scholarly journals Self-Reported Prevalence of Allergies in the USA and Impact on Skin—An Epidemiological Study on a Representative Sample of American Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3360
Author(s):  
Sophie Seité ◽  
Alyce Mei-Shiuan Kuo ◽  
Charles Taieb ◽  
Tamara Lazić Strugar ◽  
Peter Lio
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
American Population ◽  
Sensitive Skin ◽  
Skin Reactions ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Skin Conditions ◽  
Allergy Prevalence

Background: The rising prevalence of allergies can substantially impact the skin, which is one of the largest targets for allergic and immunologic responses. Objective: Here, we describe the results of an online survey assessing self-reported allergy prevalence in Americans, outline the populations who report allergies, and characterize the skin conditions associated with allergy. Methods: An online survey was conducted in the USA of 2008 adults as a representative sample of the general American population. Results: 41.7% of American adults (mean age 44.7 ± 15.3 years old) reported having allergies. Reported allergies included respiratory allergies (45.2%), skin allergies (41.4) and food allergies (33.9%). 47.7% of those who reported allergies also reported experiencing associated skin reactions. In addition, those who reported allergies were 2 to 4.5 times more likely to report a cutaneous skin disease, 7 times more likely to report sensitive skin, and twice as likely to report experiencing skin reactions when using skincare products compared to those who did not report allergies. Conclusions: It is estimated that over 100 million American adults have allergies. These results will help raise awareness about the burden of allergies and the need to develop solutions to mitigate their impact on health.

scholarly journals Self-reported allergies in Russia and impact on skin

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212095791
Author(s):  
Sophie Seité ◽  
Charles Taieb ◽  
Tamara Lazic Strugar ◽  
Peter Lio ◽  
Elena E Bobrova
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Russian Population ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Sensitive Skin ◽  
Skin Reactions ◽  
Cutaneous Disease ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
Skin Conditions ◽  
Allergy Prevalence

Introduction: The rising prevalence of allergies can substantially impact the skin, which is one of the largest targets for allergic and immunologic responses. We present the results of an online survey assessing self-reported allergy prevalence in Russians, outline the populations who report allergies and characterize the skin conditions associated with allergy. Methods: An online survey was conducted in Russia of 2010 adults as a representative sample of the general Russian population. Results: A total of 34.9% of Russian adults (mean age: 41.3 ± 14.4 years old) reported having allergies. Reported allergies included skin allergies (73.3%), food allergies (53.9%) and respiratory allergies (43.4%), and 65.9% reported their allergies had been diagnosed by a doctor. In total, 75.1% of those who reported allergies also reported experiencing associated skin reactions, they were 1.5–5.5 times more likely to report a cutaneous disease and were 1.5 times to report sensitive skin compared to those who did not report allergies. In addition, those that reported allergies were also 2 times more likely to report experiencing skin reactions when using skincare products. Conclusion: It is estimated that over 35 million Russian adults have allergies. These results will help raise awareness about the burden of allergies and the need to develop solutions to mitigate their impact on health.

scholarly journals Public misperception that very low nicotine cigarettes are less carcinogenic

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Justin Byron ◽  
Michelle Jeong ◽  
David B Abrams ◽  
Noel T Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Nicotine Content ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Motivation To Quit ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Many

ObjectiveThe USA is considering a very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarette standard. We sought to characterise the prevalence and correlates of the incorrect belief that VLNC cigarettes are less carcinogenic than current cigarettes, as this could reduce motivation to quit.MethodsParticipants were a nationally representative sample of 650 adult smokers in the USA. In 2015–2016, before the VLNC proposal became public, these smokers took part in an online survey. We used multivariate weighted analyses to calculate ORs and percentages and a χ2 test to examine the association between variables.ResultsOverall, 47.1% of smokers believed that smoking VLNC cigarettes for 30 years would be less likely to cause cancer than smoking current cigarettes. This misperception was more common among smokers who were aged above 55 (56.6%) and black (57.4%). Additionally, 23.9% of smokers reported they would be less likely to quit if the USA adopted a VLNC standard. Thinking that VLNC cigarettes would be less carcinogenic was associated with smokers reporting they would be less likely to quit (P<0.01).ConclusionsMany smokers had the misperception that smoking VLNC cigarettes is less likely to cause cancer, and some stated that they would be less likely to quit. A VLNC standard may be more effective if accompanied by a communication campaign that emphasises the continued dangers of smoking VLNC cigarettes due to the many toxic chemicals in smoke.

