Internet-based Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Association between use of heated tobacco products and long-term respiratory effects considering smoking history: internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan

BackgroundWith the use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) becoming more widespread in Japan, interest in the health effects of HTP has grown. Since the majority of HTP users are former smokers, information about the user’s smoking history and health status before HTP use is needed when assessing the health effects of HTP use. The limited epidemiological studies available did not consistently consider this information adequately, therefore we conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the association between HTP use and respiratory chronic diseases and symptoms.MethodsThe questionnaires were sent to a research panel members in Japan via the Internet, and individuals who met the study criteria and were either current exclusive HTP users, current exclusive cigarette users or those had never used tobacco products were selected. Information about the participants’ smoking history and health status before they used HTPs was obtained. The effects of participant smoking history before HTP use and the impacts on outcomes upon switching to HTP were assessed using a logistic regression model. The odds ratio (OR) for current exclusive HTP users relative to never tobacco users was calculated. The OR was calculated under two scenarios, one in which the smoking history was ignored or one in which the smoking history was considered.ResultsOf the participants from whom responses to the questionnaires were obtained, 17,406 participants were included in the analysis. Almost all participating current exclusive HTP users had a history of long-term smoking (mean: 30.8 years), and the occurrence of outcomes both before and after the start using HTP was reported. The ORs, without adjustment and with adjustment for smoking history before HTP use were, 3.23 (95% CI: 1.37–7.61) and 1.85 (95% CI: 0.70–4.89) respectively in COPD, same as other outcomes.ConclusionsThese results suggest that smoking history before HTP using affects the occurrence of outcomes, and underscore the importance of considering smoking history when assessing the health effect of HTP use. Since the duration of HTP use is considerably shorter than that of cigarette use at present, further research, such as follow-up surveys assessing the long-term respiratory effects of HTP use, will be necessary.

Can the Phoenix still rise? Traumatic effect of Beirut port explosion on Lebanese people's experiences.

Mental distress and decreased functionality are highly prevalent after collective traumas. Survivors' ability to function is worsened by untreated distress and unmet needs related to job security and a sense of belonging. We aim to identify groups of people using a latent class analysis based on multiple dimensions of subjective experiences after a massive urban violent event. This cross-sectional internet-based study included 1,305 Lebanese adults 4 months after the Beirut Port explosion. Emotions, attitudes, and needs were assessed using the iCode software, a novel approach measuring explicit subjective answers and implicit reaction time to various statements. Responses revealed alarming levels of distress with 75%-80% of participants feeling anxious. Latent class analysis differentiated three groups on initial dimensions derived from the principal component analysis. The first group included those with the most intense emotional distress and intrusive thoughts. They were younger, had higher job worries, and wanted to leave the country. The second group was equally distressed, with marked intrusion and avoidance yet with faith and community resilience buffering negative emotionality. The last group was less distressed with a marked sense of community. Clustering people based on emotional experiences, needs, and resources might offer additional benefits to traditional assessments that fail to detect the variability of vulnerability to mass violence within seemingly homogeneous samples. Integrating implicit and explicit responses also helps with a rapid classification, providing insight to subjective attitudes postcollective trauma. The study mostly provides suggestions for targeted outreach to at-risk subpopulations to better foster resilience in unstable environments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exercise effect on pain is associated with negative and positive affective components: A large-scale internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan

Pain is a global health problem that leads to sedentary behavior and tends to cause negative emotion. In contrast, exercise is widely recommended for a health promotion, while pain often worsens with physical activity. Although exercise therapy is often prescribed to people with pain, the mechanisms of exercise effect on pain remains unclear. In this study, we tried to identify a universal association factor between regular exercise and pain intensity utilizing a cross-sectional web-based survey involving 52,353 adult participants from a large national study conducted in Japan. Using principal component analysis, we uncovered a mediation model of exercise effect on pain through psychological components. Analyses were performed in half of the population with pain (n = 20,330) and validated in the other half (n = 20,330), and showed that high-frequency exercise had a significant association with reduction in pain intensity. We also found Negative Affect and Vigor, two psychological components, are fully associating the exercise effect on pain (indirect effect = − 0.032, p < 0.001; association proportion = 0.99) with a dose-dependent response corresponding to the frequency of exercise. These findings were successfully validated (indirect effect of high-frequency exercise = − 0.028, p < 0.001; association proportion = 0.85). Moreover, these findings were also identified in subpopulation analyses of people with low back, neck, knee pain, and the tendency of the exercise effect on pain was increased with older people. In conclusion, the effect of exercise on pain is associated with psychological components and these association effects increased in parallel with the frequency of exercise habit regardless pain location.

