Cross-sectional Research Articles

The risk of chronic kidney disease or proteinuria with long or short sleep duration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Irregular sleep duration has been linked with systemic diseases as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, most of the evidence is low-quality and from cross-sectional data. We hereby present a meta-analysis of cohort studies examining the longitudinal association between short and long sleep with the risk of CKD or proteinuria. Databases of Embase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to 5th April 2024. The risk of CKD/proteinuria was assessed with short or long sleep duration. Nine studies were included. Both short and long sleep duration were associated with a mild increase in the risk of CKD/proteinuria. Based on different cutoffs for short sleep, we noted that sleep of ≤ 7h was not associated with a significantly increased risk of CKD/proteinuria. A mild significant risk was noted in the subgroup of ≤ 6h while a significant association was noted for sleep ≤ 5h. For longer sleep duration, individuals with ≥ 8h of sleep had an increased risk of CKD/proteinuria. However, the results were non-significant for individuals with ≥ 9h of sleep. Non-significant results were noted for separate analyses on male, female, high body mass index, and elderly (≥ 60years) individuals. Both short and long sleep durations are associated with a significant increase in the risk of CKD/proteinuria in the adult population.

Social processes as the missing link: cross-sectionally testing a conceptual model on social mediators of early psychopathological development.

Research suggests that most mental health conditions have their onset in the critically social period of adolescence. Yet, we lack understanding of the potential social processes underlying early psychopathological development. We propose a conceptual model where daily-life social interactions and social skills form an intermediate link between known risk and protective factors (adverse childhood experiences, bullying, social support, maladaptive parenting) and psychopathology in adolescents - that is explored using cross-sectional data. N = 1913 Flemish adolescent participants (Mean age = 13.8; 63% girls) were assessed as part of the SIGMA study, a large-scale, accelerated longitudinal study of adolescent mental health and development. Self-report questionnaires (on risk/protective factors, social skills, and psychopathology) were completed during class time; daily-life social interactions were measured during a subsequent six-day experience-sampling period. Registered uncorrected multilevel linear regression results revealed significant associations between all risk/protective factors and psychopathology, between all risk/protective factors and social processes, and between all social processes and psychopathology. Social processes (social skills, quantity/quality of daily social interactions) were uniquely predicted by each risk/protective factor and were uniquely associated with both general and specific types of psychopathology. For older participants, some relationships between social processes and psychopathology were stronger. Unique associations between risk/protective factors and psychopathology signify the distinct relevance of these factors for youth mental health, whereas the broad associations with social processes support these processes as broad correlates. Results align with the idea of a social pathway toward early psychopathology, although follow-up longitudinal research is required to verify any mediation effect.

The Influence of Volunteerism to the Relationship of Academic Environment and Social Entrepreneurship Intentions: Empirical Evidence from a University in the Philippines

Research on social entrepreneurship intentions (SEI) focuses on personal predispositions but lacks examination of external factors. We investigated public sector volunteerism's role in mediating the academic environment's influence on SEI. Cross-sectional data from surveys with 300 university students, selected through stratified random sampling at a Philippine public university, was analyzed using Sobel mediation analysis. Results show positive impact of the academic environment on SEI, and public sector volunteerism significantly mediates this influence. Volunteerism in universities may enhance students' inclination to take on future social entrepreneurship roles in addressing societal issues and engaging with stakeholders. We suggest that such approach empower next generations to foster positive social change through social entrepreneurship.

Exploring the link between dietary zinc intake and endometriosis risk: insights from a cross-sectional analysis of American women

BackgroundEndometriosis is a complex disorder with genetic, immune, inflammatory, and multifactorial etiologies. Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. Dysregulation or deficiency of zinc can lead to aberrations in human physiology. However, the association between dietary zinc and endometriosis remains ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate the link between dietary zinc intake and endometriosis.MethodsUtilizing cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed information from American women aged 20–54 years between 1999 and 2006. After adjusting for relevant covariates, multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess correlations.ResultsA total of 4315 women were included in the study. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed a positive correlation between dietary zinc intake and the risk of endometriosis, even after controlling for confounding variables. Relative to individuals with lower zinc consumption (≤ 8 mg/day), the adjusted odds ratio (OR) values for dietary zinc intake and endometriosis in the 8–14 mg/day and > 14 mg/day groups were 1.19 (95% CI: 0.92–1.54, p = 0.189) and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.12–2.27, p = 0.009), respectively.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a positive correlation between dietary zinc intake and the prevalence of endometriosis. However, further investigations are necessary to better understand this association and explore the potential role of dietary zinc in endometriosis.

