General Attitudes Research Articles

Attitudes Toward the Police in Prolonged Emergencies: Findings from the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel

AbstractEmergencies, such as natural disasters, wars and terrorist attacks, are known to have important effects on police–community relations and, specifically, on public attitudes toward the police. At the same time, little is known about what happens to public sentiments over time in prolonged emergencies. Similarly, it is unclear if different types of attitudes follow a similar trajectory or if they “behave” differently. The present study examines general and pandemic-specific attitudes toward the police over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, using data from a community panel survey (n = 535) carried out in its first three peaks. We found a statistically significant deterioration in all types of attitudes in the first six months of the study, followed by stabilization in general attitudes. Interestingly, some emergency-specific attitudes followed a different path and demonstrated consistent deterioration throughout the study period. These findings contribute to our theoretical understanding of police–community relations in emergencies and bear practical implications for policing emergencies.

Risks and benefits of air taxis as perceived in Germany

In a telephone survey on the acceptance of civilian drones in Germany conducted at the end of 2022 a certain part of questions was dedicated to air taxis explicitly. While the attitude towards civilian drones tended to be slightly more positive than in the preceding study, in the again nationwide representative study attitudes concerning air taxis were revealed to be relatively balanced, with a slight negative tendency. Inferential statistical analyses showed factors such as age, gender, active experience with drones, and interest in environmental protection to be significantly associated with the attitudes towards both, civilian drones and air taxis. According to prior findings on the relevance of noise concerns for drone acceptance in general, the current study asked for some noise related information, revealing subjective noise sensitivity and general noise annoyance being associated with the acceptance of civilian drones as well as air taxis. Evaluating information from answers to free format questions about air taxis, this contribution reveals reasons why in Germany—although the contributing factors are the same—the general attitude towards air taxis is less positive compared to civil drones, and what role noise considerations might play.

Predicting soldier retention from army spouse characteristics and attitudes: Soldiering on with spouse support

ABSTRACT The U.S. Army has a vested interest in retaining the skilled personnel necessary to achieve its mission and strategic goals. A wealth of research has investigated the retention process and what influences service member decisions to stay in the military. While families are an important influence on soldier retention decisions, research on the mechanism by which this happens is lacking. This report explores the relationship between spouse attitudes and perceptions, resource use, and soldier retention almost two years later, using a proposed theoretical model. Our results generally support our model, with the important change that resource use and unmet needs and stress were not directly associated with specific attitudes toward staying in the military as we had expected. Instead, the association was accounted for by relationship with general attitudes toward the military. Spouses whose needs were unmet after seeking help from available resources experienced greater stress, and spouse unmet needs and reports of greater stress were associated with worse general attitudes toward the military; worse general attitudes toward the military were associated with less inclination to stay a military family; which in turn predicted soldier turnover almost two years later. As the research in this report shows, providing benefits to military spouses is also associated with a tangible and important outcome for the military: improved service member retention.

To trust or not to trust? Trust landscape of organic animal husbandry: Mapping consumer attitudes and information demands in Germany

A mainly positive attitude of consumers towards organic animal husbandry with its higher keeping standards compared to the legal regulations is evident. However, less is known about consumers’ detailed expectations of organic husbandry and in particular their attitude and trust along the value chain of organic animal products. Which consumers trust the most, and how do they want to be informed about organic animal husbandry? Where along the chain are trust deficits that should be addressed in the future to support sustainable food consumption with high animal welfare standards? To answer these important questions a survey was conducted among 729 German meat consumers. Using a cluster analysis, various consumer groups were identified based on their trust levels. Further, these groups were characterized regarding their general attitude, their information behavior, their evaluation of current media reporting, and their preferred way to be informed (emotional/rational) about organic animal products. The results revealed three clusters that clearly differ in their trust level of organic husbandry. Respondents assigned to the first cluster are committed organic consumers with high trust and the most positive attitude. The second cluster, combines respondents who are generally open to organic meat consumption and showing the second highest trust level and positive attitude towards organic. They show a slight favor for a more rational presentation of information. The third cluster is the smallest and can be described as the skeptics with a low interest in organic. The results indicate a general moderate to high trust level along the value chain of organic animal products, with the highest trust in organic retailers and farmers and the least trust in processing and conventional retailers. These are important insights for the organic sector in order to improve consumer trust and therewith increase the market share of organic meat products.

