Effects Of Sociodemographic Characteristics Research Articles

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 370 older adults with and without polypharmacy. The data were gathered via the Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale for Elderly, and Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised. A multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) was conducted to assess the impact of independent variables on the combined dependent variables. Loneliness and social isolation were found higher in older adults with polypharmacy. In addition, loneliness and social isolation are more common in women, individuals with low educational attainment, single individuals, individuals with low income, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with poor family relationships, individuals not living with their families and individuals with chronic diseases. It is thought that the findings of this study will be guiding for all health professionals working in the field of elderly health in interventions to be planned for the elderly population.

Can Witnessing Domestic Violence Predict Risky Health Behaviors of University Students?

Various physical, mental, and behavioral disorders are reported among individuals who witness violence. This study was designed to examine university students' risky health behaviors after witnessing domestic violence. In this study, 2,509 university students, selected using the stratified sampling method in terms of sex and study year, were included. Path analysis was performed to examine the relationships between sociodemographic variables and risky health behaviors. We found that witnessing domestic violence directly increased substance abuse and alcohol consumption in the entire study population and partner violence among female participants. By adding the variable of witnessing domestic violence to the equation as a mediator, the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on risky health behaviors changed.

An Empirical Framework to Quantify the Individual Traffic Congestion Cost for Private Motorized Vehicle Users

Traffic congestion negatively affects the economy, human well-being, safety, and environment in both developed and developing countries. In the past, numerous studies have been undertaken to assess congestion costs. This research focuses on quantifying the individual costs incurred due to traffic congestion and the effects of socio-demographic characteristics on the individual congestion of private motorized vehicle users in the context of an urban metropolitan (Lahore) in Pakistan. Further, the study has also proposed individual traffic congestion cost (ITCC) analytics to estimate the costs related to traffic congestion. Also, statistical tests, such as the ANOVA and T-test, have been employed to determine the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on individual congestion costs. The primary data was collected from the target population by filling out a questionnaire in the study area. With a confidence level of 95% and a sampling error of 6%, this study used a sample size of 282 participants. The study findings showed that the ITCC for the respondents ranged from 17.29 rupees per day to 1136.88 rupees per day. The ANOVA and the t-test indicate that all socio-demographic variables affect the calculation of ITCC. Furthermore, this research showed that car-owning respondents faced higher individual congestion costs than motorbike-owning respondents. The anticipated contribution of this study will aid private motorized vehicle users in estimating their individual congestion costs and managing their expenses. In addition, it will encourage individuals to modify their travel habits to make more efficient use of transportation for their daily tasks.

The Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics and School Related Factors on Adolescents’ Exposure to Harmful Media: A Multilevel Analysis

The Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics and School Related Factors on Adolescents’ Exposure to Harmful Media: A Multilevel Analysis

Opioid and benzodiazepine misuse in the United States: The impact of socio-demographic characteristics.

In 2021, drug overdose deaths in the United States reached a new record of 107,622. Misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines accounts for a large portion of drug overdose deaths. However, the effects of socio-demographic characteristics on misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines are not evident. Thus, this study examines the socio-demographic characteristics associated with misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines among adults in the United States. Data from 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was utilized in the multinomial logistic regression analysis and included 202,935 adults ages ≥18 years. During 2015-2019, 3.3% of the adults misused opioids, 1.2% misused benzodiazepines, and 0.9% misused both drugs in the preceding year of the survey. Those who were younger, bisexual, non-Hispanic White,had a history of delinquencyin the past year, had alcohol dependence/abuse, marijuana dependence/abuse, nicotine dependence and use, and experienced major depressive episodes were more likely to misuse opioids, benzodiazepines, or both. A large portion of US adults are misusing opioids, benzodiazepines, and both drugs. Specifically, bisexual individuals experience higher odds of opioid misuse, benzodiazepine misuse and misuse of both drugs compared with heterosexuals, while males are experiencing lower odds of benzodiazepine misuse compared with females. Individuals aged 26-49 experience the highest odds of opioid misuse, though misuse of both drugs was higher among the 18-25 age group. Findings underscore the use of targeted preventive measures to reduce misuse of these drugs among at-risk populations identified in this study.

