Changes In Frequency Of Use Research Articles

Trends and projection in the proportion of (heavy) cannabis use in Germany from 1995 to 2021.

To measure the current trends of cannabis use in Germany, measure trends in the proportion of heavy cannabis users and estimate future cannabis use rates. Repeated waves of the Epidemiological Survey on Substance Abuse, a cross-sectional survey conducted between 1995 and 2021 with a two-stage participant selection strategy where respondents completed a survey on substance use delivered through the post, over the telephone or on-line. Germany. German-speaking participants aged between 18 and 59 years living in Germany who self-reported on their cannabis use in the past 12 months (n = 78 678). With the application of a weighting scheme, the data are nationally representative. Questions on the frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months and self-reported changes in frequency of use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users increased from 4.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.7, 5.1] in 1995 to 10.0% (95% CI = 8.9, 11.3) in 2021. Modeling these trends revealed a significant increase that accelerated over the past decade. The proportion of heavy cannabis users [cannabis use (almost) daily or at least 200 times per year] among past-year users has remained steady from 1995 (11.4%, 95% CI = 7.7, 16.5) to 2018 (9.5%, 95% CI = 7.6, 11.9), but significantly increased to 15.7% (95% CI = 13.1, 18.8) in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extrapolating from these models, the prevalence of 12-month cannabis users in 2024 is expected to range between 10.4 and 15.0%, while the proportion of heavy cannabis users is unclear. Trends from 1995 to 2021 suggest that the prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users in Germany will continue to increase, with expected rates between 10.4 and 15.0% for the German-speaking adult population, and that at least one in 10 cannabis users will continue to use cannabis heavily (almost daily or 200 + times in the past year).

Reported Reasons for Cannabis Use Before and After Pregnancy Recognition.

Cannabis use is cautioned against during pregnancy, yet many pregnant people continue to use. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns and reasons for cannabis use before and after conception in pregnant people who screened positive for cannabis use at initiation of prenatal care. Pregnant patients at 1 prenatal practice in Baltimore, MD, who either self-reported cannabis use or tested positive on urine toxicology were approached for enrollment. Those who consented were given an anonymous survey with multiple choice questions regarding frequency and reasons for use before and after pregnancy recognition. Fisher exact, χ2 test, and analysis of variance were used for analysis. Of 117 pregnant people approached, 105 enrolled in the study. Of the 105 respondents, 40 (38.1%) reported complete abstinence after pregnancy recognition, whereas 65 (61.9%) reported continued use. Of the respondents who continued cannabis use, 35 (53.8%) had decreased frequency of use or quit, 26 (40%) reported no change in frequency of use, and 4 (6.2%) reported increase in frequency of use. Those who considered their use medical or mixed before pregnancy were 4 times as likely to continue use compared with those who considered their use nonmedical (66.7% vs 33.3%; odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-12.8). Respondents who continued use after pregnancy recognition were significantly more likely to discuss their use with their obstetrician (89.2% vs 50%, P < 0.001). Reasons for use frequently changed after recognition of pregnancy. Most people who continued use during pregnancy reported that their reasons were for symptom control.

Changes in Food Purchasing Practices of French Households During the First COVID-19 Lockdown and Associated Individual and Environmental Factors

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore changes in food purchasing practices (FPP) of French households during the first COVID-19 lockdown and associations with individual and environmental factors. MethodsIn April of 2020 households from the Mont’Panier cross-sectional study (n = 306), a quota sampling survey conducted in the south of France, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about their FPP during lockdown and related factors, including perceived food environment (FE) (distance to closest food store, perception of increased food prices etc.). Objective FE (presence, number, proximity and density of food outlets) was assessed around participant’s home using a geographical information system. Multiple correspondence analysis based on changes in frequency of use and quantity of food purchased by food outlet, followed by a hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in the identification of clusters. Logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between identified clusters and household’s sociodemographic characteristics, perceived and objective FE. ResultsFive clusters were identified. Cluster “Supermarket” (38% of the total sample), in which households reduced frequency of trips, but increased quantity bought in supermarkets during lockdown, was associated with lower incomes. Cluster “E-supermarket” (12%), in which households increased online food shopping, was associated with higher incomes. Cluster “Diversified” (22%), made up of households who reduced frequency of trips to diverse food outlet types, was associated with the perception of increased food prices. Cluster “Organic Food Store” (20%), in which households did not change frequency of trips, nor quantity purchased in organic food stores, was associated with being older (35–50 y vs < 35 y). Finally, cluster “Producer” (8%), including households who regularly purchased food from producers, but mostly reduced these purchases during lockdown, was associated with the presence of an organic food store within a 1-km walking distance around home. ConclusionsThis study highlighted diverse changes in FPP during lockdown and overall more significant associations with perceived than with objective FE indicators. Funding SourcesANR, INRAE, Région Occitanie.