External Factors Modulating Pain and Pain-Related Functional Impairment in Cervical Dystonia.

Little is known about factors modulating pain and pain-related functional impairment in isolated cervical dystonia (CD). The aim was to assess the prevalence and interrelationship between pain-modulating factors and pain-related determinants of functional impairment and quality of life in CD. We analyzed pain-aggravating and pain-relieving external factors, the degree of pain-related functional impact on routine activities, and the relationship between these and pain severity, using cross-sectional data collected using the Pain in Dystonia Scale (PIDS) from 85 participants with CD. Pairwise correlation analyses and age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models estimated the relationship between pain-modulating factors and pain severity, and the impact of pain severity, dystonia severity, and psychiatric symptoms on pain-related functional impairment and disease-specific quality of life (measured using the Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire-24). Stress and prolonged fixed position were the most frequent and impacting pain triggers, with women reporting larger impact. The average impact of pain-relieving factors was lower than that of pain triggers. Physical exercise and social gatherings were the most impacted activities by pain in CD. The intensity of external modulating factors was a predictor of pain severity. Severity of pain, CD, and psychiatric symptoms independently predicted pain-related functional impairment, whereas quality of life was predicted by pain severity, pain-related functional impairment, and psychiatric symptom severity, but not dystonia severity. The PIDS provides insight into external modulation and functional impact of pain in CD. The pattern of external modulation of pain in CD is in line with a multifactorial modulation and complex physiology.

Do immigrant women spend more time on unpaid labor? Generational differences by race, ethnicity, and household composition in household work within the United States

ABSTRACT Despite relative progress, it is an overt fact that women still take on the heavier burden of unpaid work in the household compared to men in the United States. Our study expands the horizons of previous studies by looking at women specifically and analyzes how women’s performance of unpaid labor differentiates based on various contexts such as generational status, household composition, race, and ethnicity. Using the pooled cross-sectional data from the 2011-2021 American Time Use Survey (ATUS), we test hypotheses derived from an absolute resources perspective and a structural perspective to examine migrant generational differences among married, cohabiting, and single women as well as investigate the intra-group differences of racial and ethnic groups. From our descriptive analysis and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses, we find support for the structural perspective for housework, as the generational differences remain even after controlling for socioeconomic factors, but only for first-generation married women. However, socioeconomic factors account for the differences between cohabiting or single first-generation women, which is supported by the absolute resources perspective. Our intra-group analysis by racial and ethnic groups yielded similar findings but found that Hispanic and Asian first-generation women take on a larger proportion of housework, relative to later-generation women.

Impacts of adaptation to climate change on farmers’ food security and level of sesame production in Western Ethiopia

The existence of multiple stresses and poor adaptive capacity make Africa most susceptible to climate change. In Ethiopia the potential adverse effects of climate change on the agricultural sector, the main stay of the country’s economy, are major concerns. To ensure food security, reducing the vulnerability of agricultural systems through different feasible adaptation strategies is one of the policy options in response to climate change impact This study is a first of its kind in examining the relative effectiveness of various adaptation strategies in ensuring farmers’ food security and enhancing level of sesame production in rural area of Western Ethiopia. In addition to data obtained from meteorological stations, cross-sectional data were collected interviewing 400 farm households. Descriptive statistics, two-stage least square (2SLS) and double-hurdle (D-H) models were used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicate that households are adapting using various strategies to the looming climate change in the area. The study also indicated that, though sesame production was negatively impacted by the climate hazards, smallholders have continued its production at minimum level due mainly to its high value crop character. 2SLS estimation results revealed that rainfall and temperature variability have negative impact on household’s food security. Moreover, the result indicates effectiveness of climate adaptation strategies namely agronomic practices, irrigation and soil and water conservation in reducing climatic risks and ensuring household food security. The result also implicitly indicated that farmers continued to adapt sesame production under risk climate and it is contributing to farmers’ food security. Further, the result revealed that climate change adaptation strategies have positively impacted the level of sesame production. Consequently, policy that augments households’ climate awareness and promotes adaptation decision and strategies could help reducing risks pertaining to climate and thereby improves farmers’ food security status and production of high value export potential crop—sesame.

