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When deciding which modes to offer, researchers consider cost, known respondent contact information, and potential mode effects. For a short survey on employment, we evaluate the effect of adding one of two new electronic data collection modes to a mailed questionnaire. We sent a survey to principals who previously responded to the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) asking about their current job status. This questionnaire, known as the Principal Follow-up Survey (PFS), has typically been administered as a short paper form that is mailed to NTPS respondents. In 2022, the PFS introduced two new modes of completion, and principals were randomly assigned to receive: (i) a paper form only; (ii) a paper form, as well as emails with a direct link to complete a web survey; or (iii) a paper form, as well as invitations by text message to complete an automated two-way short message service text survey by responding to texted "yes/no" questions. This article compares overall response rates and time-to-response by mode to determine respondent preferences for completing short surveys. Adding either electronic mode significantly increased response rates and decreased the number of days in which completed surveys were received, compared to offering only a paper questionnaire. Although email and text messages are both forms of electronic communication that may be accessible on a smartphone, the added text message survey resulted in higher response rates than the added web survey. This suggests that respondents interact differently with emails and text messages they receive and that offering an option to complete a survey by text message can increase the speed and efficiency of data collection for short surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few biomarker-based validation studies have examined error in online self-report dietary assessment instruments, and food records (FRs) have been considered less than food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 24-hour recalls (24HRs). We investigated measurement error in online and paper-based FFQs, online 24HRs, and paper-based FRs in 3 samples drawn primarily from 3 cohorts, comprising 1,393 women and 1,455 men aged 45–86 years. Data collection occurred from January 2011 to October 2013. Attenuation factors and correlation coefficients between reported and true usual intake for energy, protein, sodium, potassium, and respective densities were estimated using recovery biomarkers. Across studies, average attenuation factors for energy were 0.07, 0.07, and 0.19 for a single FFQ, 24HR, and FR, respectively. Correlation coefficients for energy were 0.24, 0.23, and 0.40, respectively. Excluding energy, the average attenuation factors across nutrients and studies were 0.22 for a single FFQ, 0.22 for a single 24HR, and 0.51 for a single FR. Corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.31, 0.34, and 0.53, respectively. For densities (nutrient expressed relative to energy), the average attenuation factors across studies were 0.37, 0.17, and 0.50, respectively. The findings support prior research suggesting different instruments have unique strengths that should be leveraged in epidemiologic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A cost-efficient approach for assessing working postures could be to build statistical models for predicting results of direct measurements from cheaper data, and apply these models to samples in which only the latter data are available. The present study aimed to build and assess the performance of statistical models predicting inclinometer-assessed trunk and arm posture among paper mill workers. Separate models were built using administrative data, workers' ratings of their exposure, and observations of the work from video recordings as predictors. Methods: Trunk and upper arm postures were measured using inclinometry on 28 paper mill workers during three work shifts each. Simultaneously, the workers were video filmed, and their postures were assessed by observation of the videos afterwards. Workers' ratings of exposure, and administrative data on staff and production during the shifts were also collected. Linear mixed models were fitted for predicting inclinometer-assessed exposure variables (median trunk and upper arm angle, proportion of time with neutral trunk and upper arm posture, and frequency of periods in neutral trunk and upper arm inclination) from administrative data, workers' ratings, and observations, respectively. Performance was evaluated in terms of Akaike information criterion, proportion of variance explained (R²), and standard error (SE) of the model estimate. For models performing well, validity was assessed by bootstrap resampling. Results: Models based on administrative data performed poorly (R² ≤ 15%) and would not be useful for assessing posture in this population. Models using workers' ratings of exposure performed slightly better (8% < R² ≤ 27% for trunk posture; 14% < R² ≤ 36% for arm posture). The best model was obtained when using observational data for predicting frequency of periods with neutral arm inclination. It explained 56% of the variance in the postural exposure, and its SE was 5.6. Bootstrap validation of this model showed similar expected performance in other samples (5th-95th percentile: R² = 45-63%; SE = 5.1-6.2). Conclusions: Observational data had a better ability to predict inclinometer-assessed upper arm exposures than workers' ratings or administrative data. However, observational measurements are typically more expensive to obtain. The results encourage analyses of the cost-efficiency of modeling based on administrative data, workers' ratings, and observation, compared to the performance and cost of measuring exposure directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The Danish DANBIO registry has developed open-source software for touch screens in the waiting room. The objective was to assess the validity of outcomes from self-explanatory patient questionnaires on touch screen in comparison with the traditional paper form in routine clinical care. Methods. Fifty-two AS patients and 59 RA patients completed Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) for pain, fatigue and global health, and Bath measures on Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Function Index (BASFI) (AS patients) or HAQs (RA patients) on touch screen and paper form in random order with a 1-h interval. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), 95% CIs and smallest detectable differences (SDDs) were calculated. Results. ICC ranged from 0.922 to 0.988 (P < 0.001). The mean differences (95% CI) were: BASDAI [-0.5 (-14.5, 13.5) mm]; BASFI [-1.1 (-10.6, 8.4) mm]; Item 5 [-1.7 (-23.6, 20.2) mm] and Item 6 [-0.7 (-14.7, 13.3) mm] from BASDAI; HAQ score [0.023 (-0.183, 0.229)]. For VAS -0.4 to -2.8mm (no significance for all except VAS global and VAS fatigue in RA). SDD for BASDAI was 14.0 mm; BASFI 9.5 mm; Item 5 21.8 mm; Item 6 14.0mm; HAQ 0.206; VAS 11.1-18.8 mm. Conclusions. Self-explanatory touch screens based on the DANBIO open-source system generates valid results in AS and RA patients on completion of BASDAI, BASFI, HAQ and VAS scores for pain, fatigue and global health when compared with the traditional paper form. Implementation of touch screens in clinical practice is feasible and patients need no instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noise exposures are associated with a host of adverse health effects, yet these exposures remain inadequately characterized in many industrial operations, including paper mills. We assessed noise at four paper mills using three measures: (i) personal noise dosimetry, (ii) area noise measurements, and (iii) questionnaire items addressing several different aspects of perceived noise exposure. Methods: We assessed exposures to noise characterized using the three measures and compared the relationships between them. We also estimated the validity of each of the three measures using a novel application of the Method of Triads, which does not appear to have been used previously in the occupational health literature. Results: We collected 209 valid dosimetry measurements and collected perceived noise exposure survey items from 170 workers, along with 100 area measurements. We identified exposures in excess of 85 dBA at all mills. The dosimetry and area noise measurements assigned to individual subjects generally showed good agreement, but for some operations within mill, large differences between the two measures were observed, and a substantial fraction of paired measures differed by >5 dB. Perceived noise exposures varied greatly between the mills, particularly for an item related to difficulty speaking in noise. One perceived noise exposure item related to difficulty hearing due to noise showed strong and significant correlations with both dosimetry and area measurements. The Method of Triads analysis showed that dosimetry measures had the highest estimated validity coefficient (0.70), and that the best performing perceived exposure measure had validity that exceeded that of area measurements (0.48 versus 0.40, respectively). Conclusions: Workers in Swedish pulp mills have the potential for exposures to high levels of noise. Our results suggest that, while dosimetry remains the preferred approach to exposure assessment, perceived noise exposures can be used to evaluate potential exposures to noise in epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the validity, in terms of the patients’ acceptance, preference, feasibility and reliability of an innovative, interactive computerized system for collection of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data on axial SpA against the paper-and-pencil version.Methods. Fifty-five patients with axial SpA completed both the touch screen and the paper-and-pencil set of questionnaires. A computerized touch-screen system, SPEAMonitor, was developed to capture PRO data. Variables recorded included demographic data, patient’s assessment of general health status, BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI and acute-phase reactant levels. In order to assess the patient’s acceptance of, preference for and feasibility of computer-based questionnaires, the participants filled in an additional questionnaire. The time taken to complete both formats was measured. In a further test–retest study, 25 patients were re-evaluated.Results. The agreement between the paper-administered and computer touch-screen format of the BASFI, BASDAI questionnaires and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores was excellent. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between data ranged from 0.90 to 0.96. Additionally the test–retest study showed a very good agreement between the scores for the two administrations (ICC &geq; 0.90). Age, computer experience and education level had no significant impact on the results. The computerized questionnaires were reported to be easier to use. The mean time spent completing the questionnaires on a touch screen was 5.1 min and on paper 7.9 min.Conclusion. Our newly developed computer-assisted touch-screen questionnaires for PRO in axial SpA were well accepted by patients, with good data quality, reliability and score agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, research on the psychological aspects and assessment of video games has become more and more important due to their impact in entertainment and education. The development of psychometric instruments to measure different factors of a player’s engagement and skills in playing video games and to measure different factors of the game’s playability and attractiveness is essential to this research. This article reviews two papers on measuring the player’s subjective experiences playing the game by IJsselsteijn et al. (2007, Characterising and Measuring User Experiences in Digital Games. ACE Conference ’07, June 13–15, Salzburg, Austria) and the player’s level of engagement in playing games by Brockmyer et al. (2009, The Development of the Game Engagement Questionnaire: A Measure of Engagement in Video Game-playing. J. Exp. Soc. Psychol., 45, 624–634). While approaching the topic with very different purposes and methodologies, both papers contribute important ideas and useful scales that should be used by researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of mass screening of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism of central origin (CH-C) by measurement of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Design: Questionnaire-based survey of CH-C patients born between 1999 and 2008 in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. Methods: TSH and FT4 levels in dried blood spots on filter paper were measured using ELISA kits, and CH-C was diagnosed at FT4 levels below a cutoff of 0.7 ng/dl (9.0 pmol/l). Survey results were collated with the database created by the screening organizer Results: Twenty-four CH-C patients (18 males) were identified, 14 of whom had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (group M), eight had isolated CH-C (group I), and two had undetermined pituitary involvement (group U). In groups M, I, and U, the number of patients with FT4 levels below the cutoff value at screening was five (36%), seven (88%), and one (50%) respectively; other patients had been diagnosed clinically. Thus, 13 patients were true positives, while nine were false negatives, yielding screening sensitivity of 59.1% and positive predictive value of 11.5%. The calculated sensitivity was 81.8% at a higher cutoff value of 0.9 ng/dl (11.6 pmol/l). The overall incidence of CH-C was estimated at 1 in 30 833 live births, while that of CH of thyroidal origin (CH-T) is 1 in 3472 live births in Kanagawa prefecture (CH-T/CH-C, 8.9). Conclusions: Newborn screening with combined FT4 and TSH measurements can identify a significant number of CH-C patients before manifestation of clinical symptoms, but a more appropriate FT4 cutoff value should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage-animal production agriculture is implementing infrastructure changes and management strategies to adjust to increased energy-related costs of fuel, feed grains, fertilizers, and seeds. The primary objectives of this position paper are to assess future research and extension scientific needs in forage utilization, financial support for the discipline, and changing status and number of scientists. A survey questionnaire returned from 25 land-grant universities in the eastern half of the United States rated the top 4 research needs as 1) pasture systems and efficiency of production; 2) interfacing with energy concerns; 3) forage cultivar evaluations and persistence; and 4) environment impacts. Plant-animal future research needs at 11 USDA-ARS regional locations are targeted at sustainable management and improved livestock performance, ecophysiology and ecology of grasslands, environment impacts, and improved technologies for nutritive value assessments. Extension scientists from 17 southern and northeastern states listed the top 3 needs as forage persistence, soil fertility and nutrient management, and pasture systems and efficiency of production. Grant funds currently provide more than 40% of land-grant university research and extension efforts in forage utilization, and scientists estimate that this support base will increase to 55 to 60% of the funding total by 2013. Reduced allocation of state and federal funding has contributed to a reduction in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) scientists engaged in forage utilization research and extension activities. The current 25 state FTE conducting research number about 2.8 per state. This includes 10 states with >3, 11 states with <2, and 3 states with <1 FTE. Increased interest in cellulosic energy, climate change, and environmental impact may offer new opportunities for these FTE to participate in integrated cross-discipline research Extension programming, and technology transfer methods will change to accommodate reduced funding but with increasing numbers of novice, recreation-oriented landowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares estimates of self-reported substance use and psychological well-being obtained in computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil self-administered surveys. We examine the extent to which mode effects on survey responses are moderated by respondent characteristics and respondent attitudes, including attitudes toward computers, attitudes about confidentiality and privacy, and their general mistrust of others. Respondents age 12-34 were selected through a multistage area probability sample of urban and suburban areas nationally and were randomly assigned to interview mode. There were few main effects of mode on self-reported substance use and well-being. Significant mode-by-age interaction terms revealed that adolescents were more sensitive to mode of administration than older respondents. Adolescents reported significantly higher levels of alcohol use, illicit drug use, and psychological distress in the computer mode than on paper self-administered questionnaires. Significant mode-by-mistrust interactions were also found. Respondents with higher levels of mistrust in others were less likely to report substance use in the computer mode than in the paper-and-pencil format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively low response rates in mixed mode studies remain a concern. Whether targeting protocols to match respondents' likely mode is an effective strategy remains unclear. For those without a clear likely mode, how the details about sequencing influence response rates, mode, field work effort, and potential response bias remain important questions. This article describes a targeted sequential design implemented in a 2016 mixed mode supplement with individuals aged 30 years and older in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the longest running national panel study in the United States. Respondents predicted to be likely to respond by web were invited to a web study and sent a paper copy after six weeks (web-first); those likely to respond by paper were also invited to participate by web but told that a paper copy would be sent shortly (signal-andsend paper). An embedded experiment measured the impact of the two protocols among a group of respondents with no clear likely mode. More than 40 percent of individuals with no likely mode are under the age of 40 years, and the group falls between the likely web and paper groups in terms of education and internet use and includes more women and single respondents. Compared to the likely web and paper groups, those with no likely mode had lower response rates and required more fieldwork effort. Among those randomly assigned, the signal-and-send protocol increased response over the web-first protocol from weeks 4 through 7. By week 16, both protocols yielded similar response rates, field effort and distributions of respondent characteristics. Among those responding, cases randomized to web-first were more likely than those randomized to signal-and-send paper to respond by web. We discuss implications for targeted protocols in mixed mode panel surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors assessed the utility and cost-effectiveness of using a World Wide Web-based questionnaire in a large prospective cohort study, the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS). In 1995, 59,000 African-American women were recruited into the BWHS through a paper questionnaire. Follow-up paper questionnaires have been mailed every 2 years since then. During the 2003, 2005, and 2007 questionnaire cycles, participants were given the option of completing a Web-based questionnaire. The cost of developing and processing a returned paper questionnaire was 4 times that of a returned Web questionnaire, primarily because of return postage costs and greater processing time for paper questionnaires. The proportion of respondents who completed a Web questionnaire doubled from 2003 to 2007, from 10.1% to 19.9%, but the characteristics of those completing the Web questionnaire remained the same. Web response was greatest at younger ages (20.9% of those aged <30 years) and declined with age to 3.6% among women aged 60 years or more. Web questionnaires were filled out more completely than paper questionnaires, regardless of the sensitivity of a question. The use of a Web questionnaire in the BWHS resulted in cost savings and more complete responses. Although there are advantages to using a Web questionnaire, the use of multiple means of soliciting questionnaire responses is still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancer (CC). Latvia has a high incidence of CC compared with the average incidence in the European Union. This study aims to fill the data gap on the HR-HPV burden in Latvia, providing information on its prevalence and associated factors. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to April 2022. Participants 25–70 years old visiting a general practitioner (general population) or those referred to a colposcopy clinic with changes in their cervical cytology (colposcopy population) collected vaginal self-sample and completed a paper-based questionnaire. Samples were analyzed with Cobas 6800 System (Roche) for HPV16, HPV18 and other HR-HPV (HPV31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/66/68). Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were performed. The Chi-square test was used to determine for the statistical significance of differences in the proportions of the dependent variable between subgroups of the independent variable. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with positive HR-HPV status. Results were considered statistically significant at P  < 0.05. Results A total of 1274 participants provided a valid sample. The prevalence of any HR-HPV infection was 66.8% in the colposcopy group and 11.0% in the general population. Factors associated with positive HR-HPV status were marital status single/divorced/widowed (vs. married/cohabiting) [adjusted OR (aOR) 2.6; P  = 0.003], higher number of lifetime sex partners [aOR 5.1 (P  < 0.001) and 4.0 (P  = 0.001)] for six or more and three to five partners in the general population; in the colposcopy group, the statistical significance remained only for Latvian ethnicity (vs. other) (aOR 1.8; P  = 0.008) and current smoking (vs. never) (aOR 1.9; P  = 0.01). Conclusion We documented a comparison to European Union HR-HPV infection burden in Latvia. Any HR-HPV positivity was significantly associated with sexual and other health behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine vaccination annually prevents millions of deaths worldwide but is underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The complexity of socio-cultural factors impacting vaccine uptake is not well understood. Hence, this paper aims to review the socio-cultural determinants of vaccine uptake and visualize their interrelationships. We conducted a literature search using Pubmed and Embase databases, including articles published from 2000 to 2019 describing socio-cultural demand-side determinants for vaccine uptake. Using the Andersen and Newman Framework of Health Services Utilization, demand-side determinants were categorized as predisposing, enabling or need factors. A qualitative system dynamics approach was employed to visualize how these factors and their dynamic interrelationships influence vaccine uptake. This visualization, by means of a causal-loop diagram (CLD), was mostly based on a qualitative input, with the majority being statements of the authors. These statements were abstracted from the papers found in the review. Quantification was done by counting direct (statistical) associations between each determinant and 'timely and full routine immunization coverage'. A total of 90 articles, primarily from Nigeria (n = 23), Ethiopia (n = 17) and Kenya (n = 11), met the inclusion criteria. We find that maternal autonomy and the perceived benefits caregivers attach to vaccination and exert their influences on many other factors through several feedback loops, thereby influencing timely and full routine immunization coverage. Utilization of health services (supply-related) and access to information (demand-related) were considered as high-potential leverage points. Quantification has shown that maternal autonomy and perceived benefit have an unclear evidence base. Future research should focus on these key players as they play a central role in multiple complex pathways, through which they could influence the uptake of vaccines in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The national Monitoring the Future (MTF) study examines substance use among adolescents and adults in the United States and has used paper questionnaires since it began in 1975. The current experiment tested three conditions as compared to the standard MTF follow-up protocol (i.e., MTF Control) for the first MTF follow-up survey at ages 19/20 years (i.e., one or two years after high school graduation). The MTF Control group included participants who completed in-school baseline surveys in the 12th grade in 2012-2013 and who were selected to participate in the first follow-up survey in 2014 (n=2,451). A supplementary sample of participants who completed the 12th grade baseline survey in 2012 or 2013 but were not selected to participate in the main MTF follow-up (n=4,950) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: (1) Mail Push, (2) Web Push, (3) Web Push+E-mail. Results indicated that the overall response rate was lower in Condition 2 compared to MTF Control and to Condition 1; there were no differences between Condition 3 and other conditions. Web response was highest in Condition 3; among web responders, smartphone response was also highest in Condition 3. Subgroup differences also emerged such that, for example, compared to white participants, Hispanics had greater odds of web (versus paper) response and blacks had greater odds of smartphone (versus computer or tablet) response. Item nonresponse was lowest in the Web Push conditions (compared to MTF Control) and on the web survey (compared to paper). Compared to MTF Control, Condition 3 respondents reported higher rates of alcohol use in the past 30 days. The total cost was lowest for Condition 3. Overall, the Condition 3 Web Push+E-mail design is promising. Future research is needed to continue to examine the implications of web and mobile response in large, national surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a sustainable mode of travel, carpooling is an effective solution to environmental and energy problems, but it has not been fully utilized. The research on carpooling attitudes, especially for college students, still needs to be improved. In response to this problem, this paper aims to investigate the effect of personal attributes, travel attributes, attitude attributes and other attributes of students on carpooling attitudes in China. To collect the data, an online questionnaire survey was implemented at Shenzhen University, and 514 students participated. Based on the samples, the multinomial logit model is used to explore the contribution of all variables. The model results showed that personal attributes such as sex and age had no significant effect on the attitude of college students towards carpooling. The safety of carpooling and its high cost make college students have a neutral attitude towards it. The most concerning factor for college students in carpooling is comfort. These findings can provide valuable suggestions for measures to be taken in response to different attributes affecting students' attitudes and are particularly important for the university and government to make optimal decisions to motivate students to select carpooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a conceptual framework to improve the value of healthcare by health, care-process and economic outcomes. Benchmarking should provide useful information to identify best practices and therefore a good instrument to improve quality across healthcare organizations. This paper aims to provide a proof-of-concept of the feasibility of an international VBHC benchmarking in breast cancer, with the ultimate aim of being used to share best practices with a data-driven approach among healthcare organizations from different health systems. Methods In the VOICE community—a European healthcare centre cluster intending to address VBHC from theory to practice—information on patient-reported, clinical-related, care-process-related and economic-related outcomes were collected. Patient archetypes were identified using clustering techniques and an indicator set following a modified Delphi was defined. Benchmarking was performed using regression models controlling for patient archetypes and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Six hundred and ninety patients from six healthcare centres were included. A set of 50 health, care-process and economic indicators was distilled for benchmarking. Statistically significant differences across sites have been found in most health outcomes, half of the care-process indicators, and all economic indicators, allowing for identifying the best and worst performers. