#MeTooOrthopaedics: A protocol to determine the prevalence of gender-based and sexual harassment in the field of orthopaedic surgery

Background. Research shows that gender-based and sexual harassment are prevalent within training and practicing medical establishments, with differences across specific specialties. Orthopaedic surgery remains a male-dominated field, with recent statistics reporting women representing only 5% and 12% of orthopaedic surgeons in the United States and Canada, respectively. This represents a significant gender discrepancy and, although there may be many reasons why this discrepancy exists, it is justified to explore whether gender-based and sexual harassment may contribute to this disparity. Objectives. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gender-based and sexual harassment in orthopaedic surgery, and to determine the impact of these experiences on female orthopaedic surgeons. It will also explore the association of such gender-based and sexual harassment experiences with certain demographic factors.Methods. We will conduct a cross-sectional survey of female orthopaedic surgeons, fellows and residents that are current members of a participating orthopaedic society. We have developed a unique questionnaire to gather information concerning gender-based and sexual harassment experiences of female orthopaedic surgeons, fellows and residents throughout their education and current practices. The questionnaire will be administered online using SurveyMonkey®, the online survey tool, to ensure anonymity. Reminder emails will be distributed up to two times after the survey is initially distributed to maximize the number of responses and, thus, validity and generalizability. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses will be conducted to analyze the collected data.Conclusions. The results of this study are likely to bring to light a critical issue in orthopaedic surgery and will hopefully provide the impetus for orthopaedic departments and societies to develop and enforce policies that limit these destructive behaviors in the workplace. We hope the results will provide sufficient information to determine if these experiences are one of the factors leading to the pronounced gender disparity within this field.Ethics and Dissemination. An ethics application is currently under review with the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB) in Hamilton, ON, Canada. The results of this initiative will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

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IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University ◽

10.35741/issn.0258-2724.56.5.20 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 213-224

Author(s):

Jung Nam Sohn

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Common Factor ◽

National Level ◽

Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽

Health Promotion Program ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Individual Level ◽

The Impact

This descriptive study provides basic data for developing a mental health promotion program by analyzing the mental health status under the impact of COVID-19 and verifying the factors affecting mental health. This study aims to identify the prevalence and associated factors of mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted targeting a total of 156 Korean adults aged 19~64 years. Using the SPSS Win 19.0 program, the frequency, mean, t-test or ANOVA, X2-test, linear regression, and logistic regression analysis were performed. A total of 31.4%, 20.5%, and 12.8% of all subjects classified depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation risk, respectively, and intolerance of uncertainty affected depression (β = .51) and anxiety (β = .63). In addition to intolerance of uncertainty, self-efficacy (β = -.16) was a factor affecting depression. The variables explain 35% of depression and 44% of anxiety. Further, employment status affected suicidal ideation, which increased the risk of suicidal ideation 2.71-fold with unemployed status. This paper is novel because it seeks to find that the intolerance of uncertainty was the common factor affecting mental health during COVID-19. The early detection of risk due to COVID-19 and the intolerance of uncertainty are common factors underlying mental health issues, underscoring the need for cognitive interventions at the individual level and sufficient information and psychological support related to the COVID-19 at the national level.

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Measuring gender-based violence risk mitigation in humanitarian settings: results from a comprehensive desk review and systematic mapping

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050887 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. e050887

Author(s):

Jocelyn TD Kelly ◽

Emily Ausubel ◽

Emma Kenny ◽

Meredith Blake ◽

Christine Heckman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Mitigation ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Monitoring And Evaluation ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Systematic Mapping ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Humanitarian Response ◽