(Dis)connecting families: Parents’ versus children's perspectives on the role of mobile devices within family interactions

The characteristics of mobile technology devices have enabled new ways of integrating technology in familial interactions. This study aimed to investigate (1) differences in perspectives of technoference and family-oriented mobile technology use between parents and children, (2) the relation between parent–child interactions that take place via mobile technology and the quality of the parent–child relationship, and (3) its association with the well-being of parents and preadolescents separately. Structural equation modelling was performed on cross-sectional data from 390 parent–child dyads. The findings revealed discrepancies in child technoference perceptions and varying associations of the different types of mobile technology use with the parent–child relationship and parents' and children's well-being. From children's perspective, both parent and child technoference was negative for the parent–child relationship, whereas family-oriented mobile technology use when physically together was beneficial for the relationship and the child's well-being. From parents’ perspective, only child technoference was negatively related to the parent–child relationship and parent's well-being. Overall, the findings underline that mobile technology use can be both detrimental and beneficial, however, the effects can differ depending on the family member and the type of technology use.

Using generalized estimating equations to estimate nonlinear models with spatial data

. We study the estimation of nonlinear models with cross-sectional data using two-step generalized estimating equations within the quasi-maximum likelihood estimation framework. To improve efficiency, we propose a grouped estimator that accounts for potential spatial correlation in the underlying innovations of nonlinear models. Under mild weak dependence assumptions, we provide results on estimation consistency and asymptotic normality. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the efficiency gain of our approach compared to various estimation methods. Finally, we apply the proposed approach to examine the role of cultural distance in an extended gravity equation using international trade data from China. Compared to existing methods, our approach yields estimates with smaller standard errors and reinforces the hypothesis that both cultural and geographical distances significantly negatively influence international trade.

Does sedentary behaviour cause spinal pain in children and adolescents? A systematic review with meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether sedentary behaviour is a risk or prognostic factor for spinal pain in children and adolescents. Specifically, to estimate the (1) direction and strength of the association; (2)...

Impacts of zero-fare transit policy on health and social determinants: protocol for a natural experiment study.

Population-level efforts are needed to increase levels of physical activity and healthy eating to reduce and manage chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Interventions to increase public transit use may be one promising strategy, particularly for low-income communities or populations of color who are disproportionately burdened by health disparities and transportation barriers. This study employs a natural experiment design to evaluate the impacts of a citywide zero-fare transit policy in Kansas City, Missouri, on ridership and health indicators. In Aim 1, comparison to 9 similar cities without zero-fare transit is used to examine differential changes in ridership from 3 years before to 4 years after the adoption of zero-fare. In Aim 2, Kansas City residents are being recruited from a large safety net health system to compare health indicators between zero-fare riders and non- riders. Longitudinal data on BMI, cardiometabolic markers, and economic barriers to health are collected from the electronic health record from 2017 to 2024. Cross-sectional data on healthy eating and device-measured physical activity are collected from a subsample of participants as part of the study procedures (N = 360). Numerous baseline characteristics are collected to account for differences between Kansas City and comparison city bus routes (Aim 1) and between zero-fare riders and non-riders within Kansas City (Aim 2). Evidence on how zero-fare transit shapes population health through mechanisms related to improved economic factors, transportation, physical activity, and healthy eating among low-income groups is expected.

Associations of adverse childhood events with disordered eating behaviors among US adolescents

The purpose of our study was to use recent nationally-representative data to 1) determine whether reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with individual disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) for the US- based early and middle adolescent population; and 2) the extent to which individual ACE categories were associated with DEBs for this population. The study used cross-sectional data from the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health, which used parent-reported data. Inclusion criteria included all early (10–13 years of age) and middle-aged adolescents (14–17 years of age) (n = 24,173). Multiple logistic regressions were used to test the association between ACEs and DEBs while controlling for covariates. Both categories for ACEs (i.e. 1–2 ACEs and 3+ ACEs) exhibited a statistically significant association with three specific DEBs: skipping meals or fasting, low interest in food, and binge eating. Additionally, six of the seven ACE categories exhibited a statistically significant association with DEBs which included parent or guardian divorced, parent or guardian time in jail, adults slap, hit, kick, punch others, victim of violence, lived with mentally ill, and lived with person with alcohol/drug problem. Further studies are needed to examine mechanisms contributing to the increased risk of DEBs among those with ACE exposure.

