scholarly journals The Effect of Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Among the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abusamak ◽  
Hatim Jaber ◽  
Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Eye Problems ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Eye Symptoms

Abstract Purpose: the study examined the effect of prolonged lockdown on the development and increased severity of digital eye strain (DES) symptoms among the general population. Methods: An online survey was conducted in March 2020 on social media platforms in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to demographic characteristics, past medical and ocular history, frequency of using digital devices before and during lockdown, and the emergence and severity of DES symptoms.Results: Data from 1,460 responders were analyzed. About half of the respondents were between 30- 49 years, 28.4 % were retired, 21% had chronic systemic illness, and 23% reported chronic eye problems. A rise in the use of digital devices during lockdown was reported by 957 participants, with 33% of them used digital devices more than 4 hours a day. The most common symptoms before and during lockdown were neck and shoulder pain, which revealed the most significant association (X2 201.61, p 0.000). Female gender, existence of chronic eye problems and systemic diseases, and duration of using digital devices were found to be statistically significant factors associated with increasing severity of eye symptoms during lockdown. Regarding developing new eye complaints during the lockdown, only taking regular breaks was not significant (p 0.336). People with chronic eye problems and increased time using devices during lockdown developed new eye complaints three times more than before the lockdown and males were two times more likely than females to have more severe eye symptoms.Conclusion: The majority of the population developed new DES symptoms due to the lockdown. Public awareness of healthy practices and ergonomic use of digital devices is recommended.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With the Experience of Cognitive Training Apps for the Prevention of Dementia: Cross-sectional Study Using an Extended Health Belief Model

10.2196/31664 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. e31664
Author(s):  
Jaegyeong Lee ◽  
Jung Min Lim
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Belief Model

Background The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. Methods An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, P=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, P<.001), female gender (OR 0.499, P=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, P=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. Conclusions This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.

scholarly journals Guidelines for Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Their Application in the General Population. Have We Achieved Our Goal?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3980
Author(s):  
Stefano Palermi ◽  
Anna Maria Sacco ◽  
Immacolata Belviso ◽  
Veronica Romano ◽  
Pietro Montesano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practical Applications

National and international healthcare organizations propose guidelines for physical activity worldwide, defining its characteristics. These guidelines’ practical applications are difficult to estimate, since they are not fully followed. The aim of the present cross-sectional observational study was to assess awareness about guidelines for physical activity and to evaluate their practical applications in a sample of the Italian population. In total, 310 participants completed an online survey (mean age 29.10 ± 4.44), assessing the habits, beliefs and health effects of physical activity. In total, 39.35% of respondents were inactive. In total, 6.91% of active respondents did not perform a warm-up phase at the beginning of each training session and 77.14% did not check their own heart rate during the training session. Approximately half of respondents reported erroneous beliefs about the type, frequency and volume of physical activity, compared to data proposed by the guidelines. The preventive effect of physical activity was clearly perceived for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and depression. Several subjects misinterpreted the preventive role of physical activity in colon and breast cancers, and in femur and vertebral fractures. Habits and beliefs about physical activity in the general population are far from the guidelines and recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the conscious practice of physical activity further.

scholarly journals Public’s view on myths related to COVID-19: a web-based cross-sectional study in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Deeependra Prasad Sarraf ◽  
Shashi Keswhar ◽  
Pramendra Prasad Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Study Participants

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The global pandemic COVID-19 has created havoc. Various myths prevail among public that hamper them from adopting evidence based preventive measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to seek timely health advice. The aim of the study was to find out the public’s view on myths related to COVID-19 in educated Nepalese population.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in educated public in Nepal during May, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables and 21 myths was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms. The responses were recorded on a 3-point scale (agree, disagree, do not know). The Google form link was sent to the study participants via the social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber. Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 22.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 270, 33.7%, 33.3% and 37% participants agreed that eating lemon, turmeric and garlic prevents us from COVID-19 respectively. Thirty seven percent participants believed that spraying bleach or disinfectant into our body will protect us against COVID-19. The overall view of participants toward the myths related to COVID-19 was ‘agree’ (17.3%), ‘disagree’ (59.2%) and ‘don’t know’ (23.5%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Myths regarding COVID-19 prevailed among majority of the participants in this study. There is an urgent need to educate the public regarding various preventive approaches for COVID-19 issues. Media and government agencies have a vital role in creating awareness to adopt evidence-based facts.</p>

scholarly journals Effects of Using Digital Devices on Food Consumption among University Students in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 36-54
Author(s):  
Dirgha Raj Joshi ◽  
Umesh Neupane ◽  
Jitendra Kumar Singh ◽  
Bishnu Khanal ◽  
Shashidhar Belbase
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Food Consumed

