Computer-assisted Telephone Interview Research Articles

Digital health literacy and associated socio-demographic characteristics in the French population

Abstract Background With the development of digital devices in the health field, digital health literacy has become an important issue in promoting and protecting people’s health. Digital health literacy was measured in a representative sample of the French adult population in order to assess its level and to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of individuals with the lowest literacy levels. Comparisons with works carried out in other European countries as well as implications for the implementation of digital interventions will be discussed. Methods Digital health literacy was assed using the HLS19-DIGI-HI Instrument. This 8-item scale measuring the skills related to dealing with digital health information was introduced in the 2023 Health Barometer survey, conducted by the French national public health agency. The survey included French-speaking individuals living in France, aged 18-85, selected through randomly generated phone numbers. 3007 persons were interviewed using a computer assisted telephone interview. A continuous score and categories were calculated to determine the level of Digital Health Literacy. Their associations with sociodemographic characteristics were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results 1902 persons declared they used internet to search information or advice on health on internet in the last 12 months and completed the Digital health literacy questionnaire. 61 % of these individuals have a low level of digital health literacy (29 % “inadequate” and 32% “problematic”). Multiple sociodemographic characteristics were associated with lower levels of literacy in univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions These results are useful to better understand and assess the digital health literacy of the population according to their socio-demographic characteristics. They will provide a knowledge base to implement web-based interventions for promoting targeted digital health interventions, according to targeted audiences. Key messages • This study in large random sample of the French population showed frequent difficulties to deal with online health information. • Multiple sociodemographic characteristics were associated with digital health literacy and can help to support implementation of targeted digital health interventions.

Evolution of online health-related information seeking in France from 2010 to 2023

Abstract Background Given the rapid ongoing progression of the internet and increase in health information available online since 2010, it is important to understand how these changes impact online health information-seeking behaviour of the population and the way of managing one’s health. This study aims to describe the evolution of the use of internet to seek health-related information as well as the characteristics of online health information seekers. Methods We used data from the French nationally representative surveys Health Barometers. It is a cross-sectional repeated survey of random representative samples of the French population conducted by the French national public health agency since 1992 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. It serves to measure the evolution of key indicators regarding health-related behaviors, attitudes, and opinions in the general population and includes individuals aged 18-75 years old selected through randomly generated phone numbers. In the 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2023 editions, the same question was asked about the internet use as a source of health information. Evolutions over time were assessed using chi-square tests. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics and health status were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results Although internet access increased steadily during this period, from 72.8% in 2010 to 95.2% in 2023, the use of the internet as a source of health information rose between 2010 and 2014 (from 37.3% to 67.9%), decreased significantly in 2017 (60.3%) and rose again in 2023 at 65.3 %. The study describes the characteristics of the online health information-seekers trough time. Conclusions The past decade was marked by a breakthrough of the use of internet in the general population and the use of internet to seek health information. The analysis of the digital health information-seekers serves the public health authorities in their mission to provide accessible information on public health. Key messages • This study aims to describe the evolution of Online Health-Related Information Seeking in France from 2010 to 2023 and the characteristics of digital health information-seekers. • The analysis of the digital health information-seekers serves the public health authorities in their mission to provide accessible information on public health.

