scholarly journals Patient preferences in the treatment of hemophilia A: A latent class analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256521
Author(s):  
Axel C. Mühlbacher ◽  
Andrew Sadler ◽  
Björn Lamprecht ◽  
Christin Juhnke

Objective To examine subgroup-specific treatment preferences and characteristics of patients with hemophilia A. Methods Best–Worst Scaling (BWS) Case 3 (four attributes: application type; bleeding frequencies/year; inhibitor development risk; thromboembolic events of hemophilia A treatment risk) conducted via online survey. Respondents chose the best and the worst option of three treatment alternatives. Data were analyzed via latent class model (LCM), allowing capture of heterogeneity in the sample. Respondents were grouped into a predefined number of classes with distinct preferences. Results The final dataset contained 57 respondents. LCM analysis segmented the sample into two classes with heterogeneous preferences. Preferences within each were homogeneous. For class 1, the most decisive factor was bleeding frequency/year. Respondents seemed to focus mainly on this in their choice decisions. With some distance, inhibitor development was the second most important. The remaining attributes were of far less importance for respondents in this class. Respondents in class 2 based their choice decisions primarily on inhibitor development, also followed, by some distance, the second most important attribute bleeding frequency/year. There was statistical significance (P < 0.05) between the number of annual bleedings and the probability of class membership. Conclusions The LCM analysis addresses heterogeneity in respondents’ choice decisions, which helps to tailor treatment alternatives to individual needs. Study results support clinical and allocative decision-making and improve the quality of interpretation of clinical data.

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 1026-1030
Author(s):  
Madiha Zaffou ◽  
Benjamin L. Campbell

Over the last decade, there has been a move by many consumers to purchase locally grown products. Many studies have focused on food with limited studies examining plants. Using an online survey of Connecticut residents in conjunction with a choice experiment, we examine the impact of various attributes (e.g., local labeling, retail outlet, color, bloom, and price) on preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for azaleas. Results of the latent class model (LCM) indicate that only one of the latent classes, ≈43% of the sample, valued local labeling. Furthermore, the same class that valued local also preferred a nursery/greenhouse outlet over a home improvement center/mass merchandiser. Recommendations for the different retail outlets are given based on the results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 3869-3884
Author(s):  
Alice Stiletto ◽  
Elisa Giampietri ◽  
Samuele Trestini

PurposeThe present study aims at analysing consumer preferences for the pomegranate fruit, focussing on the effect of ready-to-eat format (i.e. packaged arils) on the purchasing choice, together with several products’ attributes as the origin, the packaging typology and the price.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a choice experiment (CE) among 626 Italian consumers from Veneto region through an online survey. The study estimates both a conditional logit (CL) and a latent class logit model (LCM).FindingsBy segmenting the sample based on the heterogeneous preferences of consumers, it can distinguish “eco-friendly consumers”, “time-saving lovers”, “nationalists” and “price sensitive” subjects. Interestingly, the marginal willingness to pay for ready-to-eat arils is positive for the “time-saving lovers” that are mainly young consumers. The Italian origin has always a positive effect on the choice, whereas a negative effect is found for the price. Finally, the eco-friendly package has both a negative and a positive effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of this study is not representative of the population and the CE has a hypothetical nature. It follows that further research will link the economic analysis to a consumer test on a more representative sample.Practical implicationsThis study can be useful for the pomegranate producers and the industry because it provides original evidence that could drive their business and marketing strategies, for instance, the preference for ready-to-eat arils.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first seeking to determine the factors that affect consumers' preferences for pomegranate arils.


Author(s):  
Han-Shen Chen

Global warming and climate change increase the likelihood of weather-related natural disasters that threaten ecosystems and consequently affect the tourism industry which thrives on the natural attributes of island regions. Orchid Island, the study area, is home to the Yami (Tao) tribe—the only indigenous people of Taiwan with a marine culture. The island possesses rich geological and topographical features (such as coral reefs) and distinctive biological and ecological resources (such as the green sea turtle, flying fish, and Orchid Island scops owl), and organizes traditional festivals and activities (such as the flying fish festival) as well as tribal tourism activities. These factors contribute to its immense potential to become the new tourism hotspot. To study the factors enhancing tourist experiences, a random utility model was constructed using a choice experiment method (CEM) for the tourist resort on Orchid Island. The study results demonstrated that: (1) Limiting tourists to 600/day; employing professional tour guides; providing better recreational facilities; introducing additional experience-enhancing activities; and lowering contributions towards the professional ecosystem conservation trust fund will improve the overall effectiveness of attracting tourists to Orchid Island. The evaluation results from both conditional logit and random parameter logit models were similar; (2) the analysis results from the latent class model demonstrated that island tourism has significant market segmentation. The socioeconomic backgrounds of tourists, their experiences, and their preferences exhibit heterogeneity, with significant differences in willingness to pay for island tourism.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3088-3088
Author(s):  
Roseline d’Oiron ◽  
Jean Maurice Lavergne ◽  
Jenny Goudemand ◽  
Annie Borel-Derlon ◽  
Claude Guerois ◽  
...  