Food consuming behavior is a concern for good physiological, physical, psychological, and social health. An unbalanced eating habit may be related to several factors. The objective of the study was to investigate how the use of digital devices influences graduate students’ eating behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) scholars of Nepal Open University through an online survey. A Chi-square test and a binary logistic regression model were fitted to find the effect of digital devices on food consumption. There was a significant association between the duration of using a mobile phone, computer, and TV with the quantity of food consumed, preferred time of using a laptop with the quantity of food consumed, and the sitting position during the use of digital devices with the quantity of food consumed. The logistic regression model showed that individual’s sitting positions while using digital devices were significant predictors of food consumption at a 95% confidence level.

scholarly journals “Medical Student Syndrome”—A Myth or a Real Disease Entity? Cross-Sectional Study of Medical Students of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9884
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Szczurek ◽  
Natalia Furgał ◽  
Dawid Szczepanek ◽  
Rashid Zaman ◽  
Krzysztof Krysta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Medical University

The description of Medical Student Syndrome is based on the assumption that inexperienced medical students are prone to develop a pathological fear of medical conditions they are taught about. The aim of this study is to examine the sample of students (medical and non-medical) in order to assess and compare their level of hypochondriacal attitudes and health-related anxiety. We also examined other factors which might have had an influence on hypochondria and nosophobia attitudes among students. Methods: The study was conducted in two groups of students: 313 medical students at the Medical University of Silesia and 293 students at non-medical universities in Katowice, Poland. The study used the medical student syndrome self-explanatory questionnaire constructed for the study, taking into account the specificity of the group and the research problem. The research questionnaire was completed in an online survey by 606 students. Results: The results of the study showed that medical students obtained the same scores on a nosophobic scale as the non-medical students (p = 0.5). The analysis of hypochondriacal behavior showed significantly higher results in the non-medical student group (p = 0.02). In the entire study group, females and participants with mental disorders obtained higher scores in relation to nosophobia. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were more common in the group of medical students. Conclusions: Medical studies are not a risk factor for the occurrence of health anxiety and hypochondrial attitudes. Such factors are female gender and having a mental illness.

scholarly journals Assessment of General Populations Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions Toward the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saadullah Khattak ◽  
Maqbool Khan ◽  
Tahir Usman ◽  
Johar Ali ◽  
Dong-Xing Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
General Populations

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health threat and caused a universal psychosocial impact on the general population. Therefore, the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions (KAPs) of the general population are critical for the development and effective implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) to contain the contagion and minimize the losses. Therefore, the current study was conducted to understand and evaluate the KAPs of Pakistani populations toward the COVID-19.Methods: An online cross-sectional study was carried out among participants from 1 May to 30 July 2020 in different areas of Pakistan. The respondents of the study were the general population with age ≥ 18 years. The poll URL was posted on several channels after a call for participation. Other social media platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Messenger, and LinkedIn were engaged to maximize general population engagement. The questionnaire included details about sociodemographic, knowledge about COVID-19, perceptions toward universal safety precautions of COVID-19, and beliefs attitude toward the COVID-19. The obtained data were exported into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and SPSS software version 21 for windows. The descriptive statistics values were presented in frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression, Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA were applied to analyze the participants' socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to KAPs. P-value &lt; 0.05 was recorded as significant.Results: A total of 1,000 participants were invited of which 734 participated in this study. The response rate was 73.4% (734/1,000). The gender, marital status, education, and residence showed a significant association with the knowledge score. The majority of the study participants were thinking that COVID-19 may be more dangerous in elderly individuals 94.5% (n = 700), and individuals with chronic diseases or severe complications 96.7% (n = 710) (p = 0.00). More than half of the participants 52.5% (n = 385) showed their concern that either they or their family members might get the infection. More than 98% (n = 703), (P-value = 0.00) of the participants held that COVID-19 would be successfully controlled in Pakistan by following the standard SOPs and government guidelines.Conclusion: This study showed that the general population of Pakistan has good awareness and reasonable attitudes and perceptions toward the full features of the COVID-19. The current study suggests that mass-level effective health education programs are necessary for developing countries to improve and limit the gap between KAP toward COVID-19.

