Avoidable Factors Research Articles

Selective and consistent news avoidance in Aotearoa New Zealand: motivations and demographic influences

ABSTRACT This study explores selective and consistent news avoidance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Existing research suggests that selective news avoidance rates are high in Aotearoa New Zealand (Myllylahti M, Treadwell G. 2023. Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023. Journalism, Media and Democracy: AUT Research Centre for Journalism, Media & Democracy., Myllylahti M, Treadwell G. 2024. Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023. Journalism, Media and Democracy: AUT Research Centre for Journalism, Media & Democracy.) but we know little about why this is and if reasons for avoiding the news differ depending on the type of news consumer. Drawing from a nationally representative survey of 1204 participants, this study explores the relationships between news avoidance, motivations and demographic factors. We confirm the high rates of selective news avoidance and report that Aotearoa New Zealand has high rates of consistent news avoiders. New Zealanders’ primary motivations to avoid the news are because of how the news negatively affects their well-being, or because they do not trust the news, or are turned off by the quality of news reporting. We also find that gender and political beliefs are associated with the frequency of and motivations for news avoidance. We discuss why New Zealand has high rates of selective and consistent news avoidance, as well as the implications, and furthermore why women, and people with very left-wing or very right-wing political beliefs may avoid the news more frequently than other groups.

Artificial intelligence's suggestions for level of amputation in diabetic foot ulcers are highly correlated with those of clinicians, only with exception of hindfoot amputations.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a growing public health problem, paralleling the increasing incidence of diabetes. While prevention is most effective treatment for DFUs, challenge remains on selecting the optimal treatment in cases with DFUs. Health sciences have greatly benefited from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications across various fields. Regarding amputations in DFUs, both literature and clinical practice have mainly focused on strategies to prevent amputation and identify avoidable risk factor. However, there are very limited data on assistive parameters/tools that can be used to determine the level of amputation. This study investigated how well ChatGPT, with its lately released version 4o, matches the amputation level selection of an experienced team in this field. For this purpose, clinical photographs from patients who underwent amputations due to diabetic foot ulcers between May 2023 and May 2024 were submitted to the ChatGPT-4o program. The AI was tasked with recommending an appropriate amputation level based on these clinical photographs. Data from a total of 60 patients were analysed, with a median age of 64.5 years (range: 41-91). According to the Wagner Classification, 32 patients (53.3%) had grade 4 ulcers, 16 patients (26.6%) had grade 5 ulcers, 10 patients (16.6%) had grade 3 ulcers and 2 patients (3.3%) had grade 2 ulcers. A one-to-one correspondence between the AI tool's recommended amputation level and the level actually performed was observed in 50 out of 60 cases (83.3%). In the remaining 10 cases, discrepancies were noted, with the AI consistently recommending a more proximal level of amputation than what was performed. The inter-rater agreement analysis between the actual surgeries and the AI tool's recommendations yielded a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.808 (SD: 0.055, 95% CI: 0.701-0.916), indicating substantial agreement. Relying solely on clinical photographs, ChatGPT-4.0 demonstrates decisions that are largely consistent with those of an experienced team in determining the optimal level of amputation for DFUs, with the exception of hindfoot amputations.

Coping patterns associations with cognitive function in older adults.

Cognitive function may contribute to variability in older adults' ability to cope with chronic stress; however, limited research has evaluated this relationship. This study investigated the relationship between theoretically derived coping domains and cognitive function in 165 middle-to-older adults during the Omicron stage of COVID-19. Participants completed a clinical interview and self-report measures of health. The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set neuropsychological battery was used to evaluate memory, language, executive function/speed, and working memory. Structural equation modeling evaluated the underlying factor structure of the Brief COPE adapted for COVID-19. The data supported the proposed second-order Approach factor comprised of Problem-Solving and Emotion Regulation (ER) strategies and a first-order Avoidance factor. Higher Avoidance was associated with greater depression symptoms, lower income and worse memory, executive function, working memory, and verbal fluency performance. Higher Problem-Solving was associated with better verbal fluency performance. ER strategies were not significantly associated with cognitive function. The use of Problem-Solving was not associated with less Avoidance. Greater use of Problem-Solving, ER, and Avoidance were all associated with higher levels of stress. Post-hoc analyses found that higher Acceptance was the only coping strategy associated with less stress. These findings demonstrate that older adults with worse cognitive function were more likely to use Avoidance during the pandemic, which could result in prolonged stress and adverse health consequences. Future research is warranted to investigate whether acceptance-based interventions reduce the avoidance and impact of stress on health in vulnerable older adults.

