Correlation of Population Factors, Compliance With Masking and Social Distance, Vaccination and Covid-19 Infection in Central Appalachia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract BackgroundCompliance with guidelines, including the use of masks and social distancing and vaccinations has been poor. Our study examined what factors may identify those who will be more or less compliant especially with regards to those with identified higher risk. MethodsA telephone survey of 200 adult patients from two practices, one General Internal Medicine and the other Rheumatology, was performed in May and June of 2021. Questions included age, sex, perception of immunocompetence, smoking history, mask and social distancing compliance, Covid-19 symptoms and/or test proven infection, and immunization status for Covid-19. Those agreeing to participate also had a chart review for body mass index (BMI), physician assessed immunocompetence, and diabetes.ResultsNo clinical factors approached statistical significance for prediction of compliance or non-compliance. However, compliance with mask and social distancing highly correlated with vaccination and avoidance of infection.ConclusionAttempts to improve compliance cannot be focused on any of the particular groups examined in this study.

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Clinical Utility of the Ankle-Brachial Index and Toe Brachial Index in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Current Diabetes Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573399815666190531093238 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 270-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mutasem Ababneh ◽

Mousab Y. Al Ayed ◽

Asirvatham A. Robert ◽

Mohamed A. Al Dawish

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Foot ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Ankle Brachial Index ◽

Foot Ulcer ◽

Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽

Arterial Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Toe Brachial Index

Background: This cross sectional study investigated the clinical use of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI) in 91 type 2 diabetic foot ulcer patients who visited the diabetic foot clinic, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia during July 2017 and January 2018. Materials and Methods: The ABI and TBI facilitated the detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the patients’ medical records were used to collect the clinical and demographic variables. The variables of duration (p = 0.047) and treatment (p = 0.046) of the ABI showed significant differences. Age (p = 0.034) and duration (p = 0.001) were the factors related to the diagnosis of TBI by the “χ2” test. Results: From the TBI, 26.4% of the patients were found to have PAD, while the ABI showed that 21.8% of patients had the condition. However, no statistical significance was noted. From the regression analysis, the variable duration of diabetes (≥ 20 years of age) was recognized as an independent risk factor for TBI. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is recommended both the ABI and TBI to be used as screening tests for PAD in diabetic foot ulcer patients.

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Non-compliance to Mass Drug Administration Associated with the Low Perception of the Community Members About their Susceptibility to Lymphatic Filariasis in Ankobra, Ghana

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871526519666190206210808 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 167-174

Author(s):

Ilo Dicko ◽

Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly ◽

Modibo Sangaré ◽

Bismark Sarfo ◽

Priscillia Awo Nortey

Keyword(s):

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Drug Administration ◽

Mass Drug Administration ◽

Health Workers ◽

Compliance Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Improve Compliance ◽

Degree Of Association

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease that has been targeted for elimination through the Mass Drug Administration (MDA.) Although the MDA started in the Ankobra community in Ghana in 2000, LF prevalence as reported in 2014 was relatively high (4.5%). Non-compliance to the MDA has been associated with the persistent LF prevalence in endemic regions. Objective: This study determined the factors associated with the non-compliance to the MDA among patients living in the Ankobra community, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a one-stage cluster sampling method was used to collect data between June and July, 2017 in Ankobra. Questionnaires were used to collect data from health workers, the MDA drug distributors and study participants in Ankobra. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14. Logistic regression was used to measure the degree of association between the dependent (non-compliance) and independent variables. Non-compliance rate was defined as the percentage of individuals who self-reported that they did not actually swallow the drugs provided during the MDA. Results: The MDA coverage and non-compliance rates were 73.5% (147/200) and 33.33% (49/147) respectively. The main reason for non-compliance was fear of drug adverse events (75.51%, 37/49). Thought of “not being susceptible to LF” was significantly associated with the non-compliance (aOR= 2.83, [CI= 1.15, 6.98]). Conclusion: Health education about the susceptibility of residents getting LF disease in endemic community must be intensified to improve compliance to MDA medication ingestion and thus meet the Global Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2020.