Gender Based ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesTo systematically document measurement approaches used in the monitoring and evaluation of gender-based violence (GBV) risk mitigation activities, categorise the types of available literature produced by sector, identify existing tools and measures and identify knowledge gaps within the humanitarian sector.DesignSystematic mapping and in-depth review.Data sources: Pubmed, Global Health, PsychInfo, ReliefWeb, OpenGrey (grey literature), Google Scholar, Web of Science (Social Science Index)Eligibility criteria: a structured search strategy was systematically applied to 17 databases as well as registers, websites and other resources to identify materials published between 1 January 2005 and 15 May 2019.Data extraction and synthesis: Those resources that met the inclusion criteria underwent a comprehensive full-text review. A detailed matrix was developed and key data from each resource were extracted to allow for the assessment of patterns in thematic areas.ResultsA total of 2108 documents were screened. Overall, 145 documents and 112 tools were reviewed, representing 10 different humanitarian sectors. While numerous resources exist, many lack sufficient information on how to monitor outputs or outcomes of GBV risk mitigation activities. There is also limited guidance on how to integrate the measurement of GBV risk mitigation into existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Those reports that aimed to measure GBV risk mitigation activities mostly employed qualitative methods and few measured the impact of a GBV risk mitigation with robust research designs.ConclusionsRecent efforts to adapt humanitarian response to COVID-19 have highlighted new and existing challenges for GBV risk mitigation. There is a significant gap in the evidence base around the effectiveness of GBV risk mitigation across all sectors. Understanding and strengthening measurement approaches in GBV risk mitigation remains a critical task for humanitarian response.

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SASS: South African Simulation Survey – a review of simulation-based education

Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia ◽

10.36303/sajaa.2019.25.4.2191 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 12-20

Author(s):

R Swart ◽

R Duys ◽

ND Hauser

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Survey Tool ◽

South African Society ◽

Simulation Based ◽

The Impact

Background: Simulation-based education (SBE) has been shown to be an effective and reproducible learning tool. SBE is used widely internationally. The current state of SBE in South Africa is unknown. To the best of our knowledge this is the first survey that describes the use and attitudes towards SBE within South Africa. Methods: An online survey tool was distributed by email to: i) the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) members; and ii) known simulation education providers in South Africa. The respondents were grouped into anaesthesia and non-anaesthesia participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethics approval was obtained: HREC REF 157/2017. Results: The majority of the respondents provide SBE and integrate it into formal teaching programmes. There is a will amongst respondents to grow SBE in South Africa, with it being recognised as a valuable educational tool. The user groups mainly targeted by SBE, were undergraduate students, medical interns, registrars and nurses. Learning objectives targeted include practical skills, medical knowledge, critical thinking and integrated management. Amongst anaesthesia respondents: the tool most commonly used to assess the quality of learner performance during SBE, for summative assessment, was ‘expert opinion’ (33%); the most frequent methods of evaluating SBE quality were participant feedback (42%) and peer evaluation (22%); the impact of SBE was most frequently assessed by informal discussion (42%) and learner feedback (39%). In anaesthesia SBE largely takes place within dedicated simulation facilities on site (47%). Most respondents report access to a range of SBE equipment. The main reported barriers to SBE were: finance, lack of trained educators, lack of equipment and lack of protected time. A limited number of respondents report engaging in SBE research. There is a willingness in both anaesthesia and non-anaesthesia groups (96% and 89% respectively) to collaborate with other centres. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this publication provides us with the first cross-sectional survey of SBE in anaesthesia and a selection of non-anaesthetic respondents within South Africa. The majority of respondents indicate that SBE is a valuable education tool. A number of barriers have been identified that limit the growth of SBE within South Africa. It is hoped that with a commitment to ongoing SBE research and evaluation, SBE can be grown in South Africa.

