Chi-square Difference Test Research Articles

경험회피와 사회불안 간의 관계에 안전행동이 미치는 매개효과

Objectives The present study aimed to examine whether safety behavior mediates the effect of experiential avoidance on social anxiety. Methods 352 undergraduate students were recruited both online and offline to complete a questionnaire including a Social Phobia Scale(SPS), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale(SIAS), Korean version of the Multidimensional experiential avoidance questionnaire(K-MEAQ-24), and Subtle Avoidance Frequency Examination(SAFE). Results As a result of correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between experience avoidance, safety behavior, and social anxiety, and the normality of the distribution was confirmed when examining the skewness and kurtosis of major variables. In addition, when verifying the measurement model through the structural equation, the model-fit was appropriate, and the factor load of all measurement variables was significant. After that, a complete mediation competitive model was assumed and compared with the partial mediation model, a chi-square difference test result showed a significant difference, and a larger explanatory research model was adopted, that is, subtle safety behavior mediated the relationship between experience avoidance and social anxiety. Conclusions Results suggest that unwillingness to experience distressful thoughts and emotions leads to dependence on avoidance behavior. Moreover, the unwillingness might increase anxiety which the individual feels in social performance and interactive situations.

US consumers' mental associations with meat substitute products.

Negative impacts of meat consumption on both consumers' health and the environment call for alternative sources for protein intake. In the last decades, the development of meat substitute products has made enormous progress. Given the beneficial aspects of reduced meat consumption, meat substitutes might be a promising approach for a more plant-based diet. However, despite the continuous improvement of meat substitute products and their increasing market potential, meat consumption in the US is still at a high level. Extant literature acknowledges that meat substitute products prompt several negative thoughts and feelings in various European countries, while US consumers' perceptions of meat substitute products have not been investigated so far. However, understanding consumers' thoughts and feelings toward meat substitute products provides valuable insights which can help policymakers and marketers to efficiently promote meat substitute products. Against this background, the current research investigates US consumers' mental associations (i.e., connections of information and prior experiences with the product category stored in memory) with meat substitute products and explores if there are any differences between women and men. A sample of 175 US citizens acquired through an online panel provider completed a free word association technique resulting in 824 mental associations that qualified for the subsequent analysis. In a deductive-inductive content analysis, we assigned the mental associations to 20 categories (e.g., taste, health, environment) and determined their valence (i.e., positive, neutral, or negative). Frequencies and relationships among the categories were analyzed by employing frequency analyses, Chi-square difference tests, and multidimensional correspondence analysis. The findings reveal that meat substitute products elicit more negative mental associations than positive ones. Results validate categories identified in existing literature, but also reveal new categories of mental associations. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that mental associations differ between women and men, with women tending to perceive meat substitutes more negatively than men. The multiple correspondence analysis resulted in four different consumer profiles (skeptics, innovators, health-oriented consumers, and avoiders) which can guide policymakers and brand managers on the effective promotion of meat substitute products.

CORRELATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF USING VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTS AMONG HEALTH AND NON-HEALTH STUDENTS IN CENTRAL JAVA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 57.1% of students used vitamin C. Everyone's behavior/actions in using vitamin C are different. This is influenced by several factors, one of which is knowledge. Objective: Knowing the differences in the level of knowledge and the different levels of behavior in using vitamin C supplements and the correlation between knowledge and behavior in using vitamin C supplements among health and non-health students in Central Java. Methods: Cross sectional analytic research using a questionnaire with purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square difference test and Rank Spearman correlation test. Results: The level of knowledge of health students related to vitamin C was in the good category (75%) and non-health students was in the sufficient category (42%). The behavior level of health students related to the use of vitamin C was in the good category (83.3%) and non-health students was in the poor category (58%). Chi-Square test showed that there were differences in the level of knowledge and behavior in using vitamin C between health students and non-health students with a p value = 0.000. There was a correlation between knowledge and the behavior of using vitamin C with a p value = 0.000. The Spearman correlation coefficient (r) obtained was 0.612. Conclusion: There were differences in the level of knowledge and different levels of behavior between health students and non-health students. There was a correlation between knowledge and behavior in using vitamin C supplements among health and non-health students in Central Java.