КОПІНГ-СТРАТЕГІЇ В КОНТЕКСТІ КРИЗОВОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, intensified by the conflict that began in February 2022, has resulted in 14.7 million individuals requiring humanitarian aid by 2024. This crisis has led to significant socioeconomic challenges, with households adopting various coping strategies to manage economic stress. Understanding these strategies and their regional variations is crucial for effective crisis response and resource allocation. The purpose of the article. To analyze and present findings on the coping strategies adopted by Ukrainian households in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict, with a particular focus on regional differences and the most severely affected areas. The object of the research. Household coping strategies across different regions of Ukraine, including selling assets, spending savings, purchasing food on credit, seeking additional employment, reducing health and education expenditures, and using degrading income sources. The methods of the research. The study employed a quantitative data collection methodology developed by REACH, utilizing both face-to-face household surveys and computer-assisted telephone interviews. The dataset encompassed 10,434 interviews conducted at the household level across 23 oblasts, targeting a 95% confidence level and an 8% margin of error. The hypothesis of the research. The research appears to hypothesize that there are significant regional variations in the adoption of coping strategies, with areas closer to the conflict zone experiencing more severe economic stress and resorting to more extreme coping measures. The statement of basic materials. The research identified ten distinct coping strategies and analyzed their adoption rates across different regions of Ukraine. Eastern and southern regions, particularly Donetska, Kharkivska, Zaporizka, Khersonska, and Sumska oblasts, consistently demonstrated higher adoption rates of various coping strategies. Donetska oblast emerged as the epicenter of economic stress, with 50% of households reporting the sale of assets or spending of savings. Zaporizka oblast led in purchasing food on credit (18.63%) and reducing health expenditures (55.28%). Significant regional disparities were observed, with some oblasts showing coping strategy adoption rates far exceeding national averages. The originality and practical significance of the research. This study provides a comprehensive, region-specific analysis of household coping strategies in Ukraine during an ongoing crisis, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions. The research's practical significance lies in its potential applications for socio-economic management, including informing the design of targeted social safety nets and economic support programs, guiding efficient resource allocation based on region-specific needs, and supporting the development of tailored healthcare and education policies. Conclusions and prospects for further research. It provides a baseline for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of future interventions and informs long-term regional development strategies and crisis response planning. By offering a nuanced understanding of how different regions are coping with the crisis, this research enables policymakers to develop more effective, localized approaches to addressing Ukraine's complex humanitarian challenges.

Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment and Secondary Prevention Adherence in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Cross-sectional Survey.

This study aimed to evaluate adherence to secondary prevention measures and to identify barriers to cardiac rehabilitation enrolment among patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted through computer-assisted telephone interviews to assess recently treated percutaneous coronary intervention patients at the Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Saudi Arabia. Out of 104 surveyed patients with coronary heart disease, 85 (82%) were male, with an average age of 59.5 years. The obesity rate was 28% (n = 29), with a high prevalence of comorbidities: 82 (79%), 63 (61%), and 62 (60%) patients had hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, respectively. Despite high medication compliance (97%), adherence to secondary prevention measures was low (21%). Adherence to physical exercise and weight monitoring for fluid body build-up was notably poor at 35% and 9%, respectively. Only 11 (10.6%) patients were referred for cardiac rehabilitation, of whom only four (36.4%) attended. Significant barriers such as a lack of staff contact, insufficient physician support, and distance to cardiac rehabilitation facilities were particularly noted by 69% of rural patients. This study underscores the significant cardiac risk factors and low adherence to secondary prevention measures among post revascularization patients with coronary heart disease in Saudi Arabia. Low referral and other organizational barriers, as well as the travel distance to hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation, hinder program enrolment. To improve cardiac rehabilitation accessibility, it is crucial to revise the discharge plans, implement automated referral systems, expand the services across all regions, and utilize alternative delivery models.

Analysis of criteria for choosing drug treatment strategies in allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common type of rhinitis, the treatment of which relies on relieving symptoms. Therefore, we aimed to assess the criteria that influence doctors' decision-making in the process of drug selection for the treatment of allergic rhinitis based on quantitative, qualitative, and cost analyses. We conducted a survey study with the participation of 300 allergologists. A self-developed questionnaire was presented during a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) according tostandard procedures. The contingency table underwent statistical analysis using the chi-square test with Cramer's V. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Our analyses showed that doctors most often prescribe intranasal glucocorticoids and oral antihistamines to treat allergic rhinitis in patients of all ages. The most common factor that affects the decision-making related to AR treatment was the efficiency of the drug. We found a significant relationship between factors and the main workplace (X-squared = 122.81, df = 90, p-value = 0.0123, Cramer's V = 0.1787216), as well as voivodeship of the main workplace (X-squared = 440.75, df = 270, p-value = 2.378e-10, Cramer's V = 0.1954731). In our study, respondents claimed that patients are willing to pay 31-50 PLN (∼€7- €11) monthly for the treatment of mild and moderate forms of AR, while they were willing to pay 51-100 PLN (∼€11-€22) for treatment of the severe AR form. Our study confirms that the management of AR should be focused on the patient. One of the most important factors in choosing a drug is its effectiveness. Moreover, an important factor in the effective treatment of AR is the financial issue; as shown in our analysis, AR treatment costs can be a significant burden, especially for less wealthy citizens in Poland.

