scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Mode Choice of Alabamian Truck Drivers’ Mobility to Grocery Shopping

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
JACOB OLUWOYE
Keyword(s):  
Road Safety ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Jefferson County ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Roadway Safety ◽  
Survey Monkey ◽  
June July

Background:  In late December 2019, COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus was identified in China because of the main explanation for recent human respiratory health cases. The virus was first detected in Wuhan City, and during a space of months, it had covered the whole globe. The virus has engendered huge drastic changes to world healthcare, economic, transportation, and education systems around the world. Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to investigate the intersection of demographic characteristics and how truck drivers view change in their grocery shopping (CGS) under the COVID-19 circumstances of selected counties in Alabama. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to (1) examine if there is any relationship between marital status (MS) and CGS and (2) know and assess the choice of transport mode used for grocery shopping during the covid-19 pandemic Methods: The research paper's goal necessitated the truck drivers’ views regarding commuting to the workplace. Following a summary of the literature review research phase, the researcher conducted a variety of semi-structured interviews with truck drivers in Alabama through Survey Monkey by a postgraduate student in June-July 2020. Overall, 50 truck drivers have completed the survey. The info was stored on Survey Monkey servers within the Center for Urban and Rural Research (CURR), Department of Community and Regional Planning, Alabama A&M University. Results: The data analysis reveals their main workplace before the COVID-19 pandemic 94% of the truck drivers residing in Alabama especially from Jefferson county provided information about commuting to workplaces, while 4% to the places of educations (lecture room0 and a couple of production sites. Furthermore, 92% of the truck drivers reported NO change within the means of transport in commuting trips during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 8% indicated changes within the means of transport. Implications: This research paper contributes important new empirical analysis of the truck drivers’ views regarding commuting to the workplace under the COVID-19 pandemic to some extent where there's an abundance of conceptual papers and opinion pieces but still scant evidence on the particular road safety of the pandemic for researchers to think about on potential person and situation factors related to COVID-19 that would affect road safety during and after the pandemic. Collaborative efforts by researchers and public and personal sectors are going to be needed to collect data and develop truck drivers' road safety strategies in reference to the new reality of COVID-19. Keywords: COVID‐19, health disparities, roadway safety, syndemics, truck driver

scholarly journals A Qualitative Analysis of the Needs and Experiences of Hospital-based Clinicians when Accessing Medical Imaging

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Séan Cronin ◽  
Bridget Kane ◽  
Gavin Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Digital Imaging ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Workflow ◽  
Desktop Computers ◽  
Single Voice ◽  
Safety Officer ◽  
Basic Features

AbstractAs digital imaging is now a common and essential tool in the clinical workflow, it is important to understand the experiences of clinicians with medical imaging systems in order to guide future development. The objective of this paper was to explore health professionals’ experiences, practices and preferences when using Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), to identify shortcomings in the existing technology and inform future developments. Semi-structured interviews are reported with 35 hospital-based healthcare professionals (3 interns, 11 senior health officers, 6 specialist registrars, 6 consultants, 2 clinical specialists, 5 radiographers, 1 sonographer, 1 radiation safety officer). Data collection took place between February 2019 and December 2020 and all data are analyzed thematically. A majority of clinicians report using PACS frequently (6+ times per day), both through dedicated PACS workstations, and through general-purpose desktop computers. Most clinicians report using basic features of PACS to view imaging and reports, and also to compare current with previous imaging, noting that they rarely use more advanced features, such as measuring. Usability is seen as a problem, including issues related to data privacy. More sustained training would help clinicians gain more value from PACS, particularly less experienced users. While the majority of clinicians report being unconcerned about sterility when accessing digital imaging, clinicians were open to the possibility of touchless operation using voice, and the ability to execute multiple commands with a single voice command would be welcomed.

scholarly journals Autonomy Perceptions from Teachers of English as a Foreign Language in Diverse Colombian Public Teaching Settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Dr. David Wealthy Guerrero
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Research Production ◽  
English Language Teachers