Abstract P120: Neighborhood Factors Influence Cardiovascular Outcomes for Depressed and Non-Depressed Individuals With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Neighborhood-level measures including Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and walkability are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity, higher utilization of health services, and mortality. We sought to understand the impact of these neighborhood-level factors on hospital readmissions and mortality among recently hospitalized depressed and non-depressed individuals with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who enrolled in the NHLBI-funded Hopeful Heart Trial of “blended” collaborative care for HFrEF and co-morbid depression. . Hypothesis: We hypothesized worse ADI and Walk Scores will be associated with increased 12-month incidence of all-cause or cardiac-specific hospital readmission and mortality. Methods: From 3/14-10/17, Hopeful Heart enrolled 756 hospitalized HFrEF patients (EF<45%) and NYHA class II-IV symptoms including 629 depressed (screen-positive on 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) for depression prior to discharge and scored ≥10 on the PHQ-9 administered via telephone two weeks post-discharge) and 127 non-depressed HFrEF patients (PHQ-2 negative and PHQ-9 <5). We determined participants’ ADI score (0-100 scale, higher scores indicating greater deprivation) and Walk Score (0-100 scale, higher meaning more walkable) using home addresses at the time of hospital discharge. We categorized participants into top quartile (Q4) ADI and Walk score groups versus all other quartiles combined (Q1-Q3), and then compared these two groups using unadjusted, nonparametric Kaplan-Meier analyses with log-rank tests for differences in 12-month mortality and unadjusted chi-square tests for differences in 12-month incidence of readmission. Results: Of the 756 HFrEF participants (44% female; 73% white; EF: 28.3±9.1% mean; ADI: mean 66.7±23.5; Walk Score: mean 33.4±25.9), the mean PHQ-9 score for both ADI and Walk Score Q4 groups was similar to the Q1-3 groups. Participants in the Q4 group for ADI had a higher incidence of readmission that those in Q1-Q3 (81% -144 out of 178 - versus 70% - 400 out of 572, p=0.004), while those in the Q4 group for Walk Score were readmitted at a similar level to those in Q1-Q3. Those individuals in the top quartile for ADI and Walk Score showed no differences in cardiovascular (CV) mortality (14% incidence, 24 out of 171, for ADI; 14% total incidence, 25 out of 175 for Walk Score) or all-cause mortality (23% total incidence, 171 out of 750, for ADI; 23% total incidence, 175 out of 756 for Walk Score) compared with all other quartiles. Conclusions: Worse ADI but not Walk Score is predictive of higher risk of 12-month hospital readmission, and neither measure is predictive of 12-month CV or all-cause mortality. Further studies are needed to elaborate how area deprivation and other neighborhood factors affect outcomes for individuals with heart failure and design interventions to address these disparities.

A Comparative Model Analysis of Predictors of Community Pharmacists’ Collaborative Practices in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria

Background: In community pharmacy practice, pharmacists are expected to engage in collaborative activities to deliver quality service to clients. However, due to the hybrid nature (social and commercial dimensions) of the practice, certain subjective behavioral norms-competitive and information-sharing behavior may have potential influence on the collaborative behaviors of community pharmacists
 Objectives: Based on the theory of planned behavior framework, the study tests the influence of subjective norms-competitive behavior and information-sharing practices on the collaborative behavior of community pharmacists; and, investigated possible differences in the perception of respondents in two southwestern states in Nigeria
 Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study with randomly administered questionnaires to 421 community pharmacists from two purposively selected states- Lagos (230) and Ogun (191) in southwest Nigeria. A structural equation model was developed using Analysis of Moment Structures software (AMOS). Group differences were evaluated using the chi-square difference test.
 Results: Competitive behavior and information-sharing behavior are substantial predictors of collaborative behaviors among community pharmacists (R2=0.97, p<0.001). Multigroup analysis revealed differences in perception between respondents in the densely populated and less densely populated settings. Model comparisons revealed insignificant group differences.
 Conclusion: The study confirmed that information-sharing and competitive behavior have a positive and significant influence on collaborative behavior. The findings of the study imply that no link exists between the geographical placement of community pharmacists and differences in their practice behavior. Professional associations and regulatory bodies should provide training and engage in participatory workshops to strengthen the right collaborative attitudes among community pharmacists. The study provides a theoretical framework for further studies in inter- and intra-professional relations among healthcare professionals.