Relationships Between Throwing Yips in Baseball, Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Fusion, Values, and Social Factors

Despite the high prevalence of yips, a psychoneuromuscular impairment affecting fine motor skills in sports performance, the specific aspects of its causality and treatment have not been identified or verified. This cross-sectional study examined psychosocial factors relating to throwing yips in baseball. Amateur baseball players (N = 292) living in Japan completed a self-report questionnaire on their anxiety/fear about throwing the ball, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, the Short Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, and self-reports evaluating values and social factors relevant to baseball. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that a low values-based throwing score, a high Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire score, and overreprimanding others’ mistakes were positively associated with baseball players’ yips symptoms. These results suggest that changing the context of playing baseball, reducing cognitive fusion, and improving coaching methods could reduce the risk of baseball players’ throwing yips.

How to Avoid Becoming a Risk Factor of Fecal Incontinence Due to OASIS-A Narrative Review.

Third- and fourth-degree anal sphincter injuries are among the most severe traumas women can experience during childbirth, often leading to lifelong continence issues. Despite extensive research, current repair techniques are often inadequate, failing to provide long-term efficiency. The repair of OASIS tends to worsen with time as fecal or anal incontinence increases. This article presents the risk factors for primary repair failure differently from those previously described in the literature, specifically focusing on avoidable risk factors related to obstetricians and surgeons who perform OASIS repair. After reviewing the literature, the following risk areas were identified and described: recurrent OASIS, pitfalls of the current WHO classification, surgical techniques, place in which the repair should be performed, surgical training, factors related to low volumes of patients with grade III-IV injuries, timing of the repair, and failure of primary repair.

Study on Short Video Infomercial Avoidance Factors Based on the Perspective of Flow - Taking Tiktok App as an Example

Short video has become a national application at the same time, short video information flow advertising avoidance also continues to appear. Few studies have looked at the avoidance behavior of short video information streams from the perspective of psychological theory and social theory. Taking Tiktok APP as an example and combining the characteristics of short video information stream advertising, this study constructed a model of influencing factors of information stream advertising avoidance from the perspective of flow. In this paper, 220 samples were analyzed by questionnaire survey, and it was found that the scene adaptation of Tiktok information flow advertisements negatively affected the cognitive avoidance and emotional avoidance behaviors of advertisements through the flow state. The push accuracy of Tiktok Yin information flow advertisement negatively affects the cognitive avoidance, emotional avoidance and behavioral avoidance of advertisement through the flow state. The study of advertising avoidance behavior from the perspective of flow has enriched the theoretical perspective of the study of advertising avoidance in short video information flow, and also provided theoretical and practical suggestions for advertisers in short video advertising.

Study on Short Video Infomercial Avoidance Factors Based on the Perspective of Flow - Taking Tiktok App as an Example

Study on Short Video Infomercial Avoidance Factors Based on the Perspective of Flow - Taking Tiktok App as an Example

Numerical Analysis of Roof Wind Pressure Distribution in Renovated Historical Buildings: Preventive Protection Measures to Mitigate Typhoon Damage

Strong winds or typhoon disasters pose significant risks to historical buildings in many countries and regions. Although numerous researchers have discussed the damage caused by natural wind disasters, little attention has been paid to the potential impact of renovation and adaptive reuse strategies on the wind resistance performance of historical buildings—an avoidable human-induced factor. This study selected the representative ancestral hall building in Guangzhou, namely Lujiang Academy, for on-site investigation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis. It examined two renovation approaches: installing glass curtain walls around the courtyard and enclosing the top of the courtyard with a glass canopy. This study also assessed the roof wind pressure distribution in its unaltered state to evaluate the impact of different renovation strategies on roof wind load distribution. The results showed that installing glass curtain walls can effectively reduce the upward suction effect on the main hall roof, thereby improving its wind resistance performance. Conversely, enclosing the courtyard with a glass canopy may increase negative pressure on areas such as the eaves and corridor roofs, raising the risk of roof damage. This study systematically evaluated the renovation strategies for historical buildings, detailing the specific impacts of different retrofit measures on the wind resistance performance of building roofs. The methods and findings are significant not only for the renovation of ancestral hall heritage buildings in Guangzhou but also for providing practical scientific methods and technical strategies for the conservation and renovation of similar historical structures. This research demonstrates an effective approach to enhancing wind resistance and preventive protection for historical buildings.