Insect Allergens on the Dining Table

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Yong Jeong ◽  
Jung-Won Park
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Arginine Kinase ◽  
House Dust Mites ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Dust Mites ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
Inhalant Allergens

Edible insects are important sources of nutrition, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Recently, edible insects have gained considerable interest as a possible solution to global exhaustion of the food supply with population growth. However, little attention has been given to the adverse reactions caused by insect consumption. Here, we provide an overview of the food allergens in edible insects and offer insights for further studies. Most of the edible insect allergens identified to date are highly cross-reactive invertebrate pan-allergens such as tropomyosin and arginine kinase. Allergic reactions to these allergens may be cross-reactions resulting from sensitization to shellfish and/or house dust mites. No unique insect allergen specifically eliciting a food allergy has been described. Many of the edible insect allergens described thus far have counterpart allergens in cockroaches, which are an important cause of respiratory allergies, but it is questionable whether inhalant allergens can cause food allergies. Greater effort is needed to characterize the allergens that are unique to edible insects so that safe edible insects can be developed. The changes in insect proteins upon food processing or cooking should also be examined to enhance our understanding of edible insect food allergies.

scholarly journals Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Soldavini ◽  
Hazael Andrew ◽  
Maureen Berner
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Security Module ◽  
Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Three Versions of the Perceived Stress Scale: Psychometric Evaluation in a Nationally Representative Sample of Chinese Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8312
Author(s):  
Zhuang She ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Ningning Zhou ◽  
Juzhe Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Nationally Representative

(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has created pressure in people’s daily lives, further threatening public health. Thus, it is important to assess people’s perception of stress during COVID-19 for both research and practical purposes. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure perceived stress; however, previous validation studies focused on specific populations, possibly limiting the generalization of results. (2) Methods: This study tested the psychometric properties of three versions of the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14, CPSS-10, and CPSS-4) in the Chinese general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A commercial online survey was employed to construct a nationally representative sample of 1133 adults in Mainland China (548 males and 585 females) during a one-week period. (3) Results: The two-factor (positivity and negativity) solution for the three versions of the CPSS showed a good fit with the data. The CPSS-14 and CPSS-10 had very good reliability and the CPSS-4 showed acceptable reliability. Scores on all three versions of the CPSS were significantly correlated in the expected direction with health-related variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, and perceived COVID-19 risk), supporting the concurrent validity of the CPSS. (4) Conclusions: All three versions of the CPSS appear to be appropriate for use in research with samples of adults in the Chinese general population under the COVID-19 crisis. The CPSS-10 and CPSS-14 both have strong psychometric properties, but the CPSS-10 would have more utility because it is shorter than the CPSS-14. However, the CPSS-4 is an acceptable alternative when administration time is limited.

scholarly journals Is the public supportive and willing to pay for a national assistive reproductive therapies programme? Results from a multicountry survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e044986
Author(s):  
Chris Skedgel ◽  
Eleanor Ralphs ◽  
Elaine Finn ◽  
Jennifer A Whitty ◽  
Marie Markert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Additional Contribution ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Usa

ObjectivesTo understand attitudes towards infertility and willingness to pay (WTP) towards a publicly funded national assistive reproductive therapies (ART) programme.DesignAttitudes survey with dichotomous and open-ended WTP questions.SettingOnline survey administered in the USA, UK, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and China.Participants7945 respondents, analysed by country. Nordic respondents were pooled into a regionally representative sample.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were proportion of sample agreeing with different infertility-related and ART-related value statements and supporting a monthly contribution to fund a national ART programme, expressed in local currency. Secondary outcome measure was maximum WTP.ResultsAcross the nationally representative samples, 75.5% of all respondents agreed with infertility as a medical condition and 82.3% and 83.7% with ART eligibility for anyone who has difficulty having a baby or a medical problem preventing them from having a baby, respectively. 56.4% of respondents supported a defined monthly contribution and 73.9% supported at least some additional contribution to fund a national ART programme. Overall, converting to euros, median maximum WTP was €3.00 and mean was €15.47 (95% CI 14.23 to 16.72) per month. Maximum WTP was highest in China and the USA and lowest in the European samples.ConclusionsThis large, multicountry survey extends our understanding of public attitudes towards infertility and fertility treatment beyond Europe. It finds evidence that a majority of the public in all sampled countries/regions views infertility as a treatable medical condition and supports the idea that all infertile individuals should have access to treatments that improve the chance of conception. There was also strong agreement with the idea that the desire for children is a basic human need. WTP questions showed that a majority of respondents supported a monthly contribution to fund a national ART programme, although there is some evidence of an acquiescence bias that may overstate support among specific samples.

scholarly journals Psychosocial and health behavioural impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on adults in the USA: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e044642
Author(s):  
Hoda Badr ◽  
Abiodun Oluyomi ◽  
Maral Adel Fahmideh ◽  
Syed Ahsan Raza ◽  
Xiaotao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
The Usa