Abstract The development of anti-factor VIII inhibitors in mild/moderate hemophilia A (MHA) patients was described as an uncommon event. The largest cohort reported so far included 26 MHAI patients (Hay et al, 1998) and with other anecdotic reports underlined a special pattern of the bleeding reminiscent of acquired hemophilia, a generally poor response to immune tolerance protocol compared to severe patients, and potential factors contributing to a high-risk of inhibitor development such as the FVIII genotype, family related factors and intense substitutive therapy. The optimal therapeutic strategy in MAHI remains unknown. A retrospective data collection was therefore conducted. To date 45 MHAI patients from 29 french and belgian centers were included, with a median FVIII:C baseline level of 0.08 IU/ml (1–28). More than a half of the cases were detected within the last 4 years (y) for a total study period of 20 y. The median age for MHA diagnosis, first FVIII treatment and inhibitor disclosure was respectively 5-y (0 to 73-y),10.5-y (0 to 73-y) and 22.5-y (1 month to 81-y). One splice and 22 different missense mutations were identified for 34 patients (8 already described including 5 with inhibitor, and 15 new). Before the inhibitor appearance, patients received plasma derived (13) or recombinant (12) products only, or both (20). The median number of cumulative exposure days before inhibitor diagnosis was 29 (3–150). History of intense substitutive therapy (≥4 consecutive days or prophylactic treatment every other day for ≥8 days) was observed in 35 (77%) patients, and history of intracranial bleeding in 6/45 (13%). The median maximum historical titer was 6.6 UB (0.5 – 288). In 19 out of 45 (42%) patients FVIII:C baseline level was less than 0.01 IU/ml, while decreased but still detectable (0.01 IU/ml or higher) in 16 (35%), stable in 4 (9%), and unknown in the 6 others. No specific treatment to eradicate the inhibitor was used in 24 patients, while 19 received either an immune tolerance protocol (14 patients, including 6 with combined immunosuppressive drugs), either immunosuppressive agents alone (5 patients); specific treatment was unknown in 2. Apart 2 deaths unrelated to MHA and 3 unknown outcomes, the inhibitor disappeared for 30 patients with a median of 8 months, persisted as a plateau in 2, and was still decreasing in 7 after a median follow-up of 5 months. Anamnestic response defined as an increase of at least 30 % of the inhibitor titer after FVIII or aPCC concentrates was observed in 17 out of the 29 (65%) patients that were rechallenged, but none after recombinant factor VIIa (Novoseven®) or DDAVP. When an anamnestic response occured the median delay for inhibitor eradication increased from 3 to 11 months. This survey underlines: i) that MAHI is not rare, but likely better recognized nowadays, ii) the need for systematic inhibitor assessment after substitutive therapy in MHA, iii) the role of FVIII genotype, intense treatment and possibly inracranial bleeds as contributing factors for inhibitor development, iv) how treatment of bleeds in MHA have to be carefully discussed to limit the risk of respectively appearance or anamnestic response in patients without or with inhibitors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almir Peštek ◽  
Emir Agic ◽  
Merima Cinjarevic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical understanding of organic food buyers in the context of emergent organic food market (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina) by using a segmentation approach. Design/methodology/approach A self-administrated online survey was carried out among organic food buyers (n=202) using the snowball sampling technique. Measurement items were mainly adapted from the prior studies. Findings The authors analysed the heterogeneity of organic food buyers with latent class model. Four distinct latent classes (i.e. segments) of organic food buyers were identified. Those segments were named as enthusiastic social-seekers, enthusiastic moralists, hostile seldom shoppers, and hostile heavy shoppers. Originality/value Though the study was exploratory, the identified segments of organic food buyers can enhance our knowledge about differing characteristics of organic food buyers in the context of the country where the organic food industry is in the early stages of development. The findings of this study will give organic food producers and marketers a much better framework for making product, pricing, distribution and marketing communications decision. Moreover, the identification of organic food consumer profiles will provide an insight into how policymakers should tailor their public policy and strategies to expand the size of the organic food market.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 20-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taro Mieno ◽  
Yasushi Shoji ◽  
Tetsuya Aikoh ◽  
Arne Arnberger ◽  
Renate Eder

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3665-3665
Author(s):  
Lulu Zhang ◽  
Ziqiang Yu ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lijuan Cao ◽  
Changgeng Ruan

