scholarly journals Perceived Benefits Matter the Most in COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors: Empirical Evidence from Okara District, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6772
Author(s):  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Ansar Ali Faraz ◽  
Hina Khan ◽  
Kristie C. Waterfield
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Prevention Behavior ◽  
Behavior Scale ◽  
The City

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has affected the social determinants of health, worsening health inequities and deteriorating healthcare capacities around the globe. The objective of this study is to investigate the COVID-19 prevention behaviors within the framework of the Health Belief Model in the city of Depalpur in the Okara District of Pakistan in May 2020. Using an observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study design, a face-to-face field survey was conducted during the epidemic of COVID-19 in district Okara, Pakistan. A sample of 500 adults was selected from the city of Depalpur the in Okara district of Pakistan, using a two-stage sampling design with cluster sampling in stage one and systematic random sampling at stage two. A COVID-19 prevention behavior scale was computed based on twelve dichotomous items. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and negative binomial regression analyses were performed. The most common prevention behavior among study participants was avoiding going for walks in the parks (81.0%), followed by not leaving home during the lockdown (72.6%), and washing hands every day with soap and water for 20 s after going out of their home (64.0%). Fewer people exhibited prevention behaviors such as social distancing (e.g., staying at least six feet away from other people) which in the EU was recommended to be a minimum of 1.5–2 m (44.4%) and following all of the basic protective measures (e.g., hand washing, use of a face covering in public, social distancing) in order to protect against COVID-19 (33.0%). The results from the negative binomial regression analysis showed that after controlling for the other HBM constructs and sociodemographic factors, only the perceived benefits of preventative actions showed significant association with the prevention behavior scale (IRR, 1.16; CI, 1.061–1.276; p < 0.001). The study findings show that public health interventions attempting to control the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan may want to affect a change in people’s perceived benefits of preventative actions through mass awareness-raising campaigns.

scholarly journals Association of Pre- Peri- and Postnatal Factors with Developmental Defects of Enamel in Schoolchildren

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Vargas-Ferreira ◽  
Marco Aurelio Peres ◽  
Samuel Carvalho Dumith ◽  
William Murray Thomson ◽  
Flávio Fernando Demarco
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Developmental Defects ◽  
Enamel Defects ◽  
Regression Modelling ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Developmental Defects Of Enamel

Objective: This study estimated the prevalence, extent, buccal distribution and associated factors involving enamel defects in Brazilian schoolchildren. Study design: A cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster random sample of 1,206 8–12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren was carried out in Pelotas, Brazil. The prevalence of enamel defects in the permanent dentition was determined using the modified Developmental Defects of Enamel index (DDE). Sociodemographic and health data were collected from their mothers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression modelling for DDE prevalence and negative binomial regression modelling for the extent of DDE. Results: The prevalence of any enamel defects was 64.0% (95% Confidence Interval: 61.4, 67.0); the main types were diffuse opacities (35.0%), demarcated opacities (29.5%) and hypoplasia (3.7%). In general, older children had a lower prevalence and extent of enamel defects than their counterparts (p&lt;0.001). There were no other significant associations. Conclusion: Enamel defects are common, especially among younger children, but the role of pre-, peri- and postnatal exposures remains unclear.

scholarly journals Network analysis of firearm movement among US states

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae Takada ◽  
Kristen Choi ◽  
Shaw Natsui ◽  
Altaf Saadi ◽  
Liza Buchbinder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
State Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Similar Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Us States ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: The movement of firearm across state lines may decrease the effectiveness of state-level firearm laws. Yet how state-level firearm policies affect cross-state movement have not yet been widely explored. This study aims to characterize the interstate movement of firearms and its relationship with state-level firearm policies. Methods: Cross-sectional time series network analysis of interstate firearm movement using Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives firearm trace data (2010 -2017). We constructed the network of firearm movement between 50 states. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression to estimate the relationship between the number of a state’s firearm laws and number of states for which it was the source of 100 or more firearms, adjusting for state characteristics. We used a similar model to examine the relationship between firearm laws and the number of states for which a given state was the destination of 100 or more firearms.Results: Over the 8-year period, states had an average of 26 (SD 25.2) firearm laws. On average, a state was the source of 100 or more crime-related firearms for 2.2 (SD 2.7) states and was the destination of 100 or more crime-related firearms for 2.2 (SD 3.4) states. Greater number of firearm laws was associated with states being the source of 100 or more firearms to fewer states (IRR0.67 per SD, p<0.001), higher odds of not being a source to any states (aOR1.56 per SD, p<0.001), and states being the destination of 100 or more firearms from more states (IRR1.83 per SD, p<0.001).Conclusions: Restrictive firearm policies are associated with less movement of firearms to other states, but with more movement of firearms from outside states. The effectiveness of state-level firearm-restricting laws is complicated by a network of interstate firearm movement.