Changes in Food Purchasing Practices of French Households During the First COVID-19 Lockdown and Associated Individual and Environmental Factors.

BackgroundTo limit the spread of COVID-19, a strict lockdown was imposed in France between March and May 2020. Mobility limitations and closure of non-essential public places (restaurants, open-air markets, etc.) affected peoples' food environment (FE) and thus their food purchasing practices (FPPs). This study aimed to explore changes in FPPs of French households during lockdown and associations with individual and environmental factors.MethodsIn April of 2020 households from the Mont'Panier cross-sectional study (n = 306), a quota sampling survey conducted in the south of France, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about their FPPs during lockdown and related factors, including perceived FE (distance to closest general food store, perception of increased food prices, etc.). Objective FE (presence, number, proximity, and density of food outlets) was assessed around participant's home using a geographical information system. Multiple correspondence analysis based on changes in frequency of use and quantity of food purchased by food outlet, followed by a hierarchical cluster analysis, resulted in the identification of clusters. Logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between identified clusters and household's sociodemographic characteristics, perceived, and objective FE.ResultsFive clusters were identified. Cluster “Supermarket” (38% of the total sample), in which households reduced frequency of trips, but increased quantity bought in supermarkets during lockdown, was associated with lower incomes and the perception of increased food prices. Cluster “E-supermarket” (12%), in which households increased online food shopping with pickup at supermarket, was associated with higher incomes. Cluster “Diversified” (22%), made up of households who reduced frequency of trips to diverse food outlet types, was associated with the perception of increased food prices. Cluster “Organic Food Store” (20%), in which households did not change frequency of trips, nor quantity purchased in organic food stores, was associated with being older (35–50 y vs. <35 y). Finally, cluster “Producer” (8%), which includes households who regularly purchased food from producers, but mostly reduced these purchases during lockdown, was associated with the presence of an organic food store within a 1-km walking distance around home.ConclusionThis study highlighted diverse changes in FPPs during lockdown and overall more significant associations with perceived than with objective FE indicators.

Divergent changes: abstinence and higher-frequency substance use increase among racial/ethnic minority young adults during the COVID-19 global pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Identifying factors influencing substance use among racial/ethnic minorities (REM) is important given the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population. Objectives We examined factors in four domains and hypothesized that poor mental health, negative coping behaviors, negative environmental aspects, and belonging to more vulnerable social groups would be associated with increased substance use during the pandemic. Methods Multiple regression was applied to longitudinal data from a college sample assessed prior (fall 2017 to spring 2019) and during (spring 2020) the pandemic (n= 323; 81.5% cisgender women; 34.5% African-American, 36.1% Asian-American, 15.5% Hispanic/Latinx, 11.8% multi-racial) to identify factors predicting current alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use frequency (spring 2020) and change in frequency of use between springs 2019 and 2020. Results While infrequent substance use (monthly or less) decreased during the pandemic, abstinence rates increased (alcohol 39%; cannabis 18%; nicotine 18%) and higher-frequency alcohol use increased (207%-1600% 2–3 times+/week) compared to spring 2019. The strongest protective factor was change in living situation during the pandemic, associated with lower current alcohol and cannabis use. Risk factors included a history of trouble with police and impulsivity since the pandemic, both associated with higher current and increased alcohol and cannabis use. REM did not differ on most factors and the outcomes. However, a higher percentage of Asian-Americans than other REM reported living situation changes. Conclusion Substance use rates diverged during the pandemic, with both increased abstinence and higher-frequency use, attributed mostly to mental health and environmental domain factors with few REM differences.

Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among College Students During COVID-19

College campuses closed in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the lives of students. The goal of the present study was to examine whether cannabis use changed from before campus departures prompted by COVID-19 to after campus departures and after the semester ended--and if living situation explained observed changes. We also examined changes in specific formulations of cannabis and self-reported reasons for perceived changes in use frequency. A sample of 223 college student cannabis users (61% female) from three universities completed two online surveys (one in May 2020 assessing cannabis use pre-campus closure [pre-closure] and since campus closed [post-closure-1], and another in September 2020 assessing cannabis use since remote classes ended [post-closure-2]). Any use of cannabis and use of each specific formulation (leaf, edibles, concentrates) declined from pre-closure to post-closure-1, whereas the frequency of use did not change. Any cannabis use declined for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Leaf use declined for all groups, concentrate use declined only for those who moved from independent to dependent living, and edible use declined only for those who stayed living dependently or moved to dependent living. Cannabis use did not change between post-closure-1 and post-closure-2, regardless of living situation stability or transition. Overall, among a sample of cannabis-using college students, the prevalence of any cannabis use, but not frequency of use, was reduced during the pandemic. Living with parents appears to be protective against frequent cannabis use.

Analyzing the production of a non-standard form

Although the Spanish verb andar ‘to walk' has a prescriptively irregular preterit conjugation (e.g., anduve ‘I walked'), adult native speakers may produce an innovative, regularized form (e.g., andé). Nevertheless, researchers have had difficulty documenting this form of variation. The current study presents the first systematic, variationist analysis of andar regularization. We sought to answer three research questions: 1) Do speakers in Bogotá, Colombia produce regularized forms of preterit andar? 2) If so, at what rate do bogotanos produce regularized forms? 3) Do any independent factors predict regularization? We designed a 25-item cloze task in which we manipulated person/number, with 164 bogotanos participating. In addition to providing the first systematic study of andar regularization, we demonstrate that the phenomenon is constrained by independent linguistic and social variables, while appealing to changes in the overall frequency of use of andar diachronically and to the relationship between the frequency of use of each person/number and regularization.

Technological Changes in Farming among the Tiv Farming Households in Nigeria

This study determined the changes in farming technologies among Tiv farmers. The study used the survey design, with the aid of interview schedule. The study was conducted among the Tiv in Benue, Nassarawa and Taraba States Nigeria which also constituted the population of the study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select farming households. A total of 315 farming household were sampled for the study. Data were analysed using frequency, percentages, mean statistics, percentage change and independent sample t-test statistics. There was significant change in frequency of use of innovation/technologies at P ≤ 0.05 in the colonial and post-colonial periods. Farming tools had a percentage changed of -99.4 on the use of planting stick and 4331.8 for the use of tractor and accessories, while processing machine had a percentage change of 1256.9. There were more farmers who sourced planting material in the post-colonial as compared with the colonial period from Agricultural Development Projects, (ADPs) and input markets had greater increase as sources of across most of the crops studied. The study recommends that state governments should support as many intervention programmes much as required and needed by farmers.Keywords: Colonial era, Post-Colonial, Tiv farming households Innovations; Technological change

Changes in Frequency of Use and Satisfaction of Visitors on Urban Forest as Recreational Resources - Focused on Seonhaksan and Bibongsan Mountains, Jinju City, Korea -

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the frequency of use, users’ behaviour and satisfaction of Seonhaksan and Bibongsan mountains near city center improved through the park and green spaces projects implemented by Jinju City Hall from 2004 to 2016. The number of visitors per day was measured by observation surveys in 2004 and 2016. The users’ behaviour and satisfaction were measured by questionnaires in 2004 and 2017. The collected data were analyzed by frequency analysis and independent sample t-test. The number of visitors per day increased about two times on weekdays and more than 2.5 times on weekends in 2016 than in 2004. Relatively the number of male visitors increased more than that of female visitors. The share of elderly visitors has increased and the number of visitors who live out of 1 km radius has increased. The goals of visit were changed from hiking or walking to various recreational activities, and the number of users visiting by car increased. The number of visits and the duration of visit has decreased. The inconveniences of trails and exercise facilities were significantly reduced, and the necessity of family recreational facilities fulfilled. The necessity of outdoor learning facilities and programs has not been recognized. Comprehensively, the results indicate that the recreational quality of Seonhaksan and Bibongsan mountains has improved. Further implementation of target-oriented parks and green spaces will be necessary in the future. Key words: inconvenience, necessity, observation survey, questionnaire, users behaviour