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first international experience providing evidence to be used with VBHC benchmarking intention. Differences in indicators across healthcare centres should be used to identify best practices and improve healthcare quality following further research. Applied methods might help to move forward with VBHC benchmarking in other medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We compared the effect of three different modes of questionnaire administration on screening for hazardous drinking and acquiescence to trial participation. Methods: A quasi-randomized controlled trial among injured patients seen in acute care clinics compared self-administered paper-and-pencil, self-administered electronic, and orally-administered interview questionnaires. Outcomes included positive AUDIT-C screens for hazardous drinking, willingness to participate in a (hypothetical) lifestyle intervention trial, and recruitment success. Differences were analyzed with nonlinear mixed models, controlling for age, sex, and facility. Structured interviews with staff explored levers and barriers to screening. Results: Of the 370 participants, 22.7% scored ⩾4 and 7.8% ⩾6 on the AUDIT-C. Electronic questionnaires were more likely than paper questionnaires to identify an AUDIT-C ⩾6 (OR = 1.96; 95% Cl 1.10-3.48), but not ⩾4 (OR = 0.83; 95% Cl 0.43 1.62). Oral questionnaires were as likely as paper questionnaires to identify an AUDIT-C ⩾4 (OR = 1.00; 95% Cl 0.40-2.51) or ⩾6 (OR = 1.94; 95% Cl 0.83-4.50). Electronic and oral questionnaires were more likely to elicit acquiescence to trial participation (OR = 1.59; 95% Cl 1.23-2.07, and OR = 1.66; 95% Cl 1.22-2.26, respectively). Oral questionnaires created problems with confidentiality, privacy, and disruption of patient flow, and reduced recruitment success (OR = 0.51; 95% Cl 0.42-0.62). Conclusions: Among acutely injured patients in clinics who consented to screening, nearly one-fourth reported hazardous drinking, Compared to paper questionnaires, electronic screening produced less social desirability bias mid greater acquiescence to trial participation. Oral questionnaires produced greater acquiescence, but barriers to use adversely affected recruitment. Electronic questionnaires may be preferable for screening for hazardous drinking and recruitment into intervention trials in acute care clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to quantitatively measure the health vulnerability and risk factors of refugees and migrants residing outside of formal settlement settings. For hard-to-reach populations without available sampling frames, researchers have increasingly turned to novel sampling and statistical methods, like respondent-driven sampling (RDS). "Standard" RDS is typically conducted face-to-face at fixed sites. However, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, face-to-face survey methods and recruitment approaches posed high potential risk of virus transmission and infection, making remote RDS approaches optimal. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of implementing telephone and Internet RDS strategies to assess challenges faced by Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the city of Bogotá, Colombia's capital, and the department of Norte de Santander, the main Venezuelan-Colombian border crossing site. We describe RDS assumptions, survey design, formative research, and the implementation of both strategies and present diagnostics for determining whether assumptions are met. Phone-based recruitment strategies in both locations and the Internet strategy in Bogotá achieved their calculated sample size; however, the Internet strategy in Norte de Santander did not. Most RDS assumptions were sufficiently met at sites where sample sizes were reached. These surveys provide valuable lessons for implementing innovative remote strategies with which to study hard-to-reach populations such as refugees and migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper introduces a new item count technique (ICT) for dealing with sensitive features. One of the aims of the proposed method is to eliminate both the "ceiling" and "floor" effects that can occur in the original ICT. In the new model, in contrast to the classical one and recently proposed models, the two groups into which the sample is split are treated similarly. Therefore, there is no traditional distinction between the control and treatment groups. The control variable can be either a qualitative count variable or a continuous variable. To our knowledge, ICT methods with continuous control have not been proposed before. Although our new model differs substantially in the approach, it requires only a slight modification of the questionnaire design, which in no way leaks respondents' privacy. Substantial gain in statistical efficiency is achieved as compared to the earlier proposed Poisson and negative binomial ICTs. The new method also reduces the bias of maximum likelihood estimators and allows to obtain bootstrap confidence intervals with a substantially smaller width. The statistical properties of the method are investigated theoretically and by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short Message Service ( SMS) is one of the most widely used data services worldwide. This paper examines the assumption that the 160-character limit would force brief and thus comparatively uninformative responses in psychological research compared to other data collection modes. In laboratory classes, 463 psychology undergraduate students were randomly assigned to complete a 2-item questionnaire by SMS, e-mail, online survey, or paper survey. 2 weeks later, participants completed a multiple-choice self-report risk taking questionnaire on paper. While SMS response lengths were statistically significantly shorter than those yielded in other modes, they did not contain less information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review of past E-mail surveys indicates that a methodology to achieve consistently high response rates similar to those that can be obtained by traditional mail has not been developed. In addition, researchers have tended to use E-mail surveys only for populations with universal E-mail access. This study utilizes knowledge from past mail-survey research to develop an E-mail procedure. Further, an experiment is conducted to assess the potential for using a multimode strategy to obtain responses from individuals unreachable through E-mail. The multimode approach proved to be successful and techniques shown to be effective in standard mail surveys were also found to be appropriate for an E-mail survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare share decision-making with family members by bringing the immediate and wider family together to make a plan to meet a child's needs. This paper reports survey findings on FGC provision in the UK in 2022 and explores whether in England the presence of an FGC service and the rate of FGC provision is associated with the rate of children in care, entering care, in kinship foster care and leaving care. Seventy-nine per cent (n  = 167) of local authorities in the UK provided FGCs to families, and 14 per cent (n  = 29) did not. Services that were more established offered a more diverse range of FGCs. The introduction of FGCs in English local authorities was associated with a higher rate of children in care, but also higher rates of kinship foster care, a key goal of FGCs where it is not possible for children to stay with their parents. Higher rates of FGCs were associated with more children leaving care, possibly due to reunification with birth families. To understand in more detail, the circumstances of children in and leaving care in local authorities with FGCs, individual data linkage studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the transtheoretical model aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) participation among female employees in Bandar Abbas city (Iran) healthcare centers in December 2017 and August 2018. Using a semi-experimental interventional study design with a randomized and multi-stage method, 100 participants were included in both the intervention (n  = 50) and control groups (n  = 50). Data collection involved questionnaires assessing demographic information (age, gender, marital status and education), stages of change in PA behavior, Perceived Benefits, Barriers and Self-efficacy. The data were analyzed using SPSS-16, employing both descriptive (mean, SD, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (t -tests, chi-squared tests, etc.). Prior to the educational intervention, 19 participants (0.38%) in the intervention group engaged consistently in PA (stages 4–5). After 3 and 6 months of intervention, these numbers increased to 29 (0.58%) and 25 (0.50%), respectively. This improvement was statistically significant compared to the pre-intervention stage (P  < 0.001). The findings highlight the importance of theory-based behavior change models and health education programs in promoting PA and combating sedentary lifestyles. Although focused on a specific population in Bandar Abbas, the intervention can serve as a model for similar programs targeting diverse social classes and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of social networks turns them into a legal method for promoting a healthy lifestyle, which benefits not only people but also different countries' governments. This research paper aimed to examine the Keep fitness app integrated into WeChat, Weibo and QQ as regards long-term improvements in health-related behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, health responsibility, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships and stress management) and assess the associated risk of increased social media addiction. Students from Lishui University in China (N  = 300) participated in this study, and they were formed into control and experimental groups. The Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale and Social Media Disorder Scale were used as psychometric instruments. The Keep app was found to improve respondents' scores on the parameters of physical activity, nutrition and health responsibility (P  = 0.00). However, the level of dependence on social media did not change in either the control or the experimental group during the year of research (P  ≥ 0.05). It is concluded that fitness apps can be an effective tool to promote healthy lifestyles among young people in China and other countries. The feasibility of government investment in fitness apps to promote healthy lifestyles is substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The outbreak of COVID-19 was potentially stressful for everyone and possibly heightened in those having surgery. We sought to explore the impact of the pandemic on recovery from cardiac surgery. Methods and results A