Effects Of Sociodemographic Variables Research Articles

The tax gap in Morocco: an econometric analysis of sociodemographic and fiscal factors’ impact

This study aims to apprehend the impact of non-economic variables on the fiscal gap in Morocco, namely the sociodemographic and the fiscal factors (regulatory changes). The analysis is carried over the period 1980-2018 and includes economic control variables. To do so, we estimate a log-linear model using the modified least squares method. The results shed light on the effect of socio-demographic variables on the evolution of the tax gap in Morocco: age seems to reflect the effect of experience in circumventing taxation. Gender and education do not seem to have any effect on the tax gap in Morocco. The impact of economic control variables seems clear: incomes/profits generated in the trade sector seem to be subject to tax evasion/avoidance and consequently increase the tax gap in Morocco, compared to incomes that are generated by other sectors. Fiscal factors have been introduced in our estimations via dummy variables. They allowed us to conclude that economic agents are more sensitive to indirect fiscal measures and regulations, rather than to direct measures aiming at reducing the tax gap.

Towards more sustainable animal-feed alternatives: A survey on Spanish consumers' willingness to consume animal products fed with insects

Global meat consumption will continue to increase in response to the growth in population and demand. Numerous studies have emphasized the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of using insect meal as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This article analyses Spanish consumers' willingness to consume pork, chicken, eggs, and fish, and explores the effect of sociodemographic and psychometric characteristics on their willingness to consume when the animals are fed with insect protein as a sustainable feed alternative. The study used an online Spanish consumers' panel belonging to Qualtrics© (market company services) and distributed it to 1260 individuals stratified by age, gender, and region. The data were analysed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, the results demonstrated that most Spanish consumers expressed high uncertainty regarding their willingness to consume animal-fed insect meals. They also exhibited moderate levels of food neophobia and showed a highly ecocentric attitude. The non-parametric comparison analysis confirmed significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products across sociodemographic characteristics: financial situation and gender were significant variables, with females more willing to consume sustainable animal products than males. For the psychometric traits, significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products were confirmed across food neophobia, food neophilia, opinions on using insects in animal feed, and ecocentric attitude. The results also confirmed a significant difference in the effects of sociodemographic variables on psychometric attributes. Financial situation affects food neophilia, anthropocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Age influences food neophobia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Education also influences food neophilia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. For gender, it is observed that females are more neophobic than males. This study has provided comprehensive initial insights into consumer willingness to consume insect-fed animal products in Spain, and the findings from this study will serve as a valuable resource for producers, policymakers, and governments in making informed decisions that promote more sustainable production practices.

Professional Training in Beekeeping: A Cross-Country Survey to Identify Learning Opportunities

Habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental degradations pose severe challenges to beekeepers. Therefore, this sector needs to rely on updated information so that the intervening actors can deal with the problems. In this context, and assuming that professional training can greatly help those acting in the beekeeping sector, this work intended to investigate the gaps in the updated knowledge of beekeepers and how these can be filled through lifelong learning. The research was conducted in seven European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Spain). The data were collected through a questionnaire survey translated into the native languages of all participating countries. The results revealed that the topics of highest interest are apiary health and pest control and the management of the colonies throughout the year. The beekeepers update their knowledge through family, complemented by professional training, with participants preferring in-person courses as well as, in the workplace or in internships. The learning methodologies they consider most useful are project-based learning and learning through gamification. The videos and paper books or manuals are particularly valued as learning materials, and practical exercises are considered the most helpful assessment format. Finally, considering the effect of sociodemographic variables on the learning experiences and preferences of beekeeping actors, it was observed that the country was the most influential of the variables under study. In conclusion, this work revealed valuable information that should be used to design professional training actions to help the professionals in the beekeeping sector enhance their competencies and be better prepared to manage their activities successfully.

Fear, Risk Perception, and Engagement in Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 during Nationwide Lockdown in Nepal.

