attitudes across gender and generations in the USA and China. Most benefit will occur for US based multinational companies that have Chinese operations, and manage employees with cultural, gender and generational differences.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Services in Japan: A Comparison of the United States and Japan Based on Educational Background

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-314
Author(s):  
Hideyuki “E” Izumi ◽  
Yuri Hosokawa
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Medical Practitioner ◽  
The United States ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Professionals ◽  
Training Services

Context Each country has a unique history in the development of its athletic training professionals and education and credentialing systems. In Japan, the majority of athletic trainers hold a domestic credential (JSPO-AT) obtained from the Japan Sport Association (JSPO) or a US-based credential from the Board of Certification (BOC-AT). Objective To determine whether differences in demographic, professional, and educational characteristics exist between Japanese BOC-ATs and JSPO-ATs who currently practice athletic training services in Japan. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants Eight hundred twenty-nine Japanese athletic trainers in Japan (BOC-AT, n = 64; JSPO-AT, n = 765). Main Outcome Measure(s) Pearson's χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine differences in demographic, professional, and educational characteristics between BOC-ATs and JSPO-ATs. Results The proportion of female respondents was greater for BOC-ATs (29.7%) than for JSPO-ATs (18.7%; χ2 [1] = 4.5, P = .03). A greater proportion of BOC-ATs reported having master's degrees or higher (χ2 [3] = 81.6, P &lt; .01). The percentage of respondents with at least 1 therapist or medical practitioner license in Japan was greater for JSPO-ATs (73.1%) than for BOC-ATs (20.3%; P &lt; .01). The percentage of respondents with at least 1 credential in exercise, nutrition, or teaching was greater for BOC-ATs (62.5%) than for JSPO-ATs (45.2%; P &lt; .01). A large difference was observed in the proportion of individuals who identified as therapists (JSPO-ATs = 29.8%, BOC-ATs = 6.3%; χ2 [5] = 18.9, P &lt; .01). The median income for BOC-ATs was 401–600 million yen (US$36 500–$54 500), whereas the median income for JSPO-ATs was 0–200 million yen (US$0–$18 200). Conclusions BOC-ATs in Japan were more established than JSPO-ATs as athletic training professionals with higher educational backgrounds, while more JSPO-ATs tended to be therapists. Findings from the current study may serve as benchmark data for the athletic training profession and service characteristics in Japan.

scholarly journals Cross-Sectional Survey Of Fertility Knowledge In Obstetrics And Gynecology Residents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah May Roberts ◽  
Rashmi Kudesia ◽  
Huaqing Zhao ◽  
Shaliz Dolan ◽  
Marisa Rose
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Training

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate fertility knowledge among current Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents using a recently published validated instrument, the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).METHODS: OB-GYN residents in the United States were recruited through an email to all residency coordinators nationwide. They were asked to voluntarily respond to a short questionnaire including demographic information and the FIT-KS instrument, through an online survey platform.RESULTS: The sample was 91% female, with 69% between the ages of 26 and 30. Participants evenly represented all four years of training. Mean FIT-KS score was 21.2 (73% correct). No statistically significant differences were noted across the level of training. Several knowledge gaps were noted. Residents could define the common assisted reproductive technologies; however overestimated their success rates per cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among OB-GYN residents, with understanding of male fertility and success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being particularly limited. Knowledge of fertility does not change throughout residency training, demonstrating consistent gaps in fertility knowledge. Knowledge during post graduate year (PGY)-1 year is consistent with mean scores found in prior research in Internal Medicine residents (65%), as well as a cohort of female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents and fellows (64.9%)(1, 2).

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Fertility Knowledge In Obstetrics And Gynecology Residents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah May Roberts ◽  
Rashmi Kudesia ◽  
Huaqing Zhao ◽  
Shaliz Dolan ◽  
Marisa Rose
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Training

Abstract BACKGROUND: To evaluate fertility knowledge among current Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents using a recently published validated instrument, the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).METHODS: OB-GYN residents in the United States were recruited through an email to all residency coordinators nationwide. They were asked to voluntarily respond to a short questionnaire including demographic information and the FIT-KS instrument, through an online survey platform. Of approximately 5,000 OB-GYN residents in the country, 177 responded. RESULTS: The sample was 91% female, with 69% between the ages of 26 and 30. Participants evenly represented all four years of training. Mean FIT-KS score was 21.2 (73% correct; range 17-26). No statistically significant differences were noted across the level of training. Several knowledge gaps were noted. Residents could define the common assisted reproductive technologies; however overestimated their success rates per cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among OB-GYN residents, with understanding of male fertility and success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being particularly limited. Knowledge of fertility does not change throughout residency training, demonstrating consistent gaps in fertility knowledge. Knowledge during post graduate year (PGY)-1 year is consistent with mean scores found in prior research in Internal Medicine residents (65%), as well as a cohort of female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents and fellows (64.9%)(1, 2).

scholarly journals The Mental Health of Latinx Adults in the United States During the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Snapshot of Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca T. Villalobos ◽  
Juventino Hernandez Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Life Impact ◽  
Anxiety Depression

The current study documented levels of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and COVID-19 fears and impacts among Latinxs in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants of this cross-sectional study were 388 Latinx adults who completed an online survey between June and November 2020. Almost half of participants showed clinical levels of anxiety and depression and more than a quarter of participants showed clinical levels of posttraumatic stress. Latinxs reported on average 22 types of negative pandemic life impacts. Group differences based on gender, educational attainment, income, vulnerability to COVID-19, and essential worker status were found for mental health symptoms. Severity of COVID-19 fears and negative life impact counts were related to gender, nativity, educational attainment, vulnerability to COVID-19, and insurance status. Specific Latinx groups experienced greater levels of psychological distress during the pandemic. Further examination of risk and protective factors is needed for communities of color.

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