Individual Beliefs and Experiences With Brain Health Dietary Supplements in the United States

BackgroundAlthough the use of brain health dietary supplements (brain DS) has increased, there is limited research on safety and risk of these products. Brain DS may be beneficial for improving memory, concentration, and focus but may also carry risks. ObjectivesTo assess brain DS users’ utilization experiences and identify factors associated with likelihood of brain DS use among nonusers. DesignAn internet-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a sample of middle-aged US adults. Respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and health beliefs regarding brain DS were collected. Brain DS users’ utilization experiences such as negative side effects and spending were also collected. Participants and settingPurposive sampling was utilized for users and nonusers sample recruitment. Main outcome measuresBrain DS users’ utilization experience and future likelihood of brain DS use among nonusers. Statistical analyses performedDescriptive statistics on brain DS users’ utilization experiences were reported. Ordinal logistic regression with sociodemographic and belief characteristics as predictors was employed to identify factors associated with the likelihood of brain DS among nonusers. ResultsFive hundred twenty-five respondents (mean age = 43.8 ± 9.2 years) completed the survey. Among 260 users, primary reasons for use were enhancing memory (n = 136) and helping concentration and focus (n = 108). During the past year, 40% spent $50 to $200 (range = $0 to >$1,000) and 37% reported experiencing negative side effects. Among 265 nonusers, being female (odds ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.45), perceived susceptibility to brain problems (odds ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.83), recommendation from others (odds ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.35) and perceived benefits of brain DS (odds ratio 2.82, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.96) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of future brain DS use. ConclusionsIndividual spending on brain DS varies and about 40% of users reported experiencing negative side effects. As individuals primarily rely on healthcare providers for recommendations, health care providers should be prepared to engage in discussions about brain DS with patients.

Parental vaccine hesitancy and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine: An internet-based survey in the US and five Asian countries.

COVID-19 vaccination rates for children globally are relatively low. This study aimed to investigate parental vaccine hesitancy and parents' acceptance of a COVID-19 for their children for their children in the United States, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.We analyzed data from an opt-in, internet-based cross-sectional study (n = 23,940). Parents were asked about their acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, and if they would accept the vaccine with different risk and effectiveness profiles for themselves. Poisson regression was used to generate prevalence ratios (PR) of the relationship between vaccine acceptance for a child and vaccine profile, by country and waves and overall. Between August 2020 and June 2021, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for children decreased in the United States (89% to 72%) and Taiwan (79% to 71%), increased in India (91% to 96%) and Malaysia (81% to 91%), and was stable in Indonesia (86%) and China (at 87%-90%). Vaccine risk and effectiveness profiles did not consistently affect parent's acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Instead, being not hesitant was a large driver of vaccine acceptance (PR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.36). Adolescent COVID-19 vaccination have already been established in many high and middle-income countries, but our study suggests that there is a movement of vaccine hesitancy which could impede the success of future pediatric and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination programs.

Understanding the impact of chronic diseases on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using propensity score matching: Internet-based cross-sectional study.

To investigate whether chronic diseases are associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and explore factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with chronic diseases. Vaccine hesitancy has been acknowledged as one of the greatest hazards to public health. However, little information is available about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases who may be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, severe disease or death. From 6 to 9 August 2021, we performed an internet-based cross-sectional survey with 22,954 participants (14.78% participants with chronic diseases). Propensity score matching with 1:1 nearest neighbourhood was used to reduce confounding factors between patients with chronic diseases and the general population. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors impacting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified among patients with chronic diseases. Both before and after propensity score matching, patients with chronic diseases had higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the general population. In addition, self-reported poor health, multiple chronic diseases, lower sociodemographic backgrounds and lower trust in nurses and doctors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases. Patients with chronic diseases were more hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. Nurses should focus on patients with chronic diseases with poor health conditions, low socioeconomic backgrounds and low trust in the healthcare system. Clinical nurses are recommended to not only pay more attention to the health status and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with chronic diseases but also build trust between nurses and patients by improving service levels and professional capabilities in clinical practice. Patients or the public were not involved in setting the research question, the outcome measures, or the design or implementation of the study. However, all participants were invited to complete the digital informed consent and questionnaires.

