scholarly journals Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantifying the Practice in Michigan – a “Hotspot State” Early in the Pandemic – Using a Volunteer-Based Online Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow ◽  
Mohammed Baseer ◽  
Karen Kippen ◽  
Albert M. Levin ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Executive Orders ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Potential Factors

Abstract Background: Public Health policies related to social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic helped slow the infection rate. However, individual-level factors associated with social distancing are largely unknown. We sought to examine social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, an infection “hotspot” state in the United States early in the pandemic.Methods: Two surveys were distributed to Michigan residents via email lists and social media following COVID-19 related state mandates in March; 45,691 adults responded to the first survey and 8,512 to the second. Staying home ≥ 3 out of 5 previous days defined having more social distancing. Logistic regression models were used to examine potential factors associated with more social distancing.Results: Most respondents were women (86% in Survey 1, 87% in Survey 2). In Survey 1, 63% reported more social distancing, increasing to 78% in Survey 2. Female sex and having someone (or self) sick in the home were consistently associated with higher social distancing, while increasing age was positively associated in Survey 1 but negatively associated in Survey 2. Most respondents felt social distancing policies were important (88% in Survey 1; 91% in Survey 2). Conclusions: Michiganders responding to the surveys were both practicing and supportive of social distancing. State-level executive orders positively impacted behaviors early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. Additional supports are needed to help vulnerable populations practice social distancing, including older individuals.

scholarly journals Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: quantifying the practice in Michigan – a “hotspot state” early in the pandemic – using a volunteer-based online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow ◽  
Mohammed Baseer ◽  
Karen Kippen ◽  
Albert M. Levin ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Executive Orders ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Potential Factors

Abstract Background Public Health policies related to social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic helped slow the infection rate. However, individual-level factors associated with social distancing are largely unknown. We sought to examine social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, an infection “hotspot” state in the United States early in the pandemic. Methods Two surveys were distributed to Michigan residents via email lists and social media following COVID-19 related state mandates in March; 45,691 adults responded to the first survey and 8512 to the second. Staying home ≥ 3 out of 5 previous days defined having more social distancing. Logistic regression models were used to examine potential factors associated with more social distancing. Results Most respondents were women (86% in Survey 1, 87% in Survey 2). In Survey 1, 63% reported more social distancing, increasing to 78% in Survey 2. Female sex and having someone (or self) sick in the home were consistently associated with higher social distancing, while increasing age was positively associated in Survey 1 but negatively associated in Survey 2. Most respondents felt social distancing policies were important (88% in Survey 1; 91% in Survey 2). Conclusions Michiganders responding to the surveys were both practicing and supportive of social distancing. State-level executive orders positively impacted behaviors early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. Additional supports are needed to help vulnerable populations practice social distancing, including older individuals.

scholarly journals Returns to Late Aged College Degrees

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Wallace ◽  
Thomas Mroz ◽  
Alex Hathaway
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Labor Force ◽  
Labor Market Outcomes ◽  
College Education ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Individual Level

The benefits of a college education are well documented. However, the majority of existing research focuses on students who matriculate soon after high school graduation. There is little empirical evidence illustrating whether a college degree is similarly beneficial to those already in the workforce, particularly individuals over 50. Nonetheless, the coming years will see the dramatic growth of older individuals, many of whom will continue to be active in the labor force, and policymakers would benefit from effective strategies to improve the labor market outcomes of older individuals. This research proposes to evaluate the labor market outcomes of individuals in Georgia who obtain a bachelor’s degree at age 50 or older by merging state-level individual level labor force (Dpt of Labor) with individual level educational data from the University System of Georgia (USG). Specifically, we explore whether these later-age degrees result in employment opportunities with higher wages and increased retention in the labor force beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 than those who do not attain a bachelor’s degree.  The results will provide policymakers across the United States with information to make informed decisions regarding higher education incentives and policies for older students.

scholarly journals The Association between Quitline Characteristics and Smoking Cessation by Educational Attainment, Income, Race/Ethnicity, and Sex

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3297
Author(s):  
David C. Colston ◽  
Bethany J. Simard ◽  
Yanmei Xie ◽  
Marshall Chandler McLeod ◽  
Michael R. Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Effect Modification ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The North ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Individual

