Main Socio-demographic Factors Research Articles

Workplace violence against female healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWorkplace violence (WPV) is highly prevalent in the health sector and remains a major occupational issue causing significant harm, ranging from bodily and psychological harm to death. Female healthcare workers...

Perception of Animal Welfare and Animal Abuse among Veterinary Students: Role of Individual and Sociodemographic Factors.

Animal welfare and animal abuse, although measurable, exhibit a high degree of subjectivity that conditions how they are perceived and the level of sensitivity. Both elements are influenced by individual and sociodemographic factors. To determine the perception of animal welfare among veterinary students and to study the main sociodemographic factors influencing the assessment of animal welfare. To evaluate animal welfare perception at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, a 20-question survey was deployed via the Google Surveys platform. Distributed across all academic years, it was facilitated with QR codes located within the faculty premises. The data collection occurred from November 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022. A total of 223 students responded the questionnaire about perception of animal abuse, which represents 56.3% of the total enrollment in the academic year 2022-2023. Sensitivity to animal welfare, including academic training on how to respond to animal abuse, increased as students progressed through their studies. However, as students approached the end of their studies, they became less willing to make voluntary efforts. The profile of the veterinary student least sensitive to animal abuse appeared to be men without dogs who reside in rural habitats and have family members involved in hunting or fishing. We propose the implementation of intensive courses on animal welfare throughout the veterinary curriculum, along with an understanding of the veterinarian's role in reporting animal abuse. This approach aims to foster a foundation of critical awareness and commitment to animals.

Barriers and outcomes of therapeutic communication between nurses and patients in Africa: a scoping review

BackgroundTherapeutic communication (TC) promotes effective patient care, emotional wellbeing, and improves patient outcomes. The purpose of this review was to synthesise evidence on barriers and outcomes of TC between nurses and patients in Africa and to inform future studies and systematic reviews.MethodsSearch for the records was done in four major databases including PubMed, Science Direct, PubMed CENTRAL, and JSTOR. Additional searches were done in Google Scholar and Google. Results and findings from published studies and grey literature were included. A total of 16 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. This scoping review followed the guidelines by Askey and O’Malley.ResultsBarriers associated with TC were grouped under five main themes: sociodemographic factors, patient-related factors, nurse-related factors, environmental and health service-related. Age, and religious beliefs were the main sociodemographic factors that hindered TC while stress and inadequate knowledge and skills were identified among the nurse-related barriers to TC. Extreme weather conditions and mosquito infestation were environmental factors while lack of access to TC educational programmes on TC was a health service-related factor that interfered with TC. Both positive and negative outcomes of TC were also identified.ConclusionContinuous professional development on TC is necessary to improve nurses’ attitudes and update their skills to enable them to render culturally competent nursing care to patients.

Psychache status and associated contributing factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China

BackgroundLittle is known about the state of psychological distress of the elderly in China, and research on specific subgroups such as Hakka older adults is almost lacking. This study investigates psychache and associated factors among Hakka elderly in Fujian, China.MethodsThe data analysed in this study were derived from China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. The Chinese version of the Psychache Scale (PAS) was used to assess the frequency and intensity of psychache in Hakka older adults. Generalized linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the main socio-demographic factors associated with psychache overall and its frequency and intensity.ResultsA total of 1,262 older adults participated, with mean scores of 18.27 ± 6.88 for total PAS, 12.50 ± 4.79 for PAS-Frequency and 5.77 ± 2.34 for PAS-Intensity. On average, females scored higher than males on PAS-Frequency (β = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.34, 1.35) and PAS-Intensity (β = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.73). Older adults currently living in towns (β = -2.18, 95% CI = -2.81, -1.54), with their spouse only (β = -3.71, 95% CI = -4.77, -2.65), or with children (β = -3.24, 95% CI = -4.26, -2.22) were more likely to score lower on PAS-Frequency. Conversely, older adults who were regular sleepers (β = -1.19, 95% CI =-1.49, -0.88) or lived with their spouse only (β = -1.25, 95% CI = -1.78, -0.72) were more likely to score lower on PAS-Intensity.ConclusionAmong Hakka elderly, we found a higher frequency and greater intensity of psychache in females, those with poor health status, irregular sleepers, rural residents, solo dwellers, those with below CNY 10,000 in personal savings, and the medically uninsured. The study’s findings indicate that policymakers should give more attention to the susceptible population and implement practical interventions to reduce their psychological burden.