The world has faced huge negative effects from the COVID-19 pandemic between early 2020 and late 2021. Each country has implemented a range of preventive measures to minimize the risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the COVID-19-related fear, risk perception, and preventative behavior during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 in Nepal. In a cross-sectional study, conducted in mid-2021 during the nationwide lockdown in Nepal, a total of 1484 individuals completed measures on fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 risk perception, and preventive behavior. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear. The results revealed significant differences in the fear of COVID-19 in association with the perceived risk of COVID-19 and preventive behaviors. Age, risk perception, preventive behavior, and poor health status were significantly positively related to fear of COVID-19. Perceived risk and preventive behaviors uniquely predicted fear of COVID-19 over and above the effects of socio-demographic variables. Being female and unmarried were the significant factors associated with fear of COVID-19 among study respondents. Higher risk perception, poor health status, and being female were strong factors of increased fear of COVID-19. Targeted interventions are essential to integrate community-level mental health care for COVID-19 resilience.

Physical education teachers' attitudes toward inclusion of students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The attitudes of physical education (PE) teachers toward inclusion are critical to the successful provision of inclusive teaching for students with disabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Saudi Arabian PE teachers toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE classes and the effect of sociodemographic variables (e.g., gender and length of teaching experience) on their attitudes toward inclusion. A total of 1,314 PE teachers (M age = 41.09, SD = 9.40, females = 42.8%) completed the Arabic version of the Sentiments, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education-Revised Scale (SACIE-R). Analyses found that, in general, PE teachers had moderately positive attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE lessons. A significant difference was found between the two genders in their attitudes toward inclusion. Specifically, female PE teachers demonstrated more positive attitudes toward inclusion than males. Multiple linear regression analysis, meanwhile, showed that the length of teaching experience and the experience of teaching a student with a disability were significant predictors of participants' attitudes toward inclusion. Our findings highlighted the importance of reconsidering the quality of PE teachers' experiences and interactions with students with disabilities as a means to improving their attitudes, which in turn would translate into successful inclusion.

Functional Relationship between Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, Psychomotor Speed and Obesity.

In the last decades, it has been proposed that executive functions may be particularly vulnerable to weight-related issues. However, evidence on the matter is mixed, especially when the effects of sociodemographic variables are weighted. Thus, the current study aimed at further examining the relationship between executive functions and obesity. To this aim, we compared treatment-seeking overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients with normal-weight control participants. We examined general executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery–15) and different executive subdomains (e.g., inhibitory control, verbal fluency, and psychomotor speed) in a clinical sample including 208 outpatients with different degrees of BMI (52 overweight, BMI 25–30, M age = 34.38; 76 obese, BMI 30–40, M age = 38.00; 80 morbidly obese, BMI > 40, M age = 36.20). Ninety-six normal-weight subjects served as controls. No difference on executive scores was detected when obese patients were compared with over- or normal-weight subjects. Morbidly obese patients reported lower performance on executive scores than obese, overweight, and normal-weight subjects. Between-group difference emerged also when relevant covariates were taken into account. Our results support the view that morbid obesity is associated with lower executive performance, also considering the critical role exerted by sociodemographic (i.e., sex, age, and education) variables. Our results support the view that executive functioning should be accounted into the management of the obese patient because of non-negligible clinical relevance in diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic terms.

Travel participation of Germans before and during the COVID-19 pandemic – the effects of sociodemographic variables

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic led to global disruptions – especially in tourism. As a result, travel participation decreased. Thus, the proportion of Germans (18–85a) travelling (≥5d) between March and December decreased from 76% in 2019 to 56% in 2020. To better understand who travels during the COVID-19 pandemic or not, we used two population-representative surveys of the German-speaking residential population. Applying a Gradient Boosting Machine, we compared the pandemic year 2020 (n = 5,823) with the non-pandemic year 2019 (n = 7,366). Considering 12 sociodemographic variables in two models, we predict their relative influence on the probability of leisure travel participation in the respective years. The 2019 model shows a relatively high accuracy (71%), whereas the accuracy of the 2020 model decreases to 59%, indicating that the variables used have lost importance. Results show, e.g. that household income and age are the two most important predictors for travel participation. However, their importance reversed due to the pandemic, with age being the most relevant predictor for travel participation during COVID-19. Using Partial Dependence Plots, we compare the direction, impact, and functional form of all variables regarding travel participation for both years – and thus identify who travels during the pandemic.

