Predictors of Alcohol Consumption Among Younger Adults During the First Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may lead to negative mental health effects but the effect on alcohol consumption among younger adults is unclear. We assess predictors of change in alcohol consumption during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among younger adults.Methods: This cross-sectional internet-based survey was part of an overarching project, the Corona Drug Survey, which was conducted from April 30 to August 4, 2020. Participants of any sex and ≥18 years old were included. The primary outcome measure was change in alcohol consumption during the early COVID-19 pandemic. We implemented an ordinal logistic regression to assess the effect (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) of the following predictors: quarantine restrictions on leaving the residence, number of individuals in the household, problematic alcohol consumption before the pandemic (CAGE [cutting down, annoyance by criticism, guilty feeling, and eye-opener] score), personal concern regarding the pandemic, age, and sex.Results: 3,321 participants with a mean age of 32 (SD: 13) years were included in this study. 70.4% of participants reported less or unchanged alcohol consumption in the recent 4 weeks of the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. A higher number of individuals in the household was associated with a reduced alcohol consumption (OR = 0.869; 95% CI = 0.815–0.927). No quarantine restrictions on leaving the residence (OR = 1.593; 95% CI = 1.397–1.817), a higher age (1.006; 1.001-1.011), and female sex (compared to males: 1.206; 1.062–1.371) were associated with an increase in alcohol consumption. The CAGE score before the pandemic (OR = 0.983; 95% CI = 0.931–1.037) and the pandemic concern (0.927; 0.857–1.003) were not associated with a significant change in alcohol consumption. Celebrations were no longer frequent drinking occasions during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. The majority of participants (60.9%) did not use alcohol drinking as a coping mechanism to mitigate negative effects of the pandemic.Interpretation: In this cohort of younger adults with fewer celebratory drinking occasions, restrictions on leaving the residence and the number of persons in the household were the strongest predictors of reduced alcohol consumption during the early phase of the pandemic.

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Predictors of Food Skills in University Students

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2019-011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 80 (4) ◽

pp. 205-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jamie A. Seabrook ◽

Paula D.N. Dworatzek ◽

June I. Matthews

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Meal Preparation ◽

Total Food ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Meal Planning

Purpose: To determine predictors of food skills in university students, specifically, the relative effects of a food and nutrition (FN) course; sex, age, and body mass index; food-related behaviours in the parental home; and food-related behaviours in university. Methods: Undergraduate students (n = 30 310) at Western University were invited to complete an online cross-sectional survey that assessed 7 components of food skills, from mechanical (e.g., peeling/chopping) to conceptual (e.g., weekly meal planning). The primary outcome measure was Total Food Skills Score (TFSS). All variables that were statistically associated with TFSS (P < 0.05) were analyzed hierarchically in 4 regression models. Results: The sample was comprised of 3354 students living independently for 2.6 ± 1.1 years. Students who had taken an FN course had higher food skills than those who had not (B = 30.72; P < 0.001), and this relationship remained significant through all subsequent models. The strongest predictor of food skills was meal preparation as a teen (B = 25.66; P < 0.001). Frequency of using a grocery list, packing a lunch, and time spent preparing meals on weekends were positively associated with food skills (P < 0.001), whereas frequency of buying pre-prepared meals was negatively associated with food skills (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Food skill development should occur well before young adults begin living independently.

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Lingual Frenulum Phenotypes in Brazilian Infants With Congenital Zika Syndrome

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/1055665618766999 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 55 (10) ◽

pp. 1391-1398 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Cristiane Sá Roriz Fonteles ◽

Erlane Marques Ribeiro ◽

Marinisi Sales Aragão Santos ◽

Rebeka Ferreira Pequeno Leite ◽

Gabryela Sales Assunção ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Task Force ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Speech Language Pathologist ◽

Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽

Pediatric Dentists ◽

Multidisciplinary Group

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate lingual frenulum in children affected by congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and to analyze the association of lingual frenulum phenotypes with other variables. Design: This present work had a cross-sectional, descriptive study design. Setting: This study was carried out in Fortaleza (Brazil). The health professionals provided tertiary level of care. Data collection occurred during a multidisciplinary task force for evaluating infants affected by CZS in December 2 to 3, 2016. Patients: Fifty-four patients with CZS (1-12 months old; 32 girls and 22 boys) were recruited from a population of 70 infants. Interventions: A multidisciplinary group comprised of speech-language pathologist/audiologists and pediatric dentists evaluated all patients through an intraoral examination and a specific tongue maneuver protocol for infants. Main Outcome Measures: Lingual frenulum visibility was the primary outcome measure. Before initiating the study, we hypothesized that children with CZS had an absent lingual frenulum. Results: Lingual frenula were visible in 34 (63%) infants, whereas in 20 (37%) infants lingual frenula visibility required a specific maneuver to retract the tongue. Six of 20 infants presented posteriorly positioned lingual frenula that were visible after maneuver. Lingual frenula were covered by mucous tissue in 14 infants. Presence of posterior frenulum was associated with dysphagia ( P = 0.038). However, the presence of dysphagia in a multivariate model did not associate with the presence of a posterior lingual frenulum ( P = .069) or neurologic symptoms ( P = .056). Conclusion: Children with CZS showed predominance of a posterior lingual frenula covered by an overlapping curtain-like mucous membrane.

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Who is at risk of occupational Q fever: new insights from a multi-profession cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030088 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. e030088 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tanja Groten ◽

Karola Kuenzer ◽

Udo Moog ◽

Beate Hermann ◽

Katrin Maier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Q Fever ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seroprevalence Data ◽

Regular Contact

ObjectivesQ fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacteriumCoxiella burnetii. It is recognised as an occupational hazard for individuals who are in regular contact with animal birth products. Data from the literature are not comparable because different serological assays perform very differently in detecting past infections. It is therefore essential to choose the right assay for obtaining reliable data of seroprevalence. Obstetricians are another profession potentially at risk of Q fever. They can be infected from birth products of women with Q fever during pregnancy. There is little data, however, for Q fever in this occupational group. Our study therefore had two purposes. The first was to obtain reliable seroprevalence data for occupational groups in regular contact with animal birth products by using an assay with proven excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting past infections. The second purpose was to obtain primary data for obstetricians.DesignWe carried out a cross-sectional study.SettingThe study included shepherds, cattle farmers, veterinarians and obstetricians from Thuringia.Participants77 shepherds, 74 veterinarians, 14 cattle farmers, 17 office employees and 68 obstetricians participated. The control group consisted of 92 blood donors.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome measure wasC. burnetiiphase II specific IgG. The assay used was evaluated for this purpose in a previous study.ResultsOf the 250 blood samples we analysed, the very highest seroprevalences (64%–77%) occurred in individuals with frequent animal contact. There were no significant differences between shepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians. The seroprevalence in people working in administration was lower but still significantly greater than the control. No obstetricians or midwives tested positive.ConclusionsShepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians have a high risk ofC. burnetiiinfection. However, our study clearly proves that there was no increased risk for people working in an obstetric department.

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A Cross-Sectional Study on Subjective Fever Assessment in Children by Palpation: Are Fathers as Reliable as Mothers?