COVID-19 Spillover Effects onto General Vaccine Attitudes

Abstract Even amid the unprecedented public health challenges attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, opposition to vaccinating against the novel coronavirus has been both prevalent and politically contentious in American public life. In this paper, we theorize that attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination might “spill over” to shape attitudes toward “postpandemic” vaccination programs and policy mandates for years to come. We find this to be the case using evidence from a large, original panel study, as well as two observational surveys, conducted on American adults during the pandemic. Specifically, we observe evidence of COVID-19 vaccine spillover onto general vaccine skepticism, flu shot intention, and attitudes toward hypothetical vaccines (i.e., vaccines in development), which do not have preexisting attitudinal connotations. Further, these spillover effects vary by partisanship and COVID-19 vaccination status, with the political left and those who received two or more COVID-19 vaccine doses becoming more provaccine, while the political right and the unvaccinated became more anti-vaccine. Taken together, these results point to the salience and politicization of the COVID-19 vaccine impacting non-COVID vaccine attitudes. We end by discussing the implications of this study for effective health messaging.

Telemedicine and Pregnancy Care from the Perspective of Iranian Pregnant Women: A Study Based on the Technology Acceptance Model

Background: It is apparent that telemedicine will only be a useful health service when individuals start using it. Therefore, the general attitude of end-users toward the acceptance of telemedicine services will play a significant role. Objectives: The present study is the first step in designing telemedicine services for pregnant mothers, with the aim of investigating the views of pregnant women regarding receiving tele-pregnancy care using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the year 2021 on 200 pregnant women with gestational age of more than 12 weeks selected through simple random sampling in Karaj, Iran. The telemedicine acceptance questionnaire based on an extended TAM containing 25 questions in nine constructs was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (SD), were reported. Results: In this study, the mean age of the participants was 25.29 (SD = 5.62) years. A significant majority, specifically 95.5% of the participants, displayed a high level of acceptance toward incorporating telemedicine into their healthcare routine. In addition, the lowest mean scores of domains were related to technology anxiety, 26.18 (SD = 16.17), and perceived risk, 26.83 (SD = 16.26), respectively. Conclusions: Based on the TAM, the results of this study highlight the readiness and acceptance of pregnant women toward receiving tele-prenatal care.

Menstrual Products: Attitudes About Taxation and Safety.

Background: This study explored factors associated with the differences between women and men in attitudes, norms, and the support of taxation of menstrual products (MPs) and menstrual-adjacent products. It also investigated the use of these products in women. Methods: Young adults from 18 to 30 years of age were recruited via social media, listserve emails, and flyers placed throughout a university campus. Following cognitive interviewing, a survey investigated attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors associated with MPs. Results: Individuals self-identified as men or women. Women (n = 154) had more positive general attitudes, less positive safety attitudes, and less support for taxation of MPs than men (n = 43). Regression analyses indicated that factors, such as race, age, attitudes, norms, and taxation, were associated with product use. Conclusions: Attitudes about safety and taxation differ for men and women. Tax policies and attitude-shifting interventions need to be tailored to their audience, and our study can inform that effort.

Attitudes towards technology and their relationship with pro-environmental behaviour: Development and validation of the GATT scale

Both behavioural changes and technological advances are needed to mitigate climate change and solve environmental issues. While optimistic attitudes towards technology can help to increase public support for these technological advances, they could also attenuate the perceived necessity for pro-environmental behaviour change. This is problematic, as an overreliance on technological solutions at the cost of behavioural changes could decrease the probability of meeting established climate change mitigation targets. Across three studies in Switzerland (n1 = 552, n2 = 547, n3 = 549), we introduce and validate a 15-item survey instrument to measure general attitudes towards technology (GATT), namely techno-pessimistic, techno-optimistic, and techno-fix attitudes. Confirmatory factor analysis confirms the robustness of the instrument and models based on Item Response Theory indicate acceptable item fit indices. We then investigate how these different attitudes relate to pro-environmental behavioural intentions. Our results show that techno-fix attitudes are negatively associated with behavioural intentions, while techno-optimistic and techno-pessimistic attitudes are positively associated with behavioural intentions through an increase in climate change concern. To foster engagement in pro-environmental behaviour, we recommend strengthening techno-optimistic instead of techno-fix narratives, by highlighting the importance of individual behaviour changes for achieving climate change mitigation.