Comparing potential and repeat Chinese guests' cruise travel intentions in post-COVID-19

This study extended the theory of reasoned action (TRA) by including cruise involvement, safety protocols, and trust (stimulus-organism-response paradigm), and risk perception (the prospect theory), developing a theoretical framework to explore and compare Chinese repeat and potential guests' travel intentions, thus making great efforts to rebuilding consumer confidence and recover operation at this stage of the post-COVID-19. The results show that guests' intentions were positively influenced by their perceptions of safety protocols, trust, attitude, subjective norms, and cruise involvement, respectively. In contrast with previous studies, present results showed that perceived risk has a significant positive effect on the intention of both repeat guests and potential guests. Significant differences were detected between repeat and potential guests regarding safety protocols and subjective norms. The chi-square difference tests revealed the influence of cruise involvement was more positive for potential guests than for repeat guests. The findings provide an advanced guide helping academics and operators to understand underlying factors influencing guests' decision intentions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

More factors, better understanding: model verification and construct validity study on the community of inquiry in MOOC.

This study aimed to verify the applicability of the community of inquiry (CoI) survey instrument in MOOC involving 1,186 college students from 11 different disciplines in China. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore potential factor structure models, and confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to verify the four-factor structure obtained from exploratory factor analysis. The original three- and new six-factor structure models were also included in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicating that all three models fit very well with the data. Then Chi-square difference test was used to select the optimal model. Results indicate that the six-factor structure model with teaching presence, social presence, cognitive presence, design and organization, affective expression, and resolution is the optimal one, with good convergent and discriminant validity. Especially, the chi-square difference results indicate that design and organization can be significantly distinguished from teaching presence, whereas affective expression can be significantly distinguished from social presence, and resolution can be significantly distinguished from cognitive presence. Based on these findings, the present study argues that the six-factor structure model can provide a better understanding for the fine design and implementation of MOOC.

FEV1 (FORCED EXPIRATORY VOLUME IN THE 1ST SECOND) REVERSIBILITY AFTER NEBULISATION WITH SABA (SHORT ACTING BETA AGONIST) AS A MARKER OF CONTROL OF ASTHMA

INTRODUCTION: Variable expiratory airow due to bronchoconstriction, airway wall thickening and increased mucus is an obvious feature in asthma. Variable airow obstruction is evidenced by reversibility of FEV1 following a bronchodilator inhalation. PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) using spirometry is often used for the estimation of FEV1. Reversibility is not uniform in all cases and vary with respect to severity and control of asthma. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the control of asthma in 5-15-year-old children using GINA checklist and estimate FEV1 before and after SABA nebulisation. 2) To nd out the association between FEV1 reversibility and control of asthma. MATERIALS & METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 90 consecutive 5-15-year-old-children with a clinical diagnosis of asthma attending the Paediatric OPD of a teaching hospital from October-May 2021. The symptoms, signs, comorbidities, treatment, compliance and assessment of control of asthma into 2 subgroups: Well-controlled and Partly-controlled/Uncontrolled asthma, as per GINA 2020 were recorded. All were subjected to spirometry for assessment of FEV1 before and 20 minutes after nebulisation with SABA. Depending upon FEV1, they were grouped as those with >12% reversibility and <12% reversibility. Data analysed using SPSS 20.0, Paired t test for comparison of means, Chi-square test for statistical difference in proportion, and post hoc tests. The RESULTS: M:F ratio was 1.2:1, 52.2% were 10-15 years and 47.8% 5-10 years. 68.9% had partly/uncontrolled, the rest well-controlled asthma (38.1%). The difference between mean FEV1 before (67.9±10.6) and after nebulisation (80.6±9.7) was statistically signicant (p<0.00*). Among those with >12 reversibility, 64.5% were in partly/uncontrolled and 35.5% in well-controlled asthma and the difference was statistically signicant (p -0.013*). The CONCLUSION: nding in the study that 68.9% had partly/uncontrolled asthma is an eye-opener to optimise protocol-based treatment among children. The statistically signicant difference of >12% before and after nebulisation a marker of poor control was observed in 64.5% of partly/uncontrolled asthma compared to 35.5% of well controlled asthma. Hence, the persistence of a signicant degree of bronchodilator response noted in those with partly/uncontrolled asthma is recommended as an objective surrogate of poor asthma control in children who can co-operate for a PFT in order to optimise protocol-based treatment.

