scholarly journals Investigating change across time in prevalence or association using observational data: guidance on utility, methodology, and interpretation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bann ◽  
Liam Wright ◽  
Alice Goisis ◽  
Rebecca Hardy ◽  
Will Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
Data Visualisation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequity ◽  
Study Inclusion

Across the health and social sciences, addressing many key scientific or policy questions requires an understanding of whether a given quantity has changed over time—e.g., by year of data collection or by birth year. For example, has the occurrence of—or socioeconomic inequity in—a given health outcome changed across time? Or has social mobility improved or worsened in recently born generations? Understanding such issues motivates and informs future policy development, and can provide clues to aetiology by contrasting with changes in purported determinants or confounding factors. Accordingly, comparative or cross-cohort research initiatives are increasingly prominent components of health and social sciences yet, to our knowledge, no structured guidance exists to inform the implementation or appraisal of such studies. We thus collate relevant learning and produce guidance, focusing on changes across time in 1) outcome occurrence or levels for continuous outcomes; and 2) the magnitude and/or direction of associations. We discuss their use and importance (when does such comparative research add value?), study inclusion (which studies could be used?), sources of bias (what can go wrong and how can biases be mitigated?), and interpretation (how can between study differences be explained?). We provide a checklist to structure such guidance which applies to multiple study designs (e.g., cohort or repeated cross-sectional studies) and may be a useful tool for future authors and reviewers focusing on comparative research across time, cohort or indeed place. Finally, we provide analytical syntax and tutorial content with example data to facilitate future analysis and data visualisation (see https://osf.io/d569x/).

scholarly journals Ambiguity in European seasonal comparative research: how decisions on modelling shape results on inequality in learning?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A. Helbling ◽  
Martin J. Tomasik ◽  
Urs Moser
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Research ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Social Disparities ◽  
Conditional Learning ◽  
Summer Setback ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Learning Progress ◽  
Modeling Strategy ◽  
Study Designs

AbstractSummer break study designs are used in educational research to disentangle school from non-school contributions to social performance gaps. The summer breaks provide a natural experimental setting that allows for the measurement of learning progress when school is not in session, which can help to capture the unfolding of social disparities in learning that are the result of non-school influences. Seasonal comparative research has a longer tradition in the U.S. than in Europe, where it is only at its beginning. As such, summer setback studies in Europe lack a common methodological framework, impairing the possibility to draw lines across studies because they differ in their inherent focus on social inequality in learning progress. This paper calls for greater consideration of the parameterization of “unconditional” or “conditional” learning progress in European seasonal comparative research. Different approaches to the modelling of learning progress answer different research questions. Based on real data and constructed examples, this paper outlines in an intuitive fashion the different dynamics in inequality that may be simultaneously present in the survey data and distinctly revealed depending on whether one or the other modeling strategy of learning progress is chosen. An awareness of the parameterization of learning progress is crucial for an accurate interpretation of the findings and their international comparison.

scholarly journals Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1532
Author(s):  
Maria Uhl ◽  
Ricardo R. Santos ◽  
Joana Costa ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Ana Virgolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Scientific Results

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens’ perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens’ clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens’ in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens’, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

Predictors of Psychiatric Morbidity in Cancer Patients

1994 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 593-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Harrison ◽  
Peter Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Patients Experience