Characteristics of Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Intensive Care at Ibnu Sina YW-Umi Makassar Hospital in 2023

Heart failure is a non-communicable disease which is the number one cause of death every year. Heart failure is caused by several avoidable and unavoidable factors. The prevalence of heart failure patients fluctuates from year to year. Considering the high incidence of heart failure, this research was conducted to identify the characteristics of heart failure patients at Ibnu Sina Hospital Makassar in 2023. The type of research is descriptive observational. Data were analyzed via Microsoft EXCEL and presented in table form. The research results showed that the majority of heart failure patients were aged 46 – 65 years in the adult category and were male. Heart failure patients have no history of smoking, no history of diabetes mellitus, and no hypertension. The majority of patients have a history of the cause category Coronary Artery Desease (CAD). Description of the death rate in heart failure patients as many as 9 people. The conclusion is that heart failure occurs at the age of 46 – 65 years and the majority are male with factors causing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Further studies need to be carried out in order to obtain fairly representative data.

Using interpretive description to facilitate women's contributions to maternity care: experiences and views of obstetric fistula prevention

Background/Aims Interpretive description is a qualitative methodology that combines detailed descriptions with thoughtful interpretation. This approach is especially effective for producing practical insights and deepening the understanding of phenomena in clinical or practice-based settings. The aims of this study were to explore how interpretive description could be used to research the experiences and views of women with obstetric fistula. Methods Interpretive description was used to explore the experiences and views of 15 purposively selected women affected by obstetric fistula. Participants were recruited via the Evangel Vesico Vaginal Fistula Centre of Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and concurrently analysed thematically. Results Interpretive description provided women with a unique opportunity to share their experiences of the causes and avoidable risk factors of obstetric fistula. The approach yielded qualitative findings and allowed for the representation of different views, leading to an understanding of how to mitigate obstetric fistula in the community. Conclusions Interpretive description was used to listen to the voices of women affected by obstetric fistula, learn from their experiences and highlight the interventions that may alter risk factors for the condition in the community. This is the first study to use interpretive description to facilitate under-represented women's contributions to maternity care by listening to their experiences and views. This enabled identification of gaps in maternity care provision, which would be of interest to the community and health service leaders as well as policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa. Implications for practice Interpretive description allows for deep capture of women's perspectives, allowing implementation of interventions designed to target issues as perceived by those most affected. This also ensures that under-represented groups are included in the research process.

The Association Between Smoking Behavior and the Risk of Hypertension: Review of the Observational and Genetic Evidence.

Cigarette smoking is one of the world's largest avoidable risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies have investigated the association between smoking and hypertension (HTN). Although observational data and cross-sectional research often exhibit a link between smoking and HTN, establishing causation remains challenging owing to potential confounding variables. Mendelian randomization (MR), a genetic epidemiological technique that employs genetic variants as instrumental variables, offers a more robust approach for evaluating causal links. This review aimed to explore both the observational and causal relationships between smoking and the risk of HTN. A comprehensive literature search across major electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies on smoking and HTN risk. Various characteristics were included during study selection, such as study design, exposure assessment, and age range. Standardized processes were used for data retrieval and quality evaluation. Analysis of observational data revealed a paradoxical association between smoking and the risk of HTN, where a lower risk was observed among current smokers when compared to non-smokers. However, observational analysis also presented a dose-response effect with greater smoking intensity showed a modest linear increase in HTN risk, and older smoking initiation was associated with a slight increase in HTN risk (compared with younger). In contrast, MR-based causal estimates provide inconsistent evidence regarding the causal relationship between smoking behavior and HTN. Some MR analyses indicated a potential causal link between smoking and HTN; but this was not consistent. Observational studies suggest a paradoxical association between smoking and HTN. However, MR studies do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship. Regardless, lifestyle variables remain crucial for overall health. Healthcare professionals should regularly assess smoking status and provide counseling for quitting. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying processes, identify mediators, and evaluate the interventions.

The relationship between self-stigma and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate self-stigma's influence on schizophrenia patients' quality of life and its mediated impact by various factors. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and randomly selected 170 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia for evaluation. The assessment tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), and Coping Questionnaire for Schizophrenia Patients (CQSP), among others. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used to test the correlation and mediation effects. Self-stigma had a significant impact on quality of life (T = 8.13, p = 0.00). When self-stigma is used as a mediator, the problem-solving factor in coping strategies has an indirect effect on quality of life, which is significant (AB = -0.16, P = 0.02), while the avoidance factor in coping strategies has a direct effect on quality of life, which is significant (C' = 0.54, p < 0.001), and an indirect effect, which is also significant (AB = 0.25, p < 0.001). The study highlights the significant impact of self-stigma on the quality of life of schizophrenia patients, emphasizing the crucial roles of self-esteem and coping strategies. These findings suggest clinical interventions to improve quality of life should focus on reducing self-stigma, especially enhancing self-esteem and promoting adaptive coping strategies. By addressing these factors, we can better support the mental health and well-being of those with schizophrenia, offering an effective approach to rehabilitation.

