Influence Of Demographic Characteristics Research Articles

Measuring concern about smile appearance among adults.

To adapt and estimate the psychometric properties of Utrecht Questionnaire for esthetic outcome assessment in rhinoplasty (OAR) to assess concern about smile appearance and to estimate the influence of demographic characteristics on this concern in adults. This was a cross-sectional observational study. Individuals aged between 18 and 40 years participated in the study. The Portuguese version of OAR was adapted for smile assessment in dental practice and was named Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment of Smile Aesthetic (OA-Smile). Data validity was estimated using factorial validity [confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)-CFI, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), SRMR)] and convergent validity (average variance extracted). Reliability was assessed using the alpha ordinal coefficient (αordinal) and the omega coefficient (ω). A structural model was elaborated to assess the contribution of demographic characteristics to smile appearance concerns. Model fit was evaluated, and the z-test (α = 5%) was used to estimate the significance of the path estimates (β). 2.523 subjects participated in the study [mean age = 32.86 (SD = 11.39) years, 68.1% female]. The factor model of orofacial appearance (OA)-Smile presented an adequate fit to the data [CFA: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR ≤ 0.05]. Convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.80) and reliability (αordinal and ω ≥ 0.85) were adequate. The structural model presented an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.974; TLI = 0.991 and SRMR = 0.053). Women, younger people, single people, people with lower income, people using dental prostheses, undergoing dental treatment, and those who do not like their smile were more concerned about their smile appearance. Nonprobability sampling, online data collection, and cross-sectional design are considered limitations of the study. OA-Smile is a suitable scale to assess smile appearance concerns, and the data obtained with this scale were valid and reliable. Demographic characteristics should be considered when measuring concerns about smile appearance.

A cross-sectional study investigating malaria prevalence and associated predictors of infection among migrants to a newly established gold mining settlement in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia.

Malaria is a major disease burden in Ethiopia. Migration can influence malaria transmission dynamics, with individuals relocating from malaria-free highland regions to malarious lowlands potentially facing elevated risks of contracting malaria. Migrants may find it difficult to protect themselves against malaria and have limited access to diagnosis or treatment. Settlers in gold mining sites are one type of migrant and are often neglected in malaria research yet may have particularly high malaria risk. This study was a malaria prevalence survey among settlers in a new gold mining settlement in the highly malarious Gambella Region, Ethiopia. n = 590 people were surveyed for demographic information and their knowledge and practices of malaria. Participants were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Using logistic regressions, the influence of demographic characteristics on malaria infections and bed net access were analysed. A sub-sample of participants was interviewed to comprehend settlement living conditions and healthcare accessibility. The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 37.5% (CI 32.4-42.3%). Young children were most likely to have malaria, with individuals aged 15-24 having 67% lower odds (aOR: 0.33; CI 0.13-0.86) of infection compared to those aged 1-4years old. Meanwhile, those age 25-plus had 75% decreased odds of malaria infection (aOR 0.25; CI 0.10-0.65). Individuals with bed nets had ~50% decreased odds of testing positive for falciparum malaria than those reporting having no bed net (aOR: 0.47; CI 0.22-0.97). Individuals who relocated from low elevation with high malaria test positivity rate areas were more prone to testing positive for malaria, as were those residing in densely populated households with multiple malaria cases. Conversely, individuals from higher elevations with low malaria test positivity rates, and those living in households with 5-10 occupants and < 2 malaria infections, were more likely to possess bed nets. This gold mining settlement provides an example of an oft-neglected atypical community where malaria is a significant, but under-addressed, health problem. Within this community, future interventions focused on distributing bed nets, particularly to larger households and those with children, have great potential to alleviate the malaria burden. Efforts should also be made to provide affordable, and accessible, early diagnosis and treatment.

Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Application of Instructional Program Concerning Self-Management Strategies of Patients with Epilepsy

Objective(s): The current study aims to determine the influence of demographic characteristics of patients with epilepsy on the application of instruction program for self-management strategies. Methodology: The study utilized a quasi-experimental (non-randomized) design at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City, within the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Health Directorate, specifically at The Middle Euphrates Neurosciences Center, from August 13, 2023, to November 13, 2023. The purposive sample comprised 87 patients, divided into two groups: the study group, consisting of 44 patients exposed to the instructional program, and the control group, consisting of 43 patients not exposed to the program. The research tools included a demographic questionnaire and an Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) from Dr. Colleen Dilorio, which includes 38 questions measuring 5 subscales related to epilepsy self-management for people with epilepsy. Statistical calculations were performed using SPSS software version 22. Results: The study results showed no statistically significant differences between demographic characteristics and the application of instruction program for self-management strategies (P&gt;0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences between the patient's marital status and application of instruction program for safety and information self-management strategies, with a small size effect. Conclusions: The study concluded that there are no statistically significant differences between demographic characteristics and the application of instruction program for self-management strategies overall. Recommendations: The study recommended that the Ministry of Health implement a self-management program for patients with epilepsy.

