Examined Participation Rates Research Articles

Reach and Weight Loss Among Comparison Group Participants Who Enrolled in the Active Intervention After a Diabetes Prevention Trial.

We examined participation rates, engagement, and weight-loss outcomes of comparison group participants in a diabetes prevention trial who enrolled in a digitally delivered diabetes prevention program (ie, an active intervention) after the original trial ended. We evaluated these outcomes by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and 1-sample z test. We found a high participation rate (73%) among comparison group participants and comparable weight-loss outcomes at 12 months (6.8 lb) after initiating participation in the active intervention relative to intervention group participants during the original trial. Findings support providing evidence-based interventions for comparison or control group participants post-trial. Findings also support examining the cost-effectiveness of post-trial interventions, regardless of the limitations of acquiring post-trial data on weight in an uncontrolled setting.

Identifying latent classes of physical activity profiles over time among adolescents in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundPhysical activity behaviours are known to be highly correlated. Adolescents who participate in one type of physical activity (e.g., physical education) have a greater likelihood of participating in other physical activities (e.g., organized sports); however, little research has examined participation rates in various physical activity behaviours concurrently. This study identified longitudinal physical activity profiles among secondary school aged youth in Ontario, Canada.MethodsWe used data from the COMPASS Study, a school-based prospective cohort study of adolescents in Canada. Using a repeated measures latent class analysis, Ontario students who participated in grade 9 PE in 2015-16 were analysed through to 2018-19 (n = 1,917). Latent classes were defined by: PE participation, guideline adherence (≥ 60 min/day of moderate to vigorous activity over the last 7 days), and sport participation (varsity, community, and/or intramural). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between latent class membership and student characteristics.ResultsThree distinct latent classes were identified for females and four were identified for males. These classes were: (1) Guidelines (high probability of guideline adherence; females: 44%; males: 16%), (2) PE & Sports (high probability of PE and sport participation; females: 33%; males: 43%), (3) Guidelines & Sports (high probability of guideline adherence and sport participation; females: 23%; males: 23%;), and (4) Inactive (low probability of all physical activity indicators; males: 18%). Strength training, sleep, and English grade were associated with class membership among females. Ethno-racial identity, weekly spending money, strength training, and English and math grades were associated with class membership among males.ConclusionsFindings suggest that latent physical activity profiles differ by sex. Guideline adherence was the most common class among females, indicating high levels of independent physical activity, whereas PE & Sport participation was the most common class among males, indicating greater tendency towards organized activities. Additionally, a substantial number of male students were not engaging in any physical activity. Participation in both PE and sports did not necessarily lead to meeting physical activity guidelines, highlighting that these activities alone may not be providing sufficient levels of physical activity that align with current recommendations for Canadian youth.

Meta-analysis of sex and racial subgroup participation rates and differential treatment effects for trials in solid tumor malignancies leading to US Food and Drug Administration registration between 2010 and 2021.

The lack of sociodemographic diversity in clinical trials limits the generalizability of results. The authors examined participation rates and effect modification by sex and race in oncology trials. The authors extracted outcome data stratified by sex and race for registration trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval (2010-2021). Effect modification by race and sex was examined using quantitative and qualitative methods. A random-effects meta-analysis and pairwise comparison of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes was conducted by sex and race. Ninety-five trials with 123 end points and 54,365 patients provided information on sex. Trial patients were more often male (n=35,482; 65% vs. 56% male patients in US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] data), although the proportion of male patients was similar after adjusting by tumor type (60% in FDA data vs. 58% in SEER data). There was no difference in pooled outcomes among male versus female patients (PFS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.07; p=.89; OS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.07; p=.90). In total, 111 trials including 74,217 patients provided information on race, and 68% of patients identified as White, compared with 72.3% in US SEER incidence data. Black patients were under-represented compared with US SEER incidence data, although ethnicity was poorly reported throughout the data set. In the authors' network meta-analysis by race, there were no statistically significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes. No significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes were identified when the analyses were stratified by sex or race. Certain racial minorities remain under-represented, and clearer reporting of race and ethnicity is needed. Representation of female patients in FDA trials is similar to that in SEER data after adjusting for tumor type.

