How Socio-Economic Differences Between Farmers Affect Forest Degradation in Western Mexico

Many forests under community use in tropical countries become degraded and lose carbon stocks as a result of agricultural activities such as shifting cultivation and cattle grazing, although these processes rarely result in deforestation. A better understanding of processes specifically causing forest degradation may be of interest to policy makers concerned with the design of programs to conserve forests, for example under international policy on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). On the basis of data from a farmer survey carried out in the western Pacific area of Mexico, this study uses a cross-sectional regression model to identify the variables that explain variations between groups of farmers in the amounts of land temporarily cleared for shifting cultivation, which results in decreasing the density of forest biomass. We found that, contrary to common perception about shifting cultivation, within each community, many farmers, both richer and poorer, carry out shifting cultivation. Moreover, it is the wealthier farmers that are making more temporary clearances for such activities when compared with those with less resources. We conclude that, for effectiveness in the design of national programs for REDD+, intra-community differences in farmer status should be taken into account. Moreover, REDD+ interventions should consider the impacts of this program on farmers without rights to land.

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HANDLING DISTRUST ON RISK COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA: A STRATEGY TO STRENGTHENING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK RESPONSE

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.245 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi ◽

Priscilla Onaopemipo Akosile ◽

Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika Afolabi ◽

Victor Okoliko Ukwenya

Keyword(s):

Risk Communication ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Outbreak Response ◽

Community Members ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

High Level

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the level of trust in the COVID-19 risk communication efforts in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among community members aged 15 years and above in Ondo state in October, 2020. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies. Trust was ranked from “1” implying “Low level of trust” to “7” denoting “High level of trust”. We conducted bivariate Chi-square test on respondents’ level of trust in the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and socio-demographic characteristics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results Among the 691 respondents, 244 (35.3%) were aged 21 to 29 years, and 304 (51.4%) used the NCDC to obtain COVID-19 knowledge. Overall, 205 (41.8%) had high level of trust in the NCDC. Furthermore, 51 (51.5%) individuals aged 30-39 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (ᵡ2=17.455, p= 0.001). Also, 114 (48.5%) persons who lived with children below 18 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (ᵡ2= 8.266, p= 0.004). Conclusion Policy makers should prioritize the involvement of young and educated persons in COVID-19 risk communication strategies.

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Public Response, Anxiety and Behaviour during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094628 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4628

Author(s):

Amani Salem Alqahtani ◽

Meshael Mohammed Alrasheed ◽

Ada Mohammed Alqunaibet

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Public Response ◽

Social Events ◽

Phone Survey ◽

Younger Age ◽

Low Levels ◽

The Government

This study aims to investigate public response attitude, anxiety, practices and trust in the authorities’ mitigation plan during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A national cross sectional phone survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 16 years and above. A total of 90,421 (45.2%) individuals participated in the study. Of those, the overall rate of COVID-19 correct knowledge was 82% (mean: 9.84); social media was the most reported source of knowledge. Younger age, low levels of education and foreign residents were associated with poor knowledge. Overall, 49.5% scored 5 or more on the GAD-7 test, indicating anxiety symptoms, 19.2% of them scored 10 and above, suggesting moderate to severe anxiety. Majority of participants (>78%) trusted and supported the interventions implemented by the government to control COVID-19. Social distancing practices among participants was as following, 72.5% stayed at home and avoid going out for nonessential business and 49.5% avoided attending social events and family gatherings. Trust in authorities, being anxious, worry and levels of knowledge about the disease, were the most common factors affecting adoption of the recommended practices. Continuous evaluation of public response about COVID-19, and the effectiveness of protective measures is essential to better inform policy-makers and identify ways of encouraging behaviour change among public during pandemic.

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Changes in Tobacco Use Patterns during COVID-19 and Their Correlates among Older Adults in Bangladesh

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1779

Author(s):

Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽

Armm Mehrab Ali ◽

Md. Ashfikur Rahman ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Bhawna Gupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Use Patterns ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Related Information ◽

Structured Questionnaire

The present study explored the changes in tobacco use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1032 older adults aged ≥60 years in Bangladesh through telephone interviews in October 2020. Participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were asked if they noted any change in their tobacco use patterns (smoking or smokeless tobacco) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (6 months prior to the survey). Nearly half of the participants (45.6%) were current tobacco users, of whom 15.9% reported increased tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and all others had no change in their tobacco use patterns. Tobacco use was significantly increased among the participants from rural areas, who had reduced communications during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic (OR = 2.76, 95%CI:1.51–5.03). Participants who were aged ≥70 years (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77), widowed (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), had pre-existing, non-communicable, and/or chronic conditions (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78), and felt themselves at the highest risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.62), had significantly lower odds of increased tobacco use. Policy makers and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness and raising initiatives to avoid tobacco use during such a crisis period.