Socio-demographic determinants of myelofibrosis outcomes in an underserved center and the SEER national database

The influence of demographic characteristics and social determinants on cancer outcomes is widely recognized in various malignancies but remains understudied in myelofibrosis (MF). This study aims to investigate social and demographic variables associated with MF survival. We retrospectively reviewed data of biopsy-proven MF patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2000–2021) and Montefiore Medical Center (2000–2023), an underserved inner-city hospital. The SEER cohort included 5,403 MF patients and was predominantly Non-Hispanic (NH) White (82%) with a median age of 69 years. The age-adjusted incidence rate of MF was 0.32 cases per 100,000 person-years, increasing annually by 1.3% from 2000 to 2021. Two- and five- year overall survival rates were 69% and 42%, respectively. Worse cause-specific survival was associated with older age, male sex, and diagnosis before 2011 (year of Ruxolitinib approval). NH-Black ethnicity, unmarried status and lower median income were independent predictors of worse overall survival. The single-center analysis included 84 cases, with a median age of 66 years. NH-White patients comprised 37% of the sample, followed by NH-Black (28.5%). Two- and five- year overall survival rates were 90% and 61%, respectively, with NH-Black patients exhibiting the lowest median survival, although the difference was not statistically significant. Age was a significant predictor of worse survival in this cohort. NH-Black and Hispanic patients lived in areas with higher socioeconomic and demographic stress compared to NH-White patients. Overall, this study highlights the association of social and demographic factors with MF survival and emphasizes the need for equitable healthcare and further exploration of social-demographic factors affecting MF survival.

Nature and Determinants of Emotional Intelligence among Social Studies Teachers in Public Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana

Emotional intelligence (hereafter as EI) is highlighted in literature to be crucial attribute for teacher effectiveness in coping with changes and pressure in the work environment especially in the growing emphasis on acquisition of 21st century competencies among students. Hence, in response to the mounting concerns, teachers’ level of EI has become pertinent more than ever before. However, there are controversies in literature on the influence of demographic characteristics and their impact on levels of EI amongst teachers. Therefore, this study investigated the level of EI as well as how demographic characteristics (sex, age, academic qualification and years of experience) influence EI among Social Studies teachers in public Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana. Bar-On (2007) mixed model of EI guided the study. The cross-sectional descriptive survey research design within the positivists’ quantitative methodology was used to collect quantitative data with the main instrument being structured questionnaire. Data were collected from all the 380 Social Studies using the census sampling technique. With the aid of the version 28 of Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) descriptive (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics such as independent samples t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that Social Studies teachers had high level of EI. Specifically, even though Social Studies teachers indicated several dimensions of EI, they had very high emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationship and intrapersonal relationship and high EI in stress management, adaptability and general mood. The study further revealed that whereas sex and academic qualification did not account for any statistical significance, age and years of teaching experience statistically significantly influenced Social Studies teachers level of EI. Therefore, the study recommended that Ghana Education Service through the Central Regional Directorates of Education should consider age and years of teaching experience when organising training programmes and interventions that have the potential of sustaining the high levels of EI to improve their effectiveness in the teaching and learning of Social Studies.

Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management Behaviour Among Type 2 Diabetics in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) requires effective self-care behaviors and social support to manage the condition and prevent complications. This study aimed to examine the influence of demographic characteristics and perceived social support on diabetes self-management behaviors in individuals with T2DM. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 300 T2DM patients using validated questionnaires from April to May 2023. Self-care behaviors were assessed using a Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities-Arabic (SDSCA-Arabic), while perceived social support was measured using a Diabetes Care Profile (DCP) using an Arabic Social Support subscale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationships and predictors of self-care behaviors. Patients exhibited varying levels of self-care behaviors, with exercise and blood sugar testing being the most frequently reported activities. Additionally, the findings revealed that health education on self-examining regarding the feet, exercising, comorbidities, perceived social support, medical insurance, and gender were significant predictors of diabetes self-management behaviors. These factors collectively accounted for 21.2% of the variance in self-management behavior levels. Specifically, health education on self-examining regarding the feet (β = -0.286, p = 0.001) and exercising (β = -0.175, p = 0.001) showed a negative association, while perceived social support (β = 0.235, p = 0.001) demonstrated a positive association with self-management behaviors. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive health education programs that address multiple aspects of diabetes management and the role of social support in fostering better self-management behaviors. It also emphasizes the influence of demographic factors on self-management, with individuals with higher comorbidities exhibiting better self-management behaviors and those with medical insurance showing poorer self-management behaviors. These findings have implications for nursing practice, suggesting the need for tailored interventions, effective education, and support networks to enhance self-management behaviors in T2DM patients.

Psychological AI: A critical analysis of capabilities, limitations, and ramifications

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) offer new possibilities in various areas of psychology, such as therapy, diagnostics, treatment planning, demographic profiling, sentiment analysis, and consumer psychology. However, AI research in psychology is still lacking. This study aims to explore the specific applications of AI in the field of psychology. Firstly, the article delves into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of chatbots in delivering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Next, the article explores the current state of AI in detecting mental health disorders, highlighting the use of digital footprints as a diagnostic tool. Furthermore, the research investigates how AI can assist medical professionals in developing focused treatment plans. It analyzes studies that aim to optimize treatment strategies using AI technologies. The article also examines the influence of demographic characteristics on our understanding and application of psychology. Lastly, the article touches on the use of AI in analyzing sentiment to understand and predict consumer behavior. Ethical implications of using AI-driven psychological assessments are also discussed. It concludes with a summary of key findings and offers a glimpse into potential future developments in this field.

Israeli students' perceptions regarding sperm donation: dilemmas reflections with dominant demographic effect.

Sperm donation has undergone significant medical and social transformations in recent decades. This study aimed to explore Israeli students' perceptions towards sperm donation and investigate the potential influence of demographic characteristics on these perceptions. The study encompassed 254 students from Tel-Aviv University, who completed an anonymous online survey in January-February 2021. This cross-sectional quantitative online survey, comprised 35 questions categorized into three sections: demographic data, assessment of prior knowledge, and perceptions of sperm donation (general perceptions related to both positive and negative stigmas associated with sperm donation, the roles and activities of sperm banks, and considerations surrounding identity disclosure versus the anonymity of sperm donors and their offspring). Participants exhibited a relatively low level of prior knowledge (mean 31.2 ± 19 of 100). Scores for positive and negative stigmas ranged from 1.3 to 2.2. Notably, the statement "Donors' anonymity preservation is crucial to maintain sperm donation" received a mean of 3.7. Seeking for anonymous sperm donation identity both by recipients and offspring was ranked with low means (1.5 and 1.7, respectively). However, the pursuit of half-siblings by mothers or siblings themselves received higher ratings ranging from 2.7 to 3. Women's stigma ranking were notably lower, while men emphasized the importance of donor anonymity. Sperm Banks hold a position of medical authority rather than being perceived as being commercial entity. The preservation of donor anonymity is widely accepted as a crucial element, prioritized over the requests for identity disclosure from recipients and offspring. Demographic parameters exhibit a strong and precise effects on participants' perceptions.

Quality of Life Determinants among Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Treatment in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide, including Indonesia and brings a burden on many aspects, especially quality of life. This study investigated the influence of demographic characteristics, psychological distress and physical activity levels on quality of life among breast cancer women undergoing therapy in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 breast cancer women. We used the Indonesian version of depression, anxiety, stress scales, international physical activity questionnaires and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF to evaluate psychological distress, physical activity levels and quality of life. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple linear regressions were applied. Study participants had moderate quality of life scores. Approximately 22% of the variance in physical health was explained by family history, depression and physical activity. Having a family history is associated with better psychological health (ß = 5.32, P = 0.04). In contrast, experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms contributed to lower environment domains (ß = -6.30, P = 0.02). Furthermore, having a low level of physical activity was the only significant factor influencing all domain scores, including physical health (β = -24.82, P < 0.001), psychological health (β = -19.72, P < 0.001), social relation (β= -16.91, P < 0.001) and environment (β = -13.91, P < 0.001). Physical activity levels are the strongest determinant of quality of life among breast cancer women in Indonesia. Nurses should not only widen information access regarding breast cancer, especially for patients with genetic risk, but also should early screen for depressive symptoms and develop strategies to motivate patients to increase their physical activity to escalate breast cancer patient's quality of life.