Decoding the cryptocurrency user: An analysis of demographics and sentiments

In recent years, new payment methods have emerged, aimed at improving convenience for users. Cryptocurrencies, in principle, are no different. In this study, we seek to analyze the general population's attitudes towards the adoption of cryptocurrencies as a payment method. To achieve this, we have developed a descriptive survey that targets both current cryptocurrency users and non-users, recognizing that differences in perception may exist. Additionally, we have conducted a sentiment analysis of open-ended questions to understand respondents' views on the future of the cryptocurrency market and its potential as a payment tool, utilizing different lexicons in the English language. Our findings indicate that most cryptocurrency users prefer to invest in these digital assets, often choosing coins based on their popularity rather than other intrinsic features. E-commerce payments are the most attractive activity, followed by international transactions when using cryptocurrencies as a payment method. However, high volatility and a lack of ease of use are the most common difficulties reported by users. Our study also highlights the importance of regulation in a time when users are increasingly demanding higher levels of oversight, in contrast to the past. While users are concerned about the instability and volatility of cryptocurrencies, they also value the anonymity these transactions offer. Our analysis showcases an innovative approach to analyzing interviews and qualitative questionnaires that can be applied in other research fields.

Evaluating The Bachelor Of Sciences In Office Administration Practicum Program: A Comprehensive Assessment Of Student Profiles, Host Evaluations, And Student Feedback

This study aims to evaluate the BS in Office Administration practicum program by assessing students’ profiles, employer ratings, student feedback, and the relationships between different variables. The research objectives include profiling the students participating in the program, assessing employer evaluations of students’ performance, gathering feedback from students, examining the relationships between grades, employer ratings, and student feedback, and exploring the relationship between employer ratings and students’ performance. The study utilizes a descriptive research design and collects data through records, employer ratings, student feedback questionnaires, and surveys. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and thematic analysis. The findings reveal that the majority of students are female, with a high percentage of students aged 21. Students generally perform well, with excellent attendance and punctuality. Employer evaluations indicate excellent performance in attendance, punctuality, performance, and general attitude. Students provide positive feedback, highlighting alignment with their field, challenging experiences, and positive working relationships. Correlation analysis shows no significant relationship between grades and employer ratings or student feedback. However, moderate positive relationships exist between grades and attendance, punctuality, performance, and general attitude. The study concludes that the practicum program effectively prepares students for the office administration sector, but recommends further focus on gender equality, career development, industry partnerships, continuous improvement, and feedback mechanisms. The findings contribute to enhancing the program’s curriculum and support systems, ultimately improving student outcomes and employer satisfaction.

Changing digital and telecytology practices post COVID-19 comparing ASC survey results from 2016 to 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for digital pathology tools became more urgent. However, there needs to be more knowledge of the use in cytology. We aimed to evaluate current digital cytology practices and attitudes and compare the results with a pre-COVID-19 American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) survey. Fourteen survey questions assessing current attitudes toward digital cytology were developed from a 2016 ASC Digital Pathology Survey. Ten new survey questions were also created to evaluate telecytology use. The survey was e-mailed to ASC members over 6 weeks in2023. A total of 123 individuals responded (116 in 2016). Attitudes toward digital cytology were unchanged; most participants stated digital cytology is beneficial (87% 2023 versus 90% 2016). The percentage of individuals using digital cytology was unchanged (56% in 2016 and 2023). However, telecytology for rapid onsite assessment (ROSE) is now considered the best application (55% 2023 versus 31% 2016). Forty-three institutions reported using digital and telecytology tools; 40% made implementations after 2020; most did not feel that COVID-19 affected digital cytology (56%). Telecytology for ROSE is the most common application now (78%) compared with education (30%) in 2016. Limitations for implementing digital imaging in cytology included inability to focus (38%) and expense (33%). General attitudes toward digital tools by the cytology community have essentially remained the same between 2016 and now. However, telecytology for ROSE is increasingly being used, which supports a need for validation and competency guidelines.

Fabrication and characterization of Ni-TiO2 and Ni-V2O5 single-layer and double-layer coatings with the approach of improving the wear and corrosion properties