Is it love or loneliness? Exploring the impact of everyday digital technology use on the wellbeing of older adults

ABSTRACTLoneliness is a prevalent phenomenon within the older adult population. Previous literature suggests that technology use, specifically internet use, can alleviate loneliness and improve wellbeing. This research study follows 32 people over the age of 65 using a digital technology for six months. A mixed-method approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data throughout the time period. The repeated questionnaire measured changes in frequency of use, emotional attachment towards a device, a sense of belonging and perceptions of self-worth, whilst an event-based diary was used to note usages and influences of technology on lifestyle. Results revealed positive relationships between frequency of use and emotional attachment and frequency of use and perceptions of self-worth. There was no significant relationship between frequency of use and a sense of belonging for the aggregate data. There was, however, a negative relationship between emotional attachment towards a device and a sense of belonging, suggesting a fine balance between technology use to improve self-esteem through connections with social networks and an over-dependence on technology that can actually reduce feelings of belonging.

The experience of corpus-subjected historical-cultural studies of historical and political vocabulary

The article represents results of diachronic studying the historical and political vocabulary with Google System Books Ngram Viewer. The authors investigate changes in use frequency of political figures names during 1920-2000. The study results demonstrate the relationship between changes in the frequency use of names in printed documents texts with historical events and political traditions of different countries. Some limitations of the system were also considered.

Momentum in Language Change

Like other socially transmitted traits, human languages undergo cultural evolution. While humans can replicate linguistic conventions to a high degree of fidelity, sometimes established conventions get replaced by new variants, with the gradual replacement following the trajectory of an s-shaped curve. Although previous modelling work suggests that only a bias favoring the replication of new linguistic variants can reliably reproduce the dynamics observed in language change, the source of this bias is still debated. In this paper we compare previous accounts with a momentum-based selection account of language change, a replicator-neutral model where the popularity of a variant is modulated by its momentum, i.e. its change in frequency of use in the recent past. We present results from a multi-agent model that are characteristic of language change, in particular by exhibiting spontaneously generated s-shaped transitions that do not require externally triggered actuation. We discuss several empirical questions raised by our model, pertaining to both momentum-based selection as well as other biases and pressures which have been suggested to influence language change.

Information and communication technologies in the life of university freshmen: An analysis of change

The passage from secondary school to university puts students in an environment with different expectations. Not only the expectations towards learning might change, but also towards ICT competences and computer use. The purpose of this article is to find out whether freshmen, after 6months at the university, changed their self-perception of ICT competences and computer use in comparison with their behaviour at secondary school, and what factors can explain the self-perception of ICT competences and computer use in secondary school, in the university and their possible change. Based on a panel research among 714 freshmen of a large university, this article answers the following questions: (1) What is the self-perception of ICT competences among freshmen and is there a change in this self-perception 6months after entering the university? (2) How often and for what purpose do freshmen use a computer and is there a change in the frequency of the use of a computer? (3) What factors might influence this attitude, behaviour, and possible change? In function of the basic components of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003) hypotheses was developed and tested to answer these questions. Students who consider the computer to be a useful instrument, have control over the computer, possess a certain level of Internet competence, and are at ease with computers are more likely to have the skills needed to maintain a computer, to develop a web site, and to use basic ICT skills. The predictors have little influence on Internet usage. The same predictors contribute modestly to the explanation of the different frequencies of computer use, and a few of the predictors explain parts of change in ICT skills and frequency of computer use.

Marijuana Use among Juvenile Arrestees: A Two-Part Growth Model Analysis

This article examines the impact of sociodemographic characteristics and psychosocial factors on the probability and frequency of marijuana use and, for youths initiating use, on their frequency of use over four time points. The sample consists of 278 justice-involved youths completing at least one of three follow-up interviews as part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)–funded study. A two-part growth model was estimated to examine the probability of engaging in marijuana use and change in marijuana frequency of use over time. In addition, covariates for intervention status, gender, age, race, ethnicity, psychological functioning, alcohol use, and self-reported delinquency were included as baseline predictors in the model. The results of our two-part latent growth model reveal (1) a latent tendency to engage in marijuana use and a conditional, continuing decision on frequency of marijuana use, and (2) different patterns of relationships among age, psychosocial variables, and the probability and frequency of marijuana use. Implications for analytical, policy, and intervention service needs are discussed.