Are mobile phones predominant in dual-frame computer assisted telephone interviewing surveys?

The effectiveness of Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) surveys relying on fixed telephone numbers has been eroded by the rise in mobile phone usage and the growing population reachable exclusively through mobile phones. As a result, telephone survey methodologists have had to come up with research designs capable of dealing with the coverage bias in CATI surveys caused by incomplete fixed phone directories. The methodological and operational issues of dual-frame surveys, namely those combining fixed phones and mobile phones, have been extensively investigated, but a comprehensive overview of the magnitude of mobile phone use in CATI surveys is lacking. The present study explores this research gap by analysing data from 675 CATI surveys conducted in European countries. Although a generalised scenario of single frame mobile phone designs is not yet visible, the predominance of mobile phone units over fixed phone units in dual-frame CATI surveys is evident. The sampling method and the target population are the survey-related features most strongly associated to the percentage of mobile phone units in the sample. Survey organisations in countries which continue to have a high number of fixed phone subscriptions tend to give less weight to mobile phone frames in their dual-frame designs.

Assessing attitudes toward mental health illnesses in Saudi Arabia: A national cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to assess the national attitudes toward individuals with mental health illnesses in Saudi Arabia, exploring the relationship between these attitudes and various sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional design with computer-assisted telephone interviews was employed, covering all 13 administrative regions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 4,533 adults agreed to participate, and their attitudes toward people with mental illnesses (PWMI) were measured using an 11-item scale. The translation of the original English version of the PWMI to Arabic was validated and published previously. The scale used level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale. The score varies from 11 to 55, where a higher score signifies higher stigma. The associations between total PWMI scores and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using linear regression. The mean age of participants was 35.92 ± 12.84, with equal distribution across regions. The linear regression model showed significant associations between total PWMI scores and gender, education level, marital status, living with, or being friends with someone diagnosed with a mental illness, and working in healthcare. No significant associations were found with age, income level, and previous mental health diagnosis. The study suggests that negative stereotypes about mental illness may be more prevalent in Saudi Arabia, while Saudi participants had a more optimistic view regarding the recovery and outcomes of mental illnesses. The study highlights the importance of assessing mental health stigma and its associations with sociodemographic factors in Saudi Arabia. The significant associations found point to the need for targeted interventions and public health campaigns to address misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding mental health, ultimately improving the societal acceptance and well-being of individuals with mental health illnesses.

Dataset of a national survey on online gambling activities among young people in Portugal.

Abstract* Background Recent advancements in online gambling have significantly increased the popularity and participation in gambling activities among the general population, specifically the young generations. These changes are reshaping gambling behaviors, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. This paper describes a dataset that maps online gambling activities among young individuals in Portugal, providing insights into their gambling prevalence, habits, behaviors, preferences, and potential antecedents and consequences of these activities. Methods A survey was conducted with a representative sample of 1,993 young people in Portugal, aged between 18 and 34, to gather data on their activities. This methodology involved a quantitative telephone survey conducted in March and April 2023, utilizing quota sampling to ensure representation across various regions. The data collection process employed Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and involved rigorous quality control measures to ensure accuracy and reliability. Conclusion The dataset generated from this survey provides valuable insights into the patterns of online gambling activities among young Portuguese individuals. It allows researchers to explore potential risk factors, including gambling-related harm, and to understand the sociodemographic factors influencing gambling behaviors. The findings can inform interventions and policies aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of online gambling among youth.