FACTOR ANALYSIS OF CORNELL SCALE FOR DEPRESSION IN DEMENTIA AMONG ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS

Abstract The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) was developed to measure depressive symptoms among older adults with dementia. The psychometric qualities of the CSDD have been inconsistent regarding the factor structure, with some studies showing a four-factor model and others a five-factor model. The purpose of this study was to test the factor structure of the CSDD as a measure of depression among a sample of assisted living residents. It was hypothesized that a four-factor version of the CSDD would provide a better fit than a five-factor version of the CSDD. The present study used baseline data from the Function-Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AL-EIT) intervention study. A total of 511 residents from 85 assisted living facilities were included in the analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure and a chi-square difference test was conducted to compare model fit. Three items were removed from both models due to small factor loadings. The chi-square difference test indicated that the five-factor model fit the data significantly better (χ2 = 796.08, ∆χ2= 22.86, ∆df = 4, p < .001) than the four-factor model, although both the five-factor and four-factor models produced very poor model fits. These findings may be due to the fact that the CSDD relies on information from caregivers, and the measure might benefit from including observational signs of depression. Future work should examine other factors or items that belong in a depression measure among assisted living residents.

CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF A LATENT DEMENTIA INDEX IN MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Latent variable models have recently been used to extract latent dementia index scores using cognitive and functional ability data. Yet, no cross-cultural comparisons have been conducted. This analysis tests metric measurement invariance of a latent dementia indicator (LDI) among older adults in Mexico and the US using different statistical criteria. We then test whether demographic risk factors relate with the LDI similarly depending on criteria used to test measurement invariance. Data included the MexCog (Mexico, n=2,265) and Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (US HCAP, n=3,347). The LDI is a latent variable measured using 13 cognitive and 10 functional common items. Measurement invariance was tested in multiple group confirmatory factor analyses using both nested chi-square difference tests and comparisons of comparative fit indices (CFI). Covariances between demographic risk factors (age and education) and the LDI were compared across models achieved using different measurement invariance criteria. Full metric invariance of the LDI was achieved using CFI comparisons but not with chi-square comparisons, which required nine loadings to be freely estimated across studies to achieve partial metric invariance. Regardless of criteria used to test measurement invariance, age and education correlated with the LDI in both studies in expected directions with similar parameter estimates regardless of approach used to test measurement invariance. The LDI may be a valid tool to compare associations between risk factors and dementia in the HCAP and MexCog. The LDI related with demographic factors in expected ways and findings were robust to statistical approach used for measurement invariance testing.

Healthy Eats-Evaluation of a Social Marketing Program Delivered in Primary School Settings in Queensland.