IntroductionAlthough social distancing may help contain the spread of COVID-19, the social isolation and loneliness it causes can heighten stress, contribute to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and have deleterious effects on social relationships. This ongoing longitudinal cohort study aims to (1) characterise the psychological, social and health behavioural impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic over a 12-month period in the USA; (2) determine whether these impacts differ for certain subgroups based on sociodemographics and other individual-level factors; and (3) explore whether there are modifiable factors (eg, coping, social support) that moderate the effects of the pandemic over time.Methods and analysisAdults (aged ≥18 years) who were fluent in either English or Spanish were recruited via social media and invited to complete an online survey during the 8-week period from 13 April to 8 June 2020 (baseline). Follow-up surveys will be conducted 6 and 12 months after baseline. Data transformations, non-parametric tests or other alternative methods will be used when appropriate. Descriptive statistics and cross-sectional analyses will be performed. Longitudinal associations will be analysed using multilevel modelling with time-variant and time-invariant predictors of change in trajectory over the study period.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics approval was received from the Baylor College of Medicine Institutional Review Board (H-47505). Overall, this study will provide timely information that can be used to inform public health messaging strategies and guide development of assessment tools and interventions to support vulnerable individuals dealing with the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relationship among Breastfeeding Exposure, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Collegiate Males Residing in East Texas

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 782-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Heathman ◽  
Crystal Clark Douglas ◽  
Simone P. Camel
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Displays ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge

Background: Researchers exploring breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among women suggest the decision to breastfeed is influenced by the male partner, yet few studies address males. Because collegiate males will soon enter fatherhood, assessment of their attitudes and knowledge may inform interventions aimed at increasing intention to breastfeed. Research aim: This study aimed to describe collegiate males’ exposure to, attitude toward, and knowledge about breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used with males ≥ 18 years of age enrolled at a Texas public university. Attitude indices measured included social limitations, public displays of breastfeeding, and employer accommodations. Descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses were employed. Results: The participants’ ( N = 949) average age was 25.48 years; > 80% reported not being fathers. Exposure to breastfeeding was high; > 80% witnessed breastfeeding and/or had someone close breastfeed. High attitude scores indicated social acceptability of breastfeeding. Knowledge appeared limited: only 16% identified the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; > 50% overlooked the reduced risk for overweight/obesity, ear infections, diarrhea, or food allergies. Correlations between knowledge, exposure, total attitude, and index scores were positive ( p < .01) except for the public displays index. Stepwise multiple regression determined that breastfeeding exposure, knowledge scores, and father’s educational level predicted total attitude score, ( R2 = 0.13, F (3,851) = 44.02, p < .01). Conclusion: The positive attitudes outcome among this male population is promising for breastfeeding support and advocacy. Education efforts improving knowledge will likely increase behavioral intention, resulting in increased breastfeeding rates and duration.

Lacking status hinders prosocial behavior among the powerful

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 1547-1560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeri Cho ◽  
Nathanael J. Fast
Keyword(s):  
Low Power ◽  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
High Power ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Helping Behavior ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Interpersonal Helping ◽  
Power Hierarchy

We conducted 2 studies to examine if status has varying effects on prosocial behavior for those at different levels of the power hierarchy. In Study 1 (N = 78), adults employed full-time in the USA responded to an online survey and the results showed that self-perceived power and status interacted to predict prosocial behavior. That is, lacking status led high-power, but not low-power, individuals to engage less in prosocial behavior. In Study 2 (N = 142), we orthogonally manipulated status and power and measured prosocial behavior. Once again, lacking status led to less helping behavior among high-power, but not low-power, participants. These findings show how power and status interact to influence interpersonal helping behavior. Implications for future research on social hierarchy and prosocial behavior are discussed.

scholarly journals The academic outcomes of first-in-family in an Australian university: An exploratory study.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
First Generation ◽  
First Year ◽  
Family Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
First In Family ◽  
University Services

Although the first-generation and first-in-family status (FIF) of university students has been of intense interest in the USA, it has received very little consideration in Australia. The present research redressed this imbalance by investigating the academic outcomes of FIF undergraduate students at a large, public, Australian university. Undergraduate students (N = 227) who were enrolled in education, nursing and liberal arts degrees completed an online survey. Data are representative of typical gender enrolment patterns for these degrees. In contrast to US research, there was no clear relationship between socioeconomic status and FIF status in this sample. Consistent with US research, FIF students had poorer academic outcomes than non-FIF students. However, this difference was only significant after the first-year of study when students were less likely to receive scaffolded learning support within courses. FIF students were more likely than non-FIF students to seek support from university services. The implications of these results for Australian universities are considered.

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