Association Of Sociodemographic Factors Research Articles

Social determinants of health and depressive symptoms before and after cancer diagnosis

Despite frequent reports of mental health needs among older women with cancer, depressive symptoms often go unrecognized and untreated, particularly in socially vulnerable survivors. Here, we examined associations of sociodemographic factors and social limitations with depressive symptoms from pre-diagnosis to post-diagnosis in older women diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (SEER-MHOS) linked dataset, we used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between sociodemographic factors (race, ethnicity, marital status, rurality) and social limitations (i.e., health interfering with social activities) on depressive symptoms in women aged ≥65 years with breast or gynecologic cancer (n = 1,353). Most participants had breast cancer (82.0%), stage I-II cancer (85.8%), received surgery for their cancer (94.8%), and radiation treatment (50.6%). Prior to diagnosis, 11.8% reported depressive symptoms, which nearly doubled to 22.4% at follow-up. Participants were 2.7 times more likely of reporting depressive symptoms after cancer diagnosis compared with pre-cancer diagnosis (95%CI: 2.10–3.48). Race, ethnicity, rurality, marital status, and social interference were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms after cancer diagnosis than before their cancer diagnosis (p < 0.05). In summary, depressive symptoms increased following a cancer diagnosis. Our results suggest potential avenues for intervention that could lead to reduced depressive symptoms among older female cancer survivors.

THE SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS INFLUENCE IN THE KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, AND BEHAVIOR OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN MALANG: A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY

Background: Osteoporosis is a major global health issue that results in disability and high medical expenses. It can significantly impact both individuals and their caregivers, leading to pain, limitations in daily activities, and emotional distress. Purpose: This study observed the association of sociodemographic factors in affecting knowledge, perception, and behavior related to osteoporosis in a rural area of Malang, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Malang to assess the knowledge, perception, and behavior of adults (≥18 years old) toward osteoporosis. Participants were asked to fill in a validated questionnaire, which was selected randomly using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed on SPSS for Windows version 25.0. Results: The study included 376 randomly selected participants from various rural areas in Malang. The subjects mostly were within the 51-60 age group (34.0%), with female respondents accounting for 73.4% of the sample. On average, participants scored 1.8 (±2.5) for knowledge, 12.0 (±2.1) for perception, and 12.2 (±2.9) for behavior regarding osteoporosis. Both age and education levels showed associations with knowledge and perception, while only age was significantly linked to behavior concerning osteoporosis. Conclusions: Our study revealed a strong association between low educational levels, especially among the elderly, and the lack of knowledge, perceptions, and behavior toward osteoporosis.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors in Affecting the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour of Tuberculosis and HIV in Malang: A Community-Based Study in Rural Area

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among people with HIV. In Indonesia, the Tuberculosis prevalence in 2021 stood at 969,000 cases with an average of 354 cases per 100,000 people. Nevertheless, tuberculosis is often neglected by many people, whereas in fact, it is a preventable and curable disease. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, behaviour, and screening for tuberculosis and their association with sociodemographic factors in a rural area of Malang, Indonesia. Method: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted. The subjects of this study were adults (≥18 years old) who could comprehend the Indonesian language. We included 462 individuals who were chosen randomly by a multistage stratified sampling technique in rural areas of Malang, Indonesia. A validated questionnaire was asked to be filled in by participants, which were selected randomly using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed on SPSS for Windows version 25.0 Results: This study found that most (59.77%) of adults from the study area are still unaware of tuberculosis infection, transmission, prevention, and its risk factors. Only 1.2% were aware of the importance of screening if they had contact with positive tuberculosis patients. Participants in the age groups of 61 to 70 and over 70 years old were 5.5 and 4.0 times more likely to exhibit unsatisfactory behaviour compared to those in the 27 to 30 age group. Conclusion: This study shows that knowledge, perceptions, behaviours and tuberculosis screening toward tuberculosis are still lacking in rural communities in Malang and showed that participant on younger age and higher educational subjects has better knowledge, behaviour, perception and screening towards Tuberculosis and HIV.

Assessing Risk Literacy Skills: Enhancing Healthcare Management among University Students.