One in four school children in Australia are overweight or obese. In response, the Healthy Eats program was developed, piloted, and delivered using a whole-of-school approach underpinned by the socio-ecological model to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children aged 8-10 years in regional Queensland, Australia. This research presents an outcome evaluation of the Healthy Eats program using pre-post data collected throughout 2021 (cross-sectional for knowledge and longitudinal for behaviour) from 19 schools to assess whether changes occurred in students' nutritional knowledge (n = 1868 (pre = 933, post = 935)) and fruit and vegetable consumption (n = 1042 (pre = 521, post = 521)). Knowledge data was collected via self-reports two weeks prior and immediately after the Nutrition Module. Behavioural data on daily fruit and vegetable consumption was gathered via student passports (i.e., surveys) one week before and for four consecutive weeks after the Nutrition Module. Chi-Square Difference tests and t-Tests were conducted with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Across all 19 schools, knowledge of the daily recommended serves of fruit and vegetables improved significantly following participation in the program, aligning knowledge closer to the Australian dietary guidelines. Behavioural results for fruit consumption were favourable, with clear improvements reported. Increases in vegetable consumption were demonstrated in two of the eight schools. A discussion on the knowledge-action gap is provided, including recommendations for future iterations of the Healthy Eats program.

The relationship between attractiveness, convenience, experiential quality, tourism satisfaction, and revisit intention in a local tourism destination : After the easing of the COVID-19 quarantine guideline

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between attractiveness, convenience, experiential quality, tourism satisfaction, and revisit intention in an eco-friendly waterside ecological park after the easing of the COVID-19 quarantine guidelines. The 512 questionnaires were finally used to test the research hypotheses. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, it is found that attractiveness, convenience, and experiential quality have a positive effect on tourism satisfaction. Convenience is found to have the greatest effect on tourism satisfaction, and convenience is found to have the least effect. Second, convenience is found to have a positive effect on revisit intention, but attractiveness and experience quality do not have a statistically significant effect. The analysis of the mediating effect of tourism satisfaction is found to be statistically significant through the chi-square difference test, and it is found that attractiveness and experiential quality indirectly affect revisit intention through tourism satisfaction. Third, tourism satisfaction is found to have a positive effect on revisit intention. For the business of local tourist destinations to be successful, it is necessary to induce a high level of revisit, and for this, tourism satisfaction should be increased. In conclusion, the implications and limitations of the study are presented.

Affect and cognition as antecedents of patients’ trust in the dentist

Aim: to evaluate the association of the patients’ perception about dentist’s affect and cognition on trust and, consequently, on intention to return and patient satisfaction with life. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in patients’ adults and elderly at of two dentistry clinics in the south of Brazil. Patients had to have a previous relationship with the dentist (at least one previous consult) and 18 years of age or older. The data were collected through self-administrated questionnaire using measures adapted from other research, using structural equation modeling. We test using a chi-square difference test (p-value&lt;0,05). Results: The mean age of the 197 patients was 37.0 years (σ = 15.5). The affect perceived by the patient at the dentist had a positive effect (β = .53) on the trust that the patient develops in relation to the dentist. The same is true for the effect of the rational or cognitive aspects perceived by the patient at the dentist (β = .41). The trust positively influences the patient’s intention to return to that dentist (β = .82). In addition, the intention to return to the dentist positively influences the patient’s satisfaction with life (β = .49). Conclusions: Affective and cognitive aspects positively influenced the patient’s trust in the dentist. The greater the patient’s trust in the dentist, the greater the intention to return to that dentist. Furthermore, a good relationship with the dentist improve the patient’s satisfaction with life.

Survey of Consumers’ Knowledge of Food Safety of Perishable Foods Purchased at Local Farmers’ Markets

This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practices of consumers who frequent local farmers’ markets (FMs). A total of 270 consumers at six FMs in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan were interviewed. Eleven questions were asked in face-to-face interviews or by self-reported questionnaire. Questions covered basic information, purchasing frequency, food handling practices, food safety concerns, and food safety responsibilities. Data from surveys were analyzed using chi-square tests for significant differences in responses (P = 0.05). Results revealed that 24.3 to 34.7% of participants purchased fresh vegetables and fruits once every week per season. Most participants (93.5 to 97.5%, P &lt; 0.05) thought “availability,” “freshness,” and “flavor and taste” were “very” to “extremely important” in their decision regarding which perishable foods to purchase. More than 80% of participants reported that they always washed their hands and produce before preparing foods at home. Fewer than 50% of the participants reported refrigerating their purchased foods within 30 min. Most of the participants (&gt;85%) never checked the thermometer of the vendor’s booth. Over half of the participants (64.8%) believed that farmers and vendors should take the greatest responsibility for the microbial safety of products at FMs. These results emphasized the need for consumer education regarding safe food handling practices at FMs, especially temperature control of perishable foods.