Abstract Abstract 3665 Introduction: The inhibitor against factor VIII would develop in one-third to one-fourth patients with hemophilia A, which is the severe complication during replacement therapy. Although mutation in factor VIII gene is the main determinant, HLA alleles and gene polymorphism of cytokines, such as TNF-α, CTLA-4 and IL-10, are also associated with inhibitor development. The polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G>A, CTLA-4 -318C>T and one of the CA repeat microsatellites in IL-10 gene were analyzed in 140 Chinese patients with hemophilia A treated with plasma-derived F‡[ concentrates and in 108 normal controls, in order to evaluate their contribution to inhibitor development. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from citrate-preserved blood from all patients and normal controls. The promoter region of TNF-α and CTLA-4 were amplified by PCR, then the PCR products of TNF-α and CTLA-4 were digested by NcoI or MseI, respectively, then subjected to 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. PCR products were also directly sequenced to identify the genotype. The short tandem repeat in the promotor region of IL-10 was amplified by PCR, then analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. The inhibitor activities against factor VIII in plasma of patients with hemophilia A were measured by modified-Nijmegen assay simultaneously. Results: The frequencies of -308 G allele and A allele in patients with hemophilia A were 90.7% and 9.3% respectively, compared with 90.3% and 9.7% in normal controls. The frequencies of -318 C allele and T allele in patients with hemophilia A were 87.9% and 12.1% respectively, compared with 86.6% and 13.4% in normal controls. The allele 134bp positive and allele 134bp negative in patients with hemophilia A were 27.9% and 72.1% respectively, compared with 29.6 % and 71.4% in normal controls. There were not significant difference of -308G/A allele frequencies ƒ A-318C/T allele frequencies and 134bp allele frequencies between two groups. The F‡[ inhibitor activity was identified in 34/140 (24.3%) patients. In the patients with inhibitor, 13/34(38.2%) patients carried the -308 A allele, the frequencies of -308 G allele and A allele in these patients were 75% and 25% respectively. The patients with hemophilia A who carried -308 A allele had a high risk of inhibitor development (OR,7.519; 95%CI,3.168 ‘17.844), especially for the severe patients with hemophilia A (OR,8.163; 95%CI,2.521 ‘26.434). Also in the patients with inhibitor, 10/34(29.4%) patients carried the -318 T allele, the frequencies of -318 C allele and T allele in these patients were 83.8% and 16.2% respectively. There is no statistical significance regarding the risk of inhibitor development between the patients who were carrier of C allele and T allele (OR,1.586,95%CI,0.729 ‘3.450). The frequencies of allele 134bp positive and allele 134bp negative in patients with inhibitor were 44% and 56% respectively, there was no statistical significance regarding the risk of inhibitor development between the patients who were the allele 134bp positive and those who were allele 134bp negative (OR,1.769,95%CI,0.676 ‘4.627). Conclusion: TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism is significantly associated with factor VIII inhibitor development in Chinese patients with hemophilia A. TNF-αgene may be a useful marker and potential modulator of the immune response to replacement therapy in patients with hemophilia A. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makiko Nakano ◽  
Takahiro Tsuge

The promotion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important for achieving sustainability. The interest of stakeholders is one factor promoting CSR activities. Consumers are one of the major stakeholders. The aim of this study is to quantify Japanese consumers’ preference for 13 CSR activities using the best–worst scaling (BWS) approach. We conducted an online survey in February 2015 and 633 individuals responded. Counting analysis and econometric analysis were used to analyze the BWS data. The results of the counting and MaxDiff analyses show that “Product safety and immediate recall in the case of defects” was identified as the most highly evaluated activity that makes respondents most strongly think that they want to buy a product from a company implementing the CSR activity. The results of the random parameter logit model and latent class model show preference heterogeneity. Some classes prioritize activities that do not generate a private benefit for them, such as environmental issues abroad and the working conditions of employees.


Author(s):  
Chun-Hung Lee ◽  
Chiung-Hsin Wang

This paper aims to build up a preference function to evaluate the public benefits of the type of agricultural farming, biodiversity, water provisions, land use type, ecotourism modes, and a monetary attribute (environmental trust fund and willingness to contribute) associated with an ecosystem service and land use program in a forest park. This study used the choice experiments to build a random utility model, analyze the average preference for the above land use attributes based on the conditional logit and used a latent class model to test the resident&rsquo;s heterogeneous preferences for land use planning in the forest park. We also estimated the welfare derived from various land use programs. The empirical result had shown that: (1) increasing organic farming area, maintaining the status quo of species biodiversity, increasing the surface water provision, increasing the area of custom flora, increasing the wetland area, and setting up an integrated framework for ecotourism increase the public&rsquo;s preference for the land use program; (2) we found that farmer and non-farmer haven&rsquo;t the same land use preferences; (3) the ecotourism development program incorporating biodiversity, organic farming, ethnobotany, and wetland area with integrated ecotourism are more preferred than other land use program scenarios.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document