The Baseline Survey

Author(s):  
Andrew Dabalen ◽  
Alvin Etang ◽  
Johannes Hoogeveen ◽  
Elvis Mushi ◽  
Youdi Schipper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
VASA ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seong-Woo Choi ◽  
Hye-Yeon Kim ◽  
Hye-Ran Ahn ◽  
Young-Hoon Lee ◽  
Sun-Seog Kweon ◽  
...  

Background: To investigate the association between ankle-brachial index (ABI), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in a general population. Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 8,246 people aged 50 years and older who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study conducted in Korea between 2007 and 2010. Trained research technicians measured LV mass using mode M ultrasound echocardiography and ABI using an oscillometric method. Results: After adjustment for risk factors and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and the number of plaques, higher ABIs (1.10 1.19, 1.20 - 1.29, and ≥ 1.30) were significantly and linearly associated with high LVMI (1.10 - 1.19 ABI: β, 3.33; 95 % CI, 1.72 - 4.93; 1.20 - 1.29 ABI: β, 6.51; 95 % CI, 4.02 - 9.00; ≥ 1.30 ABI: β, 14.83; 95 % CI, 6.18 - 23.48). An ABI of 1.10 - 1.19 and 1.20 - 1.29 ABI was significantly associated with LVH (1.10 - 1.19 ABI: OR, 1.35; 95 % CI, 1.19 - 1.53; 1.20 - 1.29 ABI: OR, 1.59; 95 % CI, 1.31 - 1.92) and ABI ≥ 1.30 was marginally associated with LVH (OR, 1.73; 95 % CI, 0.93 - 3.22, p = 0.078). Conclusions: After adjustment for other cardiovascular variables and CCA-IMT and the number of plaques, higher ABIs are associated with LVH and LVMI in Koreans aged 50 years and older.


Author(s):  
Praveen Ganganahalli ◽  
Santosh D. Patil ◽  
Mohd. Shannawaz ◽  
Prakash Chauhan ◽  
M. B. Biradar

Author(s):  
Deborah L Jones ◽  
Ana S Salazar ◽  
Violeta J Rodriguez ◽  
Raymond R Balise ◽  
Claudia Uribe Starita ◽  
...  

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 and HIV disproportionally affect underrepresented ethnoracial groups in the US. Medical mistrust and vaccine hesitancy will likely impact acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. This study examined SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy among underrepresented ethnoracial groups with HIV and identified factors that may reduce vaccine uptake. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults ≥18 years with HIV residing in Miami, FL. Participants were invited to participate in the ACTION (A Comprehensive Translational Initiative on Novel Coronavirus) cohort study. A baseline survey was administered from April-August 2020 and followed by a COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy survey from August-November 2020. The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy survey was adapted from the Strategic Advisory Group Experts survey. Comparisons by race and ethnicity were performed using the Freedman-Haltmann extension of Fisher’s exact test Results A total of 94 participants were enrolled, mean age 54.4 years, 52% female, 60% Black non-Latinx, and 40% non-Black Latinx. Black non-Latinx participants were less likely to agree that vaccinations are important for health when compared to non-Black Latinx (67.8% vs 92.1%, p=0.009), less likely to agree that vaccines are effective in preventing disease (67.8% vs 84.2%, p=0.029), less likely to believe that vaccine information is reliable and trustworthy (35.7% vs 71.1%, p=0.002), and less likely to believe vaccines were unnecessary because COVID-19 would disappear soon (11% vs 21%, p=0.049). Conclusion Medical mistrust, vaccine hesitancy and negative sentiments about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are prevalent among underrepresented ethnoracial groups with HIV, particularly Black non-Latinx. Targeted strategies to increase vaccine uptake in this population are warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Han ◽  
Ziying Jiang ◽  
Yuanjing Li ◽  
Yongxiang Wang ◽  
Yajun Liang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated sex disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China. Methods This community-based study included 5026 participants (age ≥ 65 years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. In March–September 2018, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors—smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors—blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association’s recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women. Results Of all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global (9.7% vs. 7.8%) and behavioral (18.3% vs. 9.5%) CVH metrics (p < 0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend< 0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions The CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct sex differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors. Trial registration ChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018).