<p><em>This qualitative descriptive case study reports the features in autonomy dynamics of three Colombian English language teachers in public schools in the District in Bogota Colombia. Three semi-structured interviews and reflective journals were used for data collection. The research question that guided this study was: What perceptions about autonomy do the three Colombian English language teachers have? The general purpose of this investigation was to identify the main features in teachers’ perceptions related to Autonomy. The specific objective was to identify the strategies that promoted autonomy in Teachers of English as a Foreign Language -TEFL- in different public schools in Bogota, Colombia. The study is, therefore, particularly significant as it can play a role in encouraging Colombian English as a Foreign Language -EFL- teachers to relate the factors needed to get a high quality in Education dynamics. Data indicated that the process heightened the teachers’ awareness of ‘self’ and practice. Autonomy also activated both the teachers’ ability to critically reflect on their context as well as focus on positive aspects of their practice through the willingness to improve their academic abilities and research production. Taken together, the findings serve as baseline data to further professional development in language assessment. </em></p><em></em><em></em>

scholarly journals Evaluation of a quality improvement program to prevent healthcare acquired infections in an acute care hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Laurence Bernard ◽  
Alain Biron ◽  
Anaïck Briand ◽  
Samy Taha ◽  
Mélanie Lavoie-Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Prevention Program ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Positive Effects

Objective: The general purpose of the study was to evaluate a specific prevention program and its effects on infection prevention practices as part of continuous improvements in patient safety. Infection prevention is a global priority aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity rates related to infections acquired while under care.Methods: A descriptive study was carried out through a documentation analysis and semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals working in a healthcare centre where the infection prevention program was developed and implemented.Results: The thematic analysis identified three major axes: perceptions concerning audits and huddles strategies, the positive effects of the program on team building and, finally, its sustainability and continuous improvement.Conclusions: Globally, program enhanced the habits of professionals by developing an accurate perception of infections and the way to manage the related risk. The program Controlling Specific Infections Successful Strategies (CSISS) is seen as effective and sustainable by the participants. It contributes to a collaborative safety culture to reduce nosocomial infection rates.

scholarly journals Enhancing physical activity knowledge exchange strategies for Canadian long-haul truck drivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-152
Author(s):  
Paul F. Gorczynski ◽  
Sarah Edmunds ◽  
Ruth Lowry
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Driving Experience ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Haul Truck ◽  
Activity Information

PurposeCanadian long-haul truck drivers lead sedentary lives, but are receptive to receiving physical activity information to address health risks. This study examined how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive physical activity information in order to improve their overall health. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) explore barriers Canadian long-haul truck drivers have to receiving and using physical activity information and 2) understand how physical activity information should be structured and delivered to these drivers to overcome these barriers.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Canadian long-haul truck drivers. Drivers had, on average, 14.3 years of professional long-haul driving experience.FindingsFew drivers had received any physical activity information. Drivers discussed a culture where they perceived both employers and drivers to be lacking awareness of the importance of physical activity and its impact on health. Drivers explained they were too busy, stressed or tired to be active or to learn about physical activity. Information received by some drivers on this topic was too general to be helpful in changing physical activity behaviours. Drivers mentioned that personalized and accessible physical activity information should be provided to them through multiple methods by their employers, as an aspect of occupational health and safety.Practical implicationsFuture physical activity information strategies should use both passive and interactive mediums to promote physical activity to Canadian long-haul truck drivers.Originality/valueThis is the first study to assess how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive trustworthy information that can lead to healthful improvements in physical activity behaviour.

Grey Nomads travelling in Queensland, Australia: social and health needs

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
WENDY HILLMAN
Keyword(s):  
Work And Family ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Connectedness ◽  
June July August ◽  
Northern Half ◽  
Australian Continent ◽  
Contingency Plans ◽  
June July

ABSTRACTAt any time of the year, and particularly in the colder months of the southern part of the Australian continent, many caravans and mobile homes can be seen on the roads of northern Australia, and Queensland, in particular. Mainly during June, July, August and September, Grey Nomads frequent the northern half of Australia, to escape the colder climate of southern Australia. The term Grey Nomad is applied to the section of the older Australian population who use their retirement years as a time to experience travel once freed from the constraints of work and family commitments. This paper draws on research conducted about the health and social needs of Grey Nomads holidaying in a Central Queensland, Australia, coastal location. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 participants. Contingency plans concerning wellness, wellbeing and medical conditions all formed a part of the Grey Nomads’ daily existence while travelling. Many important and lasting friendships and social support networks were formed during the journeying and sojourning phases of the travel. Many of the Grey Nomads interviewed felt the need to keep in contact with home, even though they willingly chose to leave it, and to be ‘away’. Just as the Grey Nomad cohort have concerns and solutions about their health and related issues, so too, they have concerns for social networks and family connectedness while travelling in Australia.

scholarly journals Exploring Household Food Dynamics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid El Bilali ◽  
Tarek Ben Hassen ◽  
Chedli Baya Chatti ◽  
Aziz Abouabdillah ◽  
Si Bennasseur Alaoui
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Shopping Behavior ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Survey Monkey ◽  
Emergency Measures