Cross-lagged models of health-related quality of life and breastfeeding across different body mass index groups: A three-wave prospective longitudinal study

BackgroundBidirectional relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and breastfeeding outcomes during the perinatal period across different body mass index (BMI) groups have not been investigated. Understanding the nature of such relations can provide strategies the for development of targeted interventions. ObjectivesThis study aims to longitudinally (1) investigate the patterns of HRQoL during the perinatal period across different BMI groups; (2) explore bidirectional associations between HRQoL, breastfeeding attitude, and positive breastfeeding status during the perinatal period, and (3) compare the aforementioned relationships across four BMI groups. MethodsA three-wave prospective longitudinal design was adopted in the second and third trimesters and six weeks postpartum. Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to examine reciprocal relations between two domains of HRQoL, breastfeeding attitudes, and positive breastfeeding status from antenatal to postnatal periods. Multi-group analyses were conducted to determine whether different patterns exist in these relationships according to the four BMI groups. The BMI was self-reported. Breastfeeding attitude and HRQoL were measured by the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey, respectively. ResultsA total of 781 perinatal multi-ethnic women were recruited in Singapore. Our results showed that the physical HRQoL scores were the lowest at Wave 2 compared with those at Waves 1 and 3, whereas the mental HRQoL scores were the lowest at Wave 3 compared with those at Waves 1 and 2 across different BMI groups. Multigroup cross-lagged path analyses showed that breastfeeding attitudes were an antecedent of physical HRQoL in women with underweight. A cross-lagged relationship was found between breastfeeding attitudes and physical HRQoL scores across Waves 1 and 2 in women with obesity. Chi-square difference tests suggested that two paths (breastfeeding attitudes to Wave 2 physical HRQoL, and Wave 2 mental HRQoL to Wave 3 positive breastfeeding status) were significantly different across the four BMI groups. ConclusionsPhysical and mental HRQoL patterns were different during the perinatal period, pre-conception counselling and perinatal care should be tailored to women's physical and mental health care needs. Reciprocal relations between physical HRQoL and breastfeeding attitudes during pregnancy were found in women with obesity. A flexible and individualised approach should provide for the woman with obesity in a respectful manner.

Integrative work design for telework practices: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

Purpose This study aims to identify an effective work design for telework practices in Thailand by investigating the influence on employee work engagement and job stress of job demands and resources in three domains of work characteristics – task, social and contextual. Design/methodology/approach In total, 1,052 high-intensity teleworkers participated in our online survey. Nested model comparisons and chi-square difference tests were used to test the significance of the three domains of work characteristics by comparing changes in model fit associated with the removal of the parameters associated with each domain. The best fit model was then used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Findings The results revealed that each domain of work characteristics provides additional and meaningful insights on employee outcomes. For telework practices in Thailand, supervisor support and work autonomy, the job resources specified respectively in the social and task domain can enhance work engagement. In contrast, supervisor surveillance and communication overload, the job demands in these respective domains can lead to job stress. Additionally, telework contextual demands of blurred work–life boundaries reduce employee work engagement. Communication overload has paradoxical outcomes of increased job stress and improved work engagement. Originality/value This study contributes to the work design and telework literature by applying an integrative work–design approach to demonstrate that organizations should consider both job demands and resources in a wider context of work design. This study also provides insights in respect of Thai cultural values to explain the effective design of telework practices in Thailand, a country where telework is relatively new and the work–design literature is very limited. This study is useful for international business managers wishing to adopt telework practices in Thailand to localize how telework is organized and ensure a smooth transition to the new world of work more successfully in the post-pandemic period.