Mapping the Journey from the Head to the Heart: Actualizing Indigenization in the Health and Human Services Education

Camosun College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation includes Indigenization. At the College, Indigenization means the world views of Indigenous students are reflected in curriculum practices and non-Indigenous students are prepared to build better relationships with Indigenous peoples. The College uses a number of models to support Indigenization including an Indigenized Quadrant Model based on Wilber’s (1997) Integral theory. This Model is used in this research study to inventory the Indigenization interventions and activities internal and external to the College and examine participation rates by non-Indigenous faculty. At the time of the study, respondents viewed the College as midway on its progress of Indigenization. The results suggest that developing a few activities across the four quadrants of the Model and leveraging relevant activities in the larger community may be sufficient to build an Indigenization program within a post-secondary institute. We also identified a need for more advanced training to support non-Indigenous faculty to fully Indigenize their teaching practices. The focus of this advanced training includes developing skills to address racism and confront privilege not only in their students but also their professions. For administrators wanting to actualize Indigenization, we recommend the continued alignment, monitoring, and measurement of the impacts of Indigenization activities and programs.

Hair Collection for Cortisol Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness.

Investigations of chronic physiological stress measured by hair cortisol are rapidly expanding among community samples of adolescents and adults. However, research examining physiological stress among youth experiencing homelessness is nascent despite the youth's increased risk for adverse exposures and subsequent impaired mental health. This article aimed to examine the feasibility of collecting hair for measuring cortisol among diverse youth experiencing homelessness and gain an understanding of variation in participation. Analysis of survey and hair participation data from three pilot studies among youth experiencing homelessness was conducted. Survey measures included sociodemographic characteristics (age, race and ethnicity, sex assigned at birth, and sexual orientation) and reasons for nonparticipation. Descriptive analysis examined participation rates in hair collection for cortisol measurement, including sociodemographic differences in participation. Participation in the hair sampling for cortisol was high for the combined sample (88.4%), with some variation across the three pilot studies. Insufficient hair for cutting was the most common reason for not participating; Black and multiracial youth, as well as male youth, had a higher prevalence of nonparticipation. The collection of hair for cortisol research among youth experiencing homelessness is feasible, and integration of physiological measures of stress into research with this vulnerable population should be considered, given their high risk for adversity and death by suicide and drug overdose. Methodological considerations and avenues for potential research are discussed.

Peer Support Groups: Identifying Disparities to Improve Participation.

Disparities in psychosocial outcomes after burn injury exist in patients from racial or ethnic minority groups in the United States. Peer support groups can help patients with many psychosocial aspects of recovery from burns; however, access to such support among patients of racial and ethnic minority or low socioeconomic groups are unknown. The present study examined participation rates in outpatient peer support within this patient population. Patients attending outpatient clinic at an urban safety-net hospital and regional burn center with a majority minority patient population were asked about participation in burn survivor group, interest in joining a group, and given validated survey questions about managing emotions and social interactions since injury. Current or past participation in peer support was low (4.2%), and 30.3% of patients not already in support group were interested in joining. Interest in future participation in peer support was highest among Hispanic patients (37.0%) and lowest among Black patients (0%). Logistic regression models demonstrated that increased total body surface area burned, hospital length of stay, and need for surgical intervention were associated with interest in joining or having joined a peer support group. Effectiveness of management of emotions and social interactions were not associated with interest in joining peer support in the future. These findings demonstrate a considerable difference between levels of interest and participation in peer support within this population. Improving access to and education about benefits of peer support in underresourced communities may help to address the variation in psychosocial outcomes of patients across racial or ethnic minority groups recovering from burns.

Evaluation of a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Program in a Supervised Community Distance Learning Setting for K-8 Students.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐based COVID‐19 testing is a potential strategy to limit COVID‐19 transmission among youth in congregate settings such as schools, sports programs, and summer camps. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of frequent rapid antigen testing at a supervised distance‐learning setting for elementary and middle school children while their schools were closed.METHODSThis evaluation examines participation rates and testing data in addition to qualitative analysis of focus groups from a Los Angeles City‐sponsored rapid antigen testing pilot program. In total, 434 children and staff were enrolled in the 13‐week pilot program in the spring of 2021.RESULTSIn this pilot program, 2482 rapid antigen tests were administered, resulting in 3 positive test results, 1 of which was a false positive (confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing) and 0 outbreaks or community spread.CONCLUSIONSThroughout this pilot program, implementing rapid antigen tests allowed for the quick identification and isolation of potentially COVID‐19‐positive children, improved perceived safety for parents and staff who interact with children, and demonstrated the ability for staff and non‐health care professionals in a school‐based setting to implement a widespread COVID‐19 screening program with minimal training.