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of risk literacy among university students in the United States by utilizing the Berlin Numeracy Test. Risk literacy skills are essential for decision-making and communication of risks, but few studies consider university students. This study aims to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with individual risk literacy levels. An observational cross-sectional survey study was used with a convenience sample of 184 undergraduate and graduate university students. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for demographics at risk for negative outcomes associated with lower risk literacy. For this group of students, the majority had below-average numeracy. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on college-age individuals with low-risk literacy scores to enhance patient understanding, facilitate communication, and promote healthier behaviors.

The association of sociodemographic factors and history of chronic diseases on menopausal symptoms: A cross-sectional study.

Menopausal symptoms are very diverse in terms of prevalence and severity, and this difference is due to various factors such as psychological factors, sociocultural status, lifestyle, geographical location, and other factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and evaluate the predictive factors related to the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms. This was a cross-sectional analytical study that was performed on 214 women aged 35-65 years old who were referred to Alzahra Educational, Research and Treatment Center in Rasht, Iran. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable questionnaire, using the list of menopausal symptoms and a checklist of subjects' general characteristics. 16.8% of postmenopausal women in our study had at least one menopausal symptom. Using multiple linear regression, race (p = 0.02), history of chronic diseases (p = 0.04), place of residence (p = 0.02), and marital satisfaction (p = 0.02) were associated with menopausal symptoms. Nineteen percentof the covariates related to the logistics function were explained by the predictor variables in the model. Evaluation of menopausal symptoms showed that the severity of menopausal symptoms was related to factors such as body mass index(BMI), ethnicity, place of residence, marital satisfaction, and history of chronic diseases, and need to address BMI, psychological issues, and chronic illness.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors With Overtriage, Undertriage, and Value of Care After Major Surgery.

To determine whether certain patients are vulnerable to errant triage decisions immediately after major surgery and whether there are unique sociodemographic phenotypes within overtriaged and undertriaged cohorts. In a fair system, overtriage of low-acuity patients to intensive care units (ICUs) and undertriage of high-acuity patients to general wards would affect all sociodemographic subgroups equally. This multicenter, longitudinal cohort study of hospital admissions immediately after major surgery compared hospital mortality and value of care (risk-adjusted mortality/total costs) across 4 cohorts: overtriage (N = 660), risk-matched overtriage controls admitted to general wards (N = 3077), undertriage (N = 2335), and risk-matched undertriage controls admitted to ICUs (N = 4774). K-means clustering identified sociodemographic phenotypes within overtriage and undertriage cohorts. Compared with controls, overtriaged admissions had a predominance of male patients (56.2% vs 43.1%, P < 0.001) and commercial insurance (6.4% vs 2.5%, P < 0.001); undertriaged admissions had a predominance of Black patients (28.4% vs 24.4%, P < 0.001) and greater socioeconomic deprivation. Overtriage was associated with increased total direct costs [$16.2K ($11.4K-$23.5K) vs $14.1K ($9.1K-$20.7K), P < 0.001] and low value of care; undertriage was associated with increased hospital mortality (1.5% vs 0.7%, P = 0.002) and hospice care (2.2% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001) and low value of care. Unique sociodemographic phenotypes within both overtriage and undertriage cohorts had similar outcomes and value of care, suggesting that triage decisions, rather than patient characteristics, drive outcomes and value of care. Postoperative triage decisions should ensure equality across sociodemographic groups by anchoring triage decisions to objective patient acuity assessments, circumventing cognitive shortcuts and mitigating bias.

Analysis of food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities in China in 2018

To analyze food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities among adults in China. A total of 12 777 adults aged 18 years and above from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 who have completed dietary and socio-demographic data were analyzed. The information of food intake were collected by 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings. Food consumption was converted into energy intake by the China Food Composition Table. Carbon footprint of 26 food groups were calculated by the food carbon footprint database based on life-cycle assessment(LCA), multinomial logit model was used to analyze the association of socio-demographic factors and food carbon footprint. Average food carbon footprint were decreased with increasing age while increased with increasing income and education levels, and was higher among male than that among female, was higher among urban residents than that among rural residents, was higher in the south than that in the north. Multinomial logit analysis showed that compared with people aged 18-44, the likelihood of occurring high carbon footprint in 60y and above group were 29%(OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.61-0.83) lower than that occurring low carbon footprint. Women were 11%(OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.81-0.99) and 25%(OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.84) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with their male counterparts. In comparison to people living in cities, rural dwellers were 24%(OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.69-0.85) and 38%(OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.70) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint. People in the south were 3.89 times(95%CI 3.52-4.30) and 11.35 times(95%CI 10.01-12.88) more likely to occur medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with people in the north. Participants were more likely to occur medium carbon footprint and high carbon footprint with the increasing income level(OR&gt;1), and were more likely to occur high carbon footprint with the increasing education level(OR&gt;1). The food carbon footprint of adults in China in 2018 show different socio-demographic disparities, gender, income and education level are significant factors.