Trends in prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and effects of sociodemographic variables before and after the first wave of COVID-19 in Qatar

BackgroundPrevalence trends from Arabic speaking countries on psychiatric symptoms before and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. We estimated the point prevalence and change in depression and anxiety symptoms scores in relation to sociodemographic variables following the resolution of the first wave in Qatar compared with before the pandemic. MethodsWe conducted a trend analysis using repeated nationally representative cross-sectional surveys spanning 2017, 2018, 2020/2021 and using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Negative binomial regression was used to model changes in these symptoms in relation sociodemographics and survey year. ResultsThe two-week prevalence of depressive symptoms (≥10 on the PHQ-9) was 6.6% in 2017 and 6.5% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.986). The two-week prevalence of anxiety symptoms (≥10 on the GAD-7) was 3.6% in 2018 and 5.1% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.062). The data for 2020/21 showed a 35.1% and 29.2% decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms scores compared to pre-pandemic years (2017/2018) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. LimitationsScreening tools rather than structured interviews were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety after the first COVID wave did not differ significantly to pre-pandemic estimates. The end of the first wave of the pandemic weakened the associations of these symptoms with traditional sociodemographic risk factors. The 2020/21 depression and anxiety symptoms scores remained high for Qataris and Arabs, suggesting that these cultural groups may benefit most from public mental health interventions.

Lifestyle Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents Using Regression and fsQCA Models.

The study was to compare the performance of the regression models and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) models in analyzing the possible effects of sociodemographic variables (age and sex) and lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep duration, physical education class and screen time) on depressive symptoms in adolescents. This cross-sectional surgery was conducted among 726 adolescents in Jilin Province of China, selected by random cluster sampling. The regression model showed that age, physical education (PE) class and sleep duration were associated with depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, the fsQCA models showed that shorter physical activity, PE class and sleep duration as well as longer sedentary and screen time were related to higher levels of depressive symptoms. Both regression and fsQCA models indicated that promoting lifestyle behaviors could affect depressive symptoms. Considering the differences between the two methods, they are not superior to the other method, but complementary and should be used in other studies at the same time.

Teachers' Subjective Happiness: Testing the Importance of Emotional Intelligence Facets Beyond Perceived Stress.

PurposeEmotional intelligence (EI) is typically linked to higher subjective happiness scores in human service professionals. It is unknown which EI facets are more predictive in explaining subjective happiness beyond that accounted for by other key predictors such as perceived stress. This study investigated which EI facets were the most predictive in explaining subjective happiness above perceived stress in a relatively large sample of Spanish teachers.MethodsThe sample was composed of 1323 Spanish teaching professionals (821 females and 529 secondary school teachers) from different educational centers located in Southern Spain. A student-recruited sampling technique was used, and the surveys included the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Subjective Happiness Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Predictive and incremental validity was assessed with SPSS, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to predict subjective happiness from EI facets beyond that accounted for by perceived stress.ResultsThe results showed that all four EI facets correlated significantly with each other. Also, they all were positively and significantly associated with subjective happiness, whereas perceived stress was negatively associated with happiness scores. Moreover, self-emotion appraisal, use of emotions and regulation of emotions accounted for a significant amount of variance in the prediction of satisfaction with life beyond the effects of sociodemographic variables and perceived stress.ConclusionThis study extends the specific contribution of EI facets in predicting subjective happiness, rather than EI as a unified construct, in a relatively large sample of Spanish teachers. Self-focused dimensions involving appraisal, use and regulation of emotions appeared to be the most important predictors of happiness beyond stress experienced by teachers. Improved knowledge of the link between specific dimensions of EI and global subjective happiness might improve training in a well-being prevention program for professional development.