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the metallurgical behavior of Ni-TiO2 and Ni-V2O5 single-layer coatings and compare them with Ni-TiO2/Ni-V2O5 and Ni-V2O5/Ni-TiO2 double-layer coatings. The general attitude is the optimal choice of coatings in terms of wear and corrosion properties. The dimensions of TiO2 and V2O5 ceramic powders were 20 nm and 500 nm, respectively, and their morphology was also different. The presence of the submicron V2O5 particles was more than the TiO2 nanoparticles in the nickel matrix deposit. Also, with double layering the coatings (Ni-TiO2/Ni-V2O5 and Ni-V2O5/Ni-TiO2), the presence of ceramic particles in the upper layer had increased compared to the same single-layer coatings. Therefore, the increase in the hardness of the deposits was directly related to the percentage of ceramic powders in the coating. The surface morphology of the Ni-TiO2 layers was formed as a cauliflower shape while the Ni-V2O5 deposits had a smooth morphology. Increasing participation of TiO2 particles in the Ni-TiO2 layer had made the morphology rougher. Also, by applying the Ni-TiO2 layer under the Ni-V2O5 deposit, the surface morphology of the Ni-V2O5 layer became smooth, which can be due to the increase in the V2O5 content in this layer. The lowest amount of fluctuation appeared in the roughness profiles related to the Ni-V2O5 layers, and the large fluctuation range in the Ni-TiO2 layers was due to the smooth and cauliflower structure, respectively. The crystallite size in double-layer coatings was smaller than the single-layer coatings due to the higher nucleation and growth rate of nickel deposition in the nickel matrix upper layers. According to the presented results, the Ni-V2O5 and Ni-V2O5/Ni-TiO2 coatings were the most wear resistant coatings. Also, the Ni-V2O5/Ni-TiO2 and Ni-TiO2/Ni-V2O5 double-layer coatings were suitable candidates for corrosion resistance and to consider both properties, Ni-V2O5/Ni-TiO2 was very suitable. Hardness, surface morphology, roughness, preferred planar texture, and ceramics powder participation were important parameters in determining the wear and corrosion properties of coatings. Also, it seems that the effect of the double layering of nickel matrix deposits on the metallurgical properties was greater than the dimensions of the ceramic particles participating in the coating.

Practice Patterns and Attitudes Regarding Pregnancy and Parenthood After Lung Transplantation

Background. Parenthood after lung transplantation (LuTx) is uncommon. Although data exist regarding practice patterns surrounding pregnancy after heart transplantation, there are no data specific to LuTx recipients and parenthood more broadly. Methods. We conducted a voluntary, anonymous online survey between October and December 2021. It was distributed electronically to select LuTx units and advertised to LuTx providers internationally. Results. A total of 103 responses were included in our analysis. Respondents were primarily women (n = 63; 62%) and included LuTx pulmonologists (n = 59; 58%) or nurses and transplant coordinators (n = 28; 27%). The majority were from centers performing >40 LuTx annually (n = 53; 52%) and had >10 y of transplant experience (n = 56; 55%). Most respondents discuss fertility issues with recipients (n = 63; 62%), but centers lacked clear policies relating to female (n = 51; 70%) and male (n = 62; 83%) fertility and parenthood. Few were aware of policies regarding assisted reproduction and fertility preservation (n = 13; 13%) or pregnancy (n = 23; 22%). Many cited ethical concerns regarding parenthood post-LuTx (n = 38; 37%), but most were supportive of the use of surrogacy by female recipients (n = 74; 92%) and felt there were no contraindications to parenthood in male recipients (n = 59; 59%). Although geography influenced some logistical issues around care provision, general attitudes toward parenthood in LuTx recipients were unaffected by respondent age, sex, location, or experience. Conclusions. Although providers were overall supportive of post-LuTx parenthood, the absence of peer-reviewed evidence, expert consensus, and policy-driven guidance may be a significant barrier to safe and successful parenthood in LuTx recipients.

COVID-19 Awareness, Overview of Vaccines and Method of Medical Education Among Medical Faculty Students

Background: Medical faculty students symbolize a significant part of the health-care society and are remarkable members of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to response. 
 Aims: This study aimed to evaluate various factors associated with COVID-19 awareness, vaccine, and medical education during the pandemic among medical faculty students via surveys.
 Study design: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey study about masks, distance and hygiene awareness, COVID-19 vaccination, and methods of medical education with medical faculty students (MFS).
 Methods: A total of 322 medical faculty students answered the questionnaire forms. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19 Awareness, general willingness, attitude toward vaccination, and attitude toward educational models.
 Results: The total awareness score (79.53±27.45) was determined as a high level of awareness among the participants. 4th grade MFS were found to be more sensitive to mask, hygiene, and total score awareness than in the 2nd grade (p= 0.03, p=0.006). There were no statistically significant differences between educational grades in general willingness and attitude towards vaccination. It was determined that the medical students in the last 3 years wanted face-to-face education statistically more than the MFS in the first 3 years (p=0.00).
 Conclusion: The vast majority of the participants had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19. The majority of the study population is willing to be vaccinated whereas some populations are hesitant about vaccination. This information may be used in future immunization strategies to increase the vaccination rates and which educational methods to choose among this group of future medical professionals.