On Effects of Personality Traits on Travelers’ Heterogeneous Preferences: Insights from a Case Study in Urumqi, China

Personality is a psychological concept which reflects people’s characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In this sense, it is straightforward to state that people’s behavior is fundamentally affected by their personalities. However, the concept of personality is rarely considered in most travel behavior studies. Given this fact, this paper aims to investigate the effect of personality traits on travelers’ heterogeneous preferences in the context of air itinerary choice. To this end, travelers’ stated choices for air itinerary and information reflecting travelers’ personality traits were collected. After defining specific personality traits based on the collected data, a hybrid choice model with interaction effects between travelers’ personality traits/socio-demographic characteristics and alternative-specific attributes were established and estimated and next the contributions of personality traits and socio-demographic characteristics to travelers’ choice behavior were compared and analyzed. The results confirmed the effects of personality traits on travelers’ heterogeneous preferences. However, the results also revealed that the magnitudes of such effects are not as great as the effects of socio-demographic characteristics.

Effect of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Level of Zinc in Serum of Adults in Najaf

Background: Zinc is an essential trace element in maintaining human health. Zinc deficiency has many adverse effects on the body's growth and validity and delays the individuals’ daily performance of duties. The study aimed: to find the association between serum zinc levels and different socio-demographic factors.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve the study's aim from November 2021to May 2022. The size of sample comprises 140 participants. All study members were adults ages ranging from (18-65) years taken randomly from Al-Najaf Governorate. The data was collected by estimating serum zinc and using a simple questionnaire, then analyzed using a statistical program. Results: The association between serum zinc with educational level and monthly income wasa significant p-value (0.048 and 0.027, respectively). Other socio-demographic characteristics were not significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that educational level and monthly income could affect serum zinc level more than Other socio-demographic characteristics.

Preferences of inland fishers for different management attributes in village tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka

CONTEXTA greater potential exists for developing culture-based fisheries (CBF) in village tank cascade systems (VTCS). A well-defined sustainable fishery management approach that is accepted and supported by the community is vital to enhance financial gains from an underutilized resource without compromising the social and environmental sustainability of the system. OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the study were to assess the fishers' preferences for different management attributes and their willingness to pay (WTP) for a sustainable management approach. The effects of socio-demographic characteristics and trust in the institution in determining the WTP were also explored. The study also computed the transaction cost and net gains from fisheries in tanks in selected VTCS in the Dry and Intermediate zones in Sri Lanka. METHODSFisheries management approaches differ in terms of their management structure, frequency of stocking, and restrictions on fishing. Fishers' preferences for these attributes and their WTP were assessed using the choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA) method. A conditional logit model was used for the estimation of data obtained from 150 fishers in five tanks in VTCS. Transaction cost and net gains from fishing were estimated using standard measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that fishers are most concerned about the institution that governs fishing. They have a strong preference for aquaculture management committee (AMC). They also would be willing to pay more to a management approach that places time restrictions than an approach with quantity restrictions. Fishers would be willing to pay an additional 275 LKR annually for a sustainable fishery management approach. The heterogeneity of fishers' preferences is explained by their trust in the community organization under which the fishing is managed and the level of income they derive from fishing. The estimates of the net gains from fishing explain the fishers' preferences for AMC over the other management approaches. The individual gains from fishing far exceed the sum of transaction and production costs under an AMC approach. SIGNIFICANCEThe results of this study contribute to a better understanding of fishers' preferences for different management attributes and their WTP for a sustainable fisheries management approach. To enhance community participation in fisheries management in VTCS, management approach needs to be aligned with the fishers' preferences. Since a preference for fishing regulated by the community exists, authorities can initiate the promotion of CBF in small tanks in VTCS.

Evaluating food safety knowledge and practices among Saudi women in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia.

Foodborne illnesses are responsible for about half a million deaths annually, of which 30% occur among kids. This study aimed to assess the current food safety knowledge and practice level of Saudi women in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through personal interviews among 239 Saudi women. The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions covering different aspects of food safety knowledge and practices at home and during shopping. Descriptive analyses were used to identify the level of participant's awareness, and the scores were shown in three categories (good - fair - poor) based on their food safety knowledge and practice awareness. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics and their correlation to food safety knowledge and practices was conducted using Chisquare analysis. The results about food safety knowledge showed that around 50% of participants achieved a good score, and 37.5% achieved a fair score, while 12.5% achieved a poor score. In comparison, the participants achieved 75% good score, whereas 12.5% achieved both fair and poor in food safety practices. The results also highlighted a significant correlation (P<0.05) between level of food safety knowledge, practices of participants and their age, marital status, work status, and educational level, while there's no correlation with their family size and total income. Although, the overall result showed good level in food safety knowledge and slightly less in food safety practices among Saudi women living in Al-Ahsa region, continuous education, training, awareness, and motivation are highly recommended to improve women's knowledge and practices to higher levels.

Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Comorbidity, and Coexposures on the Association between Air Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Exposure to air pollution has been associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but studies investigating whether deprived groups are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate whether the association between air pollution and T2D differed according to sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, and coexposures. We estimated residential exposure to , ultrafine particles (UFP), elemental carbon, and for all persons living in Denmark in the period 2005-2017. In total, persons 50-80 y of age were included for main analyses of whom 113,985 developed T2D during follow-up. We conducted additional analyses on persons age 35-50 y. Using Cox proportional hazards model (relative risk) and Aalens additive hazard model (absolute risk), we calculated associations between 5-y time-weighted running means of air pollution and T2D in strata of sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, population density, road traffic noise, and green space proximity. Air pollution was associated with T2D, especially among people age 50-80 y, with hazard ratios of 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 1.21] per and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.19) per . In the age 50-80 y population, we found higher associations between air pollution and T2D among men in comparison with women, people with lower education vs. individuals with high education, people with medium income vs. those with low or high income, people cohabiting vs. those living alone, and people with comorbidities vs. those without comorbidities. We observed no marked changes according to occupation, population density, road noise, or surrounding greenness. In the age 35-50 y population, similar tendencies were observed, except in relation to sex and occupation, where we observed associations with air pollution only among women and blue-collar workers. We found stronger associations between air pollution and T2D among people with existing comorbidities and weaker associations among people with high socioeconomic status in comparison with those with lower socioeconomic status. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11347.

The Effect of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Drinking Water Preference on Stone Formation in The Renal System

The Effect of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Drinking Water Preference on Stone Formation in The Renal System

Consumers’ Awareness, Behavior and Expectations for Food Packaging Environmental Sustainability: Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics

Packaging is a leading factor determining the total environmental effect of food products. This study investigated consumers’ awareness, behavior and expectations in relation to the environmental sustainability aspects of food packaging. Using an online survey, responses from 646 participants were collected. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics on all variable responses was explored by ANOVA models and t-tests. Participants were segmented according to a visual approach based on a principal component analysis applied on the consumers’ behavioral data. Gender, age, and education level affected consumer awareness, behavior and expectations differently. Four groups of consumers were distinguished on the grounds of their behavior in relation to food packaging: (1) More sustainable—packaging-role-oriented; (2) More sustainable—packaging minimizers; (3) Less sustainable; and (4) Medium sustainable. The most sustainable groups were mainly composed of females, while less sustainable consumers were mainly the youngest. The four groups differed in terms of expectations for sustainability-related information that can be communicated through food labels. In conclusion, this work provided new knowledge that is useful to understand the factors that influence consumer behavior and to promote the consumers’ packaging-related sustainability choices through food packaging.

RWD79 Co-Prescribing of Opioids and Benzodiazepines in Medicaid: Impact of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and State Variation

Co-prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines (BZDs) can result in an increase in rates of adverse events, overdose, and death, warranting close monitoring and consideration when treating patients with these medications. Recent opioid prescribing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Surgeon General of the United States specifically advise against co-prescribing of these medications. However, state variation and effect of socio-demographic characteristics on co-prescribing of these medications in Medicaid population have not been examined before.

Prospects for using charity lotteries in social marketing

Background: The purpose of this work is to study the prospects of using charity lotteries as a marketing tool for involving consumers and employees in charitable activities. Methods: The research methodology is based on the principles of the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen. Results: The study confirmed that behavioral intention is correlated with actual behavior. Subjective norms factors have the most significant influence on behavioral intention. Conclusions: Correlation analysis allowed us to establish a weak effect of socio-demographic characteristics (Age, Gender, Capital Status, Ownership of Home, Educational Qualification, Employment, Annual Income) on behavior. The experience of participating in the lottery in the past also turned out to be insignificant. There is reason to believe that Russian consumers' decision to participate in the charity lottery is impulsive or due to pressure from their surroundings.

