scholarly journals COVID-19 Impact and Vaccination Willingness among Romanian Patients with Autoimmune/Immune-Mediated Diseases

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1707
Author(s):  
Larisa Pinte ◽  
Simona Caraiola ◽  
Daniel Vasile Balaban ◽  
Camelia Badea ◽  
Diana Mazilu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Information Campaigns ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Access To Medical Care

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with immune diseases are a vulnerable population. We aimed to evaluate their access to medical care, as well as their awareness and willingness to obtain the vaccine after a year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on a questionnaire basis, handled both online as well as in person. Results: 651 patients with autoimmune or immune mediated diseases were enrolled. More than half (339/641 [53%]) reported difficulties in obtaining medical care throughout the pandemic and 135/651 ([21%]) of them were confirmed with COVID-19; 442/651, ([68%]) expressed their willingness to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The factors associated with an increased probability of vaccination were the male gender (OR = 2.01, CI95% 1.2–3.7, p = 0.001), the patient’s opinion that she/he was well informed (OR = 3.2, CI 95% 2.1–6.01, p < 0.001), physician’s advice (OR = 2.1, CI 95% 1.3–3.5, p < 0.001), and flu vaccination in the past (OR = 1.5, CI 95% 1.1–2.3, p < 0.001), while those associated with a decreased probability of vaccination were COVID-19 disease in the past medical history (OR = 0.7, CI 95% 0.3-0.95, p = 0.02), and the opinion that patients with autoimmune diseases are at increased risk for adverse reactions (OR = 0.7, CI95% 0.53–0.89, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Given the fact that considering themselves informed regarding vaccination is the most important factor in order to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, effective information campaigns would substantially increase willingness.

scholarly journals Combination prevention and HIV: a cross-sectional community survey of gay and bisexual men in London, October to December 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (25) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Logan ◽  
Ibidun Fakoya ◽  
Alison Howarth ◽  
Gary Murphy ◽  
Anne M Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Bisexual

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk of HIV and are an important population to monitor and ameliorate combination prevention efforts. Aim To estimate HIV prevalence and identify factors associated with frequent HIV testing (≥ 2 HIV tests in the last year) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among MSM in London. Methods For this cross-sectional study, MSM recruited from 22 social venues provided oral-fluid samples for anonymous HIV antibody (Ab) testing and completed a questionnaire. Factors associated with frequent HIV testing and PrEP use were identified through logistic regression. Results Of 767 men recruited, 545 provided an eligible oral specimen. Among these, 38 MSM (7.0%) were anti-HIV positive including five (13.2%; 5/38) who reported their status as negative. Condomless anal sex within the previous 3 months was reported by 60.1% (412/685) men. Frequent HIV testing was associated with, in the past year, a reported sexually transmitted infection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.66–9.58) or ≥ 2 casual condomless partners (AOR 2–4 partners: 3.65 (95% CI: 1.87–7.10); AOR 5–10 partners: 3.34 (95% CI: 1.32–8.49). Age ≥ 35 years was related to less frequent HIV testing (AOR 35–44 years: 0.34 (95% CI: 0.16–0.72); AOR ≥ 45 years: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.12–0.69). PrEP use in the past year was reported by 6.2% (46/744) of MSM and associated with ≥ 2 casual condomless sex partners (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.17–6.98) or chemsex (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.09–4.91). Conclusion This bio-behavioural study of MSM found high rates of behaviours associated with increased risk of HIV transmission. Combination prevention, including frequent HIV testing and use of PrEP, remains crucial in London.