prospective observational study of 196 patients who were ≥18years old undergoing cardiac surgery between March 23 and July 4, 2020 (UK lockdown) was conducted. Those too unwell or unable to give consent/complete the questionnaires were excluded. Participants completed (on paper or electronically) the impact of event [Impact of Events Scale-revised (IES-R)] (distress related to COVID-19), depression [Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)], and EQ-5D-5L [(quality of life, health-related quality of life (HRQoL)] questionnaires at baseline, 1 week after hospital discharge, and 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year post-surgery. Questionnaire completion was >75.0% at all timepoints, except at 1 week (67.3%). Most participants were male [147 (75.0%)], white British [156 (79.6%)] with an average age 63.4years. No patients had COVID-19. IES-R sand CES-D were above average at baseline (indicating higher levels of anxiety and depression) decreasing over time. HRQoL pre-surgery was high, reducing at 1 week but increasing to almost pre-operative levels at 6 weeks and exceeding pre-operative levels at 6 months and 1 year. IES-R and CES-D scores were consistently higher in women and younger patients with women also having poorer HRQoL up to 1-year after surgery. Conclusions High levels of distress were observed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic with women and younger participants particularly affected. Psychological support pre- and post-operatively in further crises or traumatic times should be considered to aid recovery. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov ID:NCT04366167. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a primary societal challenge worldwide, with over 23 million new cases/year, and 10 million deaths/year. Estimates of preventable cancer deaths rise as high as 70%, but such estimates rely heavily on individual behaviors, which in turn are correlated with knowledge and attitudes towards health and cancer. This paper describes the iterative evidence-based development of the first entertainment-education series on cancer prevention to be televised, and reports its effectiveness evaluation. A nominal group defined the guiding principles that were translated into key characteristics for a series named ' 2' Life-changing minutes '. Pilot episodes were produced and evaluated in two complementary studies—a focus group study with medical doctors and a survey study with prospective viewers. Results from these studies guided the optimization and production of the full series, which was broadcast on national public TV, in prime time. An evaluation study was performed afterwards with naturally-occurring viewers and results show audience reach on par with purely entertainment series, that health messages can be clearly conveyed through fictional narratives, and that the series has high levels of appreciation and health promotion potential. ' 2' Life-changing minutes ' constitutes a novel and effective proposal for health promotion, that challenges the primacy of information and statistics still common in health communication, with a new format based on stories, characters and social contexts to successfully promote health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic disease is a significant burden on the global population. The Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health (HEALTH) Passport is a paper-based approach previously utilized to help adults modify clinical risk factors through lifestyle, which may be effective in improving the long-term health of school-age children. This study investigates the feasibility of in-school use by engaging trainee teachers in primary and secondary education. Methods Two hundred and fifty six unique responses were collated to evaluate current teaching of the main health risk factors and HEALTH Passports specifically adapted for schools. Trainees attended workshops with pre- and post-questionnaires used to measure training efficacy and evaluate the Passports' suitability for in-school use. Narrative analysis of feedback was performed. Results Feedback received for both Passports was positive overall. Trainees highlighted the need for the Passports to be further age differentiated. Significantly increased confidence (P  < 0.01) in knowledge of exercise, type 2 diabetes, weight and blood pressure was shown. Confidence in smoking, drugs and alcohol knowledge was reduced highlighting the requirement for further teacher training. Conclusions The HEALTH Passport has potential as an intervention to improve health literacy in school-age children. Age adaptation is needed with references to weight measures removed. Emotional well-being should be focused on, and data management stringently assessed for child protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare two ways of combining postal and electronic data collection for a maternity services user-experience survey. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Maternity services in Norway. Participants All women who gave birth at a university hospital in Norway between 1 June and 27 July 2010. Intervention Patients were randomized into the following groups (n= 752): Group A, who were posted questionnaires with both electronic and paper response options for both the initial and reminder postal requests; and Group B, who were posted questionnaires with an electronic response option for the initial request, and both electronic and paper response options for the reminder postal request. Main outcome measures Response rate, the amount of difference in background variables between respondents and non-respondents, main study results and estimated cost-effectiveness. Results The final response rate was significantly higher in Group A (51.9%) than Group B (41.1%). None of the background variables differed significantly between the respondents and non-respondents in Group A, while two variables differed significantly between the respondents and non-respondents in Group B. None of the 11 user-experience scales differed significantly between Groups A and B. The estimated costs per response for the forthcoming national survey was €11.7 for data collection Model A and €9.0 for Model B. Conclusions The model with electronic-only response option in the first request had lowest response rate. However, this model performed equal to the other model on non-response bias and better on estimated cost-effectiveness, and is the better of the two models in large-scale user experiences surveys with maternity services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Following a job offer, many employers require the chosen candidate to undergo health screening by questionnaire before the applicant commences work. Despite their widespread use, the effectiveness of such questionnaires remains uncertain.Aims To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of pre-employment health questionnaires in predicting health and employment outcomes.Methods We used a sensitive search strategy to search electronic databases from 1985 to September 2009. The search included dissertations for Membership of the UK Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM). The authors independently selected abstracts and papers for critical appraisal and inclusion in the review using methods based on guidelines produced by the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York.Results Five hundred and three abstracts were identified; nine papers and two MFOM dissertations were critically appraised. Seven papers and two MFOM dissertations were included in the final review. Six studies explored pre-employment predictors of respiratory symptoms, one explored predictors of back pain in nurses, and two dissertations explored work outcomes including sickness absence and ill-health retirement. No papers addressing mental health outcomes met our inclusion criteria. Included studies either failed to identify pre-employment predictors of health and work outcomes or found very weak predictors.Conclusions Pre-employment health screening (PEHS) by questionnaire has a low predictive value in detecting future adverse health and occupational outcomes. Where PEHS takes place, the health standards required and criteria for rejection of applicants should be based on a full risk assessment of the prospective post. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim Impulsivity has been identified as a key relapse risk factor in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the inherent characteristics of this relationship have been largely understudied. The heterogeneity of AUD and variation in impulsivity constructs require careful consideration to inform future work examining the relationship. This study sought to review empirical findings examining facets of impulsivity and AUD relapse. Methods A systematic search strategy was employed to capture studies on impulsivity measures related to AUD relapse. Impulsivity measures were qualitatively organized in terms of 'trait impulsivity'—typically measured by self-report questionnaires—and 'behavioural impulsivity', i.e. 'motor impulsivity', 'impulsive choice' and 'reflection impulsivity, assessed with cognitive–behavioural tasks. Results Seventeen peer-reviewed papers were identified. Relapse outcomes varied substantially in relation to impulsivity measures. Twelve papers included aspects of 'trait impulsivity', and nine studies included 'behavioural impulsivity' measures, from which five studies dealt with the 'impulsive choice' subcategory. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale was the self-report questionnaire that was most frequently used. Conclusions All three included facets of impulsivity ('trait-, motor- and impulsive choice impulsivity') were associated with AUD relapse, but none seemed to be superior to another. This study confirmed that research on the relation between impulsivity and AUD relapse is relatively scarce. Future research and treatment options are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation of research to practice is essential for competent practitioners but requires skills and experience in reading and understanding research. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) may be a means of developing research skills for all students in a course. For successful CUREs, faculty evaluate students' research skill development and decide on a project that appropriately promotes student learning. In this case, we chose an open-ended project. We then evaluated the experiences of music students (music therapy, music performance, and music digital media) as they participated in a virtual CURE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design with two surveys and open-ended responses of the whole group (n = 22) and a focus group with a volunteer subsample of students (n = 7) indicated important gains in understanding research articles, writing a scholarly paper, understanding the relevance of research to their coursework, and developing communication and teamwork skills. Student suggestions for improvement included clarification of the expectations and timelines, particularly in a virtual setting, and better distribution of effort during the semester. Overall, a virtual CURE may support student research skill development and help them become more effective research consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child-protection social work is a stressful occupation that results in workforce concerns about poor levels of staff retention and high levels of inexperience. This paper presents results from a cross-sectional survey and reports findings from a sample of 162 Northern Irish social workers. The sample were measured for 'resilience' (acceptance of self and life and individual competence, RS14 Resilience Scale), 'burnout' (emotional exhaustion EE, depersonalisation DP, personal accomplishment PA, Maslach Burnout Inventory) and organisational subscales (work-load, community, values, equity and control, Area of Work Life Scale (AWLS)). Pearson zero-order correlations showed that higher resilience was associated with lower EE and higher PA. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to identify unique demographic and work-specific predictors of resilience in addition to the AWLS subscales of control and values. The final model significantly accounted for 27 per cent of the variance in resilience scores, providing increased knowledge about resilience enhancing factors. As resilience is not an apolitical concept, the wider debates and politics of resilience are acknowledged. Specifically, contextual concerns are addressed that relate to the organisational factors that impact on social workers. The paper concludes by calling for organisational interventions to support resilience in social workers and maintain expertise in child-protection services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some of the inappropriate use of antibiotics is related to the dispensing of antibiotics without a medical prescription.Objectives: To identify the intrinsic factors (socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes) and extrinsic factors (patient-related factors and health-system-related factors) related to the dispensing or selling of antibiotics without a medical prescription (DAwMP) by workers at retail pharmacies, when this should be done by prescription according to the legislation in force in each country.Methods: We conducted a search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, with studies being required to meet the following inclusion criteria: (i) they were published in English or Spanish; (ii) the designated study objective was to explore factors linked to dispensing without prescription; (iii) the study population was defined as pharmacy workers.Results: Thirty-three papers were included. While pharmacy workers' socio-demographic characteristics had no influence on dispensing without prescription (only 2/9 of the quantitative studies that statistically evaluated gender showed a relationship, 2/7 with respect to age and 0/3 with respect to professional status), training (5/8), knowledge and attitudes did however prove significant (12/13). In the case of qualitative or mixed studies, patient-related factors [lack of knowledge (7/13), high demand (9/13), self-medication (6/13) and low socio-economic status (5/13)] and health-system-related factors [lack of rigour in antibiotic policies (7/13) and pressure from pharmacy owners (5/13)] are mentioned in relation to dispensing without a prescription.Conclusions: The results of this review appear to indicate that factors associated with dispensing without prescription are all modifiable. This may be of use when it comes to designing interventions aimed at curtailing this practice and thereby reducing antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance levels worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Delirium is most often reported as present or absent. Patients with symptoms falling short of the diagnostic criteria for delirium fall into 'no delirium' or 'control' groups. This binary classification neglects individual symptoms and may be hindering identification of the pathophysiology underlying delirium. This systematic review investigates which individual symptoms of delirium are reported by studies of postoperative delirium in adults. Methods Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched on 03 June 2021 and 06 April 2023. Two reviewers independently examined titles and abstracts. Each paper was screened in duplicate and conflicting decisions settled by consensus discussion. Data were extracted, qualitatively synthesised and narratively reported. All included studies were quality assessed. Results These searches yielded 4,367 results. After title and abstract screening, 694 full-text studies were reviewed, and 62 deemed eligible for inclusion. This review details 11,377 patients including 2,049 patients with delirium. In total, 78 differently described delirium symptoms were reported. The most reported symptoms were inattention (N  = 29), disorientation (N  = 27), psychomotor agitation/retardation (N  = 22), hallucination (N  = 22) and memory impairment (N  = 18). Notably, psychomotor agitation and hallucinations are not listed in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-5-Text Revision delirium definition. Conclusions The 78 symptoms reported in this systematic review cover domains of attention, awareness, disorientation and other cognitive changes. There is a lack of standardisation of terms, and many recorded symptoms are synonyms of each other. This systematic review provides a library of individual delirium symptoms, which may be used to inform future reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of sex-specific variables, such as reproductive system history (RSH), in cardiovascular research studies is a missed opportunity to address the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, especially among women who face sex-specific risks of developing CVD. Collecting RSH data from women enrolled in research studies is an important step towards improving women's cardiovascular health. In this paper, we describe two approaches to collecting RSH in CVD research: extracting RSH from the medical record and participant self-report of RSH. We provide specific examples from our own research and address common data management and statistical analysis problems when dealing with RSH data in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On behalf of the Committee in charge of the Section on Sociology and Social Work, the author, as chairman, has the privilege to present to the readers of the periodical "Social Forces," the papers and discussions presented at the meetings of the Section held in Chicago in connection with the meetings of the American Sociological Society, December 26-29, 1919. The special issue of the periodical last June which printed the papers read at the meetings of this Section in 1917, was so well received that it was decided to publish these papers again as a unit and the writer wishes to take this opportunity to express his thanks and appreciation to the editors of the periodical for making this possible. In preparation for the meetings of this Section for 1928 a questionnaire was sent to all members of the Society who indicated an interest in this section, asking their advice on subjects to be treated during the 1928 sessions and for suggestions as to persons who might be called upon to present papers as well as those who might discuss them. It was indicated in the questionnaire that those in charge of the program of the Section were desirous of having the papers based on actual research which had been completed or was being carried on in the various fields of interest to sociology and social work. The response to the 350 questionnaires was wholehearted and generous.