Long-term efficacy of vedolizumab therapy in patients with Crohn’s disease

Introduction: Currently, the possibilities in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) are expanding. Various classes of genetically engineered biological therapy are available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Vedolizumab, having a selective nature of action, has a higher safety profile of the drug, which suggests lower immunogenicity and, as a consequence, long-term efficacy. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the basis of the National Medical Research Centre of Coloproctology named after A. N. Ryzhikh, which included 54 patients treated with vedolizumab. In the course of the work, the survival of therapy was evaluated, as well as the influence of demographic characteristics, localization, phenotype of the disease and other factors on the effectiveness of therapy. Results: The study showed 86.0% (95% CI 72.8-93.1) survival of therapy for 15 months and 75.9% (95% CI 58.8-86.7) for two years. No statistically significant differences were obtained when assessing the effect of gender, comorbidity, lesion localization, disease phenotype, smoker status and the use of glucocorticosteroids during vedolizumab induction. During the analysis, it was revealed that significant factors affecting the effectiveness of therapy are the age of CD debut less than 21 years and the SES-CD index index more than 7, as well as previous therapy with the use of two or more anti-TNF drugs. Discussion: Despite the small sample size, the findings allow us to predict the effectiveness of therapy, which may affect survival.

Moving from supported to independent living: what are the barriers and facilitators for individuals with psychosis?

PurposeLiving independently, as opposed to in sheltered housing or with caregivers, is an important aim in the recovery of individuals with psychosis, but the transition to independence can be challenging. This study aims to investigate how individuals with psychosis move between living arrangements and to identify the barriers and facilitators of moving towards independence.MethodsThe living arrangements of 1119 individuals with non-affective psychosis from the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study were assessed at baseline, at three- and six-year follow-ups and further categorized as either supported (sheltered housing or with parents) or independent (single or with partner/family). We estimated the probabilities of transitioning between the living statuses and investigated the influence of demographic characteristics, symptomatology, cognition, social support, and premorbid social adjustment on transition using Markov chain modelling.ResultsThe majority of individuals living in supported housing remained there during the six-year follow-up period (~ 60%). The likelihood of moving from supported to independent living was twice as high for participants who were younger, five-to-six times higher for women, twice as high for individuals with better overall cognition, and five times higher for those with a course of low positive symptoms.ConclusionThis study highlights that a large group of individuals with psychosis in supported housing is unlikely to move to independent living. Older men with cognitive impairments and who show continuous severe positive symptoms are the least likely to move living independently. Tailored interventions for these at-risk individuals could increase their chances of moving to independent living.

Effect of Christian Religious Studies Teachers’ Knowledge of Human Development on their Teaching Practices. Influence of Demographic Characteristics.

The study sought to find out the effect of CRS teachers’ knowledge of human development on their knowledge of teaching practices. The influence of their academic qualifications, professional qualifications and teaching experiences on their knowledge of human development and teaching practices were sought. Through the cross-sectional survey design, quantitative data was collected from 23 CRS teachers and 400 students through a questionnaire. Census method was used to involve all teachers whiles the proportionate random sampling was used to select the students. Results from the study showed that CRS teachers have high knowledge of human development and teaching practices. Results of the factorial ANOVA portrayed that CRS teachers’ academic qualifications, professional qualifications and teaching experiences do not simultaneously and individually significantly influence their knowledge of human development (F (16,3,) = 1.412, p = .352, partial ƞ2 = .790) and teaching practices (F (16,3,) = 3.555, p = .063, partial ƞ2 = .905). Simple linear regression results portrayed that teachers’ knowledge of human development lowly explains 6% of the variance in knowledge of teaching practices (F (1, 21) =.109, p= .744, R =.297a, R2= .055, R2 Adjusted = .042) although the effect is not significant. It was recommended that GES should assign only qualified and professional teachers to teach CRS. The assignment of unqualified and non-professional teachers to teach the subject has been a major issue. Again, GES should collaborate with the NaCCA to organise periodic workshops for CRS teachers in the country irrespective of their qualifications and teaching experiences.