Mg-Ti hybrid joints: Surface modification, corrosion studies and 3D-pore investigation using synchrotron-based microtomography

A new direction toward the future of orthopedic implants is to combine biodegradable Mg alloys with permanent Ti to produce selectively biodegradable hybrid joints for advanced tissue engineering. However, the strong galvanic corrosion between Mg and Ti is a major issue to be considered. This work aims to explore plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) as a single-step coating treatment to allow for an acceptable degradation behavior of MgTi hybrid systems. To this end, MgTi hybrid joints were produced through the heat treatment of Mg-0.6Ca and commercially pure Ti specimens at 640 °C for 8 h. A single-step PEO treatment was then employed to create a protective layer on the surface of hybrid couples. Even though the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed only a porosity of 6% and 12% within the PEO layers on single Mg and MgTi couples, 3D investigation of the synchrotron-based microtomography data demonstrated a porosity of 18% and 30% with a considerable number of interconnected pores. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, the impedance modulus at all frequencies on coated MgTi coupled specimens was lower than that on the coated single Mg-0.6Ca and pure Ti. However, the application of PEO treatment significantly decreased the strong galvanic degradation of Mg-0.6Ca in contact with Ti. The results of hydrogen evolution tests revealed that PEO-treated MgTi couples showed a similar degradation behavior as the single alloy during the first day of immersion.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote-delivered, online lifestyle therapy versus psychotherapy for reducing depression: results from the CALM non-inferiority, randomised trial

We conducted the first non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial to determine whether lifestyle therapy is non-inferior to psychotherapy with respect to mental health outcomes and costs when delivered via online videoconferencing. An individually randomised, group treatment design with computer-generated block randomisation was used. Between May 2021-April 2022, 182 adults with a Distress Questionnaire-5 score=≥8 (indicative depression) were recruited from a tertiary mental health service in regional Victoria, Australia and surrounds. Participants were assigned to six 90-min sessions over 8-weeks using group-based, online videoconferencing comprising: (1) lifestyle therapy (targeting nutrition, physical activity) with a dietitian and exercise physiologist (n=91) or (2) psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with psychologists (n=91). The primary outcome was Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression at 8-weeks (non-inferiority margin ≤2) using Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE). Cost-minimisation analysis estimated the mean difference in total costs from health sector and societal perspectives. Outcomes were assessed by blinded research assistants using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews. Results are presented per-protocol (PP) and Intention to Treat (ITT) using beta coefficients with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). The sample was 80% women (mean: 45-years [SD:13.4], mean PHQ-9:10.5 [SD:5.7]. An average 4.2 of 6 sessions were completed, with complete data for n=132. Over 8-weeks, depression reduced in both arms (PP: Lifestyle (n=70) mean difference:-3.97, 95% CIs:-5.10,-2.84; and Psychotherapy (n=62): mean difference:-3.74, 95% CIs:-5.12,-2.37; ITT: Lifestyle (n=91) mean difference:-4.42, 95% CIs:-4.59,-4.25; Psychotherapy (n=91) mean difference:-3.82, 95% CIs:-4.05,-3.69) with evidence of non-inferiority (PP GEE β:-0.59; 95% CIs:-1.87, 0.70, n=132; ITT GEE β:-0.49, 95% CIs:-1.73, 0.75, n=182). Three serious adverse events were recorded. While lifestyle therapy was delivered at lower cost, there were no differences in total costs (health sector adjusted mean difference: PP AUD$156 [95% CIs-$182, $611, ITT AUD$190 [95% CIs-$155, $651] ]; societal adjusted mean difference: PP AUD$350 [95% CIs:-$222, $1152] ITT AUD$ 408 [95% CIs-$139, $1157]. Remote-delivered lifestyle therapy was non-inferior to psychotherapy with respect to clinical and cost outcomes. If replicated in a fully powered RCT, this approach could increase access to allied health professionals who, with adequate training and guidelines, can deliver mental healthcare at comparable cost to psychologists. This trial was funded by the Australian Medical Research Future Fund (GA133346) under its Covid-19 Mental Health Research Grant Scheme.

Is There a Demand for Extensive Financial Reporting on Local Government from the Most Important Stakeholders: Residents?

The study aims to identify residents’ perception of such aspects of public finances as transparency and credibility, in particular, their level of interest and needs regarding increasing the scope of financial reporting at the local level. The study was conducted in 2023 among residents of the 12 largest Polish cities, using the computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) technique on a sample of N = 400 residents of each city. A total of 4,800 respondents took part in the survey. The qualitative study was conducted using the focus group interview technique (FGI online). The research results indicate a noticeable lack of demand for information regarding local finances and a lack of trust in the transparency and honesty of public funds management. Bearing in mind that residents rely on economic experts and financial analysts as sources of information with the highest credibility, a large field opens up for experts such as independent auditors.