The occurrence and co-occurrence of ACEs and their relationship to mental health in the United States and Ireland

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have various deleterious effects on mental health but few studies have been conducted in Ireland. ObjectiveThe primary objective was to determine if there were significant differences in occurrences of ACEs in U.S. and Irish adults. We also sought to determine if there were unique associations between individual and multiple ACE events and mental health. Participants and settingPreexisting nationally representative adult samples from the U.S. (n = 1893) and Ireland (n = 1020) were utilized for analysis. MethodTo determine if there were significant differences in the occurrence of specific ACE events and the mean number of ACEs experienced by U.S. and Irish adults, chi-square difference tests and an independent samples t-test were used, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the unique associations between ACE events and major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Nationality, sex, age, and educational level were included as covariates and adjusted odds ratios are reported. ResultsIrish respondents had a higher rate of ACEs, were more likely to experience specific ACEs, and to meet diagnostic requirements for MDD, GAD, and CPTSD than U.S. respondents. Emotional neglect was more strongly related to mental health than all other ACEs, and there was an exceptionally strong dose-response association between ACEs and CPTSD. ConclusionsACEs seem to be more common in Ireland than the U.S., and efforts to minimize exposure to ACEs through public policies may lead to beneficial mental health effects.

The Pandemic Stressor Scale: factorial validity and reliability of a measure of stressors during a pandemic

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the factorial validity and reliability of the Pandemic Stressor Scale (PaSS), a new measure to assess the severity of distress for different stressors relevant during a pandemic or epidemic.MethodsThe PaSS was administered in N = 2760 German participants. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract factors. The factor structure obtained in the German sample was examined in N = 1021 Austrian participants using confirmatory factor analysis. χ2, RMSEA, SRMR, CFI, TLI were assessed as global goodness of fit indices for two models (Model 1: nine-factor model; Model 2: nine-factor model combined with a second-order general factor). We additionally assessed factor loadings, communalities, factor reliability, discriminant validity as local fit indices. Internal consistency, item discrimination, and item difficulty were assessed as additional test quality criteria.ResultsThe results of the exploratory factor analysis suggested a nine-factor solution with factor loadings accounting for 50.4% of the total variance (Factor 1 ‘Problems with Childcare’, Factor 2 ‘Work-related Problems’, Factor 3 ‘Restricted Face-to-Face Contact’, Factor 4 ‘Burden of Infection ‘, Factor 5 ‘Crisis Management and Communication’, Factor 6 ‘Difficult Housing Condition’, Factor 7 ‘Fear of Infection’, Factor 8 ‘Restricted Access to Resources’, Factor 9 ‘Restricted Activity’). The confirmatory factor analysis showed a sufficient global fit for both tested models (Model 1: χ2 (369, N = 1021) = 1443.28, p < .001, RMSEA = .053, SRMR = .055, CFI = .919, TLI = .904; Model 2: χ2 (396, N = 1021) = 1948.51, p < .001, RMSEA = .062, SRMR = .074, CFI = .883, TLI = .871). The results of the chi-square difference test indicated a significantly better model-fit of Model 1 compared to Model 2 (∆χ2 (27, N = 1021) = 505.23, p < .001). Local goodness of fit indices were comparable for both tested models. We found good factor reliabilities for all factors and moderate to large factor loadings of the items as indicators. In Model 2, four first-order factors showed small factor loadings on the second-order general factor.ConclusionThe Pandemic Stressor Scale showed sufficient factorial validity for the nine measured domains of stressors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Fostering Work Meaningfulness for Sustainable Human Resources: A Study of Generation Z

This study is drawn from the psychology of sustainability exploring meaningful job characteristics for Generation Z and their influence on employee retention. We hypothesised that intrinsic qualities of job characteristics foster experienced meaningfulness which, in turn, enhances employees’ intention to stay. An online survey targeted to Generation Z was adopted for the study. We received 746 usable responses for the analysis. Nested model comparisons with a structural equation approach and chi-square difference tests were used to assess the mediating role of work meaningfulness in the hypothesised relationships. The best-fit model to data was then used for hypotheses testing. We found that skill variety, autonomy and task significance engender experienced meaningfulness for Generation Z. Work meaningfulness was the mechanism underpinning the relationships between these job characteristics and intention to stay. Task feedback was not significant for either meaningfulness or intention to stay, whereas task identity affected only intention to stay but not meaningfulness. This research contributes to the literature on work meaningfulness and generations by examining the work behaviours of Generation Z. Because experienced meaningfulness can enhance Generation Z’s willingness to stay and support organisational sustainability, an organisation can retain its generational cohort by providing selective work design strategies to fit the generation’s characteristics.