Percolating Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Rural North India

Background: World has seen a tremendous epidemiological transition in disease patterns from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Currently cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of disability and premature deaths globally. Objective: (1) To know prevalence of various risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in the rural area of Meerut. (2) To find out the association of sociodemographic factors with hypertension. Settings and design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Machchra village. Methods: The study was conducted among 315 study participants over time period of one year in which all the adults aged &gt;30 years above residing in the ward of study area were included. Sampling technique used was systematic random sampling. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia was found to be 30.2%, 22.2% and 15.2% respectively. The prevalence of pre-obese and obese were 14.3% and 7.0% respectively. The maximum prevalence of hypertension was seen in the age group of 70 years (66.7%), in females (30.6%), SES as class IV (36.5%), secondary school completed population (42.9%) and among homemakers (40.9%). The prevalence of hypertension was found to be statistically significant in relation to age, educational status and occupation. Conclusion: In our study the prevalence of hypertension was found to be 30.2% (in males 29.6% while in females 30.6%).

Satisfaction with Antiretroviral Therapy Services among People Living with HIV in Baglung District

Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy is the key to control of HIV/AIDS. Patient satisfaction is one of the commonly used outcome measures of patient care. The objective of this study was to assess the satisfaction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Baglung, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to carry out this study. The study population consisted of PLHIV attending an ART Centre in Baglung. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used to select 113 PLHIV. Validity ensured and pretested interview schedule with four point Likert scale formats for measuring satisfaction was used to collect data from the respondents from June to December 2019. Both descriptive and inferential statistics such as the chi-square test was used to examine the association of the level of satisfaction of ART services with selected variables. Results: Most (77%) of the respondents expressed satisfaction with ART service, reporting a satisfaction score of 43.12 ± 3.492. Notably, young adults were more satisfied with ART services (OR=0.652, p=0.355). No significant association of socio-demographic variables were found with level of satisfaction with ART services. Conclusion: The overall satisfaction level of PLHIV towards ART service was good in this study area. There was no association of socio-demographic factors with level of satisfaction of PLHIV with ART service.

Young adults with vision impairment in India: Loneliness and social networks.

To examine the prevalence of loneliness and associated factors in young adults with vision impairment (VI), including quality of life (QoL) in India. Two hundred and three VI young adults (18-35 years) and 219 age-matched non-VI (controls) adults completed the loneliness scale, WHOQOL-BREF, Social Network Index (SNI) (network diversity, people in network size and number of embedded network subscales) and questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and independent mobility. Rasch analysis was used to validate the questionnaires and interval-level scores were generated. Generalised linear models were used to estimate independent associations of sociodemographic factors, VI characteristics, social networks and QoL with loneliness. The prevalence of moderate and severe loneliness in the VI group was 10% (95% CI: 6.5, 15.4) and 4.4% (95% CI: 2.0, 8.2), respectively, and higher than that of controls. The VI group had a worse loneliness score than controls (-1.66 ± 2.25 vs. -2.13 ± 1.85 logits; p = 0.03). Those with ≤12 years and >12 years of education had loneliness scores of -1.58 ± 2.45 and -1.82 ± 1.99 logits, respectively (p = 0.01). Compared with controls, the VI group reported fewer extended family members, neighbours and friends leading to significantly smaller networks and network diversity (all p < 0.001). Loneliness scores demonstrated a significant correlation with only two SNI subscales for both groups: people in network size (r = -0.28 for VI; r = -0.30 for non-VI; p < 0.001 for both) and number of embedded networks (r = -0.22 for VI; r = -0.21 for non-VI; p = 0.002 for both). Both education (β = 0.45; p = 0.04) and QoL (β = -0.27, p = 0.02) were predictors of loneliness. Loneliness was commonly experienced by young VI adults and was higher among those with lower levels of education. Loneliness decreased with the presence of a larger number of people in network, suggesting that interventions to increase social activity and participation may be valuable in young VI adults.