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The battle over employers’ demand for “more flexibility”

Employee Relations ◽

10.1108/er-12-2015-0226 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 886-906 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Erling Rasmussen ◽

Barry Foster ◽

Deirdre Farr

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Survey Design ◽

Postal Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Content Type ◽

Employer Attitudes ◽

Legislative Changes ◽

Employment Legislation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to place empirical research on New Zealand employers’ attitudes to collective bargaining and legislative change within the context of the long running debate of flexibility. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design using a self-administered postal questionnaire, covering private sector employers with ten or more staff and including employers within all 17 standard industry classification. To explore particular issues, an additional in-depth interviews were conducted of 25 employers participating in the survey. Findings It is found that employers support overwhelmingly recent legislative changes though there are variations across industries and firm sizes. There is also considerable variation in terms of which legislative changes are applied in the workplace. Despite fewer constraints on employer-determined flexibility, there was a rather puzzling finding that most employers still think that employment legislation is even balanced or favouring employees. Originality/value Cross-sectional survey findings of New Zealand employer attitudes to legislative changes are few and provide valuable data for policy makers, unions, employers and employment relations researchers. The paper also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of pressures to increase employer-determined flexibility in many western countries.

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Ophthalmologists and WhatsApp: Teleophthalmology is already here

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211002694 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110026

Author(s):

Edward Barayev ◽

Ofri Vorobichik Berar ◽

Gad Dotan ◽

Alon Skaat ◽

Orly Gal-Or ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Records ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Work Hours ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Media Messages ◽

Rapid Responses ◽

Wide Availability

Purpose: To estimate the extent of WhatsApp utilization using text and media messages for inter-physician consultations among ophthalmologists (residents and specialists) at various clinical settings and its perceived benefits for ophthalmologists and their patients. We also aimed to detect obstacles that concern ophthalmologists when using WhatsApp as a consultation platform. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey through Google Forms, which was sent to 660 practicing ophthalmologists during April to May 2020. Results: One hundred and ninety-two ophthalmologists completed the questionnaire, 151 of which (78.6%) were specialists and 41 (21.4%) were residents. Most ophthalmologists reported using WhatsApp at least once a day for both personal and professional use. Residents reported lower rates of contacting patients using WhatsApp than specialists (1.51 ± 0.98 vs 2.72 ± 1.32, p < 0.001). Respondents reported WhatsApp consultations frequently replaced referrals of patients to other physicians, with a median of once a week. 97.8% of residents and 91.4% of specialists reported the ability to share media is a major advantage of WhatsApp over other medias, followed by rapid responses for consultations. Conclusion: Many ophthalmologists already use WhatsApp as a tool for professional consultations with other providers, mainly thanks to its simplicity and wide availability. Residents use it more frequently than specialists, and ranked it higher when asked how much WhatsApp has improved the clinical setting. Policy makers should address concerns brought up by physicians, such as documentation in medical records and proper compensation for consulting ophthalmologists during and after work hours.

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Interdependance, linkage et système international : de l'analyse conceptuelle aux problèmes de politique étrangère

Études internationales ◽

10.7202/702166ar ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 329-352

Author(s):

Irnerio Seminatore

Keyword(s):

Foreign Policy ◽

International Relations ◽

International System ◽

Political Context ◽

International Policy ◽

Policy Makers ◽

The North ◽

Interdependence Theory ◽

The Face ◽

The Impact

The emergence and evolution of the literature dealing with interdependence in the international System is looked into. An attempt is made to show its significance and main points as well as its implications. The debates on interdependence within the North-American political context are regarded as solutions to the preceding issues on dependence. Interesting passages are dedicated to the impact of the interdependence theory on the interpretation of the international system, as illustrated by two schools of thought in foreign policy (Kissinger-Brzezinski). Linkage of the tactical and strategic aspects to the economic and political interrelation of international relations, as put forward by policy makers, has brought to the fore the difficulties and limits of negotiation in the face of competition and in the aftermath of confrontation. This paper offers subtle, yet positive, conclusions on the use of the interdependance theory in international policy.