Relationship Between Infection or Close Contact With COVID-19 and Workplace Mistreatment Among Japanese Workers: A Cross-sectional Study.

Discriminatory treatment against those with emerging infection is a long-standing problem. The present study investigates whether workers infected or in close contact with COVID-19 were susceptible to workplace mistreatment during the pandemic in Japan. This Internet-based cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 18,170 workers aged 20 to 60 years in Japan in December 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) for workplace mistreatment were estimated. For workers with close contact or infection, ORs for workplace mistreatment in a model adjusted for socioeconomic factors were 7.64 (95% CI: 5.52-10.6, P < 0.001) and 10.7 (95% CI: 8.44-13.6, P < 0.001), respectively. Workers with infection or close contact were significantly more likely to experience workplace mistreatment. Actions against workplace mistreatment for workers with emerging infection are still required.

Impact of implemented vaccination strategies on vaccine uptake and attitude of final year pharmacy students toward COVID-19 vaccines in Gezira State, Sudan

Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat to public health. Hesitant individuals pose a major concern, as they can be viewed as a source of infection, which may lead to another outbreak. Effective strategies are needed to increase uptake, decrease hesitancy, and achieve herd immunity. This study aims to identify the impact of implemented strategies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among final-year pharmacy students, and their acceptance and attitudes towards mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. An anonymous, internet-based cross-sectional study was developed using Google Forms and administered to final-year pharmacy students (254) at all pharmacy colleges in Wad Medani city, Sudan between August and September 2022. Overall, 30.7 % of students were hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The majority of students, 69.3 %, were already vaccinated and 60.9 % of them were initially hesitant about getting the vaccine but eventually did so. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the institution students attended (p < 0.001). Institutions that had implemented encouraging vaccination strategies had a higher percentage of vaccinated students: 84.2 % and 77.1 %, compared to the institution that did not adopt any vaccination strategies 28.3 %. Availability of COVID-19 vaccines to students (OR 1.67 CI (0.70–3.96)), and encouraging COVID-19 vaccination in a way close to mandatory (OR 4.29, CI (1.85–9.96)) had the highest odds in increasing the vaccination uptake. While, not implementing any vaccination strategy (OR 0.24, CI (0.07–0.85) was less likely to increase vaccination uptake. Also, it was found that 72.5 % of students would accept mandatory vaccination for COVID-19. This study provides policymakers with evidence-based strategies that could increase the uptake and decrease hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines among a group of university students. Policymakers should encourage all universities to provide COVID-19 vaccines to their students, either through clinics or vaccination campaigns, and consider mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.

Translation and validation of the Japanese version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised.

This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised and evaluate its reliability and validity. After translating the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised into Japanese, we conducted an Internet-based cross-sectional study with 445 Japanese-speaking women within 2 months of childbirth. Of these, 98 participated in the retest 1 month later. Data were analyzed using the COSMIN study design checklist for patient-reported outcome measurement instruments. Content validity was evaluated through cognitive debriefing during the translation process into Japanese. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify structural and cross-cultural validities. For hypothesis testing, we tested correlations with existing measures for convergent and divergent validities, and for known-group discriminant validity, we made comparisons between types of childbirth. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's α, and test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. For the Japanese-Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, the established three-factor model fit poorly, whereas the four-factor model fit better. Full metric invariance was observed in both the nulliparous and multiparous groups. Good convergent, divergent, and known-group discriminant validities and test-retest reliability were established. Internal consistency observations were suboptimal; however for vaginal childbirth, the Cronbach's α of the total score was .71. The Japanese-Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised is a valid and reliable scale, with the exception of internal consistency that requires further investigation. If limited to vaginal childbirth, research, clinical applications, and international comparisons can be drawn.

