scholarly journals Factors associated with Adherence to Social Distancing Protocols and Hygienic Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Asle Hoffart ◽  
Sverre Urnes Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Hygienic Behavior ◽  
Adherence Behavior ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lower Adherence

Objective: To investigate factors associated with adherence to viral mitigation strategies recommended by the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adherence to social distancing protocols (SDPs) and adherence to hygienic behavior recommendations (HB). Design: This pre-registered epidemiological study of 4158 adults examines the association between situational, cognitive, affective, behavioral, and personality-based factors with adherence to SDPs and HB during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further investigates the relationship between central information sources and adherence behavior.Main Outcome Measures: Adherence to social distancing protocols (SDPs) and adherence to hygienic behavior recommendations (HB). Results: Individuals aged between 18-30 reported lowest adherence to SDPs and HB. Greater alcohol consumption was associated with decreased adherence to SDP and HB. Increased risk perception, fear of infection, conscientious personality, and altruistic attitude was associated with greater adherence to SDPs and HB. Males, single individuals, employed individuals, and those without children reported lower adherence to SDPs and HB. Extroverted personality and residents of urban areas were associated with lower adherence to SDPs, but not HB. In contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic, voluntary social distancing was associated with greater adherence to SDPs as opposed to rule-enforced (e.g., mandated) social distancing. Among information sources, increased time spent obtaining information from official (i.e., recognized) newspapers had the strongest favorable association with adherence to both SDPs and HB, followed by information obtainment from recognized television channels. Relying on information from friends and family was associated with decreased adherence to SDPs, but was unrelated to adherence to HB. Sensitivity analyses replicated the findings, supporting the stability and robustness of the proposed models. Conclusion: The present study identifies factors associated with favorable and detrimental adherence behavior along with substantial dissemination routes, presenting strategies which may be utility toward fostering adherence to contemporaneously implemented pandemic mitigation protocols.Key words: COVID-19; Adherence; Compliance; Social Distancing; Physical Distancing; Viral Mitigation; Hygienic Behavior

scholarly journals Rapidly increasing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and limited clinical disease in three Malian communities: a prospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issaka Sagara ◽  
John Woodford ◽  
Mamady Kone ◽  
Mahamadoun Hamady Assadou ◽  
Abdoulaye Katile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Rural Village ◽  
Rural Town ◽  
First Case ◽  
Antigen Elisa ◽  
Minimal Difference ◽  
Ongoing Surveillance

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission in Mali and the surrounding region is not well understood, although infection has been confirmed in nearly 14,000 symptomatic individuals and their contacts since the first case in March 2020. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in three Malian communities, and understand factors associated with infection.MethodsBetween 27 July 2020 and 29 January 2021, we collected blood samples along with demographic, social, medical and self-reported symptoms information from residents aged 6 months and older in three study communities at two study visits. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured using a highly specific two-antigen ELISA optimized for use in Mali. We calculated cumulative adjusted seroprevalence for each site and evaluated factors associated with serostatus at each visit by univariate and multivariate analysis.FindingsOverall, 94.8% (2533/2672) of participants completed both study visits. A total of 50.3% (1343/2672) of participants were male, and 31.3% (837/2672) were aged <10 years, 27.6% (737/2672) were aged 10-17 years, and 41.1% (1098/2572) were aged ≥18 years. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 exposure rate was 58.5% (95% CI: 47.5 to 69.4). This varied between sites and was 73.4% (95% CI: 59.2 to 87.5) in the urban community of Sotuba, 53.2% (95% CI: 42.8 to 63.6) in the rural town of Bancoumana, and 37.1% (95% CI: 29.6 to 44.5) in the rural village of Donéguébougou. This equates to an infection rate of approximately 1% of the population every three days in the study communities between visits. Increased age and study site were associated with serostatus at both study visits. There was minimal difference in reported symptoms based on serostatus.InterpretationThe true extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Mali is greater than previously reported and now approaches hypothetical herd immunity in urban areas. The epidemiology of the pandemic in the region may be primarily subclinical and within background illness rates. In this setting, ongoing surveillance and augmentation of diagnostics to characterize locally circulating variants will be critical to implement effective mitigation strategies like vaccines.FundingThis project was funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and National Cancer Institute.