The relationship between cognitive schemas activated in sexual context and early maladaptive schemas among married women of childbearing age

BackgroundHealthy sex can be affected by cognitive schemas activated in the sexual context (CSASCs) and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). Cognitive schemas are the nuclear structure of the cognitive system which facilitate the interaction between individuals and their environments. CSASCs are emotional and behavioral responses in the sexual context. EMSs are extremely stable, enduring and are developed throughout the life of the individual, beginning in childhood. The present study investigated the relationship between CSASCs and EMSs among married women of childbearing age.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 260 married women of childbearing age participated. Using two-stage sampling, ten comprehensive urban health centers were first randomly selected and then 26 individuals from each center were invited to participate. Data collection included demographic variables, the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF) with 15 EMSs (emotional deprivation, abandonment, mistrust/abuse, social alienation, defectiveness, incompetence, dependency, vulnerability to harm, enmeshment, subjugation of needs, self-sacrifice, emotional inhibition, unrelenting standards, entitlement, and insufficient self-control), and the Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context Questionnaires (CSASCQ) with five subscales (undesirability/rejection, incompetence, self-depreciation, difference/loneliness, and helplessness). Data analysis was performed using a uni-variable and multi-variable linear regression model with a stepwise method at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 32.48 years and the average duration of their marriage was 10.34 years. The average score of early maladaptive schemas on the YSQ-SF was 151.5 (out of 450). Higher scores indicate more severe maladaptive schemas, although the total score has no defined cutoff point. Scores greater than 15 on each subscale constitute the internalization of that particular maladaptive schema. The highest average subscale scores were the schemas of self-sacrifice and unrelenting standards (M = 16.12, 15.90, respectively), indicating that these two schemas play important roles in the cognition of the participants. The mean score on the CSASCQ was 34.60 (SD ± 12.59; range: 25–125), with the highest mean reported on the loneliness subscale. Hypoactive sexual desire was the most common unpleasant sexual problem (6.9%) and disillusion was the most dominant feeling experienced by participants (33.3%). The results of the multivariable model showed that the following were significant predictors of the CSASC: three subscales of EMS (emotional deprivation [β = 0.28], social isolation [β = 0.31], and emotional inhibition [β = 0.14]) and two demographic variables (job [β = 0.11] and consanguineous marriage [β = 0.20]). In total, the multi-variable model explained 92% of variance of CSASCs.ConclusionsThe present study found a significant and meaningful association between EMSs and CSASCs adjusting for the effect of socio-demographic characteristics. The findings indicate that the study of schemas and schema therapy should be considered in both premarital and marital counseling.

The Sociodemographic Digital Divide in Mobile Health App Use Among Clients at Outpatient Departments in Inner Mongolia, China: Cross-sectional Survey Study.

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) apps have become part of the infrastructure for access to health care in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the digital divide regarding the use of hospital-based mHealth apps and their benefits to patients and caregivers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to document the cascade of potential influences from digital access to digital use and then to mHealth use, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic variables on elements of the cascade.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among adult clients at outpatient departments in 12 tertiary hospitals of Inner Mongolia, China. Structural equation modeling was conducted after the construct comprising digital access, digital use, and mHealth use was validated.ResultsOf 2115 participants, the β coefficients (95% CI) of potential influence of digital access on digital use, and potential influence of digital use on mHealth use, were 0.28 (95% CI 0.22-0.34) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.38-0.64), respectively. Older adults were disadvantaged with regard to mHealth access and use (β=–0.38 and β=–0.41), as were less educated subgroups (β=–0.24 and β=–0.27), and these two factors had nonsignificant direct effects on mHealth use.ConclusionsTo overcome the mHealth use divide, it is important to improve digital access and digital use among older adults and less educated groups.

Awareness and usage of nutrition information and effect of sociodemographic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: labels deliver basic product information, health safety and nutritional information. Objectives: this study aims to assess consumers' knowledge, awareness, and practices in relation to food labels and the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on various aspects of food labels in Al-Ahsa. Methods: a random sampling method was used to recruit participants (n = 403) and a validated electronic questionnaire was used to gather data. Results: most of the participants (81.4 %) had moderate knowledge about general nutrition. The majority of them (58.8 %) placed high importance on reading food labels. Participants have positive opinions about the significance of reading food labels, and practice most of its aspects on a "frequent" basis. Lack of time was the main barrier for not utilizing food label information and obesity was the main concern if they did not read food labels. Results also demonstrate significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlations between participants' nutrition knowledge and their rating of the significance and their opinion and practices of reading food labels. Participants' rating of the importance of reading food labels was positively correlated with participants' opinion and practices regarding food label. Results also indicate that participants' sex, age, body mass index, educational level and health status have significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on various aspects of food label under study. Finally, this study suggests some actions are required to enrich the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the food label among Saudi consumers in Al-Ahsa. Conclusion: this study emphasizes the significance of education and awareness initiatives to empower consumers to understand and use nutrition facts labels in order to make healthy dietary choices.

