scholarly journals Gaming machine density is correlated with rates of help-seeking for problem gambling: a local area analysis in Victoria, Australia

2014 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica J. Barratt ◽  
Michael Livingston ◽  
Sharon Matthews ◽  
Susan L. Clemens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Ecological Design ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Gaming Machine

Local environment plays an important role in understanding gambling as a public health issue. This study uses help-seeking as an outcome measure for a local area analysis of problem gambling in Victoria, Australia. We used a cross-sectional ecological design to investigate the extent to which gaming industry and demographic, economic, and social factors are associated with rates of telephone and face-to-face counselling for problem gambling at the local government area level. Electronic gaming machine density was independently correlated with both types of help-seeking, with a range of local factors controlled. This study supports previous research that has consistently found an association between gaming machine density and problem gambling, using gaming machine expenditure as a proxy measure of harm. We build on previous work by confirming that this relationship exists when gambling harm is measured through two types of help-seeking.

Potentially Inappropriate Medications Use in A Population of Iraqi Geriatric Outpatients According to Beers Criteria

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola Albaghdadi ◽  
Salam , Mohammad Hassan Morteza, Firas A Ahjel ◽  
Mohammad Hassan Morteza ◽  
Firas Aziz Rahi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Beers Criteria ◽  
Potentially Inappropriate Medications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Inappropriate Drugs ◽  
Elderly Outpatients ◽  
Inappropriate Medications

Aims: Elderly in Iraq kept suffering multiple burdens, as they are a truly fragile and vulnerable segment. A major public health issue among elderly is adverse drug reactions. This study is aimed at contributing in overcoming this treatment gap by determining the prevalence of inappropriate medications used by a group of Iraqi elderly outpatients. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in a sample of 85 Iraqi elderly aged ≥65 years of either gender. Participants had face-to-face interviews to answer a comprehensive questionnaire. Each drug taken by the patient was evaluated according to Beers criteria. Results: Females constituted 45.9% of the total. The average age was 69.9 years (± 4.6). Nearly 30% of the patients had 3 different diseases, and 17.8% had ≥4 different ones, with cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent. Polypharmacy was notably identified in 47.1% of the total studied population. Twenty-eight out of 85 patients did not know the actual reason of taking at least one of their medications, and 42% were not taking their drugs as directed. Remarkably, 43.5% of patients were recognized as taking at least one medication to be avoided in elderly people according to the Beers criteria. The most common inappropriate drugs were glyburide, and proton-pump inhibitors. Conclusion: There was an obvious absence of any role of pharmacists in the health care system for our studied population. Health care professionals are encouraged to review the medications prescribed for geriatric patients using updated safety guidelines to prevent the risks associated with potentially inappropriate medications.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Domestic Violence Among the Pregnant Women Attending BPKIHS

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Chandra Regmi ◽  
Laxmi Subedi ◽  
Ramesh Shrestha ◽  
Baburam Dixit ◽  
Neha Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Tertiary Centre ◽  
The Family ◽  
Antenatal Clinics

Aims: To find out the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women attending Antenatal clinics (ANC) of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a tertiary centre in eastern Nepal.Methods: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study done at antenatal clinics of BPKIHS from 14th March 2015 to 30th August 2015. The total number of recruited antenatal patients was 470. Data were collected by face to face interview via pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results: The prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women was 53.2% of which prevalence of physical domestic violence was 9.6%. The most common person inflicting the domestic violence was husband (23.6%). Emotional abuse was the most common form of domestic violence experienced by the pregnant women (26.8%) and threatening for remarriage was most common emotional violence faced (43.2%). As the age of the pregnant women increases, they tend to have more domestic violence.Conclusions: The prevalence of Domestic Violence among pregnant women seemed alarmingly high in our society. Awareness to the family members and strengthening the women empowerment at community level might play a major role for reducing such violence. Pregnancy-related violence is a serious public health issue.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study

10.2196/13388 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e13388
Author(s):  
Stéphane Darbeda ◽  
Henri-Jean Aubin ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Amandine Luquiens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Web Based ◽  
History Of