Abstract P2-02-04: In early breast cancer, the ratios of neutrophils, monocyctes and platelets to lymphocytes significantly correlate with the presence of subsets of circulating tumor cells in blood and disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow

Abstract Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the precursors of metastasis and while travelling through the peripheral blood, they crosstalk with different types of blood cells before they finally reach distant organs to settle down as disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). Proinflammatory markers include the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as well as the monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the presence of tumor cells as well as specific proinflammatory markers are two independent predictors of worse outcome in breast cancer (BC). However, little is known about the correlation between NLR, PLR, MLR and subsets of CTCs as well as DTCs in early, non-metastatic BC. Here we evaluated the correlation of NLR, PLR, MLR and the presence of epithelial CTCs (eCTCs), CTCs in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT-CTCs) as well as DTCs to better identify patients at risk, to monitor treatment reponse and probably adjust therapeutic options. Methods: The counts of peripheral neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets to determine NLR, PLR and MLR as well as clinicopathological data during diagnosis were retrospectively recorded for 171 patients (pts) diagnosed with BC from July 2006 to December 2012, before the start of therapy. NLR, PLR and MLR were calculated from peripheral blood cell counts and their optimal cutoff levels were determined by the 75% percentile resulting in the following values: NLR: 3.13, MLR: 0.39 and PLR: 222.3, respectively. 170/171 pts were analyzed for DTCs by immunocytochemistry using the pan-cytokeratin antibodyA45-B/B3 (Clodronate intake was recommended in case of DTC-positivity). CTCs were determined in 155/171 pts applying positive immunomagnetic selection using the AdnaTest BreastCancerSelect. The recovered cDNA was tested for the presence of eCTCs and EMT-CTCs using the AdnaTests BreastCancerDetect and EMTDetect. Pts were considered CTC-positive if at least one of the two tests were positive. Statistical analysis included descriptive reporting, U-test for group differences, Rho correlations for dependencies and Fisher's chi-square test for distributional differences. Rho correlations were used to assess the relationship between NLR, PLR, MLR and tumor cells as well as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: DTCs were detected in 34% of the pts and at least one CTC-subtype was found in 28% of the pts. Whereas the presence of DTCs was not associated with PFS or OS, the presence of CTCs significantly correlated with a shorter PFS (p=0.046) and OS (p=0.018). However, neither eCTCs nor EMT-CTSs alone were of prognostic significance. Enhanced lymphocyte (p=0.025) and monocyte counts (p=0.039) as well as a low PLR (p=0.032) significantly correlated with a reduced PFS in pts still alive whereas an enhanced MLR showed a high correlation with a shorter PFS (p=0.007) and OS (p=0.021) in deceased pts. Whereas MLR significantly correlated with the presence of EMT-CTCs (p=0.045), the presence of eCTCs significantly associated with an elevated NLR (p=0.003) and enhanced lymphocyte (p=0.007) as well as monocyte counts (p=0.012). No significant correlations were found for NLR, PLR and MLR with DTCs, however, DTC-positive pts, harboring a lower PLR, had a significant shorter OS (p=0.043). Conclusion: Here we show that proinflammatory markers in blood are closely related to the presence of different CTC subsets in early BC while no direct correlation was found for tumor cell spread to the bone. These findings might improve the prognostication of these pts and probably help to monitor response to therapy and adjust treatment options. Citation Format: Sabine Kasimir-Bauer, Ebru Karaaslan, Olaf Hars, Ann-Kathrin Bittner, Oliver Hoffmann, Rainer Kimmig. In early breast cancer, the ratios of neutrophils, monocyctes and platelets to lymphocytes significantly correlate with the presence of subsets of circulating tumor cells in blood and disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-04.