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics on the self-evaluation of health among the population in Serbia

This paper analyses the impacts of various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics on the way Serbian people assess their own health. Marital status, education level, and occupation were analysed using the threeway ANOVA statistical method. The results of the statistical analysis show that each of the selected features significantly affects the subjective experience of health conditions. Regarding marital status, unmarried people assessed their health status most favourably. In terms of education, a better perception of health was observed in people with higher levels of education. And considering gender, only marital status had an impact on the self-assessment of health in both sexes. For men, education had an impact, whereas for women, it was the type of occupation. The specificity in perception of one?s own health in the elderly population of Serbia (above 60 years old) is reflected in the fact that occupation was the only factor that influenced the subjective experience of health status.

Sex differences in family planning knowledge, attitudes, and use in Uganda

BackgroundLiterature is satiated with studies focusing on knowledge, attitude, and practices of family planning (FP) among the female population, conversely, the gaps in sex-disaggregated data on FP continue to exist. This study sought to report sex differences existing in FP knowledge, attitude, and use in Uganda.MethodsThis study uses data from a household survey that covered 16 districts in Uganda. Multi-stage cluster randomized sampling was employed for participant selection. Bivariate analysis for categorical data was conducted. Multilevel logistic regression model was applied to model the effects of socio-demographic characteristics on the use of modern FP methods.ResultsData from 4,352 respondents in the ratios of 70 % females and 30 % of males were analyzed. The mean age was 28.7 SD (8.5) and was not significantly different between males and females. More male respondents had secondary or higher level of education (44 %) than females (36 %). Knowledge of at least one modern FP method was high, but small significant differences were revealed between males (96 %) and females (98 %). Significant knowledge differences were seen in specific FP methods. A higher proportion of females (71 %) than males (67 %) perceived modern FP methods as always available in the community whereas more males (40 %) believed that modern FP methods can result in infertility than females (35 %). There was high self-efficacy about family planning methods use in both males and females. The proportion of married females that reported using or their partner using a modern FP method was 39 % compared to 45 % reported by the married males. Approx. 53 % of the males compared to 37 % of the females that reported condom use also cited STI/HIV prevention as the main reason for condom use suggesting dual protection as a driver for use. Males, young adults, the more educated, and those in marriage or active relationships were more likely to use modern FP methods.ConclusionsOur study found significant sex differences in knowledge, attitudes, and use of FP methods. The young adults and more educated respondents were more likely to use FP methods. The high self-efficacy observed for both males and females is a signal that both sexes can use FP methods. Project strategies and implementation should take into consideration the existing differences by sex and devise sex-tailored approaches to improve FP knowledge, attitudes, and use in this population. There was increased reporting of condom use as an FP and STI/HIV prevention method, follow-up studies aiming at succinctly measuring dual protection, and its drivers for both sex should be done.

KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AAND PRACTICE OF MALE PARTNER REGARDING FAMILY PLANNING, EASTERN PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA

BACKGROUND: Family planning is the act of controlling birth numbers and intervals by using contraception or voluntary sterilization, the availability of a variety of female contraceptive methods led to an increase in family planning programs and researches that targets women. It is important to identify the perception of Saudi men, regarding the use of contraception methods and the effect of socio-demographic characteristics on this perception and to identify their requirements to encourage them to be involved in family planning. this study is aimed to address the knowledge, practice and attitude of Saudi men toward family planning. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study in 2020 on 1610 respondents using a structured questionnaire distributed online. RESULT: Most of the respondents heard about the term of family planning (69.1%), and were able to recognize the most commonly used contraceptives however, the majority of our sample are not using contraception (56.3%). their attitude toward family planning was positive. Conclusion: Our sample population has a positive attitude toward family planning and they were willing to participate in family planning counseling and health care visit.