A comparison of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components among native Japanese and Japanese Brazilians residing in Japan and Brazil

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andiara Schwingel ◽  
Yoshio Nakata ◽  
Lucy S. Ito ◽  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko ◽  
Ryosuke Shigematsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Japanese Ancestry

Background This study investigated the prevalence of risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) among individuals of Japanese descent exposed to different cultural environments. Design A cross-sectional study to assess component risk factors for the diagnosis of MetSyn was undertaken in urban areas in Japan and Brazil. A total of 773 men and women aged 35 years or over were included in three groups: 249 native Japanese, 269 Brazilian individuals of Japanese ancestry residing in Japan, and 255 Brazilian individuals of Japanese ancestry residing in Brazil. Results Higher rates of metabolic abnormalities with respect to central obesity and serum lipid profiles were observed among Brazilian individuals of Japanese ancestry residing in Brazil compared with those residing in Japan and native Japanese. Likewise, an increased risk of hypertension was observed among Japanese Brazilian individuals residing in Japan. The prevalence of MetSyn in men was significantly higher among Brazilians of Japanese ancestry residing in Brazil (37.5%) compared with those residing in Japan (25.3%) or native Japanese (21.4%), whereas no significant difference was observed among women. In the logistic model, Brazilian individuals of Japanese ancestry residinginBrazil weretwice as likely to develop MetSyn compared with native Japanese, whereas no significant differences were found among those residing in Japan. Conclusions These findings underscore the significant heterogeneity in risk factors among communities of Japanese ancestry residing in Brazil and Japan, and suggest that immigrants exposed to the Brazilian cultural environment are more susceptible to the development of risk factors associated with MetSyn than native Japanese.

scholarly journals 1095. Investigation of Risk Factors Associated with Serious Bacterial, Viral and Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematologic Patients on Ibrutinib

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S576-S577
Author(s):  
Thomas Holowka ◽  
Harry Cheung ◽  
Maricar F Malinis ◽  
Sarah Perreault ◽  
Iris Isufi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ◽  
Hematologic Malignancy ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Serious Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Serious Infections

Abstract Background Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat hematologic malignancies that may increase the risk of serious infection including invasive fungal infections (IFI). In a study of 378 patients with hematologic malignancy on ibrutinib, serious infection and IFI occurred in 11% and 4% respectively (Varughese et al. Clin Infect Dis). The primary aims of our study were to determine the incidence of serious infection and associated risk factors in patients on ibrutinib. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with hematologic malignancy prescribed ibrutinib for ≥ 1 week at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2014 to 2019 to identify serious infections defined as those requiring inpatient management. We collected demographic, clinical and oncologic data. Chi-squared tests were used to determine factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Results A total of 254 patients received ibrutinib including 156 with CLL, 89 with NHL and 9 with other leukemias. Among these, 21 underwent HSCT, 9 complicated by GVHD. There were 51 (20%) patients with serious infections including 45 (17.7%) bacterial, 9 (3.5%) viral and 5 (2%) IFI (1 pulmonary cryptococcosis, 4 pulmonary aspergillosis). Anti-mold prophylaxis was prescribed to 7 (2.8%) patients, none of whom developed IFI. Risk factors associated with serious infection included ECOG score ≥ 2 (OR 4.6, p &lt; 0.001), concurrent steroid use (≥ 10 mg prednisone daily for ≥ 2 weeks; OR 3.0, p &lt; 0.001), neutropenia (OR 3.6, p &lt; 0.01), lymphopenia (OR 2.4, p &lt; 0.05) and maximum ibrutinib dose of 560 mg (OR 2, p &lt; 0.05). There was a dose dependent increase in infections based on number of chemotherapy regimens prior to ibrutinib initiation: 14.3% with 0, 19.7% with 1-2 and 28.7% with ≥ 3 prior treatments. Conclusion The incidence of serious infection in hematologic patients on ibrutinib was higher than previously reported (20% versus 11%) but the rate of IFI was lower (2% versus 4%). High ECOG score, leukopenia, steroids, and higher ibrutinib doses were associated with an increased risk for serious infection. Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered for patients on ibrutinib with these risk factors. Improving functional status may also reduce the risk of infection in patients on ibrutinib. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Body mass index and risk of all-cause mortality in normotensive and hypertensive adults: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Qionggui Zhou ◽  
Xuejiao Liu ◽  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Pei Qin ◽  
Yongcheng Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Hypertension Status ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Chinese Cohort ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: The impact of baseline hypertension status on the BMI–mortality association is still unclear. We aimed to examine the moderation effect of hypertension on the BMI–mortality association using a rural Chinese cohort. Design: In this cohort study, we investigated the incident of mortality according to different BMI categories by hypertension status. Setting: Longitudinal population-based cohort Participants: 17,262 adults ≥18 years were recruited from July to August of 2013 and July to August of 2014 from a rural area in China. Results: During a median 6-year follow-up, we recorded 1109 deaths (610 with and 499 without hypertension). In adjusted models, as compared with BMI 22-24 kg/m2, with BMI ≤18, 18-20, 20-22, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30 and >30 kg/m2, the HRs (95% CI) for mortality in normotensive participants were 1.92 (1.23-3.00), 1.44 (1.01-2.05), 1.14 (0.82-1.58), 0.96 (0.70-1.31), 0.96 (0.65-1.43), 1.32 (0.81-2.14), and 1.32 (0.74-2.35) respectively, and in hypertensive participants were 1.85 (1.08-3.17), 1.67 (1.17-2.39), 1.29 (0.95-1.75), 1.20 (0.91-1.58), 1.10 (0.83-1.46), 1.10 (0.80-1.52), and 0.61 (0.40-0.94) respectively. The risk of mortality was lower in individuals with hypertension with overweight or obesity versus normal weight, especially in older hypertensives (≥60 years old). Sensitivity analyses gave consistent results for both normotensive and hypertensive participants. Conclusions: Low BMI was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality regardless of hypertension status in rural Chinese adults, but high BMI decreased the mortality risk among individuals with hypertension, especially in older hypertensives.