scholarly journals Impact of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and temperature on coronavirus disease mortality: observed trends in France

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastase Tchicaya ◽  
Nathalie Lorentz ◽  
Hichem Omrani ◽  
Gaetan de Lanchy ◽  
Kristell Leduc
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
National Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Binomial Regression

Abstract Background The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. This study aimed to assess the effects of temperature and long-term exposure to air pollution on the COVID-19 mortality rate at the sub-national level in France. Methods This cross-sectional study considered different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic from May to December 2020. It included 96 departments (or NUTS 3) in mainland France. Data on long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), annual mean temperature, health services, health risk, and socio-spatial factors were used as covariates in negative binomial regression analysis to assess their influence on the COVID-19 mortality rate. All data were obtained from open-access sources. Results The cumulative COVID-19 mortality rate by department increased during the study period in metropolitan France—from 19.8/100,000 inhabitants (standard deviation (SD): 20.1) on 1 May 2020, to 65.4/100,000 inhabitants (SD: 39.4) on 31 December 2020. The rate was the highest in the departments where the annual average of long-term exposure to PM2.5 was high. The negative binomial regression models showed that a 1 μg/m3 increase in the annual average PM2.5 concentration was associated with a statistically significant increase in the COVID-19 mortality rate, corresponding to 24.4%, 25.8%, 26.4%, 26.7%, 27.1%, 25.8%, and 15.1% in May, June, July, August, September, October, and November, respectively. This association was no longer significant on 1 and 31 December 2020. The association between temperature and the COVID-19 mortality rate was only significant on 1 November, 1 December, and 31 December 2020. An increase of 1 °C in the average temperature was associated with a decrease in the COVID-19-mortality rate, corresponding to 9.7%, 13.3%, and 14.5% on 1 November, 1 December, and 31 December 2020, respectively. Conclusion This study found significant associations between the COVID-19 mortality rate and long-term exposure to air pollution and temperature. However, these associations tended to decrease with the persistence of the pandemic and massive spread of the disease across the entire country.

scholarly journals Network analysis of firearm movement among US states

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae Takada ◽  
Kristen Choi ◽  
Shaw Natsui ◽  
Altaf Saadi ◽  
Liza Buchbinder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
State Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Similar Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Us States ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: The movement of firearm across state lines may decrease the effectiveness of state-level firearm laws. Yet how state-level firearm policies affect cross-state movement have not yet been widely explored. This study aims to characterize the interstate movement of firearms and its relationship with state-level firearm policies. Methods : Cross-sectional time series network analysis of interstate firearm movement using Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives firearm trace data (2010 -2017). We constructed the network of firearm movement between 50 states. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression to estimate the relationship between the number of a state’s firearm laws and number of states for which it was the source of 100 or more firearms, adjusting for state characteristics. We used a similar model to examine the relationship between firearm laws and the number of states for which a given state was the destination of 100 or more firearms. Results : Over the 8-year period, states had an average of 26 (SD 25.2) firearm laws. On average, a state was the source of 100 or more crime-related firearms for 2.2 (SD 2.7) states and was the destination of 100 or more crime-related firearms for 2.2 (SD 3.4) states. Greater number of firearm laws was associated with states being the source of 100 or more firearms to fewer states (IRR0.67 per SD, p<0.001), higher odds of not being a source to any states (aOR1.56 per SD, p<0.001), and states being the destination of 100 or more firearms from more states (IRR1.83 per SD, p<0.001). Conclusions: Restrictive firearm policies are associated with less movement of firearms to other states, but with more movement of firearms from outside states. The effectiveness of state-level firearm-restricting laws is complicated by a network of interstate firearm movement.

Abstract P91: Excess Cerebrovascular Mortality in the U.S. During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Sharma ◽  
Lindsey Kuohn ◽  
Daniel Weinberger ◽  
Joshua Warren ◽  
Lauren H Sansing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
State Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Stroke Death ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Related Mortality ◽  
Health Statistic

