Differences In Prevalence Estimates Research Articles

Are answers affected by data collection on paper or online? The case of Belgian adolescents

Abstract Background In the early 2000s, the prevalence estimations were compared in relation with the mode of data collection, i.e. paper or online. Following the widely spread routine use of connected devices, especially in adolescents, such a monitoring is of interest. Within the 2022 “Health Behaviour in school-aged children” survey in French-speaking primary and secondary schools of Belgium, those participating could choose between paper and online collection. Our objective was to compare a large set of indicators between the two modes after adjusting for the students’ characteristics. Methods After a two-stage random selection of schools and classes, 11,751 10-to-20-year-old adolescents completed the questionnaire either on paper or online. Descriptive analysis and comparisons were conducted using chi2 and multiple logistic regressions adjusted for the students’ sociodemographic characteristics that may vary according to the questionnaire mode. Results Overall, 54.9% of the questionnaires were completed online. The choice of the collection mode provided to the schools’ headteachers was associated with the adolescents’ characteristics. Those who completed the questionnaire online were more likely to be in secondary schools, in Wallonia, and of a more favourable socioeconomic profile. After adjustments, no difference in the indicators regarding health, well-being, substance use, or sleep duration was observed. Conversely, a difference was observed for screen time (internet ≥2h/weekday: 70.4% on paper vs. 72.3% online; adjusted P-value: 0.02), some food groups (daily vegetables: 51.2% vs. 58.0%; P-value<0.001) and body weight status (overweight including obesity: 16.7% vs. 14.0%; P-value<0.001). Conclusions In some circumstances such as data collection in the school setting, mixed modes are still necessary due to operational issues. While most indicators did not show a difference between online and paper collection, potential implications for others need to be further understood. Key messages • Collecting data through online or paper questionnaires does not lead to major differences in prevalence estimates. • With the rise of online surveys, further assessment is required to understand the potential declaration biases.

Comparing effects of question set order and location within a survey instrument of two commonly used disability question sets among a U.S. population of adults

BackgroundIn nationally representative household surveys conducted in the United States (U.S.), two distinct sets of questions are commonly used to identify persons with disabilities. The six-question sequence (6QS) measures, in a yes/no fashion, limitations in cognition, hearing, independent living, self-care, vision, and walking. The Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS) captures more nuanced yet similar information, although instead of including a measure of independent living asks about communication. To date, research has not estimated, among the same set of survey respondents, variations in disability prevalence using these two sets of questions nor how prevalence estimates vary by question set order and placement of these questions at the beginning or end of a survey. Objective/HypothesisThe objective was to examine adjusted differences in disability prevalence among three measures of disability based on the 6QS and the WG-SS question sets, controlling for differences in question set order and placement within a survey. MethodsWe fielded an Internet survey (N = 13,277) in September 2020 that included these questions, but varied question set order and placement among respondents, using four different versions of the survey. We first tested for bivariate differences by survey design between an “any disability” measure as well as between specific types of limitations using Chi square. Finally, we examined pairwise adjusted differences in prevalence estimates. ResultsThe 6QS provided the most consistent prevalence estimates (26%–28%) (p < .05), regardless of survey design. Estimates varied more widely for the WG-SS measures, ranging from 43 to 60% for WG-SS1 and from 10% to 15% for WG-SS2, among survey versions. ConclusionsQuestion set order and placement was not associated with differences in prevalence for the 6QS but was associated with differences in estimates from the WG-SS. Further research is needed to understand the possible survey priming effects that might influence estimates from the WG-SS.