Perception of Animal Abuse among Adolescents: Influence of Social and Demographic Factors.

Animal welfare is inherited in each society, shaped by the surrounding environment and upbringing of each individual. This influence becomes particularly significant during adolescence. Due to its cultural context, Spain is among the European Union nations with the highest number of cases of animal abuse. The Canary Islands, the scenario of this study, show the highest rates of intentional poisoning of wildlife and pets' abandonment. The aim of the present study was to explore the perception of animal welfare among adolescents, studying the influence of the main socio-demographic factors that may condition it. A validated questionnaire on animal abuse was used and distributed to adolescents aged 14-18 years in two public study centers. Animal abuse rates were correlated with socio-demographic variables. In total, 302 subjects answered the questionnaire. The perception of animal welfare was influenced by socio-demographic variables, gender being the most important. The demographic profile of the least responsive adolescent to animal abuse was a male engaged in sports, not owning a dog, and hailing from a family involved in hunting. Awareness should be raised at an early age, promoting artistic activities, encouraging contact with animals and sporting practices that do not generate a lack of empathy for animals.

Socio-demographic factors’ influence on the energy-saving behaviour of residential consumers: Evidence from Romania

In the context of various attempts to regulate energy consumption and educate consumers in the spirit of sustainable behavior, this paper aims to identify the role of the main socio-demographic factors on the decision to adopt measures to reduce consumption and save energy. Many studies have approached similar topics, but correlating their conclusions, it can be deduced that psycho-socio-demographic factors interact differently from one country to another, depending on the economic and political context of the moment. From the fact that in the former communist countries, the severe political regime subjected the population to very restrictive living conditions, based on deprivations that led to the formation of a traditional saving behavior and, on the other hand, considering the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that shape the young generation in the spirit of sustainable society, the authors aimed to study the correlation between socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, professional status, income) and consumption and energy saving behavior at residential level, in an ex-communist state, Romania. For this purpose, quantitative research was carried out based on the answers of 865 subjects to the questionnaire distributed at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest and in the immediate environment to the members of the university community, using convenience sampling. Using descriptive statistical indicators and linear regression techniques, the intensity of correlation between selected variables was determined and the degree of differentiation of the purchasing and use behavior of green-label household appliances was analysed, as well as the population’s availability to adopt some energy-saving methods. Although the sample is not representative, the conclusions are that measures to reduce energy consumption must be voluntary and stratified, depending on the nature of social and demographic factors.

Behavioral Determinants of Childhood Obesity in the United States: An Exploratory Study.

Childhood obesity is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing effective interventions to prevent and treat childhood obesity. The purpose of this study is to provide an update on factors related to childhood obesity in the United States. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) survey to assess factors associated with childhood obesity among US children aged 12 to 17 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Data were analyzed using R studio (4.3.2). A total of 12,836 respondents were enrolled in this study. Among them, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity was found to be 17.66%, 11.21%, and 1.76%, respectively. Respondents with a BMI over 25 were mostly male (17.63%) and of White race (32.77%). The main sociodemographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being 14 or 15 years old, male, non-White, having a history of alcohol or marijuana consumption, and not practicing physical activity. These findings can inform targeted interventions for prevention and management. This research sheds light on critical sociodemographic factors related to childhood obesity in the U.S., highlighting its complexity. The findings emphasize the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle behaviors, such as substance use and physical inactivity, on obesity rates among youth. These insights are crucial for developing targeted interventions. Addressing these factors offers a real chance to enhance future health outcomes, and underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that include both health education and broader community support to instill healthy habits early on. In addition, unexpected results concerning vegetable consumption and the omission of genetic and familial data suggest areas for further research.

Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Evaluated by Antibody Response in a Sample of Workers from the Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy.

Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection risk are still debated. This case-control study aims to investigate the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, evaluated through antibody response, and the main sociodemographic, occupational, clinical-anamnestic, and biochemical factors in a population of Modena province (Northern Italy), mainly workers. Both workers who voluntarily joined the screening campaign proposed by companies and self-referred individuals who underwent serological testing were enrolled. Subjects with antibody positivity were recruited as cases (n = 166) and subjects tested negative (n = 239) as controls. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data was administered through telephone interviews. Serum zinc/iron/copper/chromium/nickel, vitamins D/B12, folates, triglycerides, and LDL/HDL/total cholesterol were measured. Cases lived more often in urban areas (61.8% vs. 57%). Cases and controls did not differ significantly by working macrocategories, but the percentage of workers in the ceramic sector was higher among cases. Low adherence to preventive measures in the workplace was more frequent among seropositives. Folate concentration was significantly lower among cases. Therefore, adequate folate levels, living in rural areas, and good adherence to preventive strategies seem protective against infection. Workers in the ceramic sector seem to be at greater risk; specific factors involved are not defined, but preventive interventions are needed.