Associations between digital health literacy and health system navigating abilities among Norwegian adolescents: validating the HLS19-DIGI scale using Rasch modeling

BackgroundDespite increasing global attention to health literacy and adolescents’ digital health information seeking, no unidimensional instruments measuring digital health literacy (DHL) in adolescents have reportedly been validated using Rasch modeling. Moreover, the evidence of adolescents’ abilities to navigate the health system (NAV-HL) in light of their DHL proficiency is still scarce. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a DHL instrument (HLS19-DIGI scale) in order to investigate DHL in adolescents and young adults aged 16–25 and associations with abilities to navigate the health system.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey among 890 Norwegian adolescents was conducted during April–October 2020 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. Rasch modeling, independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and binary regression models were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe HLS19-DIGI scale was sufficiently unidimensional, whereas no differential item functioning or disordered response categories were observed. However, relatively poor targeting was revealed indicating too many easy items for the target population. Yet, a high proportion (54%) of low DHL proficiency in adolescents was observed, as well as DHL was positively associated with the abilities to navigate the health system.ConclusionsThe HLS19-DIGI scale is considered a sufficiently unidimensional and valid instrument for measuring DHL in adolescents, which may be a useful tool for health authorities, public health workers, and health service providers. While DHL affects adolescents’ abilities to navigate the health system, future research should measure and examine their ability to utilize digital health services, separately.

Self-perceptions of aging, physical activity, and depressive symptoms in older community residents with varied neighborhood walkability in Taiwan

BackgroundPrior research has identified the mediating effect of physical activity in the relationship between self-perceptions of aging and physical health. However, this impact on mental health is unknown, and the influence of environmental contexts proposed by ecological models in this regard remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of physical activity in the relationship between self-perceptions of aging and depressive symptoms in older adults, and compare the impact across four levels of neighborhood walkability.MethodsA sample of 1,055 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 or above was obtained through random-digit-dialing computer-assisted telephone interviewing. The individual’s neighborhood walkability was calculated using Walk Score®, and categorized into four levels: car-dependent, somewhat walkable, very walkable, and walker’s paradise. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed.ResultsWe found that more positive self-perceptions of aging were associated with fewer depressive symptoms and a mediation effect of physical activity in this relationship. Among the four levels of neighborhood walkability, the mediation effect of physical activity was only statistically significant in the lowest level (car-dependent). The findings supported our hypotheses regarding the mediating effect of self-perceptions of aging on depressive symptoms via physical activity. Neighborhood walkability might potentially influence the mediating role of physical activity.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes key areas on intervention programs and policy formulation to promote mental health in older adults.

Line manager training and organizational approaches to supporting well-being.

Employee mental health and well-being (MH&WB) is critical to the productivity and success of organizations. Training line managers (LMs) in mental health plays an important role in protecting and enhancing employee well-being, but its relationship with other MH&WB practices is under-researched. To determine whether organizations offering LM training in mental health differ in the adoption of workplace- (i.e. primary/prevention-focused) and worker-directed (including both secondary/resiliency-focused and tertiary/remedial-focused) interventions to those organizations not offering LM training and to explore changes in the proportions of activities offered over time. Secondary analysis of enterprise data from computer-assisted telephone interview surveys. The analysis included data from organizations in England across 4 years (2020: n = 1900; 2021: n = 1551; 2022: n = 1904; 2023: n = 1902). Offering LM training in mental health was associated with organizations' uptake of primary-, secondary-, and tertiary-level MH&WB activities across all 4 years. The proportion of organizations offering primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level interventions increased over time. On average, tertiary-level activities were most adopted (2020: 80%; 2021: 81%; 2022: 84%; 2023: 84%), followed by primary-level activities (2020: 66%; 2021: 72%; 2022: 72%; 2023: 73%) and secondary-level activities (2020: 62%; 2021: 60%; 2022: 61%; 2023: 67%). Offering LM training in mental health is associated with the adoption of other MH&WB practices by organizations. Suggesting that organizations that are committed to the mental health agenda are more likely to take a holistic approach (including both worker and workplace strategies) to promoting workforce mental health, rather than providing LM training in isolation.