S02-1 Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of children aged 6-9 in Europe: an analysis within the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI)

BackgroundChildren are becoming less physically active for a variety of interrelated reasons. The availability of opportunities for safe active playgrounds, recreational activities and active transport has decreased, while time spend on sedentary screen-based activities has increased. This study aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA), sedentary and sleep behaviours of children aged 6-9 years in Europe using data from the WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI).MethodsThe fourth COSI data collection round was conducted in 36 countries from 2015-2018 using a standardized protocol including a family form completed by parents with specific questions about diet and physical activity-related behaviours.ResultsNationally representative data from the 24 countries, who filled in the non-mandatory family record form, were included. Information on PA, screen-time and sleep behaviours of 137,807 children were analysed. Pooled analysis showed that: one in two children walked or cycled to school every day; one in two children were members of a sport or dancing club; around 40 % of children spent at least two hours per day watching TV or using electronic devices; around four in five children were actively or vigorously playing each day; around 88 % of children slept for at least nine hours per night. Country specific analyses showed pronounced differences in prevalence estimates between countries.ConclusionsWhile the severity of the problem varies between countries, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours are common across the European Region. Policy makers across the Region must do more in order to increase opportunities for young people to participate in daily activities. Furthermore, they should explore solutions to reduce the amount of time spend on sedentary activities, in order to halt the rise in overweight and obesity.

Global prevalence of help-seeking for problem gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiple studies have examined barriers and facilitators to help-seeking, but the prevalence of help-seeking for problem gambling (PG) is not well established. We aimed to estimate the international prevalence of help-seeking for PG among the general population and among subgroups of people at risk for PG (i.e. low-risk, moderate-risk and PG). Systematic search of grey literature (through gambling repositories, gambling research institutes and Google) and peer-reviewed literature (through ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus) for gambling prevalence studies that reported on help-seeking for PG. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Studies used representative sampling methods to determine the prevalence of gambling participation and data collection 2010 onward. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The main outcome was population prevalence of help-seeking for PG. Help-seeking was defined as any intentional action to change gambling behaviours, including professional services (inclusive of in-person or distance help), non-professional help (e.g. from family and friends) and self-help. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explain variability in help-seeking prevalence estimates. Measurement of help-seeking was inconsistent across included studies and, overall, there was high risk of bias. We estimated a general population help-seeking prevalence for PG of 0.23% (95% CI, 0.16-0.33). Prevalence estimates were significantly higher in studies assessing lifetime (0.50%; 95% CI, 0.35-0.71) compared with current help-seeking (0.14%; 95% CI, 0.10-0.20, P< 0.001), but there was no evidence of difference in prevalence estimates by gambling participation, region, type of help-seeking, or year of data collection. Compared with people with low-risk gambling (0.27%; 95% CI, 0.07%-1.04%), prevalence estimates were significantly higher in those with moderate-risk (3.73%; 95% CI, 2.07%-6.63%) and problem gambling (20.63%; 95% CI, 12.89%-31.35%, P < 0.001). One in 25 moderate-risk gamblers and 1 in 5 people with problem gambling have sought help for problems related to their gambling.

Prevalence of early childhood obesity in Ireland: Differences over time, between sexes and across child growth criteria.

Various child growth criteria exist for monitoring overweight and obesity prevalence in young children. To estimate early overweight and obesity prevalence in Ireland and compare the differences in prevalence across ages, growth criteria and sexes. Longitudinal body mass index data from the nationally representative Growing Up in Ireland infant cohort (n=11 134) were categorized ('under-/normal weight', 'risk of overweight', 'overweight', 'obesity') using the sex- and age-specific International Obesity Task Force growth reference, World Health Organization growth standard and World Health Organization growth reference criteria. Differences in prevalences between criteria and sexes, and changes in each weight category and criterion across ages (9 months, 3 years, 5 years), were investigated. Across criteria, 11%-40% of children had overweight or obesity at 9 months, 14%-46% at 3 years and 8%-32% at 5 years of age. Prevalence estimates were highest using the World Health Organization growth reference, followed by International Obesity Task Force estimates. Within each criterion, prevalence decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05). However, when combining both World Health Organization criteria, as recommended for population studies, prevalence increased, due to differences in definitions between them. Significantly more boys than girls had overweight/obesity using either World Health Organization criterion, which was reversed using the International Obesity Task Force growth reference. To increase transparency and comparability, studies of childhood obesity need to consider differences in prevalence estimates across growth criteria. Effective prevention, intervention and policy-making are needed to control Ireland's high overweight and obesity prevalence.

Prevalence of childhood exposure to intimate partner violence in low-income and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo determine the proportion of children in low-income and lower-middle-income countries exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV).DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Index Medicus, and...

Gender differences in disorders comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder among U.S. Sailors and Marines.