Total quality management practices among women shea processors: Implication for job performance and household expenditure

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a strategic framework for the continuous improvement of an organisation's practices to achieve overall performance. In the food industry, TQM practices remain inevitable as far as quality remains a benchmark for sustained competition and customer satisfaction. Small businesses like shea processing require continuous improvement, value addition and quality assurance to guarantee access to lucrative and international markets. This could be realised through TQM implementation. However, there is a dearth of studies on the relevance of TQM practices on the performance of shea processors in the literature particularly in the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study explored TQM implementation and its impact on small-scale women shea processors which is rare in the literature but of utmost importance. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 120 shea processors using a multi-stage sampling. The Seemingly Unrelated regression and Structural Equation Modelling were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that socioeconomic characteristics (age, education, experience, off-farm job, paid labour), sources of shea nut characteristics (self-collect, value of shea nut collected/purchased) and sales outlet characteristics (big processors) had heterogenous effect on the implementation of various TQM practices. Positively, all the TQM practices had covariance relationships. Further, the implementation of TQM practices such as training and development, innovation and customer focus had diverse positive effects on the number of customers and workers employed, while the number of customers per production had a positive effect on the household expenditure of processors.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Internationally Educated Nurses Associated With Successful Outcomes in Canada: Quantitative Analysis.

This article describes the sociodemographic characteristics of internationally educated nurses since the change in the registration examination in 2015. It aims to investigate the association between internationally educated nurses' sociodemographic characteristics and their successful integration into the nursing workforce in Canada. Cross-sectional and secondary data survey questions. This study adopts a cross-sectional and secondary data analysis, utilising data from IENs who engaged with internationally educated nurse initiatives such as the Creating Access to Regulated Employment Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (CARE) or initiated the registration process with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in 2015 and after. There were 259 participants, with 155 participants from primary data collection and 104 participants from secondary data sources. Quantitative analysis reveals that most participants are females, under 40 years old, educated in English and hold at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, with 47.3% of internationally educated nurses migrated from India and the Philippines. Significant associations were identified between internationally educated nurses having CARE membership and the currency of nursing practice and their successful outcomes. Recognising and addressing the unique needs of IENs is essential for their successful integration into the Canadian healthcare workforce, thereby ensuring resilience and cultural competence in nursing for the future. This analysis highlights the impact of sociodemographic characteristics of internationally educated nurses on their successful outcomes and underscores the diversity and richness they bring to the healthcare landscape. Since internationally educated nurses continue to experience challenges while integrating into the Canadian nursing workforce, these findings have substantial implications for nursing policy, practice, professional development and research.

Micro and Small Business Growth Drivers in Nigeria: Evidence from Small Cities Small Federating State

This study involves a comprehensive survey of about 1500 micro and small businesses across three major cities in one of the smallest states in Nigeria (Ebonyi State). Based on the cross-sectional data generated, a linearized Tobit regression and a robust T-Test statistical technique are applied to comparatively examine how internal firm attributes, market attributes, and socioeconomic and macroeconomic conditions affect the growth of micro and small businesses in a typical small state and small cities. The results reveal a key challenge to be the dominance of the business space in small cities by micro and largely informal enterprises.

Acculturation and depression increase trouble sleeping in Mexican immigrant adults.

Knowledge of Mexican immigrant sleep health is limited. We investigated the association between acculturation, depression, and having trouble sleeping among a nationally representative sample of Mexican immigrant adults. We used a logistic regression model on cross-sectional data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 2,670 non-U.S.-born Mexican adults aged ≥18 years old. Living in the U.S. for ≥10 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.18; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.39-3.41), speaking majority English (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.00-2.64), and mild (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.82-4.02), moderate (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI = 2.53-6.19), and moderately severe/severe (AOR = 5.75; 95% CI = 3.08-10.75) depression levels were associated with having trouble sleeping. Non-U.S. citizenship status was associated with lower odds of having trouble sleeping (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.43-0.88). Greater acculturation and depression are associated with higher odds of having trouble sleeping. We provide new knowledge on how citizenship status may be linked to the sleep health of Mexican immigrant communities.