Alongside the dramatic impact on health systems, eating, shopping, and other food-related habits may have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This paper analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food shopping habits and food-related activities of a diverse sample of 340 adult consumers in Morocco. The study is based on an online survey conducted in Morocco from September 15 to November 5, 2020, utilizing a standardized questionnaire delivered in French and Arabic via Survey Monkey. The findings show that consumers' diet, shopping behavior, and food interactions have changed significantly. Indeed, the survey outcomes indicated (i) an increase in the consumption of local items owing to food safety concerns; (ii) an increase in online grocery shopping; (iii) a rise in panic buying and food hoarding; and (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities. The findings are expected to help guide Morocco's current emergency measures as well as long-term food-related policies.

Sleep and Safety Decision-Making Among Truck Drivers

2020 ◽  
pp. 216507992095025
Author(s):  
Karen Heaton ◽  
Rachael Mumbower ◽  
Gwen Childs
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Professional Relationships ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Driving Experience ◽  
Sentinel Events ◽  
Internal And External Factors

Background: Restorative sleep is essential for the level of cognitive performance required of truckers to drive safely. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe and explore sleep-related and safety decision-making among truck drivers. Methods: Flyers and snowball sampling were used to recruit truck drivers into the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine personal and professional influences on sleep and safety decision-making and preferences for receiving health information. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate descriptions of participants’ experiences. Findings: The sample consisted of 10 White males with a mean of 22 years of truck-driving experience. Weather conditions and drowsiness were the most commonly described conditions that required sleep decision-making by the participants. Four themes impacting sleep- and safety-related decision-making emerged including sentinel events, evolving driver characteristics, relationships, and company-level factors. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Findings from this study suggest that there are both internal and external factors influencing sleep and safety decision-making among truck drivers. Personal relationships with important others, such as family members, and professional relationships with company dispatchers were important influences among participants. During encounters with truck drivers, occupational health nurses should assess sleep quality and quantity and review healthy sleep hygiene strategies with them and their family members, if they are available. Future larger studies are necessary to inform the development of interventions and company policies to promote healthy sleep among truck drivers.

scholarly journals Meanings and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among long-distance truck drivers in Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laio Magno ◽  
Marcelo Eduardo Pfeiffer Castellanos
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Hiv Aids

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To understand the meanings assigned by long-distance truck drivers to HIV/AIDS and its transmission and prevention, bearing in mind different contexts of vulnerability. METHODS Qualitative research with 22 truck drivers. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted in highways of the state of Bahia in 2013. We selected male truck drivers, with one year or more of work experience in long-distance routes. We carried out the thematic analysis of the interviews, to identify different contexts of vulnerability. RESULTS The results showed that the insertion of truck drivers in contexts of high social vulnerability (poor working conditions, violence on the roads, and use of alcohol and other drugs) along with the advances in access and effectiveness of treatment for AIDS promote a reduced perception of the risk and severity of this disease. In addition, the notion of “risk group” and the symbolic division between “home space” (protected) and “street space” (unprotected) intensified a restricted and specific use of condoms, guided by the opposition between “woman of the street” (unknown women, prostitutes, among others) and “woman of the house” (wives, girlfriends). CONCLUSIONS The meanings assigned by truckers to AIDS incorporated elements of recent transformations of the expanded social context, such as the development of health technologies (especially anti-retroviral drugs) and the guarantee of free access to treatment in the Brazilian public health system; but also incorporated old elements of social vulnerability context – such as the poor working conditions on Brazilian highways.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Caton ◽  
Hema Chaplin ◽  
Lewis Carpenter ◽  
Melissa Sweeney ◽  
Hsiu Yen Tung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
June July ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients’ abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with IA. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IA patients in June-July 2020, with nine follow-up interviews in November 2020. Interview schedules were developed with a Patient Research Partner and explored participants’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted via telephone and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants were aged between 24 and 79 years (mean = 50.1, SD = 15.8), largely female (71%) and White British (86%). Four initial themes were identified: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence, (2) Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, (3) Impact of COVID-19 on diet, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and delivery. Subthemes focused on positive and negative changes made to these areas, as well as behaviours which remained consistent. Follow-up interviews highlighted differences in participants’ experiences during the two lockdown periods. Conclusion COVID-19 has affected patients’ abilities to manage their IA. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on patient self-management and healthcare access to ensure that adequate understanding and support is available to patients who may have inadequate disease control as a result.

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