Psychological comorbidity, the co‐occurrence of mental health disorders, is more often the rule than the exception among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows that prevalence estimates for specific psychological disorders differ by gender; however, little is known about whether these patterns persist in the presence of a comorbid PTSD diagnosis. This study examined gender differences in prevalence estimates for conditions comorbid with PTSD using medical records for 523,626 active duty U.S. Sailors and Marines who entered the military over an 8‐year period. Using chi‐square tests of independence, we detected statistically significant gender differences for specific comorbid conditions in the subsample of 9,447 service members with a PTSD diagnosis. Women were more likely than men to have PTSD with comorbid adjustment, OR = 1.35; depressive, OR = 1.71; and generalized anxiety or other anxiety disorders, OR = 1.16, with the largest effects for eating, OR = 12.60, and personality disorders, OR = 2.97. In contrast, women were less likely than men to have a diagnosis of PTSD with comorbid alcohol use, OR = 0.69, and drug use disorders, OR = 0.72, with the largest effects for insomnia, OR = 0.42, and traumatic brain injury, OR = 0.17. No significant gender differences emerged for comorbid bipolar, obsessive–compulsive, panic/phobic, psychotic, or somatoform/dissociative disorders, ps = .029–.314. The results show gender differences in conditions comorbid with PTSD generally align with internalizing and externalizing dimensions. Differences in comorbidities with PTSD between women and men could have implications for treatment development and delivery.

Comparison of global definitions of metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy among the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort participants in Sri Lanka

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in pregnancy shows epigenetic associations with intergenerational inheritance of metabolic diseases. The presence of different diagnostic criteria influences MetS prevalence estimates. We evaluated MetS and metabolic derangements to determine the utility of its assessment in early pregnancy. A cross-sectional analysis of metabolic derangements in pregnant women with period of gestation (POG) ≤ 12 weeks was done among Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort participants in Sri Lanka. 2682 women with mean age 27.9 year (SD-5.5) and median POG 8.0wk (IQR-3) were analyzed. Mean levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density-lipoprotein (HDL), low-density-lipoprotein (LDL), fasting plasma glucose, and 2 h oral glucose tolerance test were 87.71 (SD 38.7), 172.2 (SD 34.7), 49.6 (SD 11.5), 122.6 (SD 32.3), 82.2 (SD 12.8) and 120.3 (SD 11.5) respectively. All serum lipids except LDL increase significantly from 6 to 12 weeks, with TG by 23 and TC by 8 units. High MetS prevalence was observed with AHA/NHLBI (n = 150, 5.6%, 95% CI 4.8–6.5) followed by IDF (n = 144, 5.4%, 95% CI 4.6–6.3), NCEP-ATP III (n = 112, 4.2%, 95% CI 3.4–5.0) and WHO (n = 81, 3.0%, 95% CI 2.4–3.7) definitions respectively. Significant difference in prevalence was noted among different sociodemographic characteristics (p < 0.001). Regardless of the criterion used, the change of metabolic parameters in early pregnancy leads to significant differences in prevalence estimates of MetS. The best MetS definition concerning pregnancy outcomes needs to be determined with prospective studies.

Self-protecting responses in randomized response designs: A survey on intimate partner violence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Randomized response techniques (RRTs) are applied to reduce response biases in self-report surveys on sensitive research questions (e.g., on socially undesirable characteristics). However, there is evidence that they cannot completely eliminate self-protecting response strategies. To address this problem, there are RRTs specifically designed to measure the extent of such strategies. Here we assessed the recently devised unrelated question model—cheating extension (UQMC) in a preregistered online survey on intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration during the first contact restrictions as containment measures for the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Germany in early 2020. The UQMC accounting for self-protecting responses described the data better than its predecessor model which assumes instruction adherence. The resulting three-month prevalence estimates were about 10% and we found a high proportion of self-protecting responses in the group of female participants queried about IPV victimization. However, unexpected results concerning the differences in prevalence estimates across the groups queried about victimization and perpetration highlight the difficulty of investigating sensitive research questions even using methods that guarantee anonymity and the importance of interpreting the respective estimates with caution.