Prevailing Types of Loneliness in the Modern Transforming Society

Relevance. In modern society, loneliness is facing society as one of the urgent problems. This is not just a complex phenomenon in the life of an individual, it also has a huge social significance that requires in-depth analysis by sociology and philosophy. The development of high technologies and artificial intelligence has made people more isolated from each other, and often virtual communication completely replaces interpersonal communication in real life. This leads to the emergence of the problem of virtual communication, which, in turn, has an ambiguous effect on the problems of loneliness in each individual. The purpose is the study of the phenomenon of loneliness in the transforming social conditions of modern society. Objectives: To determine the essence of loneliness in modern society; to determine the types of loneliness and the social conditions of their formation in modern society; to analyze the social factors of loneliness in the modern world. Methodology. . The research was conducted on the basis of a systematic approach within the framework of structural functionalism using universal scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis and generalization. Results. The main results are presented as follows: within the framework of this article, a study was conducted with the help of which we typologized the types of loneliness and characterized the main causes of loneliness. Conclusions. Using a sociological survey, we determined that the main socio-demographic factors influencing feelings are age, level of education and population density. Also, urbanization and dependence on social networks have a strong impact on loneliness.

Adherence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Slovenian Adults and the Elderly.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered a model for good health, and is promoted worldwide as one of the healthiest dietary patterns. Despite the MD's health benefits, the literature suggests that adherence to the MD tends to be in decline in most populations worldwide, including those in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to the MD, and its main sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, in the Slovenian population. Using a nationwide cross-sectional food consumption survey (SI.Menu), data were collected from a general questionnaire, from the 14-item MD adherence screener (14-MEDAS score), and from a questionnaire on the dietary habits of 850 adults and elderly people. The mean MEDAS score for the total study sample was 5.6 (SD 2.1), indicating a low adherence to the MD among the Slovenian population. The adherence to the MD was higher among women (OR = 1.534; 95% Cl 1.156-2.034), those with a university degree (OR = 1.527; 1.098-2.125; compared to those with no university degree), those who lived in a suburb or city (OR = 1.511; 1.016-2.249; OR = 1.568; 1.122-2.191; compared with those who lived in a village), non-smokers (OR = 1.561; 1.380-1.830; compared with smokers), and those who lived in the western part of Slovenia (OR = 1.558; 1.170-2.074; compared with those who lived in eastern Slovenia). Adherence to the MD in the Slovenian population is low, and is strongly related to educational level, gender, geographic region, place of residence, and smoking status. The frequency of the consumption of different food groups is also closely related.

Sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically assess the main sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents. All studies related to adolescents' weight perception were retrieved from seven databases from January 2001 to July 2022. A total of 13 Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords were used to identify qualified studies, and reference lists included in the retrieved studies were manually searched to identify potentially relevant publications. Two evaluators independently assessed the eligibility and extracted data of each study. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) risk of bias evaluation tool was used to evaluate the quality and bias risk of included studies. RevMan (version: 5.3) software was used to conduct heterogeneity test and meta-analysis. A total of 12 studies, published between 2003 and 2020, were selected and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, consisting of 325,367 adolescents from five countries. The risk of bias evaluation indicated that risk of bias was low in five studies and moderate in seven studies. The results of meta-analysis showed that there were no differences in the weight perception accuracy among adolescents under different gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-1.15, p = 0.940), place of residence (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.83-1.16, p = 0.800), grade (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 0.68-4.42, p = 0.250), and family economic level (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86-1.02, p = 0.140). Egger's linear regression showed that there was no significant publication bias in the primary analysis. The current analysis indicates that gender, place of residence, grade, and family economic level were not identified as influencing factors for adolescents' weight perception accuracy. Due to the limitations of the review and included studies, more robust trials are warranted in different social and economic environments to confirm our findings.