Appearance and Development of Short-Term Higher Education Vocational Training in Hungary

Abstract Introduction: This article examines the first level of the European higher education system, namely the short-cycle higher education trainings related to the ISCED 5 whose Hungarian characteristics, and its historical changes were described. Methods: We examined participation rates among OECD countries. As there are large differences in the short-cycle higher education trainings in Europe, we have relied on data that makes the different systems comparable. Results and discussion: The interpretation, definition and practical orientation of the trainings varies from country to country, we presented the Hungarian form in connection with the results of international comparative studies and data. To understand the role of trainings, it is essential to get to know their history, especially because short-term higher educational trainings were transformed in several European countries. Conclusions: Prioritising or effacing the social-political role of short-cycle higher education trainings depending on the political orientation of the government and as a part of this, prioritising the disadvantaged regions instead of the disadvantaged students.

StaySafe: A self-administered android tablet application for helping individuals on probation make better decisions pertaining to health risk behaviors

This paper describes the development and protocol for feasibility and efficacy testing of a risk reduction intervention designed to improve behavioral health outcomes among drug offenders on probation under community supervision or in residential substance abuse treatment centers. StaySafe is a self-administered tablet-based intervention for teaching better decision-making skills regarding health risk behaviors, especially those involving HIV risks. We are using pre/post, experimental/control group randomized clinical trial (RCT) in both community and residential probation settings with goals to 1) assess the feasibility and acceptance of StaySafe by examining participation rates and satisfaction measures, and 2) examine the impact of StaySafe on decision-making skills, confidence and motivation to avoid sex and drug risks, willingness to discuss health risks and concerns with helpful others, and engagement in health risk behaviors.StaySafe consists of 12 brief sessions and utilizes an evidence-based decision-making schema, called WORKIT, which guides participants through steps for identifying the problem and options, evaluating the options and making a decision about which option to carry out. Multiple sessions of StaySafe provide a practice effect so that the WORKIT steps become easily accessible to participants when making decisions. Three of the sessions provide participants a choice of activities designed to provide additional information about HIV and reinforce lessons learned during the WORKIT sessions. Preliminary data demonstrate feasibility and high levels of satisfaction with StaySafe.

Occupational Pattern and Workforce Participation of Women in Indian Rural Punjab: A Caste Perspective

The paper examines employment of women in rural Punjab for the period 1993–1994 to 2011–2012. The analysis is done using the unit-level data for five employment rounds of NSS. The NSS rounds prior to 2009–2010 were based on National Classification of Occupation (NCO) 1968, whereas the latest two rounds use NCO 2004. The paper uses the concordance tables (with minor adjustments) to make all rounds comparable. The purpose of the exercise is to examine participation rates and analyze occupational pattern among rural women in the context of growth and structural change in the Punjab economy. The paper finds that structural change has neither improved labour market participation nor quality of employment among rural women during the last two decades. The analysis provides evidence of downward occupational mobility among all women and finds that the caste attribute further intensifies such downward trend, making SC women worse off in terms of occupational outcomes.

Design and Recruitment for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Problem-Solving Therapy to Prevent Depression among Older Adults with Need for Supportive Services.

Addressing subthreshold depression (indicated prevention) and vulnerabilities that increase the risk of major depression or anxiety disorders (selective prevention) is important for protecting mental health in old age. The Depression-Agency Based Collaborative (Dep-ABC) is a prevention trial involving older adults recruited from aging services sites (home care agencies, senior housing, senior centers) who meet criteria for subthreshold depression and disability. Therefore, the authors examine the effectiveness of partnerships with aging services sites for recruiting at-risk older adults, the quality of recruitment and acceptability of the Dep-ABC assessment and intervention, and the baseline status of participants. Dep-ABC is a single-blind randomized controlled prevention trial set in aging services settings but with centralized screening, randomization, in-home assessments, and follow-up. Its intervention arm involves six to eight sessions of problem-solving therapy, in which older adults aged 60+ learn to break down problems that affect well-being and develop strategies to address them. We examined participation rates to assess quality of recruitment across sites and level of disability according to service use. Dep-ABC randomized 104 participants, 68.4% of eligible older adults. Screening using self-reported disability successfully netted a sample in which 74% received home care agency services, with remaining participants similarly impaired in structured self-reports of impairment and on observed performance tests. Direct outreach to aging services providers is an effective way to identify older adults with service needs at high risk of major depression. Problem-solving therapy is acceptable to this population and can be added to current services.