BackgroundA significant proportion of cancer patients experience psychiatric morbidity in association with diagnosis and treatment. If this morbidity is to be reduced, a better understanding is needed of the factors which influence adjustment to cancer.MethodA review of the literature was carried out to explore those factors associated with poor psychological adjustment to cancer. These are described under four headings: characteristics of the patient; disease and treatment variables; the interaction between patient and illness; and environmental factors.ResultsA number of risk factors for psychiatric morbidity can be identified from each of the four areas. Methodological limitations are highlighted, in particular the preponderance of cross-sectional study designs.ConclusionsIncreased awareness of the risk factors for psychiatric morbidity should lead to earlier detection and more appropriate treatment. Future research should focus on those risk factors which are potentially modifiable.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal epidemiology of the tuberculosis incidence rate in Iran 2008 to 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Kiani ◽  
Amene Raouf Rahmati ◽  
Robert Bergquist ◽  
Soheil Hashtarkhani ◽  
Neda Firouraghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Temporal Pattern ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Spatial Scan Statistic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Areas ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract Background Effective reduction of tuberculosis (TB) requires information on the distribution of TB incidence rate across time and location. This study aims to identify the spatio-temporal pattern of TB incidence rate in Iran between 2008 and 2018. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on aggregated TB data (50,500 patients) at the provincial level provided by the Ministry of Health in Iran between 2008 and 2018. The Anselin Local Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi* were performed to identify the spatial variations of the disease. Furthermore, spatial scan statistic was employed for purely temporal and spatio-temporal analyses. In all instances, the null hypothesis of no clusters was rejected at p ≤ 0.05. Results The overall incidence rate of TB decreased from 13.46 per 100,000 (95% CI: 13.19–13.73) in 2008 to 10.88 per 100,000 (95% CI: 10.65–11.11) in 2018. The highest incidence rate of TB was observed in southeast and northeast of Iran for the whole study period. Additionally, spatial cluster analysis discovered Khuzestan Province, in the West of the country, having significantly higher rates than neighbouring provinces in terms of both total TB and smear-positive pulmonary TB (SPPTB). Purely temporal analysis showed that high-rate and low-rate clusters were predominantly distributed in the time periods 2010–2014 and 2017–2018. Spatio-temporal results showed that the statistically significant clusters were mainly distributed from centre to the east during the study period. Some high-trend TB and SPPTB statistically significant clusters were found. Conclusion The results provided an overview of the latest TB spatio-temporal status In Iran and identified decreasing trends of TB in the 2008–2018 period. Despite the decreasing incidence rate, there is still need for screening, and targeting of preventive interventions, especially in high-risk areas. Knowledge of the spatio-temporal pattern of TB can be useful for policy development as the information regarding the high-risk areas would contribute to the selection of areas needed to be targeted for the expansion of health facilities.

Gaps in Nutrition Policy Implementation in Childcare Centres in The Edmonton Metropolitan Region: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marjorie Rafaela Lima Do Vale ◽  
Anna Farmer ◽  
Rebecca Gokiert ◽  
Geoff Ball ◽  
Katerina Maximova
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Nutrition Policy ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Writing Evaluation ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Implementation Resources

Purpose: To describe (i) nutrition policies in childcare centres, (ii) the resources and processes used to enable policy implementation, and (iii) the association between policy implementation and childcare centres’ or administrators’ characteristics. Methods: Between October 2018 and June 2019 a web-based survey that addressed nutrition policy, policy implementation, and sociodemographic characteristics was sent to eligible childcare programs (centre-based and provided meals) in the Edmonton (Alberta) metropolitan region. The survey was pretested and pilot tested. Statistical tests examined the relationship between policy implementation with centres’ and administrators’ characteristics. Results: Of 312 childcare centres that received the survey invitation, 43 completed it. The majority of centres had a nutrition policy in place (94%). On average, centres had about 9 of the 17 implementation resources and processes assessed. Most often administrators reported actively encouraging the implementation of the nutrition policy (n = 35; 87%) and least often writing evaluation reports of the implementation of the nutrition policy (n = 9; 22%). Administrator’s education level was associated with implementation total score (p = 0.009; Kruskal-Wallis). Conclusion: Most childcare centres had a nutrition policy in place, but many lacked resources and processes to enable policy implementation. Additional support is required to improve nutrition policy development and implementation.

Dynamics of grazing rights and their impact on mobile cattle herders in Bhutan

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuenga Namgay ◽  
Joanne E. Millar ◽  
Rosemary S. Black
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Land Use Policies ◽  
Land Holdings ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
Downstream Communities ◽  
The Impact