scholarly journals Violence and discrimination among Ugandan residents during the COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Katana ◽  
Bob Omoda Amodan ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Alex R. Ario ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda inclusive, implemented lockdowns, curfew, banning of both private and public transport systems, and mass gatherings to minimize spread. Social control measures for COVID-19 are reported to increase violence and discrimination globally, including in Uganda as some may be difficult to implement resulting in the heavy deployment of law enforcement. Media reports indicated that cases of violence and discrimination had increased in Uganda’s communities following the lockdown. We estimated the incidence and factors associated with experiencing violence and discrimination among Ugandans during the COVID-19 lockdown to inform control and prevention measures. Methods In April 2020, we conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data under the International Citizen Project (ICP) to assess adherence to public health measures and their impact on the COVID-19 outbreak in Uganda. We analyzed data on violence and discrimination from the ICP study. We performed descriptive statistics for all the participants’ characteristics and created a binary outcome variable called experiencing violence and/or discrimination. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with experiencing violence and discrimination. Results Of the 1726 ICP study participants, 1051 (58.8%) were males, 841 (48.7%) were currently living with a spouse or partner, and 376 (21.8%) had physically attended work for more than 3 days in the past week. Overall, 145 (8.4%) experienced any form of violence and/or discrimination by any perpetrator, and 46 (31.7%) of the 145 reported that it was perpetrated by a law enforcement officer. Factors associated with experiencing violence or discrimination were: being male (AOR = 1.60 CI:1.10–2.33), having attended work physically for more than 3 days in the past week (AOR = 1.52 CI:1.03–2.23), and inability to access social or essential health services since the epidemic started (AOR = 3.10 CI:2.14–4.50). Conclusion A substantial proportion of Ugandan residents experienced violence and/or discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown, mostly perpetrated by law enforcement officers. We recommend mitigation of the collateral impact of lockdowns with interventions that focus on improving policing quality, ensuring continuity of essential services, and strengthening support systems for vulnerable groups including males.

Factors associated with initiation and use of snus among adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110623
Author(s):  
Vibeke Ansteinsson ◽  
Ibrahimu Mdala ◽  
Rune Becher ◽  
Liv Grøtvedt ◽  
Simen E. Kopperud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vocational Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
School Level ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Tobacco Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Educational Plans

Aim: We investigated factors associated with the initiation and continuation of snus use in adolescents in Norway. The associations with adolescents’ own educational plans, the parents’ educational level(s) and tobacco habits were estimated. Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, 1465 patients aged 18–20 years participated. The questionnaire was administered at regular dental examinations in the public dental health service. To assess the association between individual factors and the initiation of tobacco habits, a generalised structural equation model with random effects at the clinic level was used. Binary responses were modelled using multilevel binary logistic regression, while the number of snus boxes used per month was modelled using a multilevel Poisson regression model. Results: Of current (daily and occasional) tobacco users, 85% were snus users, including dual users of both snus and cigarettes. The median age of snus initiation was 16 years. Both parental snus use and smoking were associated with an increased risk of snus initiation, snus use and a higher amount of use. An increased risk of using snus was associated with male gender and with no educational plans or planning for further vocational education. The amount of snus used was higher among current snus users with a prior smoking history and among those planning for further vocational education. Conclusions: These findings may aid in developing and targeting tobacco prevention strategies aimed at young people. Tobacco prevention measures should start at the elementary school level. The strong association with parental tobacco habits underlines the importance of parents’ influence on their children’s tobacco use.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in a region of the Brazilian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Melo Sardinha ◽  
Rosane do Socorro Pompeu de Loiola ◽  
Ana Lúcia da Silva Ferreira ◽  
Carmem Aliandra Freire de Sá ◽  
Yan Corrêa Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
The State ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Brazilian Amazon Region