Knowledge and Attitude of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Toward Colorectal Cancer Risk, Its Management, and the Role of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Limited literature exists on patients' knowledge of CRC risk and management. Attitude toward doctor-recommended management and the role of healthcare providers (HCPs) in CRC risk awareness remain unexplored. This study aimed to fill the gap in knowledge about CRC risk awareness and management in IBD patients in the UK. This cross-sectional internet-based study was conducted in April-July 2019. Adult (>18 years) IBD patients with a confirmed diagnosis for 2 years and adequate command of English language were invited from non-Natinal Health Services sources. A self-designed and piloted questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions was used. Closed-ended data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis. Ninety-two participants (52.5% Crohn's disease and 67.5% females) responded. Around 88% knew that IBD increased CRC risk. Only 20.7% were aware of colonoscopy as the best screening tool; 88% were unaware of screening initiation time. Almost 90% would agree to a doctor's recommendation of colonoscopy. For dysplasia with 10% risk of CRC, 46.7% would not agree with colectomy. Some 48% reported to have never had a discussion about the risk of CRC in IBD with their HCPs, while 58% were not informed of the role of screening and surveillance in managing CRC risk. IBD patients were poorly aware of CRC risk management and had mixed willingness to comply with a doctor's recommendation. HCP's role in cancer knowledge dissemination was suboptimal and patients desired more information.

Comparing the Performance Gap Between Males and Females in the Older Age Groups in IRONMAN® 70.3: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study of More Than 800,000 Race Records

BackgroundThe sex difference in the three split disciplines (swimming, cycling, and running) and overall race times in triathlon races has mainly been investigated for the Olympic distance and IRONMAN® triathlon formats, but not for the half IRONMAN® distance, i.e., the IRONMAN® 70.3. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sex differences in IRONMAN® 70.3 by age group in 5-year intervals for the split disciplines of this race. Data from 823,459 records (625,393 males and 198,066 females) of all age group finishers (in 5-year intervals) competing in all official IRONMAN® 70.3 races held worldwide between 2004 and 2020 were analyzed, and sex differences by age group and split disciplines were evaluated.ResultsMales were faster than females in all split disciplines and all age groups. The sex difference was lower in swimming than in cycling and running and less pronounced for triathletes between 20 and 50 years of age. After the age of 60 years, females were able to reduce the sex difference to males in swimming and cycling, but not in running, where the reduction in the sex difference started after the age of 70 years. The lowest sex difference was in the age group 75 + years for swimming and cycling and in the age group 30–34 years for running. Across age groups, the sex difference was U-shaped in swimming and running, with an increase after 18–24 years in swimming and after 40–44 years in running. In contrast, the sex difference decreased continuously with the increasing age for cycling.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study found that the sex difference in performance decreases with age in the IRONMAN® 70.3 race distance. However, females did not outperform males at older ages. Notably, sex differences were observed across different disciplines, with swimming displaying lower differences compared to cycling and running. These findings underscore the complex interplay between age, sex, and performance in endurance sports, emphasizing the need for additional research to understand the factors influencing these differences.

Pacing Variation in Multistage Ultramarathons: Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Ultramarathon running is the most popular ultraendurance competition in terms of the number of races and runners competing annually worldwide; however, no study has compared pacing and performance over a long period. This study analyzes the pacing of successful finishers and nonfinishers in multistage ultramarathons worldwide. A total of 4079 athletes (men=3288; women=791) competing in 99 multistage ultramarathon events from 1983 to 2021 were analyzed, including the number of participants, age, gender, rank, and running speed of successful finishers. The results showed a significant increase in the number of events (n=338) and a significant increase in the number of finishers and nonfinishers (n=5575) in the ultramarathons worldwide during this period. The general linear models (GLMs) of pacing variation showed nonsignificant effects for gender (F1,36.2=2.5; P=.127; ηp2=0.063) and age group (F10,10=0.6; P=.798; ηp2=0.367), but it showed a significant interaction (gender × age) effect (F10,2689=2.3; P=.008; ηp2=0.009). Post hoc analyses showed that men have a higher pacing variation than women in the under 30 years (U30), U35, U45, and U50 groups. Additionally, the fastest women's age group (U35) had the lowest pacing variation. The GLM of pacing variation by gender and event distance showed significant effects for both gender (F1,3=18.5; P<.001; ηp2=0.007) and distance (F2,3=20.1; P<.001; ηp2=0.015). Post hoc analyses showed a growing pacing variation with increasing race distance for both men and women. In addition, men had a higher variation in long events. Furthermore, there was a significant main effect for both genders (F1,3=33.7; P<.001; ηp2=0.012) and rank (F1,3=136.6; P<.001; ηp2=0.048) on performance, with men being faster than women. Pacing varied greatly due to gender (F1,3=4.0; P=.047; ηp2=0.001), with a lower (ie, more even) pacing variation for male athletes in the top 3 finishers. Male nonfinishers showed a higher performance than female nonfinishers (F1,1340=25.6; P<.001), and no difference was identified for pacing variation (F1,789=1.5; P=.228) based on gender. In addition, a weak but significant correlation (r=-0.130; P<.001) was identified between the average running speed and pacing variation for both female and male nonfinishers. In summary, multistage ultramarathon competitions showed an increasing number of competitors and a higher performance challenge. Men have a higher pacing (ie, less even) variation than women, especially observed in longer events. A higher pacing variation was associated with lower performance for men, women, and nonfinishers.