Sociodemographic factors, health behavior, parental or workplace smoking, and adult asthma risk in the United States.

Although several studies have found a link between parental or workplace smoking and asthma risk, particularly in children and adolescents, only a few studies have found this link in adults. This study aimed to investigate the associations of sociodemographic factors, health behavior, and parental or workplace smoking with adult asthma risk in the United States (US). A secondary data analysis on 874 participants aged 25-45 was performed using data from the 2011-2014 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States Refresher. Participants were divided into smokers and nonsmokers. Participants were further divided into groups A (a father or mother with a smoking history) and B (others in the house or colleagues in the workplace who had a smoking history). Findings from the FREQ procedure revealed that sociodemographic (female, black, school or college education, unmarried/divorced, and employed) and lifestyle (no alcohol intake, physically inactive, and obese) and clinical (diabetes and joint disease) factors were significantly associated with one- or more-fold odds of asthma among adult smokers than nonsmokers. Adult smokers in group A, particularly females, those with a high school or college education, physically inactive, and overweight or obese, had a higher risk of asthma than those in group B. Adult smokers' risk of developing asthma is increased in the US by having smoked with their parents, being a woman, being black, having a school or college education, being single or divorced, working, not drinking alcohol, being physically inactive, being obese, having diabetes, and having a joint disease.

IJCM_189A: Prevalence of Substance use and associated factors among Undergraduate Medical students in a medical school in Jammu City of UT of J&amp;K

Background: Globally, the available literature indicates a disturbing and increasing trend of high levels of alcohol use, illicit drug use and misuse of prescription psychoactive drugs among the medical students. This interferes with the learning of medical students because of the cognitive and psychological impact the substance use can have on an individual and is also a cause of concern because of the direct negative impact substance use can have on the safety of patients, not to mention the conduct and efficiency of future doctors. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of substance use and the association of various socio-demographic factors associated with substance use among Undergraduate Medical students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 482 Undergraduate Medical students pursuing M.B.B.S. at GMC Jammu from September to mid-November 2023. First of all the socio-demographic data was collected, followed by an assessment of substance use. It was done using the WHO ASSIST questionnaire, which was distributed to the participants in electronic format (Google form). The participants were instructed to read and answer each question honestly and to the best of their knowledge. Proportions with 95% Confidence Interval were used to summarize the substance use. Results: A total of 482 Medical undergraduates participated in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 20 years (± 1.34). The substance with the most prevalent use was alcohol (12.2%). Tobacco, sedatives and cannabis consumption was reported to be 6%, 1.9% and 1.5% respectively among the respondents. Conclusion: Despite being aware of the potential hazards, medical students continue substance abuse, which is indicative of a lack of awareness about one’s health as well as increased peer and academic pressure and a lack of parental supervision. Proper counselling with well-planned policies should be implemented to address the evil of substance abuse among aspiring doctors.

Associations of Demographic and Social Factors on Health-Related Quality-of-Life Changes Among Older Women With Breast or Gynecologic Cancer.

To examine associations of sociodemographic factors and social limitations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from pre- to postdiagnosis in older female cancer survivors. 9,807 women aged 65 years or older with breast or gynecologic cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. Physical and mental HRQOL were assessed using the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects models for repeated measures were used. Social limitations were the only significant factor associated with changes in MCS scores. Race and ethnicity, rurality, and social interference were associated with significant decreases in PCS scores. Nurses can assess mental and physical HRQOL after diagnosis and advocate for appropriate referrals. Oncology care should be tailored to cultural considerations, including race and ethnicity, rurality, and social support.

Association of Socio-demographic factors with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; A Comparative Study

Objective: To compare the association of Socio-demographic factors in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) patients with healthy controls. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in collaboration with Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics PEMH, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Apr to Aug 2023. Methodology: The study comprised 300 females within reproductive age groups. Participants were separated into two groups. Group-I included 150 diagnosed PCOS patients, and Group-II had 150 healthy females selected by non-probability purposive sampling. Results: The PCOS patients exhibit a higher mean weight than the control Group (p-value; 0.017). The comparison of PCOS patients and controls showed significant association with physical activity (p-value: 0.038), hirsutism (p-value: 0.010) and Ferriman-Gallwey score (p-value: 0.001) and consanguineous marriages (p-value: 0.076). Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of socio-demographic factors in the manifestation of PCOS in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, intervention, and tailored healthcare strategies, particularly among young women.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Surgical Management of Hepatoblastoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Children