Changes in modes of cannabis consumption pre- and post-legalization and their correlates among adults in Ontario, Canada: 2017–2022

ABSTRACT Background: Despite an increase in the varieties of cannabis products available for consumption, limited evidence is available about the patterns of cannabis consumption methods before and after legalization. Objectives: To examine the changes in modes of cannabis use and their correlates among adults in Ontario, Canada both prior to and following cannabis legalization in 2018. Methods: Data were utilized from the 2017 to 2022 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) Monitor study, a repeated cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years of age and older (n = 2,665; 56% male). The surveys employed a regionally stratified sampling design using computer-assisted telephone interviews and web surveys. Multinomial regression was performed to examine different modes of cannabis use. Results: The exclusive use of cannabis through ingestion methods increased from 4.0% in 2017 to 16.6% in 2022 (p < .001). However, the exclusive use of inhalation-based cannabis decreased from 49.4% in 2017 to 25.5% in 2022 (p < .001). Relative to inhalation-based modes, adults were about five times more likely to use ingestion-based modes in 2020 [RRR = 4.65 (2.94–7.35)] and 2022 [RRR = 4.75 (2.99–7.55)] than in 2019, after accounting for sociodemographic factors. Conclusions: Ingestion-based cannabis use among adults increased fourfold between 2017 and 2022, a period during which recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada. The increase was especially evident after the legalization of cannabis edibles.

Awareness of system strategies and their implementation

The aim of this study is to determine the recognition and awareness of systemic strategies within the realm of practical business operations at three different levels of the organizational hierarchy. Two research hypotheses have been formulated. H1: The implemented strategy will be described as systemic. H2: Employees will assert the implementation of strategies through a systemic approach. The hypotheses were tested using a questionnaire survey administered to a convenience sample of postgraduate/post-diploma working students associated with sales functions. The survey included 1,400 respondents, divided into a pre-pandemic sample of 1,050 individuals and a post-pandemic sample of 350 individuals. A combination of traditional paper questionnaires and computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) was used to collect responses. The analysis of the survey responses reveals that the respondents from both the 2019 and 2022 cohorts do not affirm the existence of systemic strategies within their respective organizations. Furthermore, they do not claim that these strategies are implemented from a systemic perspective.

INFORMATION AS A CONSUMER PROTECTION INSTRUMENT ON THE CONSUMER CREDIT MARKET

The aim of the article was to assess the opinions of consumer credit borrowers on the information message provided to them by lenders at the pre-contractual stage. The opinions were presented in the context of the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The research question posed was whether, taking into account demographic characteristics, the assessment of consumer credit borrowers regarding the information message obtained at the pre-contractual stage varied. The research methodology included a questionnaire and Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). For the information analysis, we employed the following non-parametric tests: the chi-square test of independence, the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test. No significant differences were observed in all the parameters of the assessment of the information message, which means that the answer to the research question was negative. The findings suggest that even though borrowers may positively assess the compliance with the information obligations by lenders, it does not mean that all credit decisions made were rational and appropriate to their financial situation. Our study focused on the consumer protection and employed non-parametric tests to analyze the consumer credit borrowers’ assessment of the information provided to them by lenders.

Understanding the use of CATI and web-based data collection methods during the pandemic among digitally challenged groups at FQHCs: data from the All of Us Research Program.

