scholarly journals How Do They Feel About It? Testing a New Mixed Methods Survey Tool to Assess Collective Emotional Status

Author(s):  
Michael Schwab ◽  
Vasileios Margaritis

Emotions are now widely accepted as important elements of qualitative research, in studies of individuals and communities. However, collective emotional status—what a community feels about a given situation or proposition—can be challenging to assess. In this study, we examined the validity and acceptability of a new mixed methods survey tool, primarily qualitative, to address this challenge—the Assessment of Collective Emotional Status (ACES). The tool begins with an adjustable set of questions about emotion, to draw respondents’ attention to their own feelings. These are followed by an emotional self-assessment, in which respondents select and prioritize five emotional responses to a standardized stimulus, drawing from a new taxonomy of emotion words. In this study, the stimulus was a proposition that gun violence should be approached as a public health problem. We tested the tool in an international survey of public health professionals, mostly in the US and Europe (n=160). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on knowledge and importance of emotion, adequacy of the taxonomy, emotional responses to the stimulus, and use of the tool. Scores were high for knowledge and importance of emotion. Perceived adequacy of the taxonomy was also high, especially with Black and Hispanic respondents, signifying good construct validity. The total weighted frequency of emotions in response to the stimulus was highest for encouraged (92.2%), open (78.8%), hope (77.2%) and interest (77.2%). Qualitative data yielded six themes—on knowledge of emotion, the taxonomy, responses to the stimulus, and use of the tool, which many respondents found easy and interesting to use. This study demonstrates the prima facie validity and acceptability of the ACES with an educated adult population.

2021 ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
Emily F. Rothman

Human trafficking is an insidious public health problem that may be worsened by the constant demand for new pornography, but sex workers’ rights—including the rights of pornography performers—are not always served by anti-trafficking efforts. This chapter provides a definition of human trafficking, reviews three main arguments about how pornography may influence human trafficking, and encourages public health professionals to value anecdotal information from both sex workers’ rights advocates and human trafficking survivors to move toward better science and evidence-informed decision-making.


Author(s):  
María de los Ángeles Estrella-González ◽  
Isabel Cluet de Rodríguez ◽  
Paola Elizabeth Pérez-Uchuari ◽  
Mónica Viviana Siguenza-Bermeo ◽  
Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel

- Gender violence is an issue that generates worldwide impact, in addition to being a public health problem, since there are high levels of patrimonial, psychological, physical and sexual violence that occur daily and are not reported due to fear, omission and Justification, that is why the importance of carrying out this research is born. Describe gender violence in women who attend the Health Center No. 1 of Azogues. Non-experimental study of descriptive, analytical, prospective and cross-sectional type with a quantitative approach. The participants were Women 15 to 49 years of age who went to an outpatient clinic. A survey was designed that included sociodemographic factors and consisted of 27 questions, which collected data on the types of patrimonial, psychological, physical and sexual violence. Results were obtained from 351 women who made up the established sample, where more than 50% belonged to the young adult population, they showed patrimonial violence 22.5%, Psychological 45.6%, Physical 20.8% and sexual 13, one%. There is a level of positive significance between age and patrimonial, psychological and physical violence, marital status with all types of violence and the level of instruction with a level of negative significance related to patrimonial, psychological and physical violence.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Destaw Fetene Teshome ◽  
Shitaye Alemu Balcha ◽  
Tadesse Awoke Ayele ◽  
Asmamaw Atnafu ◽  
Mekonnen Sisay ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Estimating prevalence and identifying risk factors of hypertension are paramount important to develop strategies to prevent hypertensive disease. Although, hypertension is a major public health problem in Ethiopia, there is scarcity of evidence in rural areas of the country. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among adult population in rural districts of northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from June to October, 2020. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 1177 study participants. A face to face interview was conducted using an adapted version of the WHO STEPwise approach questionnaire. The blood pressure was measured three times using aneroid sphygmomanometer and the mean of the last two readings were used for the analysis. Data were entered using Epidata and analyzed using STAT-14. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with hypertension.Results: Of the total participants, 218(18.5%) were found to be hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension consistently increased with age. Hypertension was positively and significantly associated with female sex ((adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=2.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.45)), age group 45-54 years (AOR=4.63, 95% CI: 1.01, 21.37), 55-64 years (AOR=14.40, 95% CI: 3.07, 67.63), ³65 years (AOR=19.37, 95% CI: 4.03, 93.09), having history of alcohol consumption (AOR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.17, 9.02), used much amount of salt (AOR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.60), used too much amount of salt (AOR=3.78, 95% CI: 1.85, 7.72), sleeping for a short duration (AOR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.30, 3.24), and having Family history of hypertension (AOR=2.12, 95% CI; 1.32, 3.39). Conclusions: Hypertension was significantly high among the rural population we studied and is emerging as a public health problem in rural areas. Female sex, older age, ever used alcohol, used much and too much amount of salt, inadequate sleep, and family history of hypertension were factors positively and significantly associated with hypertension. We recommend local health authorities integrate promotion of hypertension health education, lifestyle modification intervention on salt and alcohol reduction, and hypertension detection particularly for female and elderly population at health post level to avert the problem.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Castelli ◽  
Fiorella Festa ◽  
Maria Angela Di Sanzo ◽  
Andrea Guala ◽  
Alberto Pellai