Surveillance of Meeting the Youth Physical Activity Guideline: Impact of Including Vigorous-Intensity and Bone-Strengthening Activities

ABSTRACT Purpose: The US youth physical activity guideline recommends participation in four types of physical activity: moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic (MVPA), vigorous-intensity aerobic (VPA), muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening physical activity. Current national prevalence estimates of meeting the youth physical activity guideline are typically based on measures of the MVPA and muscle-strengthening components. This study sought to examine differences in prevalence estimates using this current approach and then including measures of all four components. Methods: Data from US high school student respondents to the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey were analyzed (n = 10,596). Prevalence of students meeting the youth physical activity guideline were assessed and compared using 1) measures of MVPA and muscle-strengthening components only and 2) also including measures of the VPA and bone-strengthening components. Results: Overall, 15.2% students met the MVPA, 50.7% met the muscle-strengthening, 70.6% met the VPA, and 80.7% met the bone-strengthening components. In total, 12.1% (95% confidence interval: 10.9, 13.3) of students met both the MVPA and muscle-strengthening components, and 11.2% (95% confidence interval: 10.0, 12.4) met all four components. Conclusions: Incorporating additional measures of VPA and bone-strengthening activity into current surveillance systems may not meaningfully impact national estimates of meeting the youth physical activity guideline.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo.METHODS This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%.RESULTS In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9–11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7–28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%.CONCLUSION The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prevalence and Multiplicity of Thrombophilia Genetic Polymorphisms of F V, MTHFR, F II, and PAI -I: A Cross-Sectional Study on a Healthy Jordanian Population.

BackgroundFV, MTHFR, II, and PAI-I are the most common genes associated with thrombophilia genetic variants, which vary among different populations and ethnic groups. Little is known about the prevalence and multiplicity of these variants in Jordan. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and multiplicity of the FV G1691A, FV H1299R, MTHFR 1298A>C, MTHFR 677C>T, II 20210G>A, and PAI-I 675 4G/5G variants among healthy Jordanians.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected healthy Jordanian participants. Non-Jordanians and those with a history of arterial/venous thrombosis, atherosclerosis, or a history of recurrent abortions were excluded from the study. PCR was used to detect variants in DNA extracted from participants’ blood samples.ResultsA total of 300 subjects were screened: 170 (56.7%) females with an average age of 27.78±9.32 years and 130 (43.3%) males with an average age of 29.88±8.55 years. Genetic variants (at least one) were found in 75% of the subjects (81.2% among females and 66.9% among men), while 64.7%, 52%, and 12% were found to have at least two, three, and four variants, respectively. Overall, 21%, 29%, 54.3%, 27.3%, 7.7%, and 66% of participants were found to have FV G1691A, FV H1299R, MTHFR 1298A>C, MTHFR 677C>T, II 20210G>A, and PAI-I 675 4G/5G gene variants, respectively.ConclusionThree-quarters of our population had at least one of the thrombophilia genetic variants, and most had more than one variant. The most common variants detected were associated with MTHFR, followed by PAI-I, FV, and then II. We observed that females had higher prevalence estimates than males. However, multiplicity among males was significantly higher than females. Our findings indicated noticeable differences in prevalence estimates compared with other populations.