Shiftwork leads to myriad negative health and safety outcomes. Lighting countermeasures can benefit shiftworkers via physiological effects of light (e.g. alerting, circadian adjustment), and short-wavelength light is the most potent for eliciting those responses; however, limited work indicates it may not be required for alerting. We developed similar-appearing light boxes (correlated color temperature: 3000–3375 K; photopic illuminance: 260–296 lux), enriched (SW+, melanopic EDI: 294 lux) or attenuated (SW-, melanopic EDI: 103 lux) in short-wavelength energy, and implemented them on a high-security watchfloor. Efficacy and feasibility of these two novel lighting interventions were assessed in personnel working 12-hour night shifts (n  = 47) in this within-participants, crossover study. For each intervention condition, light boxes were arranged across the front of the watchfloor and illuminated the entire shift; blue-blocking glasses were worn post-shift and before sleep; and sleep masks were used while sleeping. Comparisons between baseline and intervention conditions included alertness, sleep, mood, quality of life (QOL), and implementation measures. On-shift alertness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) increased in SW− compared to baseline, while changes in SW+ were more limited. Under SW+, both mood and sleep improved. Psychomotor vigilance task performance did not vary by condition; however, perceived performance and QOL were higher, and reported caffeine consumption and sleep onset latency were lower, under SW−. For both interventions, satisfaction and comfort were high, and fewer symptoms and negative feelings were reported. The addition of spectrally engineered lights to this unique work environment improved sleep, alertness, and mood without compromising visual comfort and satisfaction. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives Fear of sleep contributes to insomnia in some individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but remains uncharacterized in first responders, a population with high rates of insomnia and PTSD. We evaluated the clinical relevance of fear of sleep in first responders by (1) examining its relationship with trauma types and clinical symptoms and (2) assessing differences in fear of sleep severity between those reporting provisional PTSD, insomnia, or both. Methods A cross-sectional study of 242 first responders across the United States (59.2% male, 86.4% white, 56.2% law enforcement officers, 98.7% active duty, and M years of service = 17). Participants completed the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form and measures of trauma history, psychopathology (e.g. PTSD), and sleep disturbances (insomnia and trauma-related nightmares). Results Fear of sleep was associated with trauma types characterized by interpersonal violence and victimization, as well as symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use problems, insomnia, and trauma-related nightmares. Fear of sleep was most pronounced among first responders reporting provisional PTSD comorbid with insomnia compared to those with PTSD or insomnia only. Post hoc analyses revealed PTSD hyperarousal symptoms and trauma-related nightmares were independently associated with fear of sleep, even after adjusting for the remaining PTSD clusters, insomnia, sex, and years of service. Conclusions Fear of sleep is a clinically relevant construct in first responders that is associated with a broad range of psychopathology symptoms and is most severe among those with cooccurring PTSD and insomnia. Fear of sleep may merit targeted treatment in first responders. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Health in the Justice System Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well documented that lower socio-economic status is associated with poorer health outcomes, while health literacy is considered important for improving health. What is less clear, is the extent to which greater health literacy can improve health outcomes among people for whom poverty or financial insecurity are important barriers to health. The paper presents findings from an Australian survey of people living with HIV (PLHIV) (N = 835) in which we explored the relationship between financial insecurity and health outcomes, looking at the extent to which health literacy mediates this relationship. The study drew on a comprehensive definition of health literacy, measuring participant's confidence to communicate with healthcare providers, navigate the health system and take an active stance in relation to their health. Findings showed that financial insecurity was associated with lower health literacy and poorer self-reported physical and mental health. Health literacy mediated 16.2% of the effect of financial insecurity on physical health scores and 16.6% of the effect of financial insecurity on mental health scores. This suggests that programmes which seek to build health literacy among PLHIV may improve health outcomes among PLHIV who are struggling financially. Health literacy programmes are likely to be effective if they build confidence and resourcefulness among people to engage with health information, decision-making and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to safe drinking water is critical in improving health and well-being. It is estimated that >40% of urban households in Ghana do not have access to safe drinking water. Although the willingness and ability of community members to collectively take local initiatives are essential to curtailing inequities in water access in Ghana, the determinant of collective action is less explored. This paper explores determinants of collective action in water-insecure neighbourhoods and examines how perceived inequities in access to water and trust mediate the relationship between lack of access to water and collective action in urban Ghana. The results show that the urban poor OR = 12.047 (p = 0.000) were more likely to participate in water-related collective action compared to wealthy individuals. Primary decision-makers were 1.696 times more likely to participate in collective (p = 0.02). We also found that perceived inequities OR = 0.381 (p = 0.00) significantly predict participation in collective action to address water insecurity. Water service providers should be subjected to a rigid state-level framework that ensures inclusivity, fairness and justice in their distribution systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Smoking rates in Greece are the highest recorded among OECD countries, but the historical and life-course evolution of smoking patterns is largely unknown. The present paper addresses this gap. Methods We produce nationally representative life-course trajectories of smoking and related mortality of eight generations of Greek men and women. We estimate the smoking–mortality correlation conditional on several confounders and project the estimates forward. Results We show that smoking prevalence among Greek men has plateaued at >60% for all but the youngest generation. For women, smoking prevalence is relatively lower, lags by several generations and follows a hump-shaped pattern. Smoking-attributable mortality is currently peaking for men (nearing 40% of total deaths) and is rising for women. We estimate that it takes ~20 years of smoking to maximize the smoking–mortality correlation (at 0.48 for men and 0.32 for women). Based on this estimation, we forecast that mortality rates will begin falling within the current decade. Conclusions The breadth of the Greek smoking epidemic has been high by international standards, reflecting the ineffective tobacco control efforts in the country. While smoking popularity fell during the Great Recession, policy vigilance is necessary to prevent a relapse once the economy recovers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metrics on scientific publications and their citations are easily accessible and are often referred to in assessments of research and researchers. This paper addresses whether metrics are considered a legitimate and integral part of such assessments. Based on an extensive questionnaire survey in three countries, the opinions of researchers are analysed. We provide comparisons across academic fields (cardiology, economics, and physics) and contexts for assessing research (identifying the best research in their field, assessing grant proposals and assessing candidates for positions). A minority of the researchers responding to the survey reported that metrics were reasons for considering something to be the best research. Still, a large majority in all the studied fields indicated that metrics were important or partly important in their review of grant proposals and assessments of candidates for academic positions. In these contexts, the citation impact of the publications and, particularly, the number of publications were emphasized. These findings hold across all fields analysed, still the economists relied more on productivity measures than the cardiologists and the physicists. Moreover, reviewers with high scores on bibliometric indicators seemed more frequently (than other reviewers) to adhere to metrics in their assessments. Hence, when planning and using peer review, one should be aware that reviewers—in particular reviewers who score high on metrics—find metrics to be a good proxy for the future success of projects and candidates, and rely on metrics in their evaluation procedures despite the concerns in scientific communities on the use and misuse of publication metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Feel4Diabetes project conducted a 2-year intervention aiming to encourage healthy behaviours in families in six European countries. Within this paper, the intervention effect was evaluated after the first intervention year on 24-hour physical behaviour composition in Belgian families at risk for type 2 diabetes. Parents' and children's levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) were objectively measured and sleep duration was self-reported. Valid data were obtained in 82 children (mean age: 8.2 ± 0.84; 50.0% boys) and 72 parents (mean age: 40.1 ± 5.5; 27.8% fathers). Data were analysed using a compositional data approach, and mixed models were used to take clustering into account. Results showed that for children, the mean baseline composition of the 24-hour day in sleep, SB, light and moderate-to-vigorous PA for the intervention group was (11 hours 18 minutes; 6 hours 33 minutes; 5 hours 02 minutes, 1 hour 08 minutes) and for the control group (11 hours 18 minutes; 6 hours 35 minutes; 5 hours 04 minutes; 1 hour 06 minutes), respectively. For parents, the mean baseline composition was for the intervention group (8 hours 12 minutes; 9 hours 36 minutes; 5 hours 43 minutes; 27 minutes) and for the control group (8 hours 00 minute; 9 hours 00 minute; 6 hours 27 minutes; 33 minutes). No significant intervention effects were found on 24-hour physical behaviour composition of either parents or children (p = 0.19 and p = 0.21, respectively). A relatively small study population and a poor attendance rate among parents could maybe explain the lack of effectiveness. More effective strategies are needed to retain vulnerable families in interventions. Furthermore, future approaches to improve the 24-hour physical behaviour