Personal Risk Research Articles

Patterns and correlates of traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and moral injury in U.S. health care providers late in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Providing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a high mental health burden for health care providers. This study examined patterns of responses and correlates of class membership across commonly assessed mental health symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and moral injury for providers in the United States in Fall 2022. A convenience sample of 1,504 primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who had been in practice for three or more years (Mage = 46.1 years, SDage = 11.3, 58% male) completed self-report measures in an online, opt-in panel survey from September to November 2022. Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: No/Low Symptoms (64.8%), High Moral Injury (19.9%), and Elevated Symptoms (15.2%). Several factors were correlated with class membership including age, sex, social support, personal risk of COVID-19, pandemic-related work stressors, proportion of COVID-19 patients seen at the height of the pandemic, and death of a patient due to COVID-19. This study found high levels of mental health symptoms, and problems with psychosocial functioning and moral injury in health care providers well past the pandemic's peak. The results also demonstrated the importance of considering the unique contribution of moral injury to psychosocial functional difficulties experienced by health care providers during the pandemic given their defined role as essential workers. These findings have implications for preventing and managing mental health problems and burnout among providers postpandemic as well as for future pandemics at both the organizational and individual levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Research on the Development and Influence of Internet Supply Chain Finance on Enterprises

In todays digital era, the evolution of internet supply chain finance presents trans-formative opportunities and challenges for enterprises worldwide. This research explores the development and influence of Internet supply chain finance on enterprises, examining its impact on financial management, operational efficiency, and strategic competitiveness within supply chain networks. The study delves into the growing adoption of Internet supply chain finance solutions by enterprises seeking to optimize working capital, streamline transaction processes, and enhance collaboration with suppliers and partners. As digital technologies reshape traditional finance practices, understanding the implication of Internet supply chain finance becomes imperative for businesses navigating complex global supply chains. A comprehensive literature review synthesizes existing knowledge on internet supply chain finance. Preliminary findings suggest that Internet SCF offers significant advantages to enterprises, including improved liquidity management, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced supply chain resilience. However, challenges such as personal security risks and integration complexities underscore the need for strategic planning and technological readiness. By elucidating the development and influence of internet SCF on enterprises for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars in the field of supply chain finance and digital transformation.

Perceptions of sustainable human resource management (SHRM) and personal risk: Findings from the Pilot Study.

The aim of this article is to explore how SHRM (Sustainable Human Resource Management) practices and personal risk management are interpreted by managers across different organisational contexts, and to identify challenges and barriers to implementing these practices. The study focuses on a variety of SHRM approaches in diverse organisational contexts, highlighting the impact of company size, managerial experience, and organisational culture. It also explores the challenges associated with both long-term and short-term SHRM goals and underscores the need for a better understanding and communication of these practices within organisations. The study is based on a qualitative individual in-depth interview (IDI) methodology. The results of the study highlight the importance of adapting and understanding the unique aspects of each organisation to effectively implement SHRM. The article contributes to the literature by highlighting the need for further research into holistic SHRM models, the management personal risk, the use of new technologies, and the development of advanced measurement methods.

Well-informed or misinformed? News-Finds-Me perception in shaping sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behavioral intentions among Chinese women

The News-Finds-Me (NFM) perception reflects individuals’ belief of being well-informed even without actively seeking out news on social media. Despite studies examining the NFM perception in political and COVID-19 contexts, its implications in specific health contexts and the underlying mechanisms toward behavioral outcomes remain largely unexplored. Through a nationwide online survey of Chinese women residing in both rural and urban areas, this study revealed a positive association between the NFM perception and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) misperceptions, as well as an overassessment of factual knowledge. Furthermore, this study identified the mediating roles of knowledge miscalibration and SRH misperceptions linking the NFM perception to SRH behavioral intention. Notably, the relationship between the NFM perception and knowledge miscalibration was contingent upon individual differences in optimism regarding personal risks related to SRH diseases. The findings of this study not only extend the negative implications of the NFM perception in the SRH context and behavioral outcomes but also provide practical guidelines for promoting effective health learning in the contemporary algorithm-driven information environment.

Analysis of Personal Privacy Risks and Protection Countermeasures under the Privacy Paradox Dimension

Analysis of Personal Privacy Risks and Protection Countermeasures under the Privacy Paradox Dimension

A machine learning-based prediction model for delayed clinically important postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery

BackgroundDelayed clinically important postoperative nausea and vomiting (CIPONV) could lead to significant consequences following surgery. We aimed to develop a prediction model for it using machine learning algorithms utilizing perioperative data from patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery. MethodsAll 1154 patients in the FDP-PONV trial were enrolled. The optimal features for model development were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and stepwise regression from 81 perioperative variables. The machine learning algorithm with the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC) was determined and assessed. The interpretation of the prediction model was performed by the SHapley Additive Explanations library. ResultsSix important predictors were identified. The random forest model showed the best performance in predicting delayed CIPONV, achieving an ROCAUC of 0.737 in the validation cohort. ConclusionThis study developed an interpretable model predicting personalized risk for delayed CIPONV, aiding high-risk patient identification and prevention strategies.

To Leave or Stay During the COVID-19 Crisis: Exploring the Impacts of CSR Motives on Employee Distrust and Turnover Intentions

ABSTRACT In response to the increasing prominence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the interplay between employees’ perceived CSR motives, distrust in their employer, perceived crisis controllability, and turnover intention. Using a structural equation model and data from a survey of 740 U.S. employees, our findings indicate that intrinsic CSR heightens employees’ distrust in their organization, whereas extrinsic CSR reduces it. This distrust intensifies employees’ turnover intentions. Employees’ perceived crisis controllability, a personal risk assessment of the situation, mediates the relationship between employee distrust and turnover intention. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

COASTing Through Bedside Report: An Innovative Approach to Safe Transitions of Care.

Bedside shift report improves patient satisfaction, peer accountability, communication, and decreases safety events. Clinical practice of bedside report varied prior to the pandemic. Due to limited personal protective equipment and exposure risk, bedside report was halted during the pandemic. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was used to guide this project. To standardize communication during bedside report, safety data and literature were reviewed and grouped by themes. The acronym COAST was developed, consisting of code status, oxygen, access, safety, and tubes/drains. These elements were to be discussed at the bedside during handoff. Compliance with completing elements of COAST increased during the pilot, 9- and 12-month sustainment periods. Additional safety-related outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation wristband application, falls, and good catches improved. Notably, overtime declined. A bedside report with standardized communication focusing on safety elements can improve compliance with adoption and patient safety outcomes.

High prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among children in Nkwen village, Northwest Region, Cameroon

BackgroundIn endemic locations, asymptomatic malaria is a major contribution to the rise in clinical malaria. In order to achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission, control programmes should take into consideration carriers of asymptomatic