The experience of receiving a letter from a cancer genetics clinic about risk for hereditary cancer

Direct contact may be an option for supporting disclosure in families with hereditary cancer risk. In this qualitative interview study, we explored how healthy at-risk relatives experience receiving a letter with information about hereditary cancer directly from healthcare rather than via a relative. The study is part of an ongoing multicentre randomised clinical trial in Sweden that evaluates the effectiveness of direct letters from cancer genetics clinics to at-risk relatives. After conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 relatives who had received a letter and contacted the clinic, we analysed the data using thematic analysis. The relatives had different levels of prior knowledge about the hereditary cancer assessment. Many had been notified by family that a letter was coming but some had not. Overall, these participants believed healthcare-mediated disclosure could complement family-mediated disclosure. They expressed that the letter and the message raised concerns and a need for counselling, and they wanted healthcare to be accessible and informed when making contact. The participants found the message easier to cope with when they had been notified by a family member beforehand, with a general attitude that notifying relatives was the appropriate step to take. They thought healthcare should help patients with the disclosure process but also guard the right of at-risk relatives to be informed. The findings support a direct approach from healthcare as a possible complement to an established model of family-mediated risk disclosure, but implementation must be made within existing frameworks of good practice for genetic counselling.

Global economic crisis impact on organic food consumption in the Czech Republic

IntroductionThis study investigates the impact of the global economic crisis of 2008 on organic food consumption in the Czech Republic. The structure of this study includes general consumption attitudes and consumption of individual organic food items (organic milk). The goal of this study is to quantify the influence of selected income macroeconomic indicators on organic food consumption (in general and individually). This study is focused on analyzing how this impact changed after 2008 in both prospectives.MethodsMethodologically, the error correction methodology (ECM) has been applied. However, it has been modified to incorporate breakpoint analysis to model the impact of the global economic crisis on organic food consumption. Thus, the total consumption of organic food and consumption of organic milk has been investigated.ResultsEconometric verification of the estimated model proved that there was a statistically significant positive dependence of both indicators of organic food consumption on all the investigated indicators of income before 2008. Nonetheless, it was also proved that this dependence disappeared after the global economic recession in 2008. This retrospective analysis provides a valuable view of the mechanisms of organic food consumption changes caused by economic crises.DiscussionProspective repetition of the research with the data from the current crisis could enrich the theory of organic food consumption. On the one hand, the results of hypotheses testing could be verified, and thus, the mechanisms of consumer reactions to the crisis could be identified, and the model of reaction to the next crisis cycle could be developed so as not to harm radically this sector. On the other hand, the results of hypothesis testing could be denied, and thus, the evolution in organic food perception and consumption could be stated. In this case, the need to revise the so-far formulated theoretical approaches would be proved.

A matter of personality and point of view: How the interplay of reinforcement sensitivity and general attitudes towards pain impacts the responsivity to acute pain.

The relatively stable individual differences reflected in Grey's revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (rRST), with foundations in neurophysiology and learning theory, appear particularly applicable to the study of pain. However, remarkably little research has been conducted in this area. In acute pain, activation of the behavioural approach system (BAS), the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) and the fight, flight, freezing system might depend on an individual's evaluation of pain. It was thus hypothesised that higher-order interactions of rRST traits and pain attitudes affect pain responsiveness. To investigate relationships between rRST traits and pain attitudes and to identify patterns between clusters of participants, we conducted a study in which N = 275 healthy participants filled in Reuter and Montag's rRST-Q and the General Attitudes Towards Pain Inventory (GATPI). Experimental (pressure, electrical, thermal) and self-report data of pain responsiveness were collected in a subsample (N = 113). We found significant correlations between rRST-Q and GATPI subscales of up to r = 0.34. Two clusters were identified, significantly differing in rRST-Q and GATPI scores. Pain avoiders, characterized by high BIS, flight, freezing and negative pain attitudes, were found to be significantly more pain sensitive than pain approachers, characterized by high BAS, fight and positive pain attitudes. Moderate effects (d = 0.56 to d = 0.70) were demonstrated in subjective and objective measures and across pain modalities. The present study expands the scientific knowledge on factors influencing pain responsiveness. Future research is needed to confirm implications for chronic pain prevention and therapy, particularly concerning pain avoiders. We have identified two clusters of participants, pain avoiders and pain approachers, that not only present differential patterns of revised reinforcement theory traits and general attitudes towards pain but also differ in their pain responsiveness. Pain avoiders appeared more pain sensitive compared to pain approachers, both in objective and subjective measurements, with implications for the improvement of chronic pain prevention and therapy.