Validation of the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale: An examination of its psychometric properties using confirmatory factor analysis

In recent years, research has highlighted the essential role of forgiveness in fostering interpersonal relationships and preserving social harmony. However, more precise measurement methods are necessary, particularly in the Indonesian context. The purpose of this study was to develop the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale. The investigation rigorously explores the construct by implementing confirmatory factor analysis. To evaluate the instrument's reliability, we used McDonald's omega coefficient. This study included 549 adults aged 18 to 35 from Yogyakarta, with a mean age of 23.09, including 258 males and 291 females. The loading values for revenge and avoidance factors were .724 to .841 and .796 to .845, respectively; while benevolence varied more, ranging from .538 to .824. The McDonald's omega value of .953 indicated excellent reliability. Robust correlations between the items and factors on the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale demonstrate its effectiveness and relevance in Indonesia. Future research should explore the dynamics of interpersonal forgiveness across diverse regions in Indonesia to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon within distinct cultural contexts.

Resilience in the time of crisis: A review of the maternal, perinatal and reproductive health effects of COVID-19 in South Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the health sector globally and in South Africa (SA). To review the effects of COVID-19 on maternal, perinatal and reproductive health outcomes and service utilisation in SA. Three routine national data collection systems were sourced: the District Health Information System, the Saving Mothers reports of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths and the Saving Babies reports from the National Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Committee using data from the Perinatal Problem Identification Program. There were 35% and 8% increases in maternal and stillbirth mortality rates, respectively, in 2020 and 2021, which correlated with the COVID-19 waves. However, in 2022, rates returned to pre-COVID levels. Antenatal visits and facility births showed little change, but there was a shift to more rural provinces. The use of oral and injectable contraceptives and termination of pregnancy services decreased markedly in 2020 and 2021, with a sustained shift to long-acting reversible contraceptives. The increase in maternal deaths was predominantly due to COVID-19 respiratory complications, but also an increase in obstetric haemorrhage. Stillbirths increased significantly (10%) for birthweights between 2 000 g and 2 499 g, categorised mostly as unexplained stillbirths or preterm labour, but no increase in neonatal deaths was observed. Administrative avoidable factors increased by 24% in the 2020 - 2022 triennium, but there was no increase in patient/community level or healthcare provider-related avoidable factors during the pandemic years. COVID-19 caused a marked increase in maternal death and stillbirth rates in 2020 and 2021 due to both direct effects of the virus and indirect effects on functioning of the health system. The continued, although modified, health-seeking behaviour of women and the rapid return to pre-COVID-19 mortality rates demonstrates enormous resilience in women and the health system.

Overview of the 2023 FDA Circulatory System Devices Advisory Panel meeting on the Recor Paradise Ultrasound-Based Renal Denervation System.

Hypertension continues to be a prominent, avoidable factor contributing to major vascular issues on a global scale. Even with lifestyle adjustments and more aggressive medical treatments, maintaining optimal blood pressure levels remains challenging. This challenge has driven the emergence of device-oriented approaches to address hypertension. To assess the safety and efficacy of the Recor Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System, the Circulatory System Devices Panel was convened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).This manuscript provides a condensed overview of the information put forth by the sponsor and the FDA, along with an account of the considerations and conversations that took place during the meeting.

Non-preventable cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer in 2050 in an elimination scenario of modifiable risk factors

Most Western countries have increasing number of new cancer cases per year. Cancer incidence is primarily influenced by basically avoidable risk factors and an aging population. Through hypothetical elimination scenarios of multiple major risk factors for cancer, we estimated the number of new cancer cases that are non-preventable in 2050. We compare numbers of new postmenopausal breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer cases in 2021 to projected numbers of new cases in 2050 under prevention scenarios regarding smoking, overweight and obesity, and alcohol consumption: no intervention, 50%, and 100% instant reduction. Cancer incidence data were derived from NORDCAN, and risk factor prevalence data from the Danish National Health Survey. Cancer projections were calculated with the Prevent program. Hypothetical 100% instant elimination of major risk factors for cancer in Denmark in 2022 will result in unchanged numbers of new breast and colorectal cancers in 2050. The number of new prostate cancers will increase by 25% compared to 2021. Unchanged risk factor levels will result in noticeable increase in cancer burden. Increase in life expectancy and age will entail an increase in cancer incidence, despite maximum effect of preventive actions in the population. Our results are important when planning future health care.

Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.

Maternal risk factors for congenital vertebral formation and mixed defects: A population-based case-control study.

The etiology and risk factors of congenital vertebral anomalies are mainly unclear in isolated cases. Also, there are no reports on the risk factors for different subgroups of vertebral anomalies. Therefore, we assessed and identified potential maternal risk factors for these anomalies and hypothesized that diabetes, other chronic diseases, smoking, obesity, and medication in early pregnancy would increase the risk of congenital vertebral anomalies. All cases with congenital vertebral anomalies were identified in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations from 1997 to 2016 for this nationwide register-based case-control study. Five matched controls without vertebral malformations were randomly selected. Analyzed maternal risk factors included maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, history of miscarriages, chronic diseases, and prescription drug purchases in early pregnancy. The register search identified 256 cases with congenital vertebral malformations. After excluding 66 syndromic cases, 190 non-syndromic malformations (74 formation defects, 4 segmentation defects, and 112 mixed anomalies) were included in the study. Maternal smoking was a significant risk factor for formation defects (adjusted odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.21-4.47). Also, pregestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 8.53, 95% confidence interval 2.33-31.20) and rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted odds ratio 13.19, 95% confidence interval 1.31-132.95) were associated with mixed vertebral anomalies. Maternal pregestational diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis were associated with an increased risk of mixed vertebral anomalies. Maternal smoking increases the risk of formation defects and represents an avoidable risk factor for congenital scoliosis. III.

Underlying Processes in the Norwegian Universal Preventive Program for Social Anxiety

Few prevention investigations undergo testing of mechanistic hypotheses. To date, no published study has reported the processes underlying the effectiveness of a prevention program aimed at reducing social anxiety in a population-based sample of preadolescents. A parallel multiple mediator model was used to examine the mediation of outcomes from the Norwegian Universal Prevention Program for Social Anxiety (NUPP-SA) by five intermediary variables that well approximate established DSM-5 social anxiety disorder diagnostic criteria. The NUPP-SA works differently for preadolescents with subsyndromal versus syndromal social anxiety. Among the former, the NUPP-SA intervention works via public performance, avoidance, physical/cognitive, and assertiveness factors. For the latter, the NUPP-SA works via the public performance factor. The intervention did not work for either group via the social encounter factor. Universal prevention programs are essential for reducing the impacts of chronic disorders at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Introducing a universal prevention program in school settings requires validation, including these results demonstrating that the NUPP-SA affects both those with syndromal and subsyndromal social anxiety symptoms via public performance. These results support the notion that many children with subsyndromal social anxiety disorder can be impacted with adequate intervention, which is both feasible and, given the widespread problem with public speaking, suggests a target for universal implementation.

Identifying avoidable causes of perinatal deaths in a district hospital in Lesotho.

Certain determinants can be associated with avoidable perinatal deaths, and audits are needed to establish what these determinants are, and what can be done to prevent such deaths. The study aimed at identifying and describing determinants associated with avoidable perinatal deaths at a district hospital in Lesotho and strategies to curb their occurrence. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using 142 anonymised obstetric records from January 2018 to December 2020. A data collection tool was adopted from the Perinatal Problem Identification Programme. In this tool, avoidable determinants are referred to as 'factors' or 'problems'. A concerning number of perinatal deaths were secondary to avoidable patient factors, namely a delay in seeking medical care, inappropriate responses to antepartum haemorrhage, and inadequate responses to poor foetal movements. Medical personnel factors are also worth observing, namely incorrect use of partograph, insufficient notes to comment on avoidable factors and 'other' medical personnel problems. Ranking highest among administrative problems were the unavailability of intensive care unit beds and ventilators and inadequate resuscitation equipment. Administrative problems accounted for more perinatal deaths than the patient-related factors and medical personnel factors. There is an urgent need for periodic audits, health education for patients, staff competency and the necessary equipment to resuscitate neonates.Contribution:Avoidable determinants associated with perinatal deaths in a district hospital in Lesotho could be identified. This information provides an understanding of what can be done to limit avoidable perinatal deaths.