The Influence of Chicken Farmers’ Demographic Characteristics on Use of Social Media to Access Market Information

Access to information is crucial for the socio-economic development of any society. In the context of chicken farming, small-scale farmers need accurate and timely information to enhance their production. Small-scale chicken farming in Arusha City, Tanzania, has gained economic significance in recent years. The integration of technology in agriculture has transformed the way farmers operate, and social media platforms have emerged as vital tools for farmers to obtain market information. For these reasons, this study assessed the influence of demographic characteristics on small-scale chicken farmers’ utilization of social media for accessing market information in Arusha City. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected during the study. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered through interview and qualitative data were collected using an in-depth interview guide. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyse quantitative data in which Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 Computer program, was used in the process. The results show that sex, marital status, age, owning a smartphone, chicken farming experience and Kuku Uchumi is statistically significant in, accessing this market information from social media since the P-Values is less than significance levels. The study concludes that access the market information from social media is mainly influenced by demographic characteristics such as sex, a marital status, age, farming experience, being Kuku Uchumi beneficiary and owning a smartphone. Also, the study recommended that the government, through the Agricultural Extension Department, should train and encourage more small-scale chicken farmers to use social media for sourcing market information.

Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases: a cross-sectional study.

Insomnia symptoms are prevalent among healthcare workers and represent a potential public health problem. However, there is currently insufficient evidence on insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases after the pandemic in China. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses in third-grade class-A general hospitals under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases, and to explore the influence of demographic characteristics, work-related factors, health and lifestyle-related factors on insomnia symptoms. An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among doctors and nurses in two third-grade class-A general hospitals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, work-related factors, health and lifestyle-related factors, and insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was applied to identify factors significantly associated with insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses, respectively. A total of 1,004 participants were included in this study, including 503 doctors and 501 nurses. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms in doctors and nurses was 47.7 and 51.3%, respectively. Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that workplace violence (OR: 1.631, 95% CI: 1.050-2.532), doctor-patient relationship (OR: 1.603, 95% CI: 1.049-2.450), chronic pain (OR: 4.134, 95% CI: 2.579-6.625), chronic disease (OR: 1.825, 95% CI: 1.164-2.861), and anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.273, 95% CI: 1.357-3.807) were associated factors with insomnia symptoms in doctors. Education (OR: 0.301, 95% CI: 0.106-0.851), service years (OR: 1.978, 95% CI: 1.304-3.002), weekly working hours (OR: 1.694, 95% CI: 1.061-2.705), chronic pain (OR: 5.359, 95% CI: 3.241-8.860), and anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.472, 95% CI: 1.478-4.136) were associated factors with insomnia symptoms in nurses. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses was high, and affected by many factors. This information can inform tailored interventions to insomnia symptoms by doctors and nurses who play an important role in public health.

Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Dining Out and Food Ordering Behaviour Among Older Persons

Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Dining Out and Food Ordering Behaviour Among Older Persons

Impact of missense TSBP1 variants on the susceptibility to coronary heart disease

BackgroundA genome-wide association study has recognized C6orf10-BTNL2 polymorphism in coronary artery disease. The goal of this study was to explore the potential correlation of nine missense TSBP1 variants with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in the Chinese Han population. MethodsNine TSBP1 missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genotyping by the Agena MassARRAY platform. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analyze the contribution of TSBP1 SNPs to CHD predisposition by logistic regression models adjusted by age, sex, drinking, and smoking. The correlation of TSBP1 variants with clinical data in CHD patients was examined by Kruskal-Wallis test. Resultsrs9268368-C (p = 0.039, OR = 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.01–1.38) was related to an increased risk of CHD, while rs3749966-C (p = 0.032, OR = 0.49, 95 % CI: 0.25–0.96) and rs3129941-A (p = 0.011, OR = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.59–0.93) might be protective factors against CHD occurrence in the Chinese Han population. We also observed the effects of demographic characteristics (age, sex, alcohol consumption, and smoking) and complications (hypertension and diabetes) on the interactive association of TSBP1 polymorphisms with CHD susceptibility. rs139993810 was related to the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, p = 0.030). ConclusionsOur findings determined the association of TSBP1 rs9268368, rs3749966, and rs3129941 with CHD occurrence in the Chinese Han population, and highlighted the influence of demographic characteristics and complications on the interactive association of TSBP1 polymorphisms with CHD risk.

The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS): psychometric properties and application on preschoolers.