AbstractThe Brazilian Northern region registered a high incidence of COVID-19 cases, particularly in the state of Pará. The present study investigated the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in a Brazilian Amazon region of 100,819 cases. An epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical and demographic study, analyzing data on confirmed cases for COVID-19 available at the Brazilian Ministry of Health's surveillance platform, was conducted. Variables such as, municipalities of residence, age, gender, signs and symptoms, comorbidities were included and associated with COVID-19 cases and outcomes. The spatial distribution was performed using the ArcGIS program. A total of 100,819 cases were evaluated. Overall, patients had the mean age of 42.3 years, were female (51.2%) and with lethality reaching 4.79% of cases. Main symptoms included fever (66.5%), cough (61.9%) and sore throat (39.8%). Regarding comorbidities, most of the patients presented cardiovascular disease (5.1%) and diabetes (4.2%). Neurological disease increased risk of death by nearly 15 times, followed by obesity (5.16 times) and immunodeficiency (5.09 time). The municipalities with the highest incidence rate were Parauapebas, Canaã dos Carajás and Jacareacanga. Similarity between the Lower Amazon, Marajó and Southwest mesoregions of Pará state were observed concerning the highest morbidity rates. The obtained data demonstrated that the majority of cases occurred among young adults, females, with the classic influenza symptoms and chronic diseases. Finally, data suggest that the highest incidences were no longer in the metropolitan region of the state. The higher lethality rate than in Brazil may be associated with the greater impacts of the disease in this Amazonian population, or factors associated with fragile epidemiological surveillance in the notification of cases of cure.

scholarly journals Factors associated with using the internet for medical information based on the doctor-patient trust model: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Fu ◽  
Tianwei Tang ◽  
Junhao Long ◽  
Bohuai Lin ◽  
Jiayue Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Behavioural Intention ◽  
Total Effect ◽  
Patient Trust ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Personal Trust

Abstract Background Internet medical care has been advancing steadily, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the development momentum of Internet medical care in China is more vigorous. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with using the Internet for medical information, to examine the popularisation and implementation of Internet medical treatment and feasible strategies, and promote the further development of Internet medical treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 408 medical patients who had used online medical services. The one-way analysis of variance or independent samples t-test was used to compare the differences in the influence of demographic characteristics on behavioural intentions of different people seeking medical care. Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between different measurement variables. A mediation regression analysis was used to explore the mediating role of trust in Internet medical care. Results The difference in the influence of Internet medical use frequency on the behavioural intention of different participants was statistically significant (F = 3.311, P = 0.038). Among the influencing factors, personal trust propensity (r = 0.387, P < 0.01), website credibility (r = 0.662, P < 0.01), hospital credibility (r = 0.629, P < 0.01), doctor’s credibility (r = 0.746, P < 0.01), and online patient trust (r = 0.874, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with patients’ behavioural intentions. In the analysis of intermediary factors, the total effect of the credibility of the diagnosis and treatment website on the behavioural intention of patients was 0.344. The total effect of the credibility of the diagnosis and treatment hospital on the behavioural intention of patients was 0.312; the total effect of the service doctor’s credibility on the patient’s behavioural intention was 0.385; the total effect of the personal trust tendency on the patient’s behavioural intention was 0.296. Conclusions This study found defects in various factors that produce distrust in Internet medical treatment. It also reveals the positive effect of trust factors on the development and implementation of Internet medical treatment and provides some ideas for improving the use of Internet medical treatment by the masses.

Increased risk of late‐onset, immune‐mediated, adverse reactions related to dermal fillers in patients bearing HLA‐B *08 and DRB1 *03 haplotypes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom S. Decates ◽  
Peter J. Velthuis ◽  
Leonie W. Schelke ◽  
Neubury Lardy ◽  
Eduard Palou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Dermal Fillers ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Increased Risk

Self-efficacy and ability to read as factors associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence in an HIV-infected population

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1154-1164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S Dworkin ◽  
Apurba Chakraborty ◽  
Diana Zychowski ◽  
Geri Donenberg ◽  
Richard Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antiretroviral Adherence ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Determining the barriers and facilitators of antiretroviral adherence among former and current substance users may be useful in the creation of successful interventions that target this hard-to-reach population. We performed a cross-sectional study of HIV-infected patients (N = 123) prescribed antiretroviral therapy at four Chicago healthcare venues. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine factors associated with non-adherence based on definitions of non-adherence (any missed doses) within the past 4-day, 14-day, and 1-month time periods. Factors consistently associated with non-adherence in bivariate and multivariate analyses, regardless of duration of non-adherence definition, were lower confidence in taking medication consistently and less self-reported ability to read. These data reveal the importance of self-efficacy and ability to read (rather than specific knowledge of CD4 and viral load definitions) in the design of interventions in a population of HIV-infected persons with significant substance use.