Although many epidemiological studies defining child sexual abuse prevalence rates in many countries of the world are now available, Italy presents a lack of data regarding this specific issue. Only recently some attempts to define the epidemiology of this public health problem have been tried. Between 2003 and 2010, the Department of Public Health at University of Milan was in charge of one of the more important study of this kind in Italy, involving almost 3000 students aged 18 attending secondary schools in the City of Milan who filled out an anonymous questionnaire aiming at detecting their previous experiences of sexual victimization during childhood and adolescence. After this first edition, the study was replicated among students attending secondary schools in the city of Varese, in the area of Piedmont and in Basilicata (area of Lauria), using the same investigational model and questionnaire. This paper presents the main data collected through four different epidemiological studies using the same methodology and survey tool. Considering at least one of the five different forms of child sexual abuse surveyed (being exposed to pornography, being touched on private parts, being forced to masturbate an older person, being forced to perform oral sex, or being penetrated), the prevalence rate among our samples ranges between a minimum of 12.5% (Varese) and a maximum of 34.1% (Lauria). In Lauria the research reveals a higher prevalence rate of child sexual abuse, especially among the male population, for all typologies of abuse but being touched in their private parts. In all other geographical areas and for all typologies of abuse, there is always a higher prevalence among girls, with the only exception of abuse such as being exposed to pornographic materials.


Author(s):  
Mariam Safi ◽  
Maja L. Bertram ◽  
Gabriel Gulis

Background: To assess the conduct of delivery of public health services at the municipal level in Denmark by applying services enlisted in the Essential Public Health Operation framework (EPHO) of WHO. Methods: We conducted individual qualitative interviews with key informants working with public health using a self-assessment survey tool in order to obtain an in-depth understanding of the interrelation or multidisciplinary work in Kolding Municipality. The developed self-assessment survey tool entailed questions about essential public health activities performed in a municipality. Results: The Municipality organizes and contributes to core service delivery EPHOs, namely health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention. It collaborates with the general practitioners and the Region of Southern Denmark, responsible for hospital care, to fulfill the selected EPHOs. Conclusions: To obtain a comprehensive picture of the organizations that deliver public health services within a municipality, it is necessary to conduct interviews with representatives from those organizations as well. Additionally, the results from this study can be used to improve the survey tool further and hereafter conduct a nationwide survey in Denmark, as well as other European countries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Tsedeke Wolde Hailemariam ◽  
Samrawit Solomon Ethiopia ◽  
Andamlak Gizaw Alamdo ◽  
Haimanot Ewnetu Hailu

Background. Obesity is an emerging public health problem in developing countries. There is limited study conducted in Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among adult population. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the associated factors among adults aged 25–64 years in Addis Ababa city community residents, Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10, 2017, to May 20, 2017, in Addis Ababa. A total of 512 adults were recruited. A two-stage cluster followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI was reported to show the strength of association. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 484 adults participated in the study with a response rate of 94.5%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among study participants was found to be 99 (21.5%) and 14 (2.9%), respectively. Males were 90% less likely to be obese when compared to females (AOR = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01–0.84)). Illiterate people were 94% less likely to be obese compared to those who were literate people (AOR = 0.06 (95% CI: 0.01–0.44)). Nonhypertensive individuals were 86% less likely to be obese when compared to hypertensive (AOR = 0.14 (95% CI: 0.03–0.69)). Conclusion. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be considerably high in Addis Ababa city residents compared to the national figure. Being female, literate, and presence of hypertension are independent predictors of overweight/obesity in the study population. Thus, the concerned bodies should initiate efforts to tackle the newly emerging public health problem of the country and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in the inhabitants of city settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitikorn Phoosuwan ◽  
Pranee C. Lundberg ◽  
Sadiporn Phuthomdee ◽  
Leif Eriksson