Do non-citizens vote in U.S. elections?

In spite of substantial public controversy, very little reliable data exists concerning the frequency with which non-citizen immigrants participate in United States elections. Although such participation is a violation of election laws in most parts of the United States, enforcement depends principally on disclosure of citizenship status at the time of voter registration. This study examines participation rates by non-citizens using a nationally representative sample that includes non-citizen immigrants. We find that some non-citizens participate in U.S. elections, and that this participation has been large enough to change meaningful election outcomes including Electoral College votes, and Congressional elections. Non-citizen votes likely gave Senate Democrats the pivotal 60th vote needed to overcome filibusters in order to pass health care reform and other Obama administration priorities in the 111th Congress.

Correlates of Physical Activity among College Students

There is limited Irish research which focuses on rates of physical activity and the correlates of physical activity among college students, typically aged 18–22 (Clán Survey, 2003). A questionnaire examining participation rates in and correlates of physical activity was administered to a representative sample of 532 students in colleges within the Republic of Ireland. Key correlates of physical activity were further explored using interviews ( n = 16) of Irish coaches/college sport personnel and college students. A significantly higher percentage of males reported participation in organized physical activity/sport (male = 57.8%, female = 27.5%; p ≤ .001), whereas females were more likely to participate in unorganized physical activity (female = 74%, male = 56.8%; p ≤ .001). Intrinsic motivational factors (e.g., fun/ enjoyment, fitness, fondness of competition, interest) were found to be primary positive correlates of physical activity/sport for both males and females. Barriers to physical activity were elements associated with college life (e.g., lack of time, coursework) as well as lack of interest. Significant multivariate effects were obtained for gender and the correlates leading to participation in organized and unorganized physical activity/sport. Univariate analysis revealed that psychological and social correlates were significantly related to engagement in organized physical activity/sport among gender and more pronounced among males. However, only psychological correlates were significantly associated to participation in unorganized physical activity among gender and more prevalent among females. Cognizance of intrinsic influences should be taken when developing physical activity promotional strategies with Irish college students. Among Irish females, emphasis should be placed on the development of unorganized noncompetitive physical activity.

Is There A Sex Difference In Performance And Participation Of Marathon Runners With Increased Age?

There is a sex difference in marathon performance but how this alters with increased age is not fully understood. PURPOSE: To (i) determine whether the sex difference in the marathon performance alters with increased age, and, (ii) examine participation rates of men and women in the marathon across age groups. METHODS: Running times of the first five placed men and women runners and numbers of men and women finishers who competed in the New York City (NYC) marathon were analyzed. Data from as many years as was available online was retrieved (12 years: 1998 to 2009). The running times of 1650 men (n = 854) and women (n = 796) were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Running velocity of the first five men and women was greatest for the 25-29 and 30-34 year olds with a significant decline from 35 years onward (P<0.001). The men were faster than women across all age groups (P<0.001). The sex difference in running velocity was least for runners 30-34 years and 35-39 years (11.1% for both) and increased across age groups (P<0.05) to 80-84 years (36.4%). The number of men and women runners who finished the NYC marathon increased steadily from 31,540 (1998) to 43,477 (2009) with the largest number of runners in the 30-39 year and 40-49 year age groups. The ratio of men to women decreased from 2.56 in 1998 to 1.96 in 2003 and then plateaued until 2009 (1.88). In 2009, the ratio of men to women finishers was 1.02 for the 20-29 year olds and gradually increased across the age groups until 70-79 years (4.56). CONCLUSIONS: Both the sex difference in marathon performance and the ratio in the number of men to women finishers increased gradually with advancing age. Thus, sex differences in physiology and sociological factors that influence participation rates of men and women may differ with increased age in their contribution to the sex difference in performance.

Academically Talented Students' Attitudes Toward Service in the Community

In this study, the authors examined participation rates in, and attitudes toward, service in community settings in a sample of 936 academically talented adolescents. Results indicated that about 50% of the participants participated in both classroom-sponsored and organization-sponsored service activities, with female students reporting higher rates than male students. Participation rates increased with increases in socioeconomic status, and rates in organization-sponsored activities increased across grade levels. Attitudes toward service were generally positive, with female students having more positive attitudes than male students. These findings mirror results from studies of non-identified students and suggest that differences in participation rates in service activities may be reflecting differences in economic circumstances that allow for participation.