Effects of Sociodemographic Variables on Electronic Word of Mouth: Evidence from Emerging Economies

Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) engagement on social networking sites (SNSs) is influenced by social relationship factors and this influence is assumed to be consistent. This study investigates the effects of social relationship variables in the context of emerging economies. It also observes the mediating role of social relationship variables in the relationship between conformity and eWOM. We hypothesized a moderating role of age, gender, and country of residence. The results revealed that social ties, trust, and interpersonal influence exert consistent impact and that conformity exerts positive indirect influence on eWOM engagement via social ties, trust, social capital, and interpersonal influence. It was found that age, gender moderate the observed relationship, while country plays no moderating role. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Socio-Demographic Variables, Fear of COVID-19, Anxiety, and Depression: Prevalence, Relationships and Explanatory Model in the General Population of Seven Latin American Countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has gravely impacted Latin America. A model was tested that evaluated the contribution of socio-demographic factors and fear of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression in samples of residents in seven Latin American countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and El Salvador). A total of 4,881 individuals, selected by convenience sampling, participated in the study. Moderate and severe levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety were identified, as well as a moderate average level of fear of COVID-19. In addition, it was observed that about a quarter of the participants presented symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and a major depressive episode. Fear of COVID-19 significantly and positively predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas the effects of socio-demographic variables are generally low [χ2(287) = 5936.96, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.064 [0.062, 0.065]; CFI = 0.947; and SRMR = 0.050]. This suggests the need for the implementation of preventive actions in the general population of these countries, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of depressive, anxious and fearful symptoms related to COVID-19.

Chronic Periodontitis and Acute Respiratory Infections: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Chronic periodontitis (CP) may increase the risk of exacerbation of and hospitalization for respiratory infections. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CP is associated with acute respiratory infections by analyzing a population-based longitudinal database from the National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between CP and acute respiratory infections, including acute nasopharyngitis, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute laryngitis and tracheitis, acute bronchitis, and acute bronchiolitis, while adjusting for the confounding effects of sociodemographic variables (sex, age, household income, and smoking status) and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus). Among 545,416 recruited participants, 98,490 (18.1%) had CP. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities, showed that except influenza and pneumonia, total acute respiratory infections (odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–1.38; p &lt; 0.001), acute upper respiratory infections (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.22–1.29; p &lt; 0.001), and acute lower respiratory infections (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20–1.26; p &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with CP. The findings of the current cohort study suggest an association between CP and acute respiratory infections. Particularly, CP seems to increase the risk of acute upper and lower respiratory infections.

Go Greener, Less Risk: Access to Nature Is Associated with Lower Risk Taking in Different Domains during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Specific risk attitude and risky behavior had an important boost during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this contribution, we hypothesize that access to nature during home confinement will decrease both the tendency to passive risk taking and alcohol intake. To do so, we interviewed through an online survey two samples of Italian residents during the strict lockdown due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in Study 1, participants were 1519 Italian residents coming from different Italian regions, whilst in Study 2, participants were 182 students at a university of southern Italy who were monitored for one week. In Study 1, the hierarchical regression analysis attested that access to nature during the lockdown mitigated the tendency to passive risk taking, over and beyond the effect of socio-demographic variables and the psychological construct of impulsiveness, an important personality correlate of risk taking. In Study 2, the hierarchical regression showed that access to green was associated with fewer glasses of alcohol drunk in a week of lockdown. This effect held over and above the effect of socio-demographic variables and the drinking behavior before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both studies, findings confirmed the beneficial effect of access to nature in specific risk-taking domains. Theoretical future directions, as well as practical implications for the management of the COVID-19 emergency by policymakers, are discussed.