Background Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. Objective This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. Results Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). Conclusions The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

scholarly journals Bereavement help-seeking following an 'expected' death: a cross-sectional randomised face-to-face population survey

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David C Currow ◽  
Katrina Allen ◽  
John Plummer ◽  
Samar Aoun ◽  
Meg Hegarty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Population Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face

Internet Forums for Suicide Bereavement

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Bailey ◽  
Karolina Krysinska ◽  
Bridianne O'Dea ◽  
Jo Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Internet Forums ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Abstract. Background: Bereavement by suicide is associated with a number of consequences including poor mental health outcomes and increased suicide risk. Despite this, the bereaved by suicide may be reluctant to seek help from friends, family, and professionals. Internet forums and social networking sites are a popular avenue of support for the bereaved, but to date there is a lack of research into their use and efficacy. Aims: To survey users of suicide bereavement Internet forums and Facebook groups regarding their help-seeking behaviors, use of forums, and perceived benefits and limitations of such use. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional design in which users of suicide bereavement Internet forums and Facebook groups completed an anonymous online survey. Results: Participants were 222 users of suicide bereavement Internet forums. Most participants (93.2%) had sought face-to-face help from sources other than Internet forums, but were more likely to seek help in the near future from informal rather than formal sources. Forums were perceived as highly beneficial and there were few limitations. Limitations: The generalizability of these results to other internet forums may be limited. Additionally, we were not able to examine differences between forums in terms of quality or user-reported efficacy. Finally, the data reflects the subjective views of forum users, which may differ from the views of moderators or experts. Conclusion: Internet forums, including Facebook groups, appear to be a useful adjunct to face-to-face help-seeking for supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Darbeda ◽  
Henri-Jean Aubin ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Amandine Luquiens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Web Based ◽  
History Of

BACKGROUND Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. METHODS From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. RESULTS Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; <i>P</i>=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; <i>P</i>=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; <i>P</i>=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

scholarly journals Functional and Psychological Outcome of Stroke Survivors attended at CRP, Bangladesh.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 5237-5240
Author(s):  
Homyra Nishat ◽  
Farjana Sharmin ◽  
Md. Ershad Ali
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Psychological Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Depression Status

Background: Stroke is a public health issue, which is common and serious problemworldwide. Globally, strokes have high mortality and morbidity rates. In Bangladeshmost of the stroke survivors are functionally dependent and psychologically depressedand anxious. The study was conducted to identify the functional and psychologicaloutcome (anxiety level, depression status) of stroke survivors.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted by using of cross-sectional method. 102 participants wereselected from Neurology unit, Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP),Savar, Dhaka. Participants were selected by purposive sampling. All data werecollected through face-to face interview by using a semi structured questionnaire.Results: From the result of the study, it was found that maximum participants were inbetween 51-60 years, 70% participants were male and remaining 30% were female.More than half (73%) were with ischemic stroke. In case of ischemic stroke, 10%respondents were functionally independent, maximum respondents (47%) were majordependent on others. But in hemorrhagic stroke, maximum (64%) were minordependent. Among the participants with hemorrhagic stroke, 36% participants weremoderate anxious where in ischemic stroke 12% respondents were moderate anxious.In ischemic stroke, most of the participants (43%) faced mild depression. On the otherhand, maximum (50%) participants faced mild depression in hemorrhagic stroke. It is found that, good functional outcome but poor psychological outcome in hemorrhagicstroke and vice versa in ischemic stroke.