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Sexual Harassment in the Academy: Harnessing the Growing Labor Movement in Higher Education to Address Sexual Harassment Against Graduate Workers

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/10778012211035793 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107780122110357

Author(s):

Erin O’Callaghan ◽

Veronica Shepp ◽

Anne Kirkner ◽

Katherine Lorenz

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

United States ◽

Sexual Harassment ◽

Labor Movement ◽

Structural Changes ◽

The United States ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Wage Work ◽

Power Differentials ◽

Gender Based

Higher education is not immune to the epidemic of sexual harassment in the United States, particularly sexual harassment of graduate workers. This is due largely to power differentials of status and income, as academia relies on low-wage work. While the literature shows sexual harassment is prevalent across disciplines, current work to address the problem does not account for graduate worker precarity. The graduate labor movement, which addresses precarity, is beginning to tackle sexual harassment. We review how the labor and anti-gender-based violence movements in higher education should come together to prevent sexual harassment, presenting recommendations for structural changes to academia.

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Sexual Harassment Laws and Their Impact on the Work Environment

Social Issues Surrounding Harassment and Assault ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-7036-3.ch037 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 657-683

Author(s):

Philippe W. Zgheib

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Sexual Harassment ◽

Work Environment ◽

The United States ◽

Judicial System ◽

Willingness To Disclose ◽

The Usa ◽

The Difference ◽

The Impact

This chapter examines the impact of sexual harassment laws in a work environment. Different contexts are examined with different sexual harassment laws. The most vulnerable individuals are identified. The particular case of Lebanon is inspected where few laws regulate this matter. A comparison is established with the USA. Lebanon and the United States have a different view of sexual harassment. In Lebanon, no clear laws protect women. In addition, Lebanon is more tolerant than the United States. The difference in cultures also contributes in people's willingness to disclose harassment. In the United States, people are used to the concept of right and a judicial system that preserves it. In Lebanon, such a matter is taboo, and people are discouraged from disclosing to preserve their reputation.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: The Role of Locus on Control and Internet Use

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17196985 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (19) ◽

pp. 6985

Author(s):

Rannveig Sigurvinsdottir ◽

Ingibjorg E. Thorisdottir ◽

Haukur Freyr Gylfason

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Locus Of Control ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Internet Use ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

The Internet ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

The Impact

The true extent of the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are unclear, but early evidence suggests poorer mental health among those exposed to the pandemic. The Internet may have differential effects, by both connecting people with resources, or reinforce the constant checking of negative information. Moreover, locus of control becomes important in an uncontrollable pandemic. The current study aimed to examine whether exposure to COVID-19 would relate to greater symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and to examine the role of internet use and locus of control. Adults in the United States and five European countries (N = 1723) answered an online survey through the website Mturk. Results show elevated psychological symptoms among those who have become infected with COVID-19 or perceive themselves to be at high risk if infected. Experience using the Internet relates to fewer symptoms, but information seeking is associated with more symptoms. Internet social capital relates to fewer symptoms of depression. Having an external locus of control relates to greater symptoms. These findings suggest that public health officials need to focus on the mental health effects of the pandemic, and that internet use and locus of control could be targets to improve mental health in the population.

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Examining the Effects of Internal Communication and Emotional Culture on Employees’ Organizational Identification

International Journal of Business Communication ◽

10.1177/2329488420914066 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 232948842091406 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cen April Yue ◽

Linjuan Rita Men ◽

Mary Ann Ferguson

Keyword(s):

Organizational Identification ◽

Online Survey ◽

Meaning Making ◽

The United States ◽

Internal Communication ◽

Full Time ◽

Emotional Culture ◽

Motivating Language ◽

Employee Identification ◽

The Impact

As one of the first empirical attempts investigating the emerging role of positive emotional culture within organizations, the study examined how a symmetrical internal communication system and leaders’ use of motivating language contribute to fostering a positive emotional culture featured by joy, companionate love, pride, and gratitude. Furthermore, the study examined the linkage between a positive emotional culture and employees’ organizational identification. A quantitative online survey was conducted with 482 full-time employees in the United States. Results showed that both symmetrical internal communication and leaders’ use of motivating language, including meaning making, empathetic, and direction-giving languages, induced employees’ perception of a positive emotional culture of joy, companionate love, pride, and gratitude, which in turn enhanced employees’ organizational identification. Positive emotional culture fully mediated the impact of corporate and leadership communications on employee identification with the organization. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