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110283
Author(s):  
Cara Herbitter ◽  
Alyssa L. Norris ◽  
Kimberly M. Nelson ◽  
Lindsay M. Orchowski

Previous research indicates that teen dating violence (TDV) is more common among sexual minority than heterosexual adolescents, with approximately half of female sexual minority adolescents (SMA) endorsing TDV victimization in the last year. In samples of adolescents without regard to sexual orientation, exposure to violent pornography is associated with TDV, but this relationship has not been assessed in female SMA. The current study sample consisted of 10th-grade high school students aged 14–17 who identified as cisgender females ( N = 1,276). Data were collected from a baseline survey prior to the delivery of a sexual assault prevention intervention. Female SMA had 2.54 times the odds (95%CI [1.75, 3.69]) of being exposed to violent pornography and 2.53 times the odds (95%CI [1.72, 3.70)]) of TDV exposure compared to heterosexual girls. Exposure to violent pornography was not associated with involvement in TDV among female SMA, controlling for episodic heavy drinking ( aOR = 2.25, 95%CI [0.88,6.22]). Given the relatively higher rates of violent pornography and TDV exposure among female SMA compared to heterosexual girls, it is critical that sex education curricula address these experiences and meet the needs of adolescents of all sexual orientations. Future research can assess how these TDV interventions might be tailored for female SMA. Although we did not find that exposure to violent pornography was associated with TDV among female SMA, these investigations should be replicated with larger data sets, given that the association between exposure to violent pornography and engagement in TDV was in the expected direction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 194008292110281
Author(s):  
Elène Haave-Audet ◽  
Doris Audet ◽  
Michelle Monge-Velazquez ◽  
Eleanor Flatt ◽  
Andrew Whitworth

Introduction: Background and Research Aims: Assessing biodiversity recovery is key to determine whether the objectives of habitat restoration for conservation are met. Many restoration initiatives use cross-sectional comparisons of wildlife communities to infer restoration impact instead of longitudinal assessments from a baseline state. Using an indicator of biodiversity in the neotropics— bats— we demonstrate how assessing community diversity and composition in an area targeted for restoration prior to implementation, and when compared to surrounding intact forest, provides the groundwork to track changes in the community post-restoration. Methods We assessed bat communities by 1) using mist-net surveys to identify species in the family Phyllostomidae (leaf-nosed bats), and 2) conducting acoustic surveys to identify non-phyllostomid species (aerial insectivores). Results For both groups, we found that areas targeted for restoration had similar diversity as the surrounding forest, but the two habitat types differed in community composition. Phyllostomids were captured at higher rates in forest, but aerial insectivores were detected at higher rates in restoration habitat. Conclusion Our baseline assessment revealed unexpected diversity in areas targeted for restoration. The presence of all trophic groups in restoration habitat suggests that bats provide key ecosystem services in the restoration process, such as through seed dispersal, pollination and insect pest control. Implications for Conservation: Conducting a baseline survey of bats in areas targeted for restoration demonstrated that the community was not species poor at the baseline and was different from the surrounding forest, allowing us to better track restoration success and the effects of different restoration treatments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Mireku Opoku ◽  
Harriet Affran Bonful ◽  
Kwadwo Ansah Koram

Abstract Background Misguided prescription of antibiotics is an important contributor towards the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The absence of effective interventions to control antibiotic use leads to increased consumption beyond the needed requirements. Antibiotic stewardship interventions must be appropriately targeted and assessed to enhance the controlled use of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with antibiotic prescription to febrile outpatients who seek care in health facilities within the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Methods Secondary data obtained from the medical records of 2519 febrile outpatients, consecutively sampled at the outpatient department of 6 health facilities in 3 municipalities during the baseline survey of a quasi-experiment in 2015 was used. The primary outcome was prescription of any antibiotic. Independent variables included patients’ demographics, symptoms, laboratory investigations (blood film microscopy, malaria rapid diagnostic test, full blood count, urine and stool routine examinations), diagnoses, and prescribers’ demographics. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with antibiotic prescription. Results The prevalence of antibiotic prescription was 70.1% (95% CI: 67.7–72.4). Prescribers with more years of practice (> 5 years) were more likely to prescribe antibiotics compared to those with less than 3 years of practice (p <  0.001). Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) training was associated with a 2.3 (95% CI: 1.54, 3.53, p <  0.001) fold odds of antibiotic prescribing. Patients aged 5 years or more were 60% less likely to receive antibiotics compared with those under 5 years (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.51; p <  0.001). Patients referred for laboratory investigations were 29% less likely to be prescribed antibiotics than those not referred. The presence of cough as a presenting symptom was associated with a 3.5 (95% CI: 2.54, 4.92) fold odds of antibiotic prescription. Conclusion Prescription of antibiotics to febrile outpatients was high. Promoting laboratory testing can potentially reduce irrational antibiotic prescription. Prescribing antibiotics for children under five and the prescribing practices of prescribers with longer years of practice should be targeted with interventions to reduce high use of antibiotics.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982098656
Author(s):  
Jason H. Barnes ◽  
Neil S. Patel ◽  
Christine M. Lohse ◽  
Nicole M. Tombers ◽  
Michael J. Link ◽  
...  