composition should maybe focus more specifically on PA, SB and sleep, and involve teachers, children and parents in the design of the intervention. Trial registration: NCT02393872 in ClinicalTrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response burden has been a concern in survey research for some time. One area of concern is the negative impact that response burden can have on response rates. In an effort to mitigate negative impacts on response rates, survey research organizations try to minimize the burden respondents are exposed to and maximize the likelihood of response. Many organizations also try to be mindful of the role burden may play in respondents' likelihood to participate in future surveys by implementing rest periods or survey holidays. Recently, new evidence from a study of cross-sectional household surveys provided an interesting lens to examine burden. The evidence demonstrated that those sampled in two independent surveys are more likely to respond to the second survey if the first survey was more difficult to complete, and that this effect was not significantly influenced by the rest period in between the two surveys. These findings are compelling, and since the mechanisms influencing response in household and establishment surveys differ in important ways, a similar examination in an establishment survey context is warranted. To accomplish this, data are used from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Overall, our research finds that prior survey features such as questionnaire complexity (or burden), prior response disposition and rest period are significantly associated with response to subsequent surveys. We also find that sample units first receiving a more complex questionnaire have significantly higher probabilities of response to a subsequent survey than do those receiving a simpler questionnaire first. The findings in this paper have implications for nonresponse adjustments and identification of subgroups for adaptive design data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main components of survey costs is interviewer call attempts associated with making contact. This paper describes an experiment conducted on a U.K. household panel study, which sought to evaluate whether an “early-bird” approach whereby participants are encouraged to contact their interviewer before fieldwork began in order to set up an appointment could increase fieldwork efficiency by reducing the number of calls required. This approach has been successfully used on the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 cohort for some time but has not been evaluated experimentally. Our experiment involved two treatment groups: one group was promised a modest financial incentive (£5 per participant) to take up the “early-bird” offer and complete an interview, and the other received an appeal to their altruistic tendencies that emphasized that being an “early bird” would make their interviewer's life easier. A parallel experiment sought to evaluate the impact of differential standard incentives on response. The early-bird take-up rate was higher for the incentivized group (10 percent compared with 6 percent for the non-incentivized group) and was highest when combined with the higher standard incentive rate (17 percent). Offering both an early-bird incentive and the higher standard incentive did increase overall fieldwork efficiency, as measured by calls required per completed case, but the modest take-up rates meant that the overall impact was fairly minimal. The paper also finds indicative evidence that the early-bird offer, if sufficiently incentivized, could potentially have a beneficial impact on response rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the well-being ['well-being' and 'wellbeing' are used interchangeably in the literature. Well-being is used in this paper (except in the reference list where exact wording is maintained)] benefits of participation in a workplace choir for health service staff. A mixed method study, this project combines quantitative measures of work engagement, perceived stress, resilience levels and work absences with qualitative interviews with choir participants. It is the first study of workplace choirs in Ireland and one of very few studies internationally that research health service staff choirs. There is some preliminary evidence of benefits that choir attendance may increase positive perception of workers' mental health as well as effect depression rates. However, evidence is limited quantitatively and difficulties in measuring the health benefits of arts interventions are noted. Qualitative data, however, confirms previous study findings, namely that a workplace choir can promote social connectedness, enjoyment at work and staff engagement. Work place choir was also noted to appeal mainly to a limited demographic of work place staff and people with relatively positive health and well-being. Efforts must be made to engage staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds, diverse cultural backgrounds and male staff in work place health promotion activities, as these groups were found less likely to join a work place choir. Given the low cost and low risk of this activity, and the qualitative benefits reported, it is recommended to continue to develop and evaluate health service workplace choirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Exposure to cold is known to be associated with severe health impacts. The primary epidemiological evidence for this is the seasonal variation in mortality. However, there is a paucity of directly measured data for personal cold temperature exposure. This paper develops the concept of experienced temperature, and reports how it varies with season, demographics and housing factors. Methods This study uses data from 77 743 UK Biobank participants. A novel method to directly measure participant's exposure to low temperatures using a thermistor in a wrist-worn activity monitor is described. These readings are combined with demographic and housing factor variables in a multiple regression model to understand underlying relationships. Results The study reveals a significant difference in experienced temperature of ~1.8°C between the periods of coldest and hottest external temperature. A number of demographic differences were also observed—such as people of Chinese ethnic background experiencing 0.65°C lower temperatures than other groups. Conclusions This paper presents primary evidence for a seasonal variation in experienced temperature. This variation likely contributes to cold related mortality and morbidity. It is hypothesized that this relationship would be less strong in countries which suffer fewer impacts of cold winter temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted global health problem disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Capturing data on Antimicrobial resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) project was tasked to expand the volume of AMR and antimicrobial use data in Asia. The CAPTURA project used 2 data-collection streams: facility data and project metadata. Project metadata constituted information collected to map out data sources and assess data quality, while facility data referred to the retrospective data collected from healthcare facilities. A down-selection process, labelled "the funnel approach" by the project, was adopted to use the project metadata in prioritizing and selecting laboratories for retrospective AMR data collection. Moreover, the metadata served as a guide for understanding the AMR data once they were collected. The findings from CAPTURA's metadata add to the current discourse on the limitation of AMR data in LMICs. There is generally a low volume of AMR data generated as there is a lack of microbiology laboratories with sufficient antimicrobial susceptibility testing capacity. Many laboratories in Asia are still capturing data on paper, resulting in scattered or unused data not readily accessible or shareable for analyses. There is also a lack of clinical and epidemiological data captured, impeding interpretation and in-depth understanding of the AMR data. CAPTURA's experience in Asia suggests that there is a wide spectrum of capacity and capability of microbiology laboratories within a country and region. As local AMR surveillance is a crucial instrument to inform context-specific measures to combat AMR, it is important to understand and assess current capacity-building needs while implementing activities to enhance surveillance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background For effective Public Health measures, factors that influence Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) need to be understood. In this paper, we document the relationship between levels of education on the KAP towards COVID-19 among the population of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional KAP questionnaire was delivered across 13 communities. The study population was dichotomized into those who had or had not completed secondary education. Chi-square tests were conducted to determine statistical significance. Results Of the 538 participants, 30% had completed secondary education. Those with secondary education were significantly more likely to recognize symptoms of COVID-19 (P  < 0.001). For attitudes, only one option showed a statistically significant association with 78.4% of those who did not complete secondary education having a high confidence in the church compared with 66% of those who had (P  = 0.022). For practices, those who have completed secondary education practiced all of the supplied measures more than those who had not, except for taking herbal supplements. Discussion Higher levels of education impacts on knowledge and practices but has less impact on attitudes regarding how well certain individuals/organizations can handle the pandemic. Findings highlighted the importance of tailoring public health communication and strategies to local populations to improve the efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]