To evaluate for disparities in surgical care among US children with hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this retrospective National Cancer Database study (2004-2015), children aged <18years with HB or HCC were included. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, income, proximity to treating hospital) with the odds of undergoing surgical treatment after adjusting for disease-related factors (tumor size, metastasis, comorbidities) and hospital-level effects. Subgroup analyses by tumor histology were performed. A total of 811 children were included (HB: 80.9%; HCC: 19.1%), of which 610 (75.2%) underwent surgical treatment. Following adjustment, decreased odds of undergoing surgical treatment were associated with Black race (OR: 0.46 vs White, 95% CI [95% CI]: 0.26-0.80, P=.01), and having Medicaid (OR: 0.58 vs private, 95% CI: 0.38-0.88, P=.01) or no insurance (OR: 0.33 vs private, 95% CI: 0.13-0.80, P=.02). In children with HB, Black race was associated with decreased odds of undergoing surgical treatment (OR: 0.47 vs White, 95% CI: 0.25-0.89, P=.02). In children with HCC, Medicaid (OR: 0.10 vs private, 95% CI: 0.03-0.35, P<.001), or no insurance status (OR: 0.10 vs private, 95% CI: 0.01-0.83, P=.03) were associated with decreased odds of undergoing surgical treatment. Other than metastatic disease, no additional factors were associated with likelihood of surgical treatment in any group. Black race and having Medicaid or no insurance are independently associated with decreased odds of surgical treatment in children with HB and HCC, respectively. These children may be less likely to undergo curative surgery for their liver cancer.

Correlates of using E-cigarettes with high nicotine concentrations among U.S. adults who exclusively vape E-cigarettes or dual use with cigarettes

BackgroundIdentifying the correlates of using e-cigarettes with high nicotine concentrations in exclusive and dual-using vapers can elucidate which subpopulations might be most impacted by e-cigarette regulatory activities related to nicotine concentration. MethodsData are drawn from Wave 5 (December 2018-November 2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. Self-reported nicotine concentration was grouped as high (5.0 %+), moderate (1.8–4.9 %), low (0.1–1.7 %), 0 %, and “I don’t know.” Multivariable logistic regressions estimated associations of sociodemographic factors, tobacco use status, and e-cigarette use patterns of high nicotine concentration vs. other nicotine levels, stratified by current exclusive e-cigarette use and dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. ResultsIn the study samples (exclusive e-cigarette use [n = 1,755], dual-use [n = 1,200]), higher proportions of exclusive e-cigarette users reported using high nicotine concentrations than dual users (18.3 % vs. 8.6 %). Among exclusive e-cigarette users, never vs. former smokers and daily (vs. someday) e-cigarette users were more likely to use high vs. low nicotine. In both exclusive and dual users, younger (vs. older) adults were more likely to report using high nicotine concentration e-cigarettes than most other nicotine levels. Current dual users who did vs. did not report using e-cigarettes to quit smoking had higher odds of using high vs. 0 % nicotine concentrations. ConclusionsHigh-nicotine e-cigarette use might be elevated in subpopulations that face greater risks for vaping (e.g., never smokers, young adults) than groups who benefit from the potential harm reduction. Regulatory restrictions on high-nicotine products may selectively affect some subgroups adversely impacted by vaping.

The prevalence of and factors associated with prior induced abortion among women who gave birth in Victoria, 2010-2019.