Factors that contribute to urban–rural gradients in risk of schizophrenia: Comparing Danish and Western Australian registers

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110096
Author(s):  
Oleguer Plana-Ripoll ◽  
Patsy Di Prinzio ◽  
John J McGrath ◽  
Preben B Mortensen ◽  
Vera A Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Indigenous Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Western Australian

Introduction: An association between schizophrenia and urbanicity has long been observed, with studies in many countries, including several from Denmark, reporting that individuals born/raised in densely populated urban settings have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to those born/raised in rural settings. However, these findings have not been replicated in all studies. In particular, a Western Australian study showed a gradient in the opposite direction which disappeared after adjustment for covariates. Given the different findings for Denmark and Western Australia, our aim was to investigate the relationship between schizophrenia and urbanicity in these two regions to determine which factors may be influencing the relationship. Methods: We used population-based cohorts of children born alive between 1980 and 2001 in Western Australia ( N = 428,784) and Denmark ( N = 1,357,874). Children were categorised according to the level of urbanicity of their mother’s residence at time of birth and followed-up through to 30 June 2015. Linkage to State-based registers provided information on schizophrenia diagnosis and a range of covariates. Rates of being diagnosed with schizophrenia for each category of urbanicity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for covariates. Results: During follow-up, 1618 (0.4%) children in Western Australia and 11,875 (0.9%) children in Denmark were diagnosed with schizophrenia. In Western Australia, those born in the most remote areas did not experience lower rates of schizophrenia than those born in the most urban areas (hazard ratio = 1.02 [95% confidence interval: 0.81, 1.29]), unlike their Danish counterparts (hazard ratio = 0.62 [95% confidence interval: 0.58, 0.66]). However, when the Western Australian cohort was restricted to children of non-Aboriginal Indigenous status, results were consistent with Danish findings (hazard ratio = 0.46 [95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.72]). Discussion: Our study highlights the potential for disadvantaged subgroups to mask the contribution of urban-related risk factors to risk of schizophrenia and the importance of stratified analysis in such cases.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among school children and adolescents in urban and semi‐urban areas in Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Nadège Nganou‐Gnindjio ◽  
Doris Bibi Essama ◽  
Jan René Nkeck ◽  
Patrick Yvan Tchebegna ◽  
Kiliane Maeva Tchatchouang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
School Children ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Factors Associated

scholarly journals Weathering the storm: A qualitative study of social prescribing in urban and rural Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110291
Author(s):  
Alison Fixsen ◽  
Simon Barrett ◽  
Michal Shimonovich
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Clinical Approach ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
And Shifts