Effectiveness of Cognitive/Behavioral Small Group Intervention for Reduction of Depression and Stress in Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic/Latino Women Dementia Family Caregivers: Outcomes and Mediators of Change.

This study enrolled 184 middle-aged and older women (95 Non-Hispanic White and 89 Hispanic/Latino) who provided in-home hands-on care to an elderly relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Within ethnic group they were randomly assigned to either a CBT-based small group intervention program called "Coping with Caregiving" (CWC) that taught a variety of cognitive and behavioral skills to reduce stress and depression, or to a minimal telephone based control condition (TSC). Intervention lasted about 4 months; one post-treatment assessment was completed 6 months after baseline by interviewers blind to the intervention condition. Interviews and interventions were conducted in English or Spanish by trained staff. Results indicated that those in the CWC (regardless of ethnicity) showed greater improvement from pre to post intervention than those in the TSC on measures of depressive symptoms, overall life stress, and caregiving-specific stress. In order to investigate if these changes may have been related to one proposed mechanism of change in CBT (skill utilization), a new measure was constructed. Change in frequency of use and perceived helpfulness of adaptive coping skills were assessed in all caregivers. Results indicated that caregivers in CWC reported greater frequency of use, and greater perceived helpfulness, of these skills at post intervention compared to caregivers in the TSC. Improvement measured by dependent measures was correlated with an increase in these indices for those in the CWC. Tests for mediation suggest that effective skill utilization may mediate the effect of treatment on outcome. Implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations provided for future research.

Temporal trends in septicemia in a community hospital

A prior study of septicemia in our community teaching hospital demonstrated the importance of case mix categories in understanding differences in rates of septicemia seen in hospitals. This study provides a 10 year, in 1982, and a 15 year, in 1987, follow-up of septicemia from the same hospital. A substantial increase in the incidence of septicemia was noted in 1982 and 1987. Underlying illness categories continued to be important predictors of incidence of septicemia and fatality rates. The sites of infections, relative mix of community-acquired and nosocomial infections, and mix of organisms were fairly stable throughout the period. The overall incidence of septicemia increased from 34 10,000 admissions in 1970–1973 to 87 10,000 in 1982 and 103 10,000 in 1987. The major explanations for these increases are: (a) a striking increase in the use of blood cultures from 1 blood culture per 10.4 patients in 1973 to 1 blood culture per 3.3 patients in 1987; (b) an increase in the proportion of patients in the Medicare age group from 13% in 1970–1973 to 24% in 1987, with that age group accounting for 33% of the cases of septicemia in 1970–1973 and 55% in 1982 and 1987; and (c) a modest change in the case mix category of ultimately fatal underlying illness and a probable increase in the acuity of illness for most patients admitted. Parallel changes in frequency of use of blood cultures have occurred at the previously evaluated medical school teaching hospital in the same community. These same explanations are likely to be applicable for the same time period in other acute care hospitals as well.

Bacterial resistance in South America

The emergence of resistant strains of bacteria is directly related to the selection of chemotherapeutic agents, and the character of the resistance changes with changes in usefrequency of the various antibiotics. In recent years with increasing use of beta-lactam antibiotics, there has been an increased incidence of microorganisms that are resistant by virtue of their ability to produce beta-lactamase enzymes which destroy the beta-lactam antibiotics. The development of beta-lactamase inhibitors which may be used in combination with the beta-lactam antibiotics has been a significant advance for the therapy of gynecologic infections in South America.

On the Frequency of Use of Tenses in English and German Children's Spontaneous Speech

SZAGUN, GISELA. On the Frequency of Use of Tenses in English and German Children's Spontaneous Speech. CHmLD DEVELOPMENT, 1978, 49, 898-901. This cross-cultural study examined the frequency of use of tenses by English and German children between 2-6 and 4-6. Developmental changes in frequency of use of tenses were observed: frequency of use of present tenses decreased significantly with age, at the same rate and level in both languages, and frequency of past and future tenses increased correspondingly, with past tenses increasing more rapidly. Children's frequencies did not correlate with adult frequencies of use of tenses. The children's frequencies of use of present, past, and future tenses were interpreted as indicative of their cognitive organization of temporal experience.