scholarly journals An Online Survey: Assessing Anxiety Level among General Population during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 451-458
Author(s):  
Kholisotul Hikmah ◽  
Lucky Prisandy ◽  
Gea Melinda ◽  
M. Ibraar Ayatullah
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, is grappling with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) catastrophe as cases continue to rise. This situation induces uncertainties and changes in daily life, leading to uneasiness among the population, which may trigger anxiety symptoms. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the anxiety level among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 267 adults from June 10, 2020, to June 15, 2020, the transition phase week after Large-scale Social Restriction of Indonesia. The survey was conducted online using a Google Form distributed through social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Respondents over 18 years old, who agreed to participate in this study, were asked to complete the questionnaire by clicking the link. The anxiety level was measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a significant correlation between age (p = 0.010), education (p = 0.039), personal income (p = 0.034), media exposure (p < 0.01), physical activity (p < 0.01), and anxiety diagnosis (p < 0.01) with the anxiety level among general people. However, ordinal logistics regression revealed that only respondents living in the city (odds ratio [OR] = 2.476) and people with clinician-anxiety diagnosis (OR = 5.116) were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, age, education level, average income per month, media exposure, physical activity, and anxiety diagnosis correlated with anxiety incidence, whereas risk factors of anxiety included current residence and anxiety diagnosis.

scholarly journals Intake of vitamin B12 and other characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Benham ◽  
Danielle Gallegos ◽  
Katherine L. Hanna ◽  
Mary T. Hannan-Jones
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Participant Characteristics

Abstract Objective: (i) to examine demographic and health characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia and compare these to the general population, (ii) to identify sources and intake of vitamin B12, and compare intake to current recommendations (iii) examine associations between participant characteristics and adequacy of vitamin B12 intake. Design: In this cross-sectional study data was collected via an online survey. Demographic and health characteristics of women on a vegan diet were compared to women in the general population (using Australian Bureau of Statistics data). Intake of vitamin B12 was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and estimation of supplemental intake. Setting: Australia. Participants: Participants (n1530) were women 18-44 years who had been on a vegan diet for at least six months. Results: While Body Mass Index, smoking habits and intakes of fruit and vegetables compared favourably to the general population, 26% of respondents had estimated intakes of vitamin B12 below recommendations. Analyses of relationships between vitamin B12 intake and participant characteristics revealed that the strongest predictor of intake was supplementation (p<0.001), however, 25% had not supplemented with vitamin B12 in the past three months. Conclusions: The vitamin B12 intakes of a substantial proportion of Australian women of reproductive age consuming a vegan diet do not meet the recommended intake, which could adversely affect their health, and, if they are pregnant or lactating, that of their infants too. There is a need for further research in this area to identify effective strategies to address this situation.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros A Galanis ◽  
Irene Vraka ◽  
Olga Siskou ◽  
Olympia Konstantakopoulou ◽  
Aglaia Katsiroumpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education

Background: A high level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population is essential to control the pandemic. Objective: To estimate the percentage of the general population vaccinated against the COVID-19 and to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study in Greece during August 2021. We included individuals over 18 years of age. Independent variables included socio-demographic data of the participants and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic. Our outcome variable was COVID-19 vaccination status, measured through yes/no answers. Results: Most participants had been vaccinated against the COVID-19 (87.8%), while about half had been vaccinated against influenza (52.5%). Multivariate analysis identified that increased age and a higher level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Also, participants working in health services, participants without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and those with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19, knowledge regarding COVID-19, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines and scientists were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, the likelihood of vaccination was lower for participants who were more concerned about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Understanding the factors affecting individuals decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine is essential to improve the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate. Policymakers and scientists should scale up their efforts to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate among specific population groups such as young people, people with a low level of education, people with negative attitudes towards vaccination, etc.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With the Experience of Cognitive Training Apps for the Prevention of Dementia: Cross-sectional Study Using an Extended Health Belief Model (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaegyeong Lee ◽  
Jung Min Lim
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Belief Model

BACKGROUND The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. METHODS An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, <i>P</i>=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), female gender (OR 0.499, <i>P</i>=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, <i>P</i>=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. CONCLUSIONS This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.

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