Correlation between patient satisfaction and experience in primary care facilities: A cross-sectional study in China

In China, promote the utilization of primary care is a significant way to relieve the shortage of medical resources, and to enhance the overall health-seeking efficiency. Patients' satisfaction with services provided in primary care facilities highly decided whether they choose them again. To identify the key patient experience domains driving overall satisfaction with primary care from patients’ perspectives, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey for data collection, using a convenience sampling from July to August, 2021. The primary independent variable was scores measured by Chinese Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT-C) to quantify patient experience at primary healthcare clinics (PHCs). And the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18) was adopted to measure patient satisfaction, the dependent variable, to show patients attitude towards service in PHCs. Covariates were main socio-demographic factors. Multi-variable linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the correlation between patients’ experience and their satisfaction. Finally, a total of 1989 qualified questionnaires were reserved. The continuity dimension showed the strongest relationship with overall satisfaction (coef. 0.014 [95% CI 0.012 to 0.016], P=0.000), followed by the Coordination and Community orientation dimension. The Comprehensiveness and Family-centered dimension also made a statistically significant difference. Besides, age, region, working status, and annual family income all played a role in influencing patient satisfaction. In Conclusion, In China, satisfaction with primary healthcare may be improved by upgrading patient experience. Build up longitudinal relationship and enhance service quality of primary care to strengthen the service continuity may be the most effective way to promote patient experience. Moreover, positive correlation between patient overall satisfaction and primary care coordination, comprehensive, family centered, as well as community orientation indicate continuous efforts on these aspects to achieve a higher level of satisfaction, and further to promote the utilization of primary care.

Factors Determining Not Returning to Full-Time Work 12 Months After Mild Ischemic Stroke

ObjectiveTo evaluate prevalence and factors determining not returning to full-time work 1 year after first-ever mild ischemic stroke. DesignProspective, observational cohort study with 12-month follow-up. SettingStroke units and outpatient clinics at 2 Norwegian hospitals. ParticipantsWe included 84 (N=84) full-time working, cognitively healthy patients aged 70 years or younger who suffered an acute first-ever mild ischemic stroke, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤3 points. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresVascular risk factors, sociodemographic factors, stroke localization, and etiology were recorded at inclusion. Cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and apathy 12 months after stroke were assessed with validated instruments. Logistic regression analyses were performed to find correlates of not returning to full-time employment. ResultsOf 78 patients assessed 1 year after stroke, 63 (81%) had returned to work, 47 (60%) to full-time employment status. Modified Rankin scale score >1 (adjusted odds ratio, 12.44 [95% confidence interval, 2.37-65.43], P=.003) at follow-up was significantly associated, and diabetes (adjusted odds ratio, 10.56 [95% confidence interval, 0.98-113.47], P=.052) was borderline significantly associated with not returning to full-time work. Female sex, NIHSS at discharge, anxiety per point on the anxiety scale, depression per point on the depression scale, and fatigue per point on the fatigue scale were significantly associated with not returning to full-time work after 1 year, but these associations were only seen in the unadjusted models. ConclusionsLow functional level that persists 12 months after stroke is related to not returning to full-time work. Patients with diabetes mellitus, female patients, and patients with a higher score on fatigue, anxiety, and depression scales may also be at risk of not returning to full-time work post stroke. Working patients should be followed up with a particular focus on factors determining participation in work and social life.

Sociodemographic and Socioeconomic Factors Influencing the Body Mass Composition of School-Age Children.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the components of overweight, obesity, and body mass components among children aged 7 to 13 years against important sociodemographic factors. The analyses considered 315 school-age children from 7 to 13 years of age (164 boys and 151 girls). Each subject was assessed for body weight and height, body weight category, and main sociodemographic factors. Body mass components of body mass (body-fat percentage (BFP), muscle tissue, fat-free mass (FFM), and total body water (TBW) levels) were evaluated using the electrical bioimpedance method (BIA) and the TANITA 780 MC analyzer. A statistical analysis showed significant differences between the body composition of children living in cities in relation to children living in small towns and villages, and no significant differences were found between the results of children living in small towns and children living in villages. The presence of statistically significant differences between the values of the parameters of body composition of the studied children was demonstrated depending on the level of education of their fathers. The presence of statistically significant relationships between BMI of mothers and BFP of their children (p = 0.003), FFM (p = 0.003), muscle tissue (p = 0.001), and TBW (p = 0.001) has been demonstrated. The higher content of adipose tissue in children is strongly dependent on the higher BMI and body mass category of the mother, as well as the lower level of education of the father. The place of residence also significantly affects both the body fat content and the total body water content of body hydration. Living in the city is associated with better body composition.