Case finding in dementia: comparative utility of three brief instruments in the memory clinic setting

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 788-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela C. Gonçalves ◽  
Elizabeth Arnold ◽  
Kana Appadurai ◽  
Gerard J. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Memory Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Proxy Measure

ABSTRACTBackground:The principal goal of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three brief instruments in memory clinic attendees. Two of the instruments were based on face-to-face clinical assessment (Standardized Mini-mental State Examination and Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale), whereas the third group used proxy information from an informant (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly). Dementia diagnosis as provided by a specialist physician (geriatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist) was used as the reference standard.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 204 consecutive memory clinic attendees (M = 76.90, 56% female) and their family caregivers. Comparative utility was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.Results:One hundred and fifty-two patients (75%) were diagnosed as having dementia. Diagnostic accuracy, as indicated by the area under the ROC curve (AUC), was similar for the three instruments as follows: SMMSE (AUC = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.87,p< 0.0001) and RUDAS (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.77, 0.88,p< 0.0001), and slightly lower for IQCODE (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.83,p< 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the areas under the curve (χ2= 2.57, df = 2,p= 0.28).Conclusions:Diagnostic accuracy was similar for the three instruments, which all proved to be moderately useful tools for initial screening for cognitive impairment in the memory clinic environment. Being a proxy measure, the IQCODE had specific practical use in this context, where the patient might not be able to provide information. The RUDAS exhibited high specificity and proved to be less dependent upon cultural factors than the SMMSE, making it particularly valuable in a multicultural setting.

Socio-demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patient with Thyroid Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
AKM Farhad Hossain ◽  
Md Mahmudur Rahman Siddiqui ◽  
Sayada Fatema Khatun
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Follicular Carcinoma ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease in endocrine system. It is an emerging public health issue associated with burden on the family, community and the nation. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patient with thyroid cancer attending in tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 246 thyroid cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals of Dhaka city from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. The subjects were selected purposively following specific selection criteria and maintaining ethical issues. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed by the statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 23. Results: This study revealed that majority (74.4%) of respondents was female, married (72%), housewife (61.4%), rural respondent (41.1%) and had primary education (69%). Mean (± SD) age of the respondent was 37.85(±12.20) years (Range 14-70 years) and mean (± SD) monthly family income was Tk. 17681(±10602). Out of 246 cases, 204 (82.9%) was papillary and 42 (17.1%) was follicular carcinoma. Various clinical presentations included visible neck swelling in 225 (91.5%), swollen lymph node in 103 (41.9%), pain 90 (36.6%), Difficulties in swallowing 87 (35.4%), Hoarseness of voice in 141 (57.3%), cough along with swelling 47(19.1%), Difficulties in breathing due to swelling in 13(5.3%) of the patients. Conclusion: Incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide specially in female patients in 3rd and 4th decades of life. As thyroid cancer is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, proper screening and early diagnostic facilities at all level should be available to measure its actual burden in the country. Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 11, No. 1: Jan 2020, P 54-58

Gambling-like video game practices: A cross-sectional study of links with problem gambling and disordered gaming

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Streaming Services ◽  
Clinically Significant

A variety of practices have recently emerged which are related to both video games and gambling. Most prominent of these are loot boxes. However, a broad range of other activities have recently emerged which are also related to both gambling and video games: esports betting, real-money video gaming, token wagering, social casino play, and watching videos of both loot box opening and gambling on game streaming services like Twitch.Whilst a nascent body of research has established the robust existence of a relationship between loot box spending and both problem gambling and disordered gaming, little research exists which examines whether similar links may exist for the diverse practices outlined above. Furthermore, no research has thus far attempted to estimate the prevalence of these activities.A large-scale survey of a representative sample of UK adults (n=1081) was therefore conducted in order to investigate these issues. Engagement in all measured forms of gambling-like video game practices were significantly associated with both problem gambling and disordered gaming. An aggregate measure of engagement was associated with both these outcomes to a clinically significant degree (r=0.23 and r=0.43). Engagement in gambling-like video game practices appeared widespread, with a 95% confidence interval estimating that 16.3% – 20.9% of the population engaged in these activities at least once in the last year. Engagement in these practices was highly inter-correlated: Individuals who engaged in one practice were likely to engage in several more.Overall, these results suggest that the potential effects of the blurring of lines between video games and gambling should not primarily be understood to be due to the presence of loot boxes in video games. They suggest the existence of a convergent ecosystem of gambling-like video game practices, whose causal relationships with problem gambling and disordered gaming are currently unclear but must urgently be investigated.

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