The concept of oral health related to quality of life involves the impact that oral health has on an individual's well-being. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was developed to measure the impact of oral health problems on the lives of children and their families. To evaluate the psychometric properties of ECOHIS applied to mothers of preschool children and estimate the influence of demographic characteristics, caries experience, and plaque index on the ECOHIS score. The fit of ECOHIS to the data was assessed by confirmatory analysis. Chi-square for degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) were used. Reliability was estimated by the ordinal coefficients alpha (α) and omega (ω). The factorial invariance was estimated by the difference in CFI (ΔCFI). Comparisons of the ECOHIS mean scores according to the demographic characteristics, caries experience, and plaque index was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A total of 371 children participated in the study. Mothers' mean age was 33.0 (SD = 7.04) years. The ECOHIS presented a good fit to the data (χ2/df = 4.31; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.09) and a strict model invariance. Children without caries and from higher income class had lower oral health impact. The data obtained with the ECOHIS were valid, reliable, and invariant. Children with caries experience and from lower income families had a greater impact of oral problems.

Does the age of compensation committee members matter for CEO compensation?

AbstractResearch Question/IssueWe examine the impact of the age of compensation committee (CC) members on CEO compensation. Sociological theory suggests that age is a significant demographic factor influencing behavior. We argue that monitoring intensity increases with age because older directors are more likely to commit to their fiduciary duties.Research Findings/InsightsUsing FTSE 350 firms for the period 2002 to 2017, we find that CC members' age is negatively associated with the level of CEO pay but positively associated with pay–performance sensitivity after controlling for risk aversion attitude, experience in board monitoring, knowledge of the firm, and other firm and CEO characteristics. The relationships remain robust to alternative measures for age and compensation, using two‐stage least squares and high‐dimensional fixed effects models. Consistent with the view that older individuals tend to hold higher ethical standards and concomitant closer monitoring, we find that age effects are sensitive to the influence of ethical factors and are strongest for those firms for which intense monitoring is most needed. This suggests that age operates via older directors carrying out their roles more assiduously. We further show that our findings are less likely to be driven by director reputational effects, and the relationship between CC member age and CEO compensation persists even when we control for multiple dimensions of culturally inherited attributes of the CC members.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsDespite the large literature on the influence of demographic characteristics on corporate governance, this study is the first on the monitoring effect of CC members' age. It contributes to the literature on the influence of demographic characteristic. It also contributes to the literature on CEO compensation by identifying a demographic factor—age—as a determinant of CEO pay, after controlling for the economic and corporate governance variables of the firm.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study highlights the role of demographic factors in explaining the monitoring of the CEO compensation contracting process and provides timely evidence on the recent regulatory changes.

Vaccine confidence in New Zealand: understanding the influences of demographic characteristics and patient self-advocacy

ABSTRACT Based on uncertainty management theory, this study examined the extent to which demographic factors and patient self-advocacy predict COVID-19 vaccine confidence in New Zealand. Based on a nationally representative sample of 1852 New Zealanders, the results revealed various demographic factors and belief in one’s ability to get vaccinated were significant predictors of vaccine confidence. Additionally, patient self-advocacy was a significant predictor of confidence, with individuals who seek out more information having more confidence and those who are more prone to nonadherence to provider instructions having less confidence. Implications for uncertainty management theory, vaccine confidence, patient self-advocacy, and public communication campaigns during pandemics are discussed.

Personality correlates of social attitudes and social distance.

Previous studies have shown that personality traits (i.e., openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) relate to prejudicial attitudes. However, one of the aspects of prejudice is social distance; its association with personality traits was overlooked by previous studies. Therefore, this study examines the connection between the Big Five personality traits and social distance toward certain social groups. Participants from the general population were recruited through leaflets, the institutional webpage, Facebook, and through the project recruitment website and assessed via paper-and-pencil or online form. A total of 214 participants were included (of whom 68.2% were women and the mean age was 32.65, SD = 11.27, range 18-72) who completed the Bogardus Social Distance Scale and the 44-item Big Five Inventory questionnaire. The results showed a relationship between social distance, agreeableness, and openness to experience. Agreeableness seems to lower the social distance toward all studied groups. In comparison, openness to experience seems to lower the social distance towards groups that evoke more polarized attitudes in the majority (e.g., migrants). Furthermore, the influence of demographic characteristics (i.e., age, education level, and gender) is also significant. This study shows that personality is significantly related to social distancing and expression of prejudicial attitudes. In particular, agreeableness and openness to experience have different effects on social distance and attitudes towards different groups. Further implications are discussed.