Objectives: The non-clinical approach known as social prescribing aims to tackle multi-morbidity, reduce general practitioner (GP) workload and promote wellbeing by directing patients to community services. Usual in-person modes of delivery of social prescribing have been virtually impossible under social distancing rules. This study qualitatively examined and compared the responses of three social prescribing schemes in Scotland to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We interviewed a theoretical sample of 23 stakeholders in urban and rural social prescribing schemes at the start of COVID-19 pandemic. Follow-up interviews with a representative sample were conducted around 10 months later. Interviewees included social prescribing coordinators (SPCs) GPs, managers, researchers and representatives of third sector organizations. Interview transcripts were analysed in stages and an inductive approach to coding was supported by NVivo. Results: Findings revealed a complex social prescribing landscape in Scotland with schemes funded, structured and delivering services in diverse ways. Across all schemes, working effectively during the pandemic and shifting to online delivery had been challenging and demanding; however, their priorities in response to the pandemic had differed. With GP time and services stretched to limits, GP practice-attached ‘Link Workers’ had taken on counselling and advocacy roles, sometimes for serious mental health cases. Community-based SPCs had mostly assumed a health education role, and those on the Western Isles of Scotland a digital support role. In both rural or urban areas, combatting loneliness and isolation – especially given social distancing – remained a pivotal aspect of the SPC role. Conclusion: This study highlights significant challenges and shifts in focus in social prescribing in response to the pandemic. The use of multiple digital technologies has assumed a central role in social prescribing, and this situation seems likely to remain. With statutory and non-statutory services stretched to their limits, there is a danger of SPCs assuming new tasks without adequate training or support.

Gastrostomy Tubes Placed in Children With Neurologic Impairment: Associated Morbidity and Mortality

2021 ◽  
pp. 088307382110001
Author(s):  
Jody L. Lin ◽  
Joseph Rigdon ◽  
Keith Van Haren ◽  
MyMy Buu ◽  
Olga Saynina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Tube Placement ◽  
Composite Outcome ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard ◽  
Neurologic Impairment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for children with neurologic impairment with dysphagia has been suggested for pneumonia prevention. However, prior studies demonstrated an association between G-tube placement and increased risk of pneumonia. We evaluate the association between timing of G-tube placement and death or severe pneumonia in children with neurologic impairment. Methods: We included all children enrolled in California Children’s Services between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014, with neurologic impairment and 1 pneumonia hospitalization. Prior to analysis, children with new G-tubes and those without were 1:2 propensity score matched on sociodemographics, medical complexity, and severity of index hospitalization. We used a time-varying Cox proportional hazard model for subsequent death or composite outcome of death or severe pneumonia to compare those with new G-tubes vs those without, adjusting for covariates described above. Results: A total of 2490 children met eligibility criteria, of whom 219 (9%) died and 789 (32%) had severe pneumonia. Compared to children without G-tubes, children with new G-tubes had decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.55) but increased risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.21, CI 1.14-1.27). Sensitivity analyses using varied time criteria for definitions of G-tube and outcome found that more recent G-tube placement had greater associated risk reduction for death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Conclusion: Recent G-tube placement is associated with reduced risk of death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Decisions to place G-tubes for pulmonary indications in children with neurologic impairment should weigh the impact of severe pneumonia on quality of life.

scholarly journals An Exploration of Heart Failure Risk in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracyclines with or without Trastuzumab in Thailand: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 484-493
Author(s):  
Jukapun Yoodee ◽  
Aumkhae Sookprasert ◽  
Phitjira Sanguanboonyaphong ◽  
Suthan Chanthawong ◽  
Manit Seateaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Palliative Intent ◽  
Increased Risk

Anthracycline-based regimens with or without anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 agents such as trastuzumab are effective in breast cancer treatment. Nevertheless, heart failure (HF) has become a significant side effect of these regimens. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with HF in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of HF. The secondary outcome was the risk factors associated with HF by using the univariable and multivariable cox-proportional hazard model. A total of 475 breast cancer patients were enrolled with a median follow-up time of 2.88 years (interquartile range (IQR), 1.59–3.93). The incidence of HF was 3.2%, corresponding to an incidence rate of 11.1 per 1000 person-years. The increased risk of HF was seen in patients receiving a combination of anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy, patients treated with radiotherapy or palliative-intent chemotherapy, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <65%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other risk factors for HF, such as age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cumulative doxorubicin dose. In conclusion, the incidence of HF was consistently high in patients receiving combination anthracyclines trastuzumab regimens. A reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, radiotherapy, and palliative-intent chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of HF. Intensive cardiac monitoring in breast cancer patients with an increased risk of HF should be advised to prevent undesired cardiac outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document