Psychometric Properties and a Multiple Indicators Multiple Cause Model of the Career Aspiration Scale with College Students of Rural Thailand

To help address educational inequalities in student backgrounds and career plans, the measurement of career aspirations can provide crucial information about inequality related to career opportunities. Therefore, this study analyzed the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Career Aspiration Scale-Revised (CAS-R) and the effects of sociodemographic variables on the CAS-R. The study participants were 590 undergraduates at three community colleges in rural Thailand. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the validity of the CAS-R three-factor model. The Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model with and without differential item functioning (DIF) were applied to investigate the effects of sociodemographic factors as covariates on the CAS-R and specific item response. The CFA results supported the 18-item CAS-R’s three-factor structure because the items well represented latent factors and because the subscales met research standards for reliability and validity. The MIMIC model showed that only the year of study (first-year students) had a positive direct effect on leadership, achievement, and educational aspirations. The MIMIC model with DIF indicated that gender, year of study, major, and paternal education caused inequality in 10 items. Overall, the results show that the 18-item CAS-R has strong psychometric properties and can accurately assess the career aspirations of Thai students. The MIMIC model’s application allowed researchers to show that sociodemographic background affected the leadership, achievement, and education subscales. Obtaining information on the CAS-R scale’s measurements would be useful for researchers, practitioners, and career counselors interested in helping students develop career aspirations and choices.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: Health professionals (HP) are frequently exposed to a high number of hazards at the workplace. Consequently, low ratings for their well-being and satisfaction with health care may adversely affect the quality of health services they provide. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and determine the effects of socio-demographic variables on HRQOL across HP in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria, a low-middle-income economy. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey of 385 HP purposively recruited from different units of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. All respondents completed the Medical Outcomes Study short-form (SF-36) questionnaire. Also, the socio-demographic information on the respondents was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages; and inferential statistics of independent t-test and one way ANOVA was used to analyze data. Alpha level was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Respondents comprised 273 males and 112 females. They scored well above the cut-off point of 50 in most subscales with higher physical (80.95±12.03) than mental (67.58±7.88) component score on SF-36. There were significant differences between gender in favour of male respondents with the highest mean score across each of the age groups, educational and professional qualifications (p&lt;0.01) on most subscales. Conclusion: There are considerable inequalities in HRQOL among HP in this study. These inequalities are gender-biased and favour professionals with post-graduate degree. Findings from this study are comparable to other climes and advocate support for female HP, those on low cadre and higher degree training.

Trends of maternal waterpipe, cigarettes, and dual tobacco smoking in Jordan. A decade of lost opportunities.

Maternal tobacco use is a global public health problem. In the literature, the focus was mainly on cigarette smoking, minimally on waterpipe use, and totally ignored dual use among pregnant women. We estimated the prevalence of current maternal tobacco use by tobacco product (cigarette, waterpipe, and dual use) over a period of ten years (2007 to 2017), and examined the socio-demographic patterning of maternal tobacco use. A secondary analysis of Jordan DHS four data waves was conducted for women who reported to be pregnant at the time of the survey. Current cigarette and waterpipe tobacco use were investigated. Prevalence estimates for cigarette-only, waterpipe-only, and dual use, as well as for cigarette, regardless of waterpipe, and waterpipe, regardless of cigarette, were reported. The effect of independent variables on cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and dual use was assessed. Logistic regression models assessed the adjusted effects of socio-demographic variables on cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and on dual use. For each outcome variable, a time-adjusted and a time-unadjusted logistic models were conducted. Over the last decade, the prevalence estimates of current cigarette-only smoking slightly decreased. The prevalence estimates of current waterpipe-only use exceeded those for cigarette-only after 2007 and showed a steady overall increase. Current dual use showed a continuous rise especially after 2009. Gradual increase in cigarette smoking (4.1%, in 2007, and 5.7% in 2017) and in waterpipe use (2.5% to 6.4%) were detected. Education showed an inverse relationship with cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Household wealth demonstrated a positive association with cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Tobacco use epidemic is expanding its roots among pregnant women in Jordan through not only waterpipe use but also dual cigarette-waterpipe smoking. Maternal and child services should consider tobacco counseling and cessation.

Effects of Sociodemographic Variables and Depressive Symptoms on MoCA Test Performance in Native Germans and Turkish Migrants in Germany.

The validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in migrants is questionable, as sociodemographic factors and the migration process may influence performance. Our aim was to evaluate possible predictors (age, education, sex, depression, and migration) of MoCA results in Turkish migrants and Germans living in Germany. Linear regression models were conducted with a German (n = 419), a Turkish (n = 133), and an overall sample. All predictor analyses reached statistical significance. For the German sample, age, sex, education, and depression were significant predictors, whereas education was the only predictor for Turkish migrants. For the overall sample, having no migration background and higher education were significant predictors. Migration background and education had an impact on MoCA performance in a sample of German and Turkish individuals living in Germany. Thus, culture-specific normative data for the MoCA are needed, and the development of culture-sensitive cognitive screening tools is encouraged.

Prognostic Factors in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Retrospective Study of Joint Slovak and Croatian Cohort of 249 Patients.

Objective: To identify pretreatment laboratory parameters associated with treatment response and to describe the relationship between treatment response and liver decompensation in patients with primary biliary cholangitis treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Methods: We defined treatment response as both ALP ≤ 1.67 × ULN and total bilirubin ≤ 2 × ULN. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for confounding effects of sociodemographic variables. Results: Pretreatment total bilirubin ((TB); OR = 0.3388, 95%CI = 0.1671–0.6077), ALT (OR = 0.5306, 95%CI = 0.3830–0.7080), AST (OR = 0.4065, 95%CI = 0.2690–0.5834), ALP (OR = 0.3440, 95%CI = 0.2356–0.4723), total cholesterol ((TC); OR = 0.7730, 95%CI = 0.6242–0.9271), APRI (OR = 0.3375, 95%CI = 0.1833–0.5774), as well as pretreatment albumin (OR = 1.1612, 95%CI = 1.0706–1.2688) and ALT/ALP (OR = 2.4596, 95%CI = 1.2095–5.5472) were associated with treatment response after six months of treatment. Pretreatment TB (OR = 0.2777, 95%CI = 0.1288–0.5228), ALT (OR = 0.5968, 95%CI = 0.4354–0.7963), AST (OR = 0.4161, 95%CI = 0.2736–0.6076), ALP (OR = 0.4676, 95%CI = 0.3487–0.6048), APRI (OR = 0.2838, 95%CI = 0.1433–0.5141), as well as pretreatment albumin (OR = 1.2359, 95%CI = 1.1257–1.3714) and platelet count (OR = 1.0056, 95%CI = 1.0011–1.0103) were associated with treatment response after 12 months of treatment. Treatment response after 6 months of UDCA therapy is significantly associated with treatment response after 12 months of UDCA therapy (OR = 25.2976, 95% CI = 10.5881–68.4917). Treatment responses after 6 and 12 months of UDCA therapy decrease the risk of an episode of liver decompensation in PBC patients (OR = 12.1156, 95%CI = 3.7192–54.4826 and OR = 21.6000, 95%CI = 6.6319–97.3840, respectively). Conclusions: There are several pretreatment laboratory parameters associated with treatment response in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Treatment response after six months is significantly associated with treatment response after 12 months of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy. Treatment responses after 6 and 12 months of UDCA decrease the risk of an episode of liver decompensation.

Psychometric properties of the STAI-Y scales and normative data in an Italian elderly population.

BackgroundEarly detection of anxiety symptoms in older people is capital as it may be linked to increased physical/functional disabilities, onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, and poor cognitive functioning. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of psychometrically validated anxiety measures in the elderly.AimsThis study aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI-Y) and providing the first normative data for the Italian elderly population.MethodsThe sample included 361 individuals aged 65–94. All subjects underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the state (S-Anxiety) and trait anxiety (T-anxiety) scales of the STAI-Y.ResultsThe S-Anxiety and T-Anxiety scales showed reliable internal consistency and, overall, good item characteristics. Divergent validity was “apparently” threatened, with S-Anxiety scale correlating with MMSE and GDS, and T-Anxiety scale only with GDS. The principal component analysis revealed a three-factor solution for both scales, i.e., presence and absence of state (or trait) anxiety, and performance anxiety. Since no effect of sociodemographic variables was found, unadjusted cutoffs were provided.ConclusionsAlthough some questions on the psychometric properties of the STAI-Y remain unanswered, this normative study can help clinicians and researchers to monitor anxiety levels in the Italian elderly population.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-021-01815-0.