Little research examines how tobacco quitlines affect disparities in smoking cessation in the United States. Our study utilized data from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018) (TUS-CPS) and state-level quitline data from the North American Quitline Consortium and National Quitline Data Warehouse. We ran multilevel logistic regression models assessing a state-run quitline’s budget, reach, number of counseling sessions offered per caller, and hours of operation on 90-day smoking cessation. Multiplicative interactions between all exposures and sex, race/ethnicity, income, and education were tested to understand potential effect modification. We found no evidence that budget, reach, number of counseling sessions, or hours available for counseling were associated with cessation in the main effects analyses. However, when looking at effect modification by sex, we found that higher budgets were associated with greater cessation in males relative to females. Further, higher budgets and offering more sessions had a stronger association with cessation among individuals with lower education, while available counseling hours were more strongly associated with cessation among those with higher education. No quitline characteristics examined were associated with smoking cessation. We found evidence for effect modification by sex and education. Despite proven efficacy at the individual-level, current resource allocation to quitlines may not be sufficient to improve rates of cessation.

scholarly journals Individual-Level Determinants of Lifestyle Behavioral Changes during COVID-19 Lockdown in the United States: Results of an Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4364
Author(s):  
Xiaotao Zhang ◽  
Abiodun Oluyomi ◽  
LeChauncy Woodard ◽  
Syed Ahsan Raza ◽  
Maral Adel Fahmideh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors

This study examined individual-level determinants of self-reported changes in healthy (diet and physical activity) and addictive (alcohol use, smoking, and vaping) lifestyle behaviors during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in the USA. A national online survey was administered between May and June 2020 that targeted a representative U.S. sample and yielded data from 1276 respondents, including 58% male and 50% racial/ethnic minorities. We used univariate and multivariable linear regression models to examine the associations of sociodemographic, mental health, and behavioral determinants with self-reported changes in lifestyle behaviors. Some study participants reported increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors since the pandemic (i.e., 36% increased healthy eating behaviors, and 33% increased physical activity). However, they also reported increases in addictive lifestyle behaviors including alcohol use (40%), tobacco use (41%), and vaping (46%). With regard to individual-level determinants, individuals who reported adhering to social distancing guidelines were also more likely to report increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21). Conversely, women (β = −0.37, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.12), and unemployed individuals (β = −0.33, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.02) were less likely to report increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors. In addition, individuals reporting anxiety were more likely to report increases in addictive behaviors (β = 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.43). Taken together, these findings suggest that women and unemployed individuals may benefit from interventions targeting diet and physical activity, and that individuals reporting anxiety may benefit from interventions targeting smoking and alcohol cessation to address lifestyle changes during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines following the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yehong Zhou ◽  
Junjie Zhang ◽  
Wenwen Wu ◽  
Man Liang ◽  
Qiang-Song Wu
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
History Of ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background There are no pharmacological interventions currently available to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or to treat COVID-19. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is essential to contain the pandemic. we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Shanghai residents to understand residents’ willingness to be vaccinated with any future COVID-19 vaccines and take measures to further improve vaccination coverage. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using self-administered anonymous questionnaires from 1 July to 8 September 2020. The main outcome was willingness of participants, and any children or older individuals living with them, to receive future COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore potential factors associated with vaccination willingness. Results A total of 1071 participants were asked about their willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines, for themselves and at least 747 children and 375 older individuals (≥60 years old) living with them. The highest proportion of expected willingness to vaccinate was among participants (88.6%), followed by children (85.3%) and older individuals (84.0%). The main reasons for reluctance to vaccinate among 119 participants were doubts regarding vaccine safety (60.0%) and efficacy (28.8%). Participants with a self-reported history of influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines for themselves [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.82], their children (adjusted OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.30–3.33), and older individuals in their household (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.99). Participants with older individuals in their families were less willing to vaccinate themselves (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.40–0.87) and their children (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.38–0.89). Conclusions Participants were more reluctant to accept COVID-19 vaccines for older individuals living with them. The presence of older individuals in the home also affected willingness of participants and their children to be vaccinated.

State- and Individual-Level Predictors of Mexican Death Penalty Support

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
pp. 1590-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander H. Updegrove ◽  
Erin A. Orrick
Keyword(s):  
Death Penalty ◽  
Capital Punishment ◽  
Mexican Immigrants ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Future Practice ◽  
Insight Into