Emergency Medicine International ◽

10.1155/2020/3534267 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Ehud Rosenbloom ◽

Crysta Balis ◽

Dustin Jacobson ◽

Melanie Conway ◽

Ji Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Mothers And Fathers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background. Fever is common in pediatric patients. Often, parents rely solely on palpation when assessing their child’s fever. The objective of the current study was to determine the accuracy of parents in detecting their child’s fever by palpation. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary pediatric hospital. Infants and children, 0–4 years of age, presenting to the ED with both parents were included. Parents were separately asked if their child had a fever and, if so, were asked to assess the temperature by palpation. A nurse obtained the rectal temperature. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of fathers and mothers in detecting fever. Results. A total of 170 children with their parents were enrolled. The mean ages of the children, mothers, and fathers were 18.9 (SD 0.8) months, 31.1 (SD 6.4) years, and 33.7 (SD 6.9) years, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between mothers and fathers in the ability to assess fever by palpation (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.39,−1.08). Sensitivities for detecting fever by palpation for mothers and father were 86.4% and 88.2%, respectively (specificity among mothers: 54.2% and specificity among fathers: 43.1%). The overall negative and positive predictive values were 65.9% (95% CI 55%–75.7%) and 75.7% (95% CI 69.9%–80.8%), respectively. Conclusions. Mothers and fathers do not differ in their ability to accurately assess their child’s fever by palpation. The low positive and negative predictive values indicate that if temperature was not measured, physicians cannot rely on parents’ reports.

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Text message intervention to reduce frequency of binge drinking among disadvantaged men: the TRAM RCT

Public Health Research ◽

10.3310/phr06060 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 1-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Iain K Crombie ◽

Linda Irvine ◽

Brian Williams ◽

Falko F Sniehotta ◽

Dennis J Petrie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Binge Drinking ◽

Treatment Effect ◽

Health Research ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Text Message ◽

Public Health Research ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Text Messages ◽

Text Message Intervention

Background Socially disadvantaged men are more likely to binge drink frequently and to experience high levels of alcohol-related harm. Objectives To test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a text message intervention in reducing the frequency of binge drinking among disadvantaged men. Study design A four-centre, parallel-group, pragmatic, individually randomised controlled trial was conducted. Randomisation was carried out using a secure remote web-based system. It was stratified by participating centre and recruitment method and restricted using block sizes of randomly varying lengths. Setting The study was conducted in the community. Members of the public helped to develop the study methods. Participants Participants were men aged 25–44 years who had ≥ 2 episodes of binge drinking (> 8 units of alcohol in a single session) in the preceding 28 days. Men were recruited from areas of high deprivation. Interventions An empirically and theoretically based text message intervention was delivered by 112 interactive text messages over a 12-week period. The control group received an attentional control comprising 89 text messages on general health. Primary outcome measure The primary outcome measure was the proportion of men consuming > 8 units of alcohol on ≥ 3 occasions (in the previous 28 days) at 12 months post intervention. Results The recruitment target of 798 was exceeded and 825 men were randomised. Retention was high and similar in the intervention (84.9%) and control (86.5%) groups. Most men in the intervention group engaged enthusiastically with the text messages: almost all (92%) replied to text messages and over two-thirds (67%) replied more than 10 times. The intervention was estimated to have had a modest, statistically non-significant effect on the primary outcome at the 12-month follow-up [odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 1.08]. This corresponds to a net reduction of 5.7% in regular binge drinking. Five secondary outcomes showed small non-significant and inconsistent effects on alcohol consumption, with one suggesting a positive effect and four suggesting an adverse effect. Both the short- and the long-term cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) analysis suggested that the brief intervention was dominated by a ‘do-nothing’ option. The intervention’s impacts on patterns of alcohol consumption, QALYs and downstream costs were inconsistent and uncertain. Limitations The study used an active control that, combined with the recruitment procedures and baseline assessments, could have biased the treatment effect towards the null. The measurement of alcohol consumption relied on self-reported drinking. Conclusions The trial has demonstrated that it is possible to recruit and retain large numbers of socially disadvantaged men in a research study. The text messages delivered a complex theoretically and empirically based intervention that fostered enthusiastic engagement with the key components of the behaviour change sequence. The intervention produced a modest, statistically non-significant effect on the primary outcome, with wide CIs. Further research is needed to reduce uncertainty about the treatment effect. The methods developed for this study provide a platform for the design and testing of interventions to reduce inequalities in health. Future work A future trial could reduce the uncertainty around the treatment effect of the intervention. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN07695192. Funding This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 6, No. 6. See NIHR Journals Library website for further information.