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Physical, emotional, and informational challenges of patients living with neuroendocrine tumors in the United States: Understanding their unmet needs.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2018.36.4_suppl.299 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 299-299

Author(s):

Grace Goldstein ◽

Abdelali Majdi ◽

Isabelle Bocher-Pianka ◽

Rupert Watts ◽

Mohid Khan

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Information Sources ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

The United States ◽

Discussion Forums ◽

Primary Tumors ◽

Non Profit ◽

Holistic Treatment ◽

The Impact ◽

Physical Challenges

299 Background: Surveys of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) burden on daily living rarely explore the impact that patient information sources can have on optimizing care. This subset of a large US survey focused on identifying the unmet needs, and available information sources and support that address the physical, emotional and informational challenges that patients with NETs experience. Methods: The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation is a US, non-profit organization that encourages and supports research and education on carcinoid and related NETs. A Carcinoid Cancer Foundation-approved survey was shared with patients with NETs via the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation website, e-newsletters and social media; some patients were emailed direct links to the online survey. Results: US, online surveys (N=428; 13 questions) were completed over 6 weeks in 2015. Patients had mostly small intestinal (40%), lung (13%) or pancreatic (11%) primary tumors; 66% of patients were diagnosed in the previous 5 years. Patients experienced multiple symptoms, most commonly diarrhea (47%), flushing (45%), changes in bowel/bladder habits (37%) and persistent pain (30%). Common emotions upon diagnosis were fear (58%), anxiety (53%), feeling overwhelmed (50%), confusion (39%) and sadness (34%). Greatest physical challenges were fatigue (66%), diarrhea (48%), pain/discomfort (40%) & sleep disturbance (35%). “Very useful” information sources were (1) NET/carcinoid disease awareness website, (2) carcinoid/NET support group, (3) Google, (4) discussion forums and (5) governmental/health-authority websites. Favored information formats included “patients-like-me” case studies (67%), email (59%), e-newsletters (56%), FAQs (50%), short interactive tutorials (32%) and “top tips” (31%). Information sought, but not found, included simple advice on diet, holistic treatment, complementary therapies, where to find the best treatment, pain management & prognosis. Conclusions: In the US, patients with NETs face negative emotions and multiple physical challenges that require psychological support/coping strategies, and they seek reliable, personally relevant, easily understood information, including that from interaction with other patients.

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The Impact of Age on Mobile Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3640 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1026-1026

Author(s):

Yi Lin ◽

Graham Rowles

Keyword(s):

Mobile Technology ◽

Technology Use ◽

Online Survey ◽

User Behavior ◽

Age Groups ◽

The United States ◽

Human Contact ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Use Behavior ◽

The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic led to quarantines and mandatory spatial distancing; people of all ages were encouraged to use technologies instead of actual human contact as part of COVID-19 prevention. The promotion of mobile applications (apps) during the pandemic influenced mobile technology use behavior. This study explored age differences in mobile technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot-tested survey was distributed using online survey software. Persons surveyed were 35 years of age or older, currently living in the United States of America with experience using mobile technology. Survey questions pertained to mobile technology use frequency and factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology. The nationwide response included 1212 individuals. The average age of participants is 56.12±12.26 years old (female: male = 1.24:1). Responses were categorized participants into three age groups, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 or older. Daily mobile technology use frequency increased significantly (p<0.01) for all groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants 35 to 49 having a significantly higher (p<0.01) use frequency than other groups. Regarding factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology, 64.1% of respondents aged 50 to 64 identified the necessity of using this technology during the pandemic as a significant factor, and 64.0% of participants in age 65 or older reported that the availability of functions on mobile devices is critical. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mobile technology use with people in different age groups differentially valuing the factors that affected their user behavior.

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