The Effect of Physician Permission Versus Notification on Research Recruitment through Cancer Registries (United States)

To determine how physicians responded when investigators inquired about contacting patients identified through a central cancer registry, and to examine participation rates under physician permission versus notification approaches. We analyzed existing data from seven observational epidemiologic studies conducted in North Carolina between 1993 and 2004, capitalizing on a 'natural experiment' that arose when the state registry changed from a policy requiring investigators to obtain physician permission to one requiring only physician notification. When a notification approach was used, physicians approved researcher contact with a higher proportion of patients, and a higher proportion of physicians approved contact with or provided eligibility information about all patients requested, compared with a permission approach. Among physicians who were contacted under both approaches, the proportion of patients for whom they approved contact or provided information was significantly higher when they were notified. Physician notification was also associated with higher patient contact and overall response rates. Patient cooperation rates did not differ between the two approaches, suggesting that patients did not respond negatively to the fact that their physician was not explicitly asked to provide permission. Notification is likely an efficient way of involving patients' physicians, providing opportunity for physician input but avoiding the burdens associated with requiring their permission.

The double-edged sword of rewards for participation in psychology experiments.

This quasi-experimental study examined participation rates and sample characteristics of participants recruited with and without the offer of course credit. In Sample 1, where course credit is not usually offered, credit was added in one condition (N =195) and not in the other (N = 175). In Sample 2, where credit is usually offered, it was maintained in one condition (N = 92) and removed in the other (N = 178). Results in both samples revealed that participation rates were higher in the credit conditions; they plunged when customary rewards were taken away. Results also revealed evidence of sample bias. More specifically, the motivational characteristics of participants and nonparticipants differed in all conditions except the new credit condition. Resume

Recruitment rates and fear of phlebotomy in pediatric patients in a genetic study of epilepsy

This study examined participation rates and reasons for refusal in a genetic study of human epilepsy. The study enrolled children with epilepsy and their parents, and required signing informed consent, verbalizing assent, and giving a peripheral blood sample. One hundred sixty-eight children met inclusion criteria; 137 agreed to enroll (82%), and 31 refused (18%). Sixteen of thirty-one patients (52%) who refused cited fear of phlebotomy as the reason for refusal. All patients refusing due to fear of phlebotomy did not require blood tests for clinical purposes. As fear of phlebotomy is the primary reason for study refusal, obtaining DNA samples from a buccal swab or mouthwash protocol may be an alternative for some studies, although there are limitations to these methods. Further analysis of the factors influencing decisions to decline study enrollment is warranted. These data will help in the design of future genetic studies and may increase future participation rates.

Factors that influence voluntary and involuntary retirement

The effect of early exit from the labour market over the past 20 years has been dramatic. The extent of this withdrawal has prompted a debate over the fiscal and social policy implications. Research focusing on retirement has largely been directed at examining participation rates of those aged over 50, using the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and International Labour Organization (ILO) surveys. There has been a concentration of longitudinal studies of participation rates concentrating on men's withdrawal from the labour market. This paper extends that research by examining the factors that influenced the decision-making of individuals on the timing of taking retirement, using a sample of 228 people aged between 55 and 67 with occupational pension scheme membership. The results suggest that state of health and the financial package offered by the organisation are key factors followed by the individual's attitude to retirement. Further, of the groups that emerged one could be described as being ‘pushed’ out of the labour market while another group were more inclined to ‘jump’ by factors such as a good company retirement pension package.

The Role of Participation in the Women's Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Populations

Background. This paper examines participation rates and the association between participation and study outcomes (% energy from fat) among participants in the Women's Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Populations, a randomized clinical trial to determine if ethnically and socioeconomically diverse women could be recruited and make significant dietary changes.Methods. Women (n = 2,208) were recruited from three clinical centers and randomized to either an intervention group or a control group. Multiple measures were collected at 6 months.Results. Participation rates for follow-up data collection activities were high (average participation 79%). Hispanics and lower educational groups participated significantly less (59% for Hispanics vs 86% for blacks and whites; 78% for lowest educational group vs 84% for highest educational group). Intervention participation significantly predicted change in percentage energy from fat (P < 0.001), accounting for an additional 8% of variance after background variables were controlled for.Conclusions. These data suggest that intervention participation is positively related to dietary change, but they cannot rule out the possibility that other factors may influence both of these factors.