Factors associated with father–infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic: an internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced lifestyles changes and affected the relationships between fathers and their infants. However, the factors associated with paternal–infant bonding have not been clarified. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with father–infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationwide survey and the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) to measure father–infant bonding. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their partners’ parity. A linear regression model (Gauss–Markov-type) was used for both groups. A total of 1055 men were included in the analysis. Of these men, 521 (49.4%) had a primipara partner, and 534 (50.6%) had a multipara partner. No significant differences were found between the two groups’ MIBS-J scores. Fathers’ mental health, relationship with the partner and family members, abusive behavior towards children, wanted pregnancy, and the youngest child’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission history were associated with father–infant bonding. Regarding factors related to COVID-19, caring for the child while the partner is at home has a negative impact on bonding, while fear related to infection with COVID-19 has no negative impact on bonding.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and anal incontinence: an internet-based cross-sectional study of female Turkish University students.

The objective of this cross-sectional, epidemiological study was to characterize urinary tract and bowel symptom prevalence and the extent of discomfort/bother associated with them. Additionally, the authors aimed to explore factors associated with both conditions among Turkish female university students. Also, an insight into women's "communication regarding urinary incontinence and anal incontinence" with their family members was sought. This is an internet-based national cross-sectional study. A study-specific 30-item questionnaire containing validated measures of symptom prevalence and bother (Urogenital Distress Inventory questionnaire short form and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory) were incorporated into the survey. Out of a total of 2,125 e-mail invitations that were sent, 1,226 responded with data included in this analysis. The age and BMI of all respondents were 26.53 ± 10.082, 23.45 ± 6.609 respectively. Nine hundred and eighty-five (80.5%) respondents claimed that they did not suffer a UI episode in the last year, whereas 10 people (0.08%) claimed that they had a urinary incontinence episode every day. Three hundred and fifty-seven responders (29.1%) stated that they suffered from "gas incontinence," 6 (0.5%) stool incontinence, and 20 (1.6%) declared that they had episodes of both stool and gas incontinence. Five hundred and forty-four participants (44%) reported that they had family relatives with a problem of "urinary incontinence" and 576 (47%) stated they had a conversation on "urinary incontinence." Seventy-five of the responders (6.1%) stated that they had a family member with "anal incontinence" and 246 (20.1%) responded that they had a conversation regarding "anal incontinence" with them. We have demonstrated that the prevalence of UI was 19.5%. Twenty-nine percent stated they suffered "gas incontinence," 0.5% stool incontinence, and 1.6% declared that they had episodes of both stool and gas incontinence.

Reliability of Ahmed glaucoma valve surgical videos for educational purposes.

The use of video-based social media platforms is increasing among trainee residents, fellows, and practicing ophthalmologists. In this study, we objectively evaluate the quality of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation videos on open access, video-based internet platforms. Internet-based cross-sectional study. Not applicable. In this cross-sectional study, 23 websites publishing medical surgery training video content were queried using the keyword "Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation". The descriptive statistics of video parameters were noted, and the videos were assessed using established scoring systems-Sandvik, Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HON code), mDISCERN, and Global Quality Score (GQS) scores. Video Quality Score (VQS) was determined based on the 14 steps per the AGV implantation rubric. One hundred and nineteen videos were evaluated, and 35 were excluded. The total quality of all 84 videos according to their Sandvik, HON Code, GQS, DISCERN, and VQS scores was 11.79 ± 1.70 (excellent quality), 6.86 ± 0.75 (excellent quality), 3.97 ± 0.93 (good quality), 3.26 ± 0.66 (fair quality) and 11.45 ± 2.67 (good quality), respectively. No significant correlation was found between the descriptive parameters and video quality score. However, no significant correlation was found between the descriptive parameters and video quality score. The objective analysis showed that the video quality ranged from good to excellent. AGV implantation videos were sparse on exclusive ophthalmology surgical video portals. Therefore, more peer-reviewed videos following standardized rubric are needed on open-access surgical video platforms.