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Health literacy and health-promoting behaviours among Australian-Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan area

Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare ◽

10.1177/2010105817741906 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 125-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Tze Gek Ho ◽

Hassan Hosseinzadeh ◽

Bayzidur Rahman ◽

Mohamud Sheikh

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Migrant Populations ◽

South Wales ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Smoking And Health

Background: Health literacy affects how individuals navigate and make decisions within the healthcare system and has been recognized to influence health behaviours. However, less is known about its associations with health-promoting behaviours amongst Australian migrant populations. This study is an attempt to fill this gap by investigating the level of health literacy and its associations with physical activity, healthy diet, smoking and health services utilization among Australian-Singaporean communities. Methods: A total of 157 participants were recruited from Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan areas, New South Wales, Australia. Data was collected through a cross-sectional online survey from January 2016 to August 2016. Results: Most of the respondents were female (56.1%), employed (70.7%) and had lived in Sydney for >5 years (80.3%). About 60% of the participants were inadequately health-literate (Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool score ≤ 16). The level of health literacy varied significantly based on participants’ socioeconomic status. Regression analysis indicated that health literacy was a reliable predictor of health-promoting behaviours including diet, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity and having a medical check-up. Conclusions: This study’s findings have significant implications for health policy makers and suggest that health literacy should be encouraged and included in any health-promoting behaviour interventions amongst migrant populations.

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Challenges Faced by Devolved Governance in Quality Service Delivery: A Case Study of Turkana Central Sub-county, Turkana County, Kenya

International Journal of Learning and Development ◽

10.5296/ijld.v7i4.12374 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 87

Author(s):

James K. Sirite ◽

Henry Ongori ◽

Darius Bosire

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

Survey Design ◽

Quality Service ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

County Governments ◽

Policy Makers ◽

To Come

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges faced in quality service delivery to Turkana Central Sub-county citizens of Turkana County. The study used cross-sectional survey design. The sample size selected for the study was 261. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures for ease interpretation. The major findings of the study show that devolved governance faces some challenges. For instance the devolved governance is faced with corruption, lack of transparency and accountability and inadequate funds. This adversely affects quality service delivery to its citizens. The findings of the study would inspire policy makers at the county and national government level to come up with appropriate strategies to mitigate the challenges identified in order to improve the quality of services offered by the county governments.

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The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): a cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1140980/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Patrick L.S. van Dun ◽

Lorenzo Arcuri ◽

Johan Verbeeck ◽

Jorge E. Esteves ◽

Francesco Cerritelli

Keyword(s):

Median Number ◽

Diagnostic Techniques ◽

Cervical Region ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Treatment Techniques ◽

New Information ◽

Almost All ◽

English Opera

Abstract Background: Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods: A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.Results: The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40-49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21-25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46-60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions: This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.

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Why did some parents not send their children back to school following school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-001014 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e001014

Author(s):

Lisa Woodland ◽

Louise E Smith ◽

Rebecca K Webster ◽

Richard Amlôt ◽

Antonia Rubin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

School Closure ◽

Special Educational Needs ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

School Closures ◽

Vulnerable Children ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Educational Potential ◽

Voluntary Basis

BackgroundOn 23 March 2020, schools closed to most children in England in response to COVID-19 until September 2020. Schools were kept open to children of key workers and vulnerable children on a voluntary basis. Starting 1 June 2020, children in reception (4–5 years old), year 1 (5–6 years old) and year 6 (10–11 years old) also became eligible to attend school.Methods1373 parents or guardians of children eligible to attend school completed a cross-sectional survey between 8 and 11 June 2020. We investigated factors associated with whether children attended school or not.Results46% (n=370/803) of children in year groups eligible to attend school and 13% (n=72/570) of children of key workers had attended school in the past 7 days. The most common reasons for sending children to school were that the child’s education would benefit, the child wanted to go to school and the parent needed to work. A child was significantly more likely to attend if the parent believed the child had already had COVID-19, they had special educational needs or a person in the household had COVID-19 symptoms.ConclusionsFollowing any future school closure, helping parents to feel comfortable returning their child to school will require policy makers and school leaders to communicate about the adequacy of their policies to: (A) ensure that the risk to children in school is minimised; (B) ensure that the educational potential within schools is maximised; and (C) ensure that the benefits of school for the psychological well-being of children are prioritised.

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