scholarly journals Frailty and Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients Aged 65 Years or Older with Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Jiapeng Liu ◽  
Xin Du ◽  
Mengmeng Li ◽  
Zhaoxu Jia ◽  
Shangxin Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Elderly adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of frailty and thromboembolic complications. However, studies on the prevalence of frailty in AF patients and data on the relationship between frailty and the use of anticoagulants are limited.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 500 participants. Patients aged 65 years or older were consecutively selected from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study. The patient’s frailty status was assessed with use of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale. We assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with frailty, and how frailty affects anticoagulant therapy.Results: In 500 elderly adults with AF (age 75.2±6.7 years; 51.6% female), 201 patients (40.2%) were frail. The prevalence of frailty was higher in females (P=0.002) and increased with age and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P for trend less than 0.001 for both). The factors associated with frailty were a history of heart failure (odds ratio [OR] 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39‐4.14), female sex (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.27‐3.43), and advanced age (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09‐1.17). Frail patients were significantly less likely to have ever been prescribed anticoagulants compared with nonfrail patients (81.7 vs. 54.9%, P<0.001).Conclusions: Frailty is prevalent in elderly adults with AF, especially in females, those of advanced age, and those with heart failure. Frailty status has a significant impact on prescription of anticoagulants for high-risk AF patients.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Increased Risk for Clinical Insomnia in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Pain Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 1917-1922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hoon Lee ◽  
Ji Eun Park ◽  
Duck Mi Yoon ◽  
Kyung Bong Yoon ◽  
Kiwook Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postherpetic Neuralgia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

scholarly journals Differential Psychological Factors Associated With Unnecessary Dental Avoidance and Attendance Behavior During the Early COVID-19 Epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Feng Wen ◽  
Peng Fang ◽  
Jia-xi Peng ◽  
Shengjun Wu ◽  
Xufeng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Need ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Dental Attendance ◽  
Increased Risk

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is challenging the dental community to an unprecedented degree. Knowledge of the increased risk of infection in dental settings has been disseminated to the public and guidelines have been formulated to assist dental attendance decision-making. However, dental attendance behaviors incompatible with treatment need is not uncommon in clinical settings. Important gaps remain in the knowledge about how psychological factors are affecting dental attendance behaviors during the COVID-19 epidemic. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was performed during February and March 2020. A total of 342 and 294 dental patients who attended and avoided dental visits, respectively, were included. The participants were classified into four groups based on dental attendance behavior and emergent/urgent dental treatment need. Bivariate analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with dental attendance. Multivariable logistic regression based on principal component scores was performed to identify major psychological constructs associated with unnecessary dental avoidance and attendance. Among all the factors explored, inability to wear masks during dental treatment (P &lt; 0.001; effect size: 0.32) was most closely associated with the overall pattern of dental attendance among participants. Multivariable regression suggested that unnecessary dental avoidance was associated with perceived risk of infection in general and in dental settings (odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.62 [0.53, 0.72]; p &lt; 0.001), perceived impact of COVID-19 and dental problems on general health (0.79 [0.65, 0.97]; 0.021), and personal traits such as trust and anxiety (0.77 [0.61, 0.98]; 0.038). Unnecessary dental attendance was associated with optimism toward the epidemic (1.68 [1.42, 2.01]; &lt;0.001) and trust (1.39 [1.13, 1.74]; 0.002). Multidisciplinary efforts involving dental and medical professionals as well as psychologists are warranted to promote more widespread adoption, among the general public, of dental attendance behaviors compatible with dental treatment need during the COVID-19 epidemic.

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