Objective The degree to which various treatment modalities modify vestibular schwannoma (VS)–associated symptoms has received limited attention. The purpose of this study was to determine how different treatment modalities affect subjective symptoms in those presenting with VS. Study Design Prospective survey. Setting Tertiary neurotology referral center. Methods Patients with sporadic VS who received treatment at our institution were prospectively surveyed with a VS symptom questionnaire. Those who completed a baseline survey prior to treatment and at least 1 posttreatment survey were included. The prospective survey evaluated the severity of self-reported symptoms (Likert scale, 1-10), including tinnitus, dizziness or imbalance, headaches, and hearing loss. Results A total of 244 patients were included (mean age, 57 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.1 years, and the median number of surveys completed was 2 (interquartile range, 1-3). Seventy-eight (32%) cases were managed with observation, 118 (48%) with microsurgery, and 48 (20%) with radiosurgery. Multivariable analyses revealed no statistically significant difference in the change in tinnitus ( P = .15), dizziness or imbalance ( P = 0.66), or headaches ( P = .24) among treatment groups. Evaluation of clinically important differences demonstrated that microsurgery leads to significant bidirectional changes in headaches. Conclusions Limited prospective data exist regarding the progression or resolution of subjective symptoms in those presenting with VS. This study suggests that tinnitus, dizziness or imbalance, and headaches are unlikely to be significantly modified by treatment modality and generally should not be used to direct treatment choice.


Author(s):  
Jennifer A. McCoy ◽  
Sarah Gutman ◽  
Rebecca F. Hamm ◽  
Sindhu K. Srinivas

Objective This study was aimed to evaluate opioid use after cesarean delivery (CD) and to assess implementation of an enhanced recovery after CD (ERAS-CD) pathway and its association with inpatient and postdischarge pain control and opioid use. Study Design We conducted a baseline survey of women who underwent CD from January to March 2017 at a single, urban academic hospital. Patients were called 5 to 8 days after discharge and asked about their pain and postdischarge opioid use. An ERAS-CD pathway was implemented as a quality improvement initiative, including use of nonopioid analgesia and standardization of opioid discharge prescriptions to ≤25 tablets of oxycodone of 5 mg. From November to January 2019, a postimplementation survey was conducted to assess the association between this initiative and patients' pain control and postoperative opioid use, both inpatient and postdischarge. Results Data were obtained from 152 women preimplementation (PRE) and 137 women post-implementation (POST); complete survey data were obtained from 102 women PRE and 98 women POST. The median inpatient morphine milligram equivalents consumed per patient decreased significantly from 141 [range: 90–195] PRE to 114 [range: 45–168] POST (p = 0.002). On a 0- to 10-point scale, median patient-reported pain scores at discharge decreased significantly (PRE: 7 [range: 5–8] vs. POST 5 [range: 3–7], p < 0.001). The median number of pills consumed after discharge also decreased significantly (PRE: 25 [range: 16–30] vs. POST 17.5 [range: 4–25], p = 0.001). The number of pills consumed was significantly associated with number prescribed (p < 0.001). The median number of leftover pills and number of refills did not significantly differ between groups. Median patient-reported pain scores at the week after discharge were lower in the POST group (PRE: 4 [range: 2–6] vs. POST 3[range: 1–5], p = 0.03). Conclusion Implementing an ERAS-CD pathway was associated with a significant decrease in inpatient and postdischarge opioid consumption while improving pain control. Our data suggest that even fewer pills could be prescribed for some patients. Key Points


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