Mexico exerts a unique influence on Texas through immigration. As immigrants bring perspectives from their country of origin when they immigrate, studying attitudes toward capital punishment in Mexico may provide insight into ways Mexican immigrants could affect its future practice in Texas. Multilevel modeling is used to examine individual- and state-level predictors of death penalty support among a nationally representative sample of Mexicans. Results indicate age and Catholic affiliation are associated with death penalty support, although not in the expected directions, whereas states bordering the United States are less likely to support capital punishment, despite experiencing less overall peace and a higher average homicide rate. Findings suggest the need for researchers to use culture-specific factors to predict death penalty support.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress Among the U.S. General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christi J. Guerrini ◽  
Sophie C. Schneider ◽  
Andrew G. Guzick ◽  
Gifty N. Amos Nwankwo ◽  
Isabel Canfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant global toll on emotional well-being, but evidence of mental health impacts in the United States remains limited. In April 2020, we conducted an exploratory survey of U.S. residents to understand prevalence of and factors associated with psychological distress during the pandemic. Data collection was conducted using Qualtrics, an online survey platform, and U.S. adult respondents were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. Among 1,366 respondents, 42% (n = 571) reported clinically significant anxiety and 38% (n = 519) reported clinically significant depression. Factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms included Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; younger age; lower income; employment as or living with a health care worker-first responder; caregiver status; SARS-CoV-2 infection status; decreased frequency of engagement in healthy behaviors; and changed frequency of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. That some of these factors are associated with elevated distress during the pandemic is not yet widely appreciated and might be useful in informing management of mental health care resources.

The Economic Roots of External Efficacy: Assessing the Relationship between External Political Efficacy and Income Inequality

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 791-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikel Norris
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
National Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Political Efficacy ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The 1960S

AbstractExternal political efficacy, the belief that government is responsive to the demands of its citizens, has been declining in the United States since the 1960s. However, scholars do not yet fully understand the reasons for its decline. Nor have they found suitable explanations for why it fluctuates within the electorate. Drawing on the growing literature on the effects of income inequality on public policy, I posit that increasing income inequality factors into the decline of external political efficacy. Using multilevel regression models accounting for individual and contextual factors, I find increasing state-level income inequality has a substantial negative effect on external political efficacy. It is greater than most state and national-level economic measures or individual-level variables on external political efficacy. These results have important implications both for research on income inequality and political participation and also for research on income inequality and distributional public policy.

Factors Associated With Living in Developmental Centers in California

2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene Harrington ◽  
Taewoon Kang ◽  
Jamie Chang
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
At Home

Abstract This study examined need, predisposing, market, and regional factors that predicted the likelihood of individuals with developmental disabilities living in state developmental centers (DCs) compared with living at home, in community care, or in intermediate care (ICFs) and other facilities. Secondary data analysis using logistic regression models was conducted for all individuals ages 21 years or older who had moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability. Client needs were the most important factors associated with living arrangements, with those in DCs having more complex needs. Men had higher odds of living in DCs than in other settings, whereas older individuals had lower odds of living in DCs than in ICFs for persons with developmental disabilities and other facilities. Asians/Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and Hispanics were less likely to live in DCs than to live at home. The supply of residential care beds for the elderly reduced the likelihood of living in DCs, and the odds of living in a DC varied widely across regions. Controlling for need, many other factors predicted living arrangements. Policymakers need to ensure adequate resources and provider supply to reduce the need by individuals with intellectual disability to live in DCs and to transition individuals from DCs into other living arrangements.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Vaping and Smoking as Modes of Delivery for Nicotine and Cannabis among Youth in Canada, England and the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fathima Fataar ◽  
David Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Canadian Youth ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Country Differences ◽  
The U.S

Background: Vaping has become an increasingly common mode of administration for both nicotine and cannabis, with overlap among users, devices, as well as nicotine and cannabis companies. There is a need to understand patterns of use among youth, including the way nicotine and cannabis are administered. Methods: Data are from Wave 2 of the ITC Youth Tobacco and Vaping survey, an online survey conducted in 2018 among 16–19 year-olds recruited from commercial panels in Canada (n = 3757), England (n = 3819), and the U.S. (n = 3961). The prevalence of past 30-day vaping nicotine, non-nicotine and cannabis substances, as well as cannabis modes of use was examined. Logistic regression models examined between country differences in prevalence. Results: Past 30-day cannabis use was highest among Canadian youth (16.6%), followed by youth in the U.S. (13.8%) and England (9.0%). Vaping e-cigarettes was substantially more prevalent than vaping cannabis in all three countries. All forms of cannabis use were higher among Canadian and U.S. youth compared to England (p < 0.001 for all). Past 30-day cannabis users in the U.S. were more likely to report vaping cannabis oil (30.1%), and consuming solid concentrates such as wax and shatter (30.2%), compared to cannabis users in Canada (18.6% and 22.9%) and England (14.3% and 11.0%; p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Youth are administering cannabis and nicotine using a wide diversity of modes. Cannabis users in the U.S.—where an increasing number of states have legalized medical and non-medical cannabis—reported notably higher use of more potent cannabis products, including cannabis oils and extracts.

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