Introduction: The magnitude and drivers of excess cerebrovascular-specific mortality during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic are unknown. We aim to quantify excess stroke-related death and characterize its association with psychosocial factors and emerging COVID-19 related mortality. Methods: U.S. and state-level excess cerebrovascular deaths from January-May 2020 were quantified by Poisson regression models built using National Center for Health Statistic (NCHS) data. Weekly excess cerebrovascular deaths in the U.S. were analyzed as functions of time-varying, weekly stroke-related EMS calls and weekly COVID-19 deaths by univariable linear regression. A state-level negative binomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between excess cerebrovascular deaths and social distancing (degree of change in mobility per Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports) during the height of the pandemic after the first COVID-19 death (February 29, 2020), adjusting for cumulative COVID-19 related deaths and completeness of deaths attributable to COVID-19 in NCHS. Findings: There were 918 more cerebrovascular deaths than expected from January 1-May 16 th , 2020 in the U.S. Excess cerebrovascular mortality occurred during every week between March 28-May 2 nd , 2020, up to 7.8% during the week of April 18 th . Decreased stroke-related EMS calls were associated with excess stroke deaths one (β -0.06, 95% CI -0.11, -0.02) and two weeks (β -0.08, 95% CI -0.12, -0.04) later. There was no significant association between weekly excess stroke death and COVID-19 death. Twenty-three states and NYC experienced excess cerebrovascular mortality during the pandemic height. At the state level, a 10% increase in social distancing was associated with a 4.3% increase in stroke deaths (IRR 1.043, 95% CI 1.001–1.085) after adjusting for COVID-19 mortality. Conclusions: Excess U.S. cerebrovascular deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed with decreases in stroke-related EMS calls nationally and less mobility at the state level. Public health measures are needed to identify and counter the reticence to seeking medical care for acute stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gang organization and violence in youth correctional facilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Walter Scott ◽  
Cheryl Lee Maxson
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Violence ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Gang Organization ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine characteristics of gang organization in youth correctional facilities as reported by youth and staff as well as to analyze the relationship between institutional violence and level of gang organization. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected through interviews with staff and youth in correctional facilities. Gang organization level averages are compared across youth and official perspectives, and the variability of responses among youth is also examined. Negative binomial regression models are conducted to determine the association between perceived level of gang organization and officially recorded violent behavior, both prior to and subsequent to the interview. Findings – Perceptions of institutional gang organization vary notably depending on who is reporting. In contrast with prior studies of street gangs, controlling for youth demographics and offense characteristics, the authors find no significant relationship between gang organization and violence. Research limitations/implications – The sample size is small and the data are cross-sectional. Future studies will need to be conducted in order to confirm these findings, as they contradict prior studies. The analysis of street gang organization may need to be approached differently by scholars. Originality/value – Research has not been conducted on the organizational structure of gangs in youth correctional facilities or its relationship to institutional violence.

Burden and trajectory of multimorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis: a matched cohort study from 2006 to 2015

2020 ◽  
pp. annrheumdis-2020-218282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryant R England ◽  
Punyasha Roul ◽  
Yangyuna Yang ◽  
Harlan Sayles ◽  
Fang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnostic Codes ◽  
Binomial Regression

ObjectivesTo compare the onset and trajectory of multimorbidity between individuals with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA matched, retrospective cohort study was completed in a large, US commercial insurance database (MarketScan) from 2006 to 2015. Using validated algorithms, patients with RA (overall and incident) were age-matched and sex-matched to patients without RA. Diagnostic codes for 44 preidentified chronic conditions were selected to determine the presence (≥2 conditions) and burden (count) of multimorbidity. Cross-sectional comparisons were completed using the overall RA cohort and conditional logistic and negative binomial regression models. Trajectories of multimorbidity were assessed within the incident RA subcohort using generalised estimating equations.ResultsThe overall cohort (n=277 782) and incident subcohort (n=61 124) were female predominant (76.5%, 74.1%) with a mean age of 55.6 years and 54.5 years, respectively. The cross-sectional prevalence (OR 2.29, 95% CI 2.25 to 2.34) and burden (ratio of conditions 1.68, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.70) of multimorbidity were significantly higher in RA than non-RA in the overall cohort. Within the incident RA cohort, patients with RA had more chronic conditions than non-RA (β 1.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.17), and the rate of accruing chronic conditions was significantly higher in RA compared with non-RA (RA × follow-up year, β 0.21, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.21, p<0.001). Results were similar when including the pre-RA period and in several sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsMultimorbidity is highly prevalent in RA and progresses more rapidly in patients with RA than in patients without RA during and immediately following RA onset. Therefore, multimorbidity should be aggressively identified and targeted early in the RA disease course.

scholarly journals Homicide and impunity: an ecological analysis at state level in Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 733-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Nadanovsky ◽  
Roger Keller Celeste ◽  
Margo Wilson ◽  
Martin Daly
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
State Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Homicide Rates ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Homicide Victim