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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215414 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (12) ◽

pp. 1089-1094 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Adrian Shields ◽

Sian E Faustini ◽

Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽

Sian Jossi ◽

Erin Aldera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Sectional Study ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Internal ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

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A Questionnaire-Based Survey to Assess the Level of Knowledge and Awareness about Drug–Food Interactions among General Public in Western Saudi Arabia

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy9020076 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 76

Author(s):

Syed Faisal Zaidi ◽

Rayan Mgarry ◽

Abdullah Alsanea ◽

Sakar Khalid Almutairi ◽

Yaser Alsinnari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Jeddah City ◽

Fundamental Information ◽

Inadequate Knowledge ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Males And Females

Introduction: Various drug–food interactions exist that may hinder treatment and can sometimes be lethal. Our aim was to assess the level of public knowledge and awareness in Jeddah city, Western Saudi Arabia, about drug–food interactions, along with the effects of demographics on their knowledge. Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study to participants spread across multiple locations in Jeddah, including in malls and public gatherings. Participants included both males and females. Sample size was calculated through Raosoft® software. Data analysis was executed using IBM Statistic SPSS and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 410 people participated in the study and only 92.68% (380) of responses were enrolled in the study; 7.32% (30) were not enrolled due to the exclusion criteria. Surprisingly, only six out of eighteen questions regarding drug–food interactions in the administered questionnaire were correctly answered by 380 participants. Data indicated that the participants had a poor to intermediate level of both knowledge and awareness with respect to drug–food interactions. Furthermore, participants showed moderate to strong awareness of the effects of alcohol and tea generally, and their interaction with medication. Conclusion: Participants in our study showed inadequate knowledge of basic and fundamental information about drug–food interactions, which highlights the dire need to increase awareness.

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Timely Initiation of Breast Feeding and Associated Factors among Caesarian Section Delivered Mothers in Health Facilities of Dessie City Administration, North Eastern Ethiopia

Pediatric Reports ◽

10.3390/pediatric13010001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Roza Shiferaw ◽

Sisay Eshete Tadesse ◽

Tefera Chane Mekonnen ◽

Aregash Abebayehu Zerga

Keyword(s):

Cesarean Section ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Data Entry ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Eastern Ethiopia

Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among cesarean section delivered mothers. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 421 systematically selected mothers from February to June, 2017. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi Data and SPSS version 24. Binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. Result: The magnitude of timely initiation of breast feeding (among mothers who gave birth by cesarean section was 57%. Counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.80, 6.13), facility where cesarean section (CS) was performed (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.14), and post-CS counseling (AOR = 6.93; 95% CI: 3.99, 12.02) were factors that contributed for the practice of timely initiation among cesarean section delivered mothers. Conclusions: The magnitude of TIBF was good. Counseling during ANC, the facility where CS was performed and post-natal advice were factors associated with TIBF. Implementation of baby-friendly hospital initiatives should be strengthened in order to promote timely initiation of breast feeding.

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Full, partial and modified permutations of the Mayo Score: Characterizing clinical and patient-reported outcomes in ulcerative colitis patients

Crohn's & Colitis 360 ◽

10.1093/crocol/otab007 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

April N Naegeli ◽

Theresa Hunter ◽

Yan Dong ◽

Ben Hoskin ◽

Chloe Middleton-Dalby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Assessment Scores ◽

Mayo Score ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Practice Trials ◽

Highly Correlated

Abstract Background Understanding ulcerative colitis (UC) disease activity assessed via the full, modified or partial Mayo Score may help clinicians apply results from clinical trials to practice and facilitate interpretation of recent and older studies. Methods Mayo Score variables were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 2608 UC patients. Results Permutations of Mayo Scores were highly correlated, and models predicting the omitted variable from each permutation demonstrated significant agreement between predicted and observed values. Conclusions Partial/modified Mayo Scores may be used to predict endoscopic and Physician's Global Assessment scores, and serve as proxies for the full Mayo Score in clinical practice/trials.

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Cross-sectional study of preprints and final journal publications from COVID-19 studies: discrepancies in results reporting and spin in interpretation

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051821 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e051821

Author(s):

Lisa Bero ◽

Rosa Lawrence ◽

Louis Leslie ◽

Kellia Chiu ◽

Sally McDonald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Journal Publication ◽

Reporting Practices ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Journal Publications ◽