“Competitive” Food and Beverage Laws and Obesity Among Diverse Youth in California High Schools

PurposeTo investigate associations between the California “competitive” food and beverage (CF&B) laws and overweight/obesity (OV/OB) among high school youth by gender, school-neighborhood income, and race/ethnicity, and to examine racial/ethnic OV/OB disparities before and after CF&B policies. MethodsUsing an interrupted time series design paired with retrospective cross-sectional Fitnessgram data from 3,565,260 youth-level records on ninth-grade students in California public schools, we estimated gender, school-neighborhood income, and racial/ethnic OV/OB prevalence trends before (2002-2007) and after the CF&B policies were in effect (2008-2012). ResultsIn the period before the CF&B policies, OV/OB prevalence increased annually among the majority of subgroups regardless of gender, school-neighborhood income and race/ethnicity. In the period after the policies took place, OV/OB increased at a slower rate, plateaued or declined. Changes in log odds of OV/OB trends ranged from −0.03 to −0.07. In the period before the CF&B policies, OV/OB disparities widened between African American and Latino versus White males within each school-neighborhood income tertile; afterwards, disparities ceased to increase or slightly narrowed. DiscussionThe California CF&B laws for high schools are associated with favorable trends in youth OV/OB. This is the first study to examine these associations among multiple socio-demographically diverse high school youth simultaneously considering gender, school-neighborhood income and race/ethnicity. The degree to which observed changes in OV/OB trends are attributable to CF&B policies is unclear. Nevertheless, the results suggest that strengthening CF&B policies may help further reduce OV/OB among youth of different genders and ethnicities in schools across neighborhoods of varying income levels.

Development and Evaluation of an Out-of-Control Scale Measuring Global Contextual Stressors Across 20 Countries and Regions

Abstract: Stressful contexts like the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated remarkable socio-economic changes, exacerbating universal uncertainty and a pervasive loss of control. Improving mental health outcomes on the operational definition and measurement of related concepts. This study analyzed cross-sectional data from 20 countries and regions, collected between January 25 and November 10, 2021. Psychometric evaluation occurred in two stages: initially, item review and factor analysis with a 2,749 adult sample from Mainland of China and Hong Kong SAR; subsequently, confirmation of factor structure, measurement invariance testing, and advanced analyses with a 4,000 adult sample from 20 countries and regions. A six-item, single-factor structure was verified, confirming satisfactory factor loading, fit indices and consistency. Measurement invariance across geographies and groupings was also confirmed. Three Out-of-Control profiles representing low, medium, and high stress levels, were identified, with age, depression/anxiety symptoms, education, socio-economic status, and exposure to COVID-19-affected acquaintances significantly influencing affiliation. The item “I think I cannot control things that I previously could” was the most critical node. This newly validated scale represents a substantial advancement in measuring stress within the context of global health crises, thus enhancing comprehension of psychological responses. Continual evaluation of the scale’s effectiveness and accuracy is crucial.

Computed Tomography Anatomy of the Juvenile Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) Normal Nasal Cavity.

We conducted a detailed examination of the anterior cranial region of Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), employing cutting-edge imaging techniques and computed tomography (CT). The fusion of CT images with anatomical cross-sectional data played a pivotal role in providing a thorough depiction of the components constituting the anterior cranial region of this species. The explication of these structures holds significant potential as an essential procedure for the prognosis and management of diverse pathologies impacting the nasal cavity of Cory's Shearwater.

Predictive Effect of Eco-Anxiety and Climate Change Anxiety towards Mental Health Problems and Psychological Well-Being among Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs face massive challenges when attempting to create sustainable businesses in the current era. This juggling act leads to eco-anxiety and climate change anxiety, which mainly affect entrepreneurs by creating concerns and ruining creativity and progress. These issues contribute to individuals' mental health problems (MHP) and severely affect psychological well-being (PWB). With this in mind, the present study investigates the impact of eco-anxiety (EA) and climate change anxiety (CCA) on MHP and PWB among Egyptian entrepreneurs. The study applied quantitatively, gathering cross-sectional data through a survey tool. The researchers collected data using online and offline modes and a convenience sampling strategy to identify Egyptian entrepreneurs.<strong> This led to 314 valid cases from which to generate the final results.</strong><strong> </strong>The researchers applied a structural model (SEM) using analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software to obtain the results. The results of the study unveil a positive effect of EA on MHP (β = 0.539; P < 0.01) but a negative impact on entrepreneurs' PWB (β = -0.005; P > 0.01). Moreover, the study also identifies a positive effect of CCA on MHP (β = 0.667; P < 0.01) but a negative on entrepreneurs' PWB (β = -0.033; P > 0.01). <strong>The study's findings will assist policymakers and mental health professionals in developing policies regarding reducing stress, anxiety, and fears about climate change among entrepreneurs.</strong> Moreover, the study results could support entrepreneurs in bringing creativity and vision to coping strategies for EA, strengthening their PWB, and improving their ability to sustain their businesses. Finally, the study would contribute to domain literature by adding an empirical perspective from a developing nation.