Blood donation among women in Nigeria: Motivators, barriers and appealing incentives.

Women are grossly under-represented among blood donors in Nigeria. We, therefore, determined the barriers, motivators and appealing incentives to blood donation among women in Nigeria. This was an internet-based cross-sectional study among women aged 18-65 years. A well-structured questionnaire was used to determine sociodemographic characteristics, motivation, barriers and appealing incentives. Motivational and barrier differences in some sociodemographic characteristics were determined using the chi-squared test. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The most common motivators among blood donors were 'when family or friend is in need of blood', 'health benefits' and 'reminders to donate'. One-time donors who were willing to become regular donors were more motivated by reminders to donate than those not willing (p = 0.000). The most common barriers among non-donors were 'poor attitude of hospital staff' and 'fear of contracting infections'. Younger women and those of the Hausa tribe were more debarred by 'lack of privacy during blood donation exercise' than older women and those of the other tribes (p-values of 0.008 and 0.006, respectively). The most appealing incentives for blood donation were medical consultation and a blood donation certificate. Women's participation in blood donation in Nigeria can be improved by sending regular reminders to donors, especially one-time donors and by infrastructural adjustments to improve privacy at the blood donation sites. Specific and targeted capacity-building initiatives should also be put in place to drive a paradigm shift in the attitude of hospital staff to work in Nigeria.

Decline in Partner-Accompanied Births during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Internet-Based Study.

The study objective was to describe trends in partner-accompanied birth between January 2019 and August 2021 and examine the associations of partner-accompanied birth with women's psychological distress and partners' housework and parenting. A total of 5605 women who had a live singleton birth between January 2019 and August 2021 and had a partner participated in this nationwide internet-based survey between July and August 2021 in Japan. The percentages of women's intentions and actual experience of partner-accompanied births were calculated per month. Associations of partner-accompanied birth with scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) ≥10, partners' participation in housework and parenting, and factors associated with having a partner-accompanied birth were examined using a multivariable Poisson regression model. The proportion of women who had partner-accompanied births was 65.7% between January 2019 and March 2020, dropping to 32.1% between April 2020 and August 2021. Partner-accompanied birth was not associated with a K6 score ≥10, but was significantly associated with the partner's daily housework and parenting (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14). Partner-accompanied births have been substantially restricted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The right to a birth partner should be protected, while addressing infection control.

Frailty and occupational falls among older Japanese workers: An Internet-based cross-sectional study.

Occupational falls are a major problem for older workers, especially those in the tertiary industry. Recently, it has been suggested that frailty is associated with occupational falls, but it is unclear whether this holds true for older workers in the tertiary industry. This study examined the relationship between frailty and occupational falls among older workers in the tertiary industry. This was an Internet-based cross-sectional study. We recruited 5000 older workers (age, 60-75 years) employed in the tertiary industry who were registered with an Internet research company. Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Screening Index's five items, and participants were classified into robust, pre-frailty, or frailty groups. Occupational falls were defined as falls experienced in the past 12 months while at work. The relationship between frailty and occupational falls was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. It was found that 6.1% of participants had experienced at least one occupational fall in the past 12 months. On the multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for falls was higher with pre-frailty (aOR: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-2.94, P = .001) and frailty (aOR: 4.26, 95% confidence interval: 2.74-6.65, P < .001) compared with robust. Similar results were obtained when the outcome was occupational falls with injury. Our findings suggest that frailty is associated with occupational falls among older workers in tertiary industries. We recommend that employers introduce frailty screening, and consider countermeasures based on the screening results to prevent occupational falls among older workers.

Relationship between potential advisors on work-related health and psychological distress among Japanese workers: A cross-sectional internet-based study

Relationship between potential advisors on work-related health and psychological distress among Japanese workers: A cross-sectional internet-based study

Diabetes-related shame among people with type 2 diabetes: an internet-based cross-sectional study

IntroductionEmerging evidence suggests that diabetes stigma and negative emotions associated with it may impair the quality of life of people with diabetes. Among these psychological distresses, shame is considered the...