Study Characteristics ◽

Results Reporting

ObjectiveTo compare results reporting and the presence of spin in COVID-19 study preprints with their finalised journal publications.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingInternational medical literature.ParticipantsPreprints and final journal publications of 67 interventional and observational studies of COVID-19 treatment or prevention from the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register published between 1 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.Main outcome measuresStudy characteristics and discrepancies in (1) results reporting (number of outcomes, outcome descriptor, measure, metric, assessment time point, data reported, reported statistical significance of result, type of statistical analysis, subgroup analyses (if any), whether outcome was identified as primary or secondary) and (2) spin (reporting practices that distort the interpretation of results so they are viewed more favourably).ResultsOf 67 included studies, 23 (34%) had no discrepancies in results reporting between preprints and journal publications. Fifteen (22%) studies had at least one outcome that was included in the journal publication, but not the preprint; eight (12%) had at least one outcome that was reported in the preprint only. For outcomes that were reported in both preprints and journals, common discrepancies were differences in numerical values and statistical significance, additional statistical tests and subgroup analyses and longer follow-up times for outcome assessment in journal publications.At least one instance of spin occurred in both preprints and journals in 23/67 (34%) studies, the preprint only in 5 (7%), and the journal publications only in 2 (3%). Spin was removed between the preprint and journal publication in 5/67 (7%) studies; but added in 1/67 (1%) study.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 preprints and their subsequent journal publications were largely similar in reporting of study characteristics, outcomes and spin. All COVID-19 studies published as preprints and journal publications should be critically evaluated for discrepancies and spin.

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From Isolation to Containment: Perceived Fear of Infectivity and Protective Behavioral Changes during the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126503 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6503

Author(s):

Arielle Kaim ◽

Maya Siman-Tov ◽

Eli Jaffe ◽

Bruria Adini

Keyword(s):

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Behavior ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Public ◽

The Road ◽

Israeli Population ◽

Study Results ◽

Public Health Officials

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, maintenance of protective behavior is a continued challenge in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. A cross-sectional study via an internet questionnaire was utilized to elucidate changes in compliance to protective behavior among the Israeli population (n = 1120), after the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Comparison was made between individuals who were previously infected with the virus, those who received one dose of inoculation with the vaccine, and individuals that were neither infected or vaccinated. The study results indicate that those who were previously infected with the COVID-19 virus were less careful about mask wearing (18.8%) and social distancing (29.7%), as compared to the other examined groups (regarding mask wearing, 8.2% and 11.6% respectively, and with regard to social distancing 12.8% and 19.2%) and may require targeted risk communication campaigns to address this population. Furthermore, the study revealed that those that were non-Jewish (as compared to Jewish study counterparts) or that were older (19+) were more vigilant in their protective behavior (29.6% vs. 11.2% respectively for social distancing and 29.6% vs. 11.1% respectively for mask wearing). Despite a successful initial vaccination campaign in Israel, public health officials need to engage all members of the public to unremittingly observe compliance to directed health guidelines, to ensure that the results of previous governmental efforts in fighting the pandemic (such as lockdowns) will be effectively sustained, and the road to containment will be hastened.

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Perceived Loneliness and Severe Sleep Disorders in Adult Women during the Covid-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/21501327211025170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272110251

Author(s):

Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro ◽

Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco ◽

Andrea González-Sequeda

Keyword(s):

Sleep Disorders ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Adult Women ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Social Loneliness

Background: Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances. Objectives: To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed. Results: 1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness. Conclusions: SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.

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A New Approach to the Identification of Palliative Care Needs and Advanced Chronic Patients among Nursing Home Residents

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3171

Author(s):

Ana A. Esteban-Burgos ◽

María José Lozano-Terrón ◽

Daniel Puente-Fernandez ◽

César Hueso-Montoro ◽

Rafael Montoya-Juárez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Nursing Homes ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Needs ◽

Chronic Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Surprise Question ◽

Palliative Care Needs

Background: Proper planning of Palliative Care in nursing homes requires advanced knowledge of the care needs that residents show. The aim of the study was to evaluate Palliative Needs and other conditions such as fragility, complexity, and prognosis and also to suggest new indicators for the establishment of the resident’s advanced chronic condition. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 149 nursing homes Complex Chronic residents evaluated by trained professionals. Palliative Care Needs, assessed by the NECPAL ICO-CCOMS© tool, and fragility, case and palliative complexity and prognosis were evaluate through a comprehensive assessment. Descriptive analyses and association measures were performed setting the statistical significance at 0.05. Results: More than 50% of the residents had positive Surprise Question and other Palliative Needs and were classified as Advanced Chronic Patients. Distress and/or Severe Adaptative Disorder was the most frequent need shown by the residents and significant differences in levels of frailty and other characteristics, were found between the Positive and the Negative Surprise Question Groups. Statistically significant correlations were also found between aspects of both groups. Conclusions: Nursing homes residents show Palliative Needs regardless of the response to the Surprise Question of the NECPAL tool. Other characteristics such as presence of an intermediate level of frailty are suggested as a new perspective to identify advanced chronic patients among nursing homes residents.

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