Evaluation of heat mitigation and adaptation behaviors in NYC during COVID-19

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rising temperatures threaten the safety of at-risk populations in cities. The threat of COVID-19 introduced new risks. METHODS: In May 2020, New York City (NYC) initiated the Get Cool NYC program, which addressed indoor heat exposure during the summer by distributing 74,000 air conditioners (ACs) to low-income seniors (60+) in private and public housing. In the fall, a survey to assess whether the ACs helped those who wished to stay home do so safely was distributed to: (1) program participants living in privately-owned housing (3,800) and (2) a group of non-eligible New Yorkers (12,029). The comparison group included section 8 tenants (55-59 years) living in private housing (NYC Department of Housing and Preservation and Development), NYC Department for the Aging clients and ineligible Get Cool applicants younger than 60. Difference in prevalence estimates across program participants and comparison respondents without AC, and within groups across years, were compared with Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests. RESULTS:The American Association for Public Opinion Research response rate 2 among program participants and non-participants was 22.2% (845 complete) and 13.5% (1,126 complete), respectively. About 35% (395) of the non-participant group did not have an AC in 2020. While COVID-19 influenced both groups, within the participant group, respondents were more likely to stay home during summer 2020 than summer 2019 (90%, CI: 88, 92 vs. 71%, 95% CI: 67, 74). In contrast, we observed no difference in the non-participant group (67% in 2019 versus 68% in 2020). Both groups took similar advantage of other city-implemented mitigation strategies, such as green space and cooling centers. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings demonstrate the need for heat intervention strategies to decrease barriers to thermal safety, providing people with a range of choices but focusing on the ability to stay home safely and in comfort for populations most impacted. KEYWORDS: Extreme Heat, Covid-19, Policy, mitigation, adaptation

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Among University Students in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: In Pakistan, almost 30% population is between 15 to 29 years of age, with university enrollment rates of 10–15%. Although there is a growing concern on mental health of university students across the globe, studies from low and middle income countries such as Pakistan are scarce. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of depressive symptoms among Pakistani university students.Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo and Google Scholar were searched between 15 to 30th January 2020. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, published till 31st December 2019 were included. Data on study characteristics and prevalence of depressive symptoms were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. To estimate subgroup difference based on study characteristics, meta-regression and sub-group analyses were conducted.Results: In total, 26 studies involving 7,652 participants were included in review. Overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 42.66% (95% CI: 34.82% to 50.89%), with significant heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant difference in prevalence estimates based on depression screening instrument and study major. Statistically significant differences were observed among studies employing different psychometric scales (test for subgroup differences, Q = 21.92, p < 0.05) and between students from different study majors (test for subgroup differences, Q = 3.76, p = 0.05).Conclusion: Our study found that overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in Pakistan was 42.66%, however, findings should be interpreted with caution. Large scale epidemiological surveys using valid and reliable tools are needed to better estimate prevalence of depression among Pakistani university students.

Elite athletes’ experiences of interpersonal violence in organized sport in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium

Interpersonal violence in sport occurs in different forms, from emotional abuse, overtraining, bullying, physical aggression and pressuring to punishment and sexual abuse. Due to the use of different definitions, a comparison of prevalence estimates between studies in different countries has not been possible to date. The aim of the current study was thus to present the prevalence estimates of interpersonal violence in elite sport for the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), and Germany and to examine the overlap of three types of interpersonal violence. Data from two different surveys (one in the Netherlands and Flanders and another in Germany) of a total of 1,665 elite athletes (n = 533 from the Netherlands and Flanders, n = 1,132 from Germany) were used. Athletes were asked to answer questions about their experiences of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in the context of organized sport. In general, lifetime prevalence estimates for all three types of interpersonal violence are more than 24% in elite athletes, with the highest numbers for psychological violence. Compared to representative population samples the prevalence rate of psychological violence seems to be particularly high. Gender differences were only evident for sexual violence, with female athletes showing higher prevalence estimates than male athletes. Furthermore, a high overlap of experiences of the three different forms of interpersonal violence was found for all three countries. The differences in prevalence estimates between the three countries are discussed.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of complex multimorbidity in a Norwegian population: findings from the cross-sectional HUNT Study

ObjectivesMultimorbidity, the co-occurrence of multiple long-term conditions, is common and increasing. Definitions and assessment methods vary, yielding differences in estimates of prevalence and multimorbidity severity. Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with...