OBJECTIVE: To assess a new impunity index and variables that have been found to predict variation in homicide rates in other geographical levels as predictive of state-level homicide rates in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional ecological study. Data from the mortality information system relating to the 27 Brazilian states for the years 1996 to 2005 were analyzed. The outcome variables were taken to be homicide victim rates in 2005, for the entire population and for men aged 20-29 years. Measurements of economic and social development, economic inequality, demographic structure and life expectancy were analyzed as predictors. An "impunity index", calculated as the total number of homicides between 1996 and 2005 divided by the number of individuals in prison in 2007, was constructed. The data were analyzed by means of simple linear regression and negative binomial regression. RESULTS: In 2005, state-level crude total homicide rates ranged from 11 to 51 per 100,000; for young men, they ranged from 39 to 241. The impunity index ranged from 0.4 to 3.5 and was the most important predictor of this variability. From negative binomial regression, it was estimated that the homicide victim rate among young males increased by 50% for every increase of one point in this ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Classic predictive factors were not associated with homicides in this analysis of state-level variation in Brazil. However, the impunity index indicated that the greater the impunity, the higher the homicide rate.

scholarly journals Impact of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and temperature on coronavirus disease mortality: observed trends in France

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastase Tchicaya ◽  
Nathalie Lorentz ◽  
Hichem Omrani ◽  
Gaetan de Lanchy ◽  
Kristell Leduc
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
National Level ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Binomial Regression

Abstract Background The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. This study aimed to assess the effects of temperature and long-term exposure to air pollution on the COVID-19 mortality rate at the sub-national level in France.Methods This cross-sectional study considered different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic from May to December 2020. It included 96 departments (or NUTS 3) in mainland France. Data on long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), annual mean temperature, health services, health risk, and socio-spatial factors were used as covariates in negative binomial regression analysis to assess their influence on the COVID-19 mortality rate. All data were obtained from open-access sources.Results The cumulative COVID-19 mortality rate by department increased during the study period in metropolitan France—from 19.8/100,000 inhabitants (standard deviation (SD): 20.1) on 1 May 2020, to 65.4/100,000 inhabitants (SD: 39.4) on 31 December 2020. The rate was the highest in the departments where the annual average of long-term exposure to PM2.5 was high. The negative binomial regression models showed that a 1 µg/m³ increase in the annual average PM2.5 concentration was associated with a statistically significant increase in the COVID-19 mortality rate, corresponding to 24.4%, 25.8%, 26.4%, 26.7%, 27.1%, 25.8%, and 15.1% in May, June, July, August, September, October, and November, respectively. This association was no longer significant on 1 and 31 December 2020. The association between temperature and the COVID-19 mortality rate was only significant on 1 November, 1 December, and 31 December 2020. An increase of 1°C in the average temperature was associated with a decrease in the COVID-19-mortality rate, corresponding to 9.7%, 13.3%, and 14.5% on 1 November, 1 December, and 31 December 2020, respectively.Conclusion This study found significant associations between the COVID-19 mortality rate and long-term exposure to air pollution and temperature. However, these associations tended to decrease with the persistence of the pandemic and massive spread of the disease across the entire country.

scholarly journals Relationship between Chinese Baijiu consumption and dental caries among 55- to 74-year-old adults in Guangdong, southern China: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangyu Huang ◽  
Yihao Liang ◽  
Weihua Fan ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Buling Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Guangdong Province ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Binomial Regression

Abstract Background Whether an association between alcohol consumption and dental caries exists is still unclear. Chinese Baijiu is the most common alcohol consumed by middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals. This study aimed to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption (Chinese Baijiu) and dental caries in Guangdong Province, southern China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangdong Province using a multistage, stratified, equal-sized, random sampling strategy. In total, 576 individuals aged 55–74 were recruited to fill out a questionnaire through face-to-face and one-on-one interviews and to undergo a series of dental examinations with a Community Periodontal Index (CPI) probe. According to the standard for clinical dentition examination of the WHO 2013 criteria, the presence of dental caries was determined by the DFT/DFRoot (decayed-filled tooth/root) index. The ratios of males to females and urban people to countrymen were both 1:1. Then, the chi-square test and rank-sum tests were used to compare the differences in caries between subgroups, and multivariate logistic regression analyses, as well as negative binomial regression analyses, were executed to identify the potential relationship between alcohol consumption and caries. Results The prevalence of crown caries was 79.17% with a DFT index of 3.19, while that of root caries was 61.28% with a DFRoot index of 2.08. The prevalence and mean tooth of crown caries of females were higher than those of males. The prevalence and mean DFRoot of root caries in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis and negative binomial regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the consumption frequency of Chinese Baijiu and caries (often vs. never/rarely, crown caries: odds ratio (OR) = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–1.13, P = 0.103, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44–0.92, P = 0.015; root caries: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24–0.93, P = 0.030, IRR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32–0.54, P = 0.008). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, frequent consumption of Chinese Baijiu was a protective factor for caries in middle-aged and elderly people in Guangdong Province. However, considering the harm of alcohol to one’s general health, it is recommended to drink moderately and avoid alcohol abuse.

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