Abstract Background Targeting perinatal depressive symptoms among women can reduce premature mortality. However, public health professionals (PHPs) in primary healthcare settings often have low self-efficacy for detection and management of perinatal depressive symptoms among women. This mixed-methods study was aimed at developing and evaluating a self-efficacy improvement programme (SIP) intended to increase PHPs’ self-efficacy in efforts to detect and manage perinatal depressive symptoms. Methods The SIP consisted of 1 day of theory and 4 weeks of practice. Sixty-six PHPs from sub-district health promotion hospitals (primary health care level) in Sakonnakhon, a north-eastern province in Thailand, were randomised into an intervention group (n = 33) and a control group (n = 33). Twenty-three of the intervention group participants also took part in focus group discussions (FGDs). Multiple linear regression and qualitative content analysis were used to analyse the data. Results After the SIP, the intervention group participants had higher self-efficacy score than those in the control group (p = 0.004). The FGDs resulted in four categories emerging: Having confidence, Changing knowledge and attitudes, Increasing perception of an important role, and Increasing awareness of performed function. Conclusions To enhance the ability of PHPs to detect and manage perinatal depressive symptoms, an intervention programme based on self-efficacy modification is recommended.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 814-814
Author(s):  
Megan Bourassa ◽  
Gilles Bergeron

Abstract Objectives Thiamine deficiency disorders, including beriberi, remain a pressing public health problem. Without rapid recognition of symptoms and treatment, it is often fatal, especially in infants, and can have lasting neurological effects for survivors. Thus our objective is to create an alliance of country representatives, public health professionals, physicians and researchers who can quantify the prevalence of thiamine deficiency disorders globally and create control and prevention strategies. Methods The first meeting of this international thiamine alliance was held in November 2019 to discuss the prevalence of thiamine deficiency disorders and devise strategies to improve thiamine status in at-risk populations. Results This alliance creates the first community of practice for thiamine deficiency. As a result of this meeting and recent data, there is growing recognition that thiamine deficiency is not localized to small areas within Southeast Asia, but covers a much broader area to include much of South and Central Asia, including areas of Kashmir and Assam in India and Bhutan. Challenges in diagnosing thiamine deficiency based on symptoms or biomarkers have been major barriers to recognizing thiamine deficiency disorders. Conclusions This group is now working to improve assessments of thiamine deficiency and raising awareness among the public health and medical professionals in areas where the diets are low in thiamine to ensure that its diagnosis is not overlooked. In areas with a known prevalence of thiamine deficiency, efforts are underway to increase dietary intake of thiamine, provide supplements especially to pregnant and lactating women, and fortify foods to improve thiamine status. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


Author(s):  
Rafael Brito-Aguilar

Dementia has become a major public health concern around the world. Dementia risk factors are significantly different among countries. The number of new cases of dementia anticipated each year worldwide is almost 7.7 million, one new case every four seconds. There are 3.6 million (46%) new cases per year in Asia, 2.3 million (31%) in Europe, 1.2 million (16%) in the Americas, and 0.5 million (7%) in Africa. Latin American and Caribbean low and middle-income countries are at high risk. Air pollution is an important risk modifiable factor for dementia across the world, and the recent report of the Alzheimer’s disease continuum in children and young adults residing in Metropolitan Mexico City along with the presence of cognitive impairment in 55% of the young adult population residing in Mexican cities with fine particulate matter concentrations above the current USEPA annual standard of 12 μg/m3 makes this a severe public health problem in progress. It is imperative to keep generating epidemiological data on dementia worldwide and their relationship with air pollutants to improve the strategies to face all the challenges associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in particular. Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal disease, we have no cure, and we ought to invest in protecting our citizens by intervening in modifiable environmental factors.


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