Seasonal cattle movements have been an important part of the living cultural heritage in Bhutan for centuries. Herders migrate south every winter to graze their cattle on subtropical pastures and to work in orange orchards. They return north to their villages in spring to grow summer crops. However, the practice of transhumant agropastoralism is under increasing pressure on account of changes in land-use policies, climate change and a declining labour force as youth seek alternative livelihoods. This research investigated the impact of changes in land-use policy, with emphasis on the Land Act 2007, on current and future livelihoods of transhumant herders in Bhutan. During in-depth interviews with 24 transhumant herders and nine livestock advisors, and seven focus-group discussions with 64 participants including herders, downstream residents and development agency personnel, perspectives on this issue were gathered. Findings revealed a lack of herder awareness of changes in land-use policies and minimal consultation of herders during policy development. Confusion and uncertainty about the proposed redistribution of grazing rights and restrictions on herd movements have resulted in confusion and resentment and have created conflicts between upstream and downstream communities. Herders with no current alternatives are concerned about their future livelihoods, whereas others are leaving it to their children to decide their future. It is concluded that the motive behind nationalisation of rangeland is noble and timely, but there are flaws in the redistribution plan. Transhumant agropastoralism is already in decline and there is no need to push towards its end through legislation. Transhumant practices could be left to evolve towards what may be their natural end. Sudden stoppage of inter-district transhumance without offering meaningful alternatives to herders could result in negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In future, policy development needs to increasingly embrace science and be based on evidence. A genuine participatory process with citizen engagement could avoid the unintended negative impacts likely to be faced by transhumant herders with marginal land holdings, who depend on this production system for their livelihoods.

scholarly journals Prevalence of zinc deficiency among primary school children in a poor peri-urban informal settlement in South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Folake O. Samuel ◽  
Abdulkadir A. Egal ◽  
Wilna H. Oldewage-Theron ◽  
Carin E. Napier ◽  
Christine S. Venter
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Zinc Deficiency ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

This cross-sectional study assessed the risk of zinc deficiency in randomly selected children, aged between 7 and 11 years, living in a poor, peri-urban informal settlement in South Africa. Dietary intake of 149 respondents was evaluated by 24-hour recall and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric and biochemical indices of a subset of 113 were determined. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 14.0. Anthropometric data were analysed using the World Health Organization Anthro plus version 1.0.2 statistical software. Dietary data were analysed with FoodFinder® version 3. The mean age of the children was 9.0±1.1 years. Few zinc-rich sources appeared in the diet that was predominantly plant-based. Mean dietary zinc intake was 4.6±2.2 mg/day. The mean value of serum zinc was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, with 46% of the children having values less than the 70 µg/dL cut-off. The findings indicate a high risk of zinc deficiency and suboptimal zinc status for the majority of this study population of children, possibly as a result of low consumption of food sources with high bioavailability of zinc, which invariably is a direct consequence of poverty and food insecurity.OpsommingDie doel van hierdie dwarsdeursnitstudie was die bepaling van die risiko van ’n sinktekort in ’n ewekansige steekproef van 7 tot 11 jaar-oue kinders, woonagtig in ’n arm, voorstedelike informele woonbuurt in Suid Afrika. Dieetinnames van 149 respondente is geëvalueer deur 24-uur herroep en kwantitatiewe voedselfrekwensie vraelyste. Antropometriese en biochemiese indikatore van ’n kleiner steekproef van 113 is ook bepaal. Beskrywende statistiek, analise van variansie en Pearsonkorrelasies is bepaal deur die Statistical Package for Social Sciences, uitgawe 14.0. Antropometriese data is geanaliseer deur die statistiese program, Anthro plus, uitgawe 1.0.2, van die Wêreld Gesondheid Organisasie. Dieetdata is met behulp van FoodFinder® uitgawe 3 geanaliseer. Die gemiddelde ouderdom van die kinders was 9.0±1.1 jaar. Min sinkryke voedselbronne is in die hoofsaaklik plantryke dieet waargeneem. Die gemiddelde sinkinname was 4.6±2.2 mg/dag en die gemiddelde serumsinkwaarde was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, met 46% van die kinders se waardes onder die 70 µg/dL afsnypunt. Die bevindings dui op ’n hoë risiko vir sinktekort en suboptimale sinkstatus vir die meerderheid van hierdie kinders, moontlik as gevolg van die swak inname van voedselbronne met hoë biobeskikbare sink, wat gewoonlik ’n direkte gevolg van armoede en huishoudelike voedsel insekuriteit is.