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Is the Provision of Physical Education to Senior-Years Students Associated With Greater Physical Activity Levels? Insight Into a Province-Wide Policy

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2013-0197 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 649-654 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Melisa Comte ◽

Erin Hobin ◽

Steve Manske ◽

Catherine Casey ◽

Jane Griffith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Insight Into ◽

Grade 11

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in physical education (PE) was associated with increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in adolescents.Methods:This was a cross sectional study comparing MVPA levels in senior-years students—grade 11 and 12—enrolled in high school PE during the semester data were collected compared with those not enrolled in PE in that same semester. The primary outcome measure was daily MVPA measured by accelerometry. The primary exposure was participation in PE.Results:Among the 508 adolescents (16.9 ± 0.8 yrs, 49% female, n = 338 exposed to PE) studied, no differences in MVPA (47.0 ± 25.8 vs. 43.9 ± 25.0 mins/day, P = .25) or sedentary time (540.2 ± 94.7 vs. 550.2 ± 79.4 mins/day, P = .79) were noted between students enrolled in PE compared with students not enrolled in PE. Participation in PE was associated with a greater odds of achieving >60 minutes of MVPA daily (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.04−2.75). This association was stronger among boys (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2−4.8) than girls (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 5−2.7).Conclusion:Enrollment in PE in grade 11 or 12 is associated with modestly higher levels of MVPA and an increased likelihood of meeting PA guidelines among students in grades 11 and 12, particularly among boys.

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The changing alcohol drinking patterns among older adults show that women are closing the gender gap in more frequent drinking: the Tromsø study, 1994–2016

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy ◽

10.1186/s13011-021-00376-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Line Tegner Stelander ◽

Anne Høye ◽

Jørgen G. Bramness ◽

Geir Selbæk ◽

Linn-Heidi Lunde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Age Groups ◽

Alcohol Policy ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Frequent Drinking

Abstract Background As the population of older adults continues to grow, changes in alcohol consumption are important to monitor because an increase may have public health consequences. Rates of alcohol use vary with geographical location. The aim of this study was to examine trends in alcohol consumption among older adults in a geographically defined area in Norway, especially changing sex differences in drinking patterns over a 22-year period. Methods Repeated cross-sectional survey (in 1994–95, 2007–08, and 2015–16) of a general population of older adults. Eligible for this study were 20,939 participants (aged 60–99 years). The data were analysed using generalized estimating equations, stratified by age and sex. Alcohol consumption and drinking patterns were assessed, using an adaptation of the AUDIT-C. Results Between 1994 and 2016, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of current drinkers among older adults. Furthermore, the probability of frequent drinking (alcohol consumption at least twice weekly) increased significantly between 1994 and 2016, particularly among older women; OR 8.02 (CI 5.97–10.79) and OR 5.87 (CI 4.00–8.63) in the age groups 60–69 and 70+ respectively for women, and OR 4.13 (CI 3.42–4.99) and OR 3.10 (CI 2.41–3.99), in the age groups 60–69 and 70+ respectively for men. The majority of older adults drank small amounts of alcohol on typical drinking days, but there was an increasing probability of drinking three drinks or more on each occasion over the study period, except among women aged 70+ years. Conclusions Among older adults in Norway, alcohol consumption in terms of frequency and quantity on typical drinking days has increased considerably from 1996 to 2016. This change is in the opposite direction of what has been reported among younger adults. The gap between women and men in frequent drinking has been markedly narrowed, which indicate that women’s drinking patterns are approaching those of men. This may involve a need to change alcohol policy in Norway to more targeted interventions aimed at older people.