Mental health status and associated contributing factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China.

PurposeLittle is known about the mental health of the Hakka elderly. This study explores the status of, and factors associated with mental health among Hakka elderly populations from Fujian, China.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, community-based survey study containing a total of 1,262 valid samples. The Chinese version Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was used to assess the mental health status of the Hakka elderly. We used t-tests to compare the differences for 10 dimensions of SCL-90-R scores between the Chinese national norm and the Hakka elderly. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed by using linear regression analysis to identify the main socio-demographic factors that were most predictive of the total score of SCL-90-R in the Hakka elderly.ResultsThe scores of somatization (1.78 ± 0.55 vs. 1.40 ± 0.46, P < 0.001) and phobic anxiety (1.21 ± 0.36 vs. 1.17 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) for the Hakka elderly in Fujian appeared to be significantly higher than the Chinese norm. The higher total scores of SCL-90-R were found among females (β = 0.030, P = 0.044), widowed persons (β = 0.053, P = 0.021), those with parent(s) alive (β = 0.047, P = 0.019), and those with poorer self-rated health status (β = 0.110, P < 0.001). The lower total scores of SCL-90-R were found among those who were currently living in town, those with lower education level, those with higher average annual household incomes, and those who were living with spouse or children.ConclusionThe worse mental health conditions of the Hakka elderly in somatization and phobic anxiety were detected. The overall mental health status was shown to be worse among females, widowed persons, those who were living in village, those with lower education, and those with father or/and mother alive.

Educational Gardens and Climate Change Education: An Analysis of Spanish Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions

Educational gardens are powerful outdoor learning environments to address the subject of climate change and foster climate action. Using an online questionnaire, this study examines the influence of the main sociodemographic and academic factors, and the role of connectedness to nature, on the perception of educational gardens as contexts of climate change education (CCE) among Spanish preservice teachers (PSTs). The sample consisted of 889 PSTs enrolled in 9 university campuses of Spain. The statistical analyses performed evidenced that women are more likely to use educational gardens than men and that there is a progressive decrease in the positive perception of PSTs about the usefulness of gardens for CCE as the educational level at which they are being trained increases. Statistics also revealed that the variable connectedness to nature and the rating of the importance of educational gardens in CCE are not significantly related. Nevertheless, the Mann–Whitney U test indicated that PSTs who scored higher on connection to nature wished to broaden their knowledge of sustainable agriculture and, thus, connectedness to nature could be considered a predictor of environmental attitudes, each influencing the other. Based on these findings, recommendations for PSTs’ training in the CCE context are provided.

Sociodemographic factors related to low quality of life scores in adolescents in a Northeastern city in Brazil: an analysis using the Whoqol-Bref / Factores sociodemográficos relacionados com a baixa qualidade de vida dos adolescentes de uma cidade do Nordeste do Brasil: uma análise utilizando o Whoqol-Bref

Objective: To investigate the quality of life, as well as to analyze the main sociodemographic factors associated with low quality of life scores in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed with 13,850 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years of both sexes, enrolled in public high schools. Quality of life was assessed by Whoqol-bref. Sociodemographic factors were investigated using a specific questionnaire. Results: The average frequency of global QOL was 58%, being lower in domain IV (49%), compared to domain I (51.78%), domain II (61.57%) and domain III (68.71%). Lower QOL scores were observed among female adolescents (OR=1.23, CI95%: 1.15-1.32), night shift students (OR=1.24, CI95%: 1.03-1.44) and full-time (OR=1.35, CI95%: 1.23-1.48). Conclusion: Low quality of life is very common among Brazilian high school adolescents. Domain I and IV have the lowest frequency. Lower QOL scores were associated with female gender, night shift, and full-time school shift. Our results seek to collaborate with the development of public policies aimed towards progress in the QOL of this population group.