The All of Us Research Program (Program) is an ongoing epidemiologic cohort study focused on collecting lifestyle, health, socioeconomic, environmental, and biological data from 1 million US-based participants. The Program has a focus on enrolling populations that are underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR). Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a key recruitment stream of UBR participants. The Program is digital by design where participants complete surveys via web-based platform. As many FQHC participants are not digitally ready, recruitment and retention is a challenge, requiring high-touch methods. However, high-touch methods ceased as an option in March 2020 when the Program paused in-person activities because of the pandemic. In January 2021, the Program introduced Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) to help participants complete surveys remotely. This paper aims to understand the association between digital readiness and mode of survey completion (CATI vs. web-based platform) by participants at FQHCs. This study included 2,089 participants who completed one or more surveys via CATI and/or web-based platform between January 28, 2021 (when CATI was introduced) and January 27, 2022 (1 year since CATI introduction). Results show that among the 700 not-digitally ready participants, 51% used CATI; and of the 1,053 digitally ready participants, 30% used CATI for completing retention surveys. The remaining 336 participants had "Unknown/Missing" digital readiness of which, 34% used CATI. CATI allowed survey completion over the phone with a trained staff member who entered responses on the participant's behalf. Regardless of participants' digital readiness, median time to complete retention surveys was longer with CATI compared to web. CATI resulted in fewer skipped responses than the web-based platform highlighting better data completeness. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using CATI for improving response rates in online surveys, especially among populations that are digitally challenged. Analyses provide insights for NIH, healthcare providers, and researchers on the adoption of virtual tools for data collection, telehealth, telemedicine, or patient portals by digitally challenged groups even when in-person assistance continues to remain as an option. It also provides insights on the investment of staff time and support required for virtual administration of tools for health data collection.

Maternal stress in pregnancy and pubertal timing in girls and boys: a cohort study

To investigate whether maternal stress in pregnancy is associated with pubertal timing in girls and boys and to explore potential mediation by childhood body mass index (BMI) and childhood psychosocial stress. Cohort study. Not applicable. In total, 14,702 girls and boys from the Puberty Cohort, nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort. Maternal stress was obtained from a computer-assisted telephone interview in gestational weeks 30-32 as maternal life stress and emotional distress in pregnancy using questions on the basis of validated screening tools. Maternal life stress and emotional distress in pregnancy were analyzed separately and in an interaction analysis. Pubertal timing was measured half-yearly from age 11 years and throughout pubertal development and assessed as Tanner stages 1-5 (breast and pubic hair development in girls and genital and pubic hair development in boys), menarche in girls, voice break and first ejaculation in boys, and occurrence of acne and axillary hair in both girls and boys. A combined estimate for overall pubertal timing was derived using Huber-White robust variance estimation. Mean differences in age at attaining the pubertal milestones according to prenatal exposure to no (reference), low-, moderate-, or high-maternal stress in pregnancy were estimated using a multivariable censored regression model. Potential mediation by childhood BMI and childhood psychosocial stress was investigated in separate models. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, prenatal exposure to high-maternal life stress (combined estimate: -1.8 months [95% CI, -2.7 to -0.8] and -0.9 months [95% CI, -1.8 to 0.0]), high maternal emotional distress (combined estimate: -1.5 months [95% CI, -2.5 to -0.5] and -1.7 months [95% CI, -2.8 to -0.7]), and both high-maternal life stress and emotional distress (combined estimate: -2.8 months [95% CI, -4.2, to -1.4] and -1.7 months [95% CI, -3.1 to -0.2]) were associated with earlier pubertal timing in girls and boys, respectively. The associations were not mediated by childhood BMI or childhood psychosocial stress. Prenatal exposure to maternal stress in pregnancy was associated with earlier pubertal timing in girls and boys in a dose-dependent manner. The associations were not mediated by childhood BMI or childhood psychosocial stress.

Investigating the Determinants that Influence Consent Behavior for Linking Survey Data with Administrative Records

This research investigates the determinants of consent behavior in linking survey and administrative data, filling a notable gap in existing studies. It conducts a thorough systematic review of a wide variety of surveys from multiple countries, examining survey and consent design characteristics to assess their influence on consent rates. Through statistical analysis, the study evaluates numerous factors such as survey response rate, topic, country, year, type, mode, age of target population, sponsor, and various aspects related to the consent request process. The findings suggest that higher consent rates are more likely in computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) compared to self-administered surveys, in surveys sponsored by governments, in panel surveys as opposed to cross-sectional ones, and where explicit consent is sought, especially when the consent request is made at the start of the survey. This research makes a significant contribution to academic literature by empirically demonstrating the effect of various survey and consent design features on consent behavior, providing essential insights for crafting surveys to maximize consent rates for data linkage. It closes an important research gap in survey methodology and the behavior on data linkage consent, offering a unique, extensive analysis across a broad range of international surveys.