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The Impact of Perceived Sleep, Mood and Alcohol Use on Verbal, Physical and Sexual Assault Experiences among Student Athletes and Student Non-Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18062883 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 2883

Author(s):

Jonathan Charest ◽

Celyne H. Bastien ◽

Jason G. Ellis ◽

William D. S. Killgore ◽

Michael A. Grandner

Keyword(s):

Sexual Assault ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Student Athletes ◽

Life Experience ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Previous research has shown that student athletes are more likely to be involved in a physical altercation or be a victim of verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse than student non-athletes, which can have long-lasting negative effects on mood, behavior and quality of life. In addition, among college students, sleep difficulties are ubiquitous and may deteriorate the unique life experience that university represents. The influences of poor sleep quality, mood and alcohol consumption related to these events are examined here between student athletes and student non-athletes. A series of hierarchical logistic regressions explored the relationship between verbal, physical and sexual assault risk factors. Results suggest that poor sleep, alcohol consumption and mood are all associated with exposure to a physical altercation or episode of abuse, irrespective of athlete status. Results also show that variables targeting self-reported difficulty sleeping and experiences of verbal, physical and sexual assault were positively associated. However, given the cross-sectional nature of the study, it is impossible to establish the direction of these relationships.

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RATIONALE FOR ASPREE DISABILITY-FREE SURVIVAL PRIMARY OUTCOME AND OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY OUTCOME RESULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2357 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S633-S633

Author(s):

John McNeil

Keyword(s):

Physical Disability ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Low Dose ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Free Survival ◽

Dose Aspirin ◽

Low Dose Aspirin ◽

Preventive Drug

Abstract Disability-free survival (DFS), defined as survival free of disability and dementia was the primary outcome measure of the ASPREE clinical trial. As previously reported, there was no benefit of low dose aspirin on the primary end point of dementia, physical disability or death, but bleeding risks were increased. In total, 1,835 participants reached the primary endpoint, confirmed amongst approximately 3,000 who had triggered for one of the end-points. Dementia was the most labor intensive component of DFS. Several previous primary prevention aspirin studies had identified a reduction of vascular events counterbalanced by an increase in serious bleeding, leaving the question of net outcome to an intuitive decision. DFS was chosen because it balances the positive and negative effects of a preventive drug such as aspirin. It also encapsulates the primary purpose of a preventive drug in older people i.e., to prolong a healthy lifespan rather than prevent a defined disease.

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Burnout as a correlate of depression among medical students in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027709 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e027709 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tsi Njim ◽

Clarence Mvalo Mbanga ◽

Maxime Tindong ◽

Steve Fonkou ◽

Haman Makebe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Burnout Syndrome ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

ObjectiveBurnout syndrome has been shown to mediate the pathway between job stress and depression. This study aims to assess the relationship between the various components of burnout syndrome and depression; and to determine the contribution of other sociodemographic variables to depression among medical students in Cameroon.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThree of the five medical schools in Cameroon with students in both preclinical and clinical levels of studies.ParticipantsThe study included 413 consenting medical students.Primary outcome measureData were collected via a printed self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome—depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9). Burnout was assessed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent correlates of depression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 >4) and major depressive disorder (PHQ-9 >9) in these students was 66.34% and 23.00%, respectively. After multivariable linear regression analysis, four variables—total OLBI (beta=0.32; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.42; p<0.001); number of children (beta=−2.26; 95% CI −3.70 to –0.81; p=0.002); occurrence of a life-changing crises (beta=1.29; 95% CI 0.13 to 2.45; p=0.029) and presence of a chronic illness (beta=3.19; 95% CI 0.96 to 5.42; p=0.005) significantly predicted depression in these students and explained 32.4% of the variance (R2=32.4, F[14, 204]=6.98, p<0.001). The emotional exhaustion component (R2=17.4, F[1, 411]=86.39, p<0.001) explained more of the variance in depression than the disengagement component (R2=6.1, F[1, 411]=26.76, p<0.001) of burnout syndrome.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among medical students in Cameroon is high. It is important that correlates of depression are identified early in medical students to limit progress to depression.

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