scholarly journals Future Directions for Research on Residential Segregation and Inequality in China

2021 ◽  
pp. 329-361
Author(s):  
Gwilym Pryce
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Residential Segregation ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Planning ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Geographical Separation ◽  
Term Change ◽  
Future Policy

AbstractThis chapter summarises some of the key findings and themes of the book and considers their implications for future research on inequality and segregation in China. I highlight four priority areas. First, there is a need for more research on the dynamics of residential segregation. I argue that the real story of segregation is revealed in the factors and processes that drive long-term change. Second, I emphasise the need for more research on the spatial foundations of inequality—how inequality leads to the geographical separation of rich and poor and how this segregation mediates and reinforces almost every aspect of inequality. Third, I consider the relational and psychological impacts of inequality and the imperative for them to be included in the calculus of policy planning. Fourth, I consider the implications of the Causal Revolution in research methods and argue that they potentially offer the prospect of achieving a scientific approach to policy development and evaluation. I conclude with some reflections on the implications of our findings for future policy directions in China.

scholarly journals Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. Translation to Russian

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jan P. Vandenbroucke ◽  
Erik Von Elm ◽  
Douglas G. Altman ◽  
Peter C. Gotzsche ◽  
Cynthia D. Mulrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Useful Flow ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Strobe Statement

Much medical research is observational. The reporting of observational studies is often of insufficient quality. Poor reporting hampers the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a study and the generalisability of its results. Taking into account empirical evidence and theoretical considerations, a group of methodologists, researchers, and editors developed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations to improve the quality of reporting of observational studies. The STROBE Statement consists of a checklist of 22 items, which relate to the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion sections of articles. Eighteen items are common to cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies and four are specific to each of the three study designs. The STROBE Statement provides guidance to authors about how to improve the reporting of observational studies and facilitates critical appraisal and interpretation of studies by reviewers, journal editors and readers. This explanatory and elaboration document is intended to enhance the use, understanding, and dissemination of the STROBE Statement. The meaning and rationale for each checklist item are presented. For each item, one or several published examples and, where possible, references to relevant empirical studies and methodological literature are provided. Examples of useful flow diagrams are also included. The STROBE Statement, this document, and the associated Web site (http://www. strobe-statement.org/) should be helpful resources to improve reporting of observational research. This article is the reprint with Russian translation of the original that can be observed here: Vandenbroucke JP, von Elm E, Altman DG, Gotzsche PC, Mulrow CD, et al. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration. PLoS Med 2007;4(10):e297. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0040297

scholarly journals Prevalence and aetiology of dental trauma in 8-14 year old school-going children of Hyderabad city, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
Tanzeem Ahmed ◽  
Nikhil Kaushal ◽  
Sujeet Singh ◽  
Rashmi Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Dental Trauma ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Traumatic Injuries ◽  
Anterior Teeth ◽  
Traumatic Dental Injuries ◽  
Dental Injuries ◽  
Type Of Fracture

Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and etiology of fractured anterior teeth due to trauma among 8–14 years old school going children of Hyderabad city. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 8-14 year old children studying in various schools of Hyderabad for the assessment of traumatic injuries of anterior teeth. Clinical examination was carried out and type of teeth affected, type of fracture, overjet and lip competence were noted. A closed end questionnaire was given to children with questions regarding etiology of trauma, place of injury, symptoms or outcomes after the injury, whether a dentist was consulted, type of treatment done by dentist and time elapsed between trauma and treatment. All the results were analyzed using “statistical package for social sciences” (SPSS) 20.0 software. Results: The prevalence of dental trauma was found to be 7.84%. 11-14year old children showed higher prevalence. Males were more affected than females. Maxillary central incisors were most affected. Fracture involving enamel and dentin were recorded the highest. Children having overjet of >3mm and incompetent lips were at a higher risk of dental trauma (p value = 0.001). The most common cause of injury was sports and home was the most common place of occurrence of injury. Most of the traumatic dental injuries (TDI) did not undergo any treatment. Conclusion: Increasing the awareness of the parents and teachers about the prevention of TDI and the importance of consulting the dentist after trauma should be instituted.

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