An evaluation of pharmacists’ general attitudes, knowledge, and phobias regarding medications that include corticosteroids: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCorticosteroid-containing medications are widely accessible in various forms, including topical, injectable, and inhaled formulations. Due to uncertain safety profiles, healthcare providers, including pharmacists, often express apprehension when dispensing these drugs. This cross-sectional study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and phobia of Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid-containing medications.MethodsConducted through a self-administered online questionnaire.Resultsthe study reveals that dermatological conditions and respiratory disorders are the primary indications for prescribing corticosteroid-containing drugs. The most reported side effects among pharmacists’ patients include increased appetite, diabetes, and skin thinning. Pharmacists generally exhibit acceptable knowledge, with a median score of 9.0 out of 11.0 (IQR = 3.0). Over two-thirds of pharmacists (69.9%) achieve a high knowledge score (Bloom’s cut-off point ≥ 8.8). However, only 55.7% are aware that corticosteroids may induce mood changes. High phobia scores, particularly concerning increased blood pressure and osteoporosis risks, indicate pharmacist reservations in corticosteroid dispensing. Interestingly, pharmacists in rural areas display lower knowledge scores, while those working outside community pharmacies exhibit lower phobia scores compared to their counterparts in urban areas and community pharmacies, respectively.ConclusionDespite generally good knowledge levels, the study underscores high phobia scores among Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid dispensing, particularly due to concerns about blood pressure elevation and osteoporosis risks. This suggests a potential need for targeted educational interventions and support systems to enhance pharmacist confidence and optimize corticosteroid usage while minimizing associated risks.

Canadian Brides’-to-Be Surname Choice: Potential Evidence of Transmitted Bilateral Descent Reckoning

Women’s marital surname change is important, in part, because it affects how often only husbands’ (fathers’) surnames are passed on to offspring: this, in turn, affects the frequency of these “family” names. Brides-to-be, novelly, from across especially western and central Canada (N = 184), were surveyed as to marital surname hyphenation/retention versus change intention, and attitude towards women’s such choices in general. Among women engaged to men, the hypothesized predictors of income and number of future children desired were positively predictive of marital surname retention/hyphenation under univariate analysis. Under multiple regression analysis using these and other predictors from the literature, previously found to be predictive of this DV under univariate analysis, only some of these other predictors were predictive. Of greatest predictiveness was the bride-to-be’s own mother’s marital surname choice (with brides-to-be, more often than would otherwise be predicted, following their mother’s such choice), thus suggesting a possible shift to a transmitted manner of bilateral descent reckoning, towards greater bilateral such reckoning, among a portion of the population. Reported, general attitude towards women’s marital surname retention was predictive of participant brides-to-be’s own reported (imminent) marital surname retention/hyphenation.

Are Clinical Prediction Rules Used in Spinal Cord Injury Care? A Survey of Practice.

Accurate outcome prediction is desirable post spinal cord injury (SCI), reducing uncertainty for patients and supporting personalized treatments. Numerous attempts have been made to create clinical prediction rules that identify patients who are likely to recover function. It is unknown to what extent these rules are routinely used in clinical practice. To better understand knowledge of, and attitudes toward, clinical prediction rules amongst SCI clinicians in the United Kingdom. An online survey was distributed via mailing lists of clinical special interest groups and relevant National Health Service Trusts. Respondents answered questions about their knowledge of existing clinical prediction rules and their general attitudes to using them. They also provided information about their level of experience with SCI patients. One hundred SCI clinicians completed the survey. The majority (71%) were unaware of clinical prediction rules for SCI; only 8% reported using them in clinical practice. Less experienced clinicians were less likely to be aware. Lack of familiarity with prediction rules was reported as being a barrier to their use. The importance of clinical expertise when making prognostic decisions was emphasized. All respondents reported interest in using clinical prediction rules in the future. The results show widespread lack of awareness of clinical prediction rules amongst SCI clinicians in the United Kingdom. However, clinicians were positive about the potential for clinical prediction rules to support decision-making. More focus should be directed toward refining current rules and improving dissemination within the SCI community.