Left behind?: male clients of female sex workers in Zambia

ABSTRACT Male clients of female sex workers (CFSWs) are a key-affected group within the HIV epidemic. However, few studies have quantified HIV/STI burdens among CFSWs. This study used nationally representative data from the 2013–14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey to estimate proxies for HIV and STI prevalence among sexually active men aged 15–59 paying for sex recently (past 12 months) [5%, n = 679] or in their lifetime [15%, n = 1,887]. Chi-square tests were calculated to assess differences in prevalence estimates between CFSWs and non-clients. Multivariable logistic regression models were generated to identify sociodemographic factors associated with prevention characteristics. CFSWs had higher odds of reporting HIV infection (recent: aOR 1.413, p < 0.05; lifetime: aOR 1.604, p < 0.001) and past-year STI symptomology (recent: aOR 3.342, p < 0.001; lifetime: aOR 2.266, p < 0.001) than non-clients, irrespective of transactional sex recency. Compared to non-clients, CFSWs were more likely to be <25yo (42% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), have a cohabitating partner (43% vs. 35%, p < 0.001), use condoms at last sex (31% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), and never test for HIV (36% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). When comparing CFSWs to non-clients, marital status was an effect modifier of HIV testing, medical circumcision, and condom use at last sex. Findings suggest high HIV/STI burdens and highlight the urgent need for differentiated HIV prevention programming for CFSWs in Zambia including the provision of PrEP.

Measuring smoking prevalence in a middle income nation: An examination of the 100 cigarettes lifetime screen

IntroductionPublic health surveillance of smoking prevalence is essential in gauging the magnitude of the problem, identifying groups most affected, and evaluating polices. However, little attention has focused on how prevalence is measured, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where smoking patterns may not mirror those in high-income countries and where the burden of tobacco use is rapidly growing. Mexico provides a unique opportunity to gauge how the questions used to define established smokers can affect prevalence estimates. This study assesses how using the 100-cigarette lifetime question to define smoking status affects estimates of smoking prevalence. MethodsWe consider data from four nationally representative surveys in Mexico, from 2002 to 2016. These surveys ask about current smoking even for adults who do not indicate having smoked 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. We compare estimates of daily and nondaily smoking prevalence by age and gender with and without the 100-cigarette screen. ResultsThe relative difference in prevalence estimates with and without the screen was greater for nondaily than daily smoking and for females than males. The difference was especially pronounced for nondaily smokers aged 15–24, where there was a 50%–75% relative difference in estimates, albeit smaller discrepancies (20–49% relative difference) were also found among older smokers. In recent years, the relative difference was greatest at lower levels of educational attainment. ConclusionsWith the growth in nondaily smoking, using the 100-cigarettes screen to define smoking status can have important implications regarding size of smoking population. Further research is warranted in other countries.

Gender-specific experiences of serious mental illness in rural Ethiopia: A qualitative study

ABSTRACTConsiderable variation in the gender-specific prevalence of serious mental illness (SMI) has been reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In the rural setting of Butajira, Ethiopia, the male-to-female prevalence ratio of schizophrenia was reported to be 5:1. This qualitative study explores gender-specific experiences of SMI and the extent to which sociocultural factors may explain the observed difference in prevalence estimates. Using purposive sampling, 39 in-depth interviews were conducted with community members from Butajira, a rural district in South Central Ethiopia. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to elicit community perspectives on cultural explanatory models of SMI and experiences in this region. Gender-specific experiences were reported to differ due to visibility of symptoms, community responses, and varying levels of family support towards individuals with SMI. Overall, respondents described how various sociocultural factors subject women with SMI to higher levels of physical and social isolation compared to men, greatly affecting community health workers’ ability to identify and provide care to women with mental illness. Future case detection methods should involve family members as they interact with women with SMI early on in the development of their symptoms and play an essential role in their path to mental health care.

A Systematic Review of U.S. Studies on the Prevalence of Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Since 2000.

This systematic review examined 14 U.S. studies published since 2000 reporting prevalence estimates for intellectual disability (ID) or developmental disability (DD). Prevalence rates for children were between 11.0 and 13.4 per 1,000 for ID and between 45.8 and 69.9 per 1,000 for DD using data from 2010 or later. A 2015 Ohio study of adults yielded a prevalence estimate of 41.0 per 1,000 for DD. The only study of ID in adults and the only study incorporating DD Act definitions used the 1994/1995 NHIS-D yielding prevalence estimates for ID and/or DD of 38.2 per 1,000 for children birth to 5 years, 31.7 for children 6 to 18 years, and 7.9 per 1,000 for adults. Notable differences in prevalence estimates by age and operational definition have important implications for public policy and research. Serious surveillance gaps limit our understanding of service utilization rates, unmet needs, and health and other outcomes for adults with ID or DD.