Effects of personalized invitation letters on research participation among general practitioners: a randomized trial

BackgroundParticipation of general practitioners is crucial for health care studies. However, recruiting them is an ongoing challenge and participation rates of general practitioners around the globe are often low. One feasible and cost-efficient approach to potentially enhance participation rates among general practitioners are personalized invitation letters, since they may increase one’s attention to and appreciation of a study. Still, evidence whether this method actually affects participation is scarce and ambiguous in relation to physicians.MethodsWe undertook a randomized trial in a sample of general practitioners from three German states in the context of a large, observational study on physicians’ coordination and uptake of recommended cardiovascular ambulatory care. An intervention group (n = 757 general practitioners) received a personalized invitation to participate in the observational study, the control group (n = 754 general practitioners) received a generic invitation. Both groups were blinded to group assignment. Eventual participation rates as well as the number and types of responses overall were compared between arms. Besides the main intervention, sociodemographic and geographical context factors were considered as well.ResultsThe overall participation rate among physicians was 2.6% (2.8% in the intervention group and 2.4% in the control group). No statistically significant effect of personalization on participation of physicians was found (relative risk to participate when receiving a personalized invitation of 1.17 [95%-CI: 0.62, 2.21]). However, the number of responses to the invitation varied significantly between the geographical regions.ConclusionsPersonalization of first written contact alone did not improve research participation among general practitioners, which was overall very low.Trial registrationThe study in which the trial was embedded has been registered prospectively at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under registration number DRKS00019219.

Implantación de una prueba rápida de infección estreptocócica: ¿su uso también mejora la adherencia antibiótica?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of the result of a rapid streptococcal antigen test in paediatric pharyngotonsillitis infections, in terms of improvement of antibiotic therapy adherence. DesignRandomized community clinical trial with two study groups. LocationPrimary Care Centers in Central Catalonia. ParticipantsPatients aged from 3 to 15 years, who were attended at paediatric consultations on suspicion of pharyngotonsillitis caused by an infection between November 2010 and February 2011 (both included), were included in the study on a consecutive basis. 557 patients met the inclusion criteria and 519 were evaluated. InterventionThe control group received the usual diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm. Rapid streptococcal antigen test was additionally performed to experimental group participants and it was indicated the more convenient treatment. Main measurementsAntibiotic adherence, non-adherence causes and socio-demographic risk factors were evaluated via telephone survey. ResultsAntibiotics were prescribed to 65.6% and paediatricians of the control group were more likely to prescribe antibiotic than the ones in the intervention group (88.5% vs 45.5%, p< 0.0001). 64.8% followed doctor's treatment orders, being failure following medication scheduling the main cause of non-adherence (25.6%). Medication adherence was higher in the experimental group (68%) than in the control group (62.9%) but no significant differences were found. ConclusionRapid strep test, complementing the use of Centor Criteria avoids unnecessary antibiotics prescriptions, but had not been proven to be effective in increasing medication adherence.

Mass SARS-CoV-2 serological screening, a population-based study in the Principality of Andorra.

BackgroundAndorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees attracting millions of visitors for tourism, mostly associated with skiing, and nature-related activities. As its neighbouring countries, Spain and France, it has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the entire country by universal serological testing under a lockdown environment.MethodsA total of 77,543 inhabitants of Andorra were invited to participate in the study. From 4-28 May, 2020, two cross sectional serological surveys were conducted using a rapid serological test (nCOV IgG/IgM) on a finger prick blood sample in 59 drive-through or walk-through checkpoints, all over Andorra. We calculated seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and analysed the main sociodemographic factors associated with being seropositive.Findings70,494 inhabitants (90.9% of the population) participated in at least one survey. Overall seroprevalence was 11.0%. The most affected age groups were those over 90 years old (15.2%) and 80-89 (13.8%), followed by adults 50-59 (13.6%) and adolescents 10-19 (13.7%). Most seropositive participants, 6,061 (95.1%), were asymptomatic before the surveys. The multivariable analysis showed that the odds of being seropositive was higher among seasonal workers (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.07-5.45) or in the population living in La Massana region, a popular ski-related area (OR 2.66; 95% CI 2.44-2.89). A higher seroprevalence was observed in those familiar nuclei with greater numbers of cohabitants: 18% in families with 6 household members or more; 13% in medium size families (3/4/5 people) and 12% in small size (1 to 2 people) nuclei.InterpretationThe prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the population of Andorra was high during the first wave of the pandemic. Seasonal workers and inhabitants based in La Massana presented a higher seroprevalence. Mass antibody screening allows to identify infection hotspots and should contribute to the design of tailored interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Andorra.FundingAndorran Ministry of Health, Andorran Health Services.