To assess the prevalence of a history of induced abortion among women who gave birth in Victoria during 2010-2019; to assess the association of socio-demographic factors with a history of induced abortion. Retrospective cohort study; analysis of cross-sectional perinatal data in the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection (VPDC). All women who gave birth (live or stillborn) in Victoria, 1 January 2010 - 31 December 2019. Self-reported induced abortions prior to the index birth; outcome of the most recent pregnancy preceding the index pregnancy. Of the 766 488 women who gave birth during 2010-2019, 93 251 reported induced abortions (12.2%), including 36 938 of 338 547 nulliparous women (10.9%). Women living in inner regional (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.96) or outer regional/remote/very remote areas (aOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.89) were less likely than women in major cities to report induced abortions. The likelihood increased steadily with age at the index birth and with parity, and was also higher for women without partners at the index birth (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 2.16-2.25) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.25-1.40). The likelihood was lower for women born in most areas outside Australia than for those born in Australia. The likelihood of a history of induced abortion declined across the study period overall (2019 v 2010: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.96) and for women in major cities (0.88; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91); rises in inner regional and outer regional/remote/very remote areas were not statistically significant. Access to abortion care in Victoria improved during 2010-2019, but the complex interplay between contraceptive use, unintended pregnancy, and induced abortion requires further exploration by remoteness of residence. Robust information about numbers of unintended pregnancies and access to reproductive health services are needed to guide national sexual and reproductive health policy and practice.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Food Safety among Food Handlers Working in Public Food Service Establishments in Lemi Kura Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Foodborne diseases, resulting from poor food handling and sanitation practices, are common public health problems globally. The primary contributing factors to potential foodborne disease outbreaks are often attributed to the poor perception and practices of food handlers regarding food safety. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers working in public food service establishments in Lemi Kura subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to September 2023, involving 400 food handlers from 20 randomly selected public food service establishments. Data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers towards food safety. Of the 400 food handlers, 65.5% had good knowledge about food safety. All food handlers were knowledgeable that washing hand before handling food will reduce risk of poisoning, bacteria are the main cause of food poisoning, and temperature plays a big role in bacterial growth. This study also revealed that 65.3% of the food handlers had good attitude towards food safety and 55.3% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Based on the observation, 38.5% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Taking training, age, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good attitude towards food safety. Additionally, taking training, educational level, employment, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good practice towards food safety. However, there was no statistically significant association between all sociodemographic factors and knowledge about food safety. Good knowledge and attitude were also associated with good food handling practices of the respondents. Based on the observation, there was a statistically significant association between employment status and good food handling practice. In conclusion, the findings suggest the necessity for implementing formal educational and training programs aimed at positively influencing the knowledge and attitude of food handlers, subsequently improving their food handling practices.

Association of Socio-Demographic Factors, Social Determinants of Health, and Weekly Physical Activity in an Urban Hospital in Northwest Indiana

Background: Engaging in regular physical activity has been proven to have beneficial health effects such as preventing chronic diseases and improving mental health. Recent studies have demonstrated correlations between socio-demographic factors and physical activity levels. This study determined the associations between socio-demographic factors, social determinants of health and the amount of weekly physical activity in patients occupying an urban underserved area.&#x0D; Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed a dataset generated by St. Mary Medical Center from EPIC™ with demographic characteristics and physical activity levels partitioned by time per week for adult inpatient visits from January 2021 to March 2023. Patients were stratified into physical activity levels based upon published guidelines: inactive (no physical activity), insufficiently active (&lt;150 minutes per week) or sufficiently active (≥150 minutes per week). Data analysis was conducted in SPSS 28.0 using tests of association including Kruskal Wallis H and multivariate ordinal regression model. This study was exempted by Indiana University Human Research Protection Program (IRB # 14040).&#x0D; Results: The sample of individuals from the dataset who answered physical activity questions was comprised of 1498 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in physical activity level by age group (p&lt;0.001), sex (p&lt;0.05), insurance category (p&lt;0.001), and social connections risk score (p&lt;0.001); with race (p=0.057) and language (p=0.054) approaching significance. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the only significant factor when accounting for all variables, with higher age groups reporting lower proportions of physically active individuals.&#x0D; Conclusion: Determining how socio-demographic factors influence physical activity levels will direct efforts to form and implement new interventions in the Northwest Indiana urban area and support community health initiatives. This data makes it possible to inform practitioners of the demographics that are at risk of being insufficiently active and having them direct those patients to programs in place to help bridge the lapse.

Sociodemographic factors and lifestyle behaviours associated with bullying victimization and perpetration in a sample of Brazilian adolescents.

This article aims to identify the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle behaviours with bullying perpetration and victimization among high school students. The adolescents (n=852) answered a questionnaire about bullying (victims and perpetrators), sociodemographic factors (sex, age, maternal education, and participant's work status), tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug experimentation, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration. Multilevel logistic regression models were performed. Older adolescents were less likely to be victims of bullying. Females were less likely to be perpetrators or victims of bullying. Adolescents who were working were more likely to be involved in bullying in both forms. Participation in non-sport activities and alcohol consumption were associated with higher odds of bullying victimization. We have identified specific populational subgroups that are more susceptible to being victims and/or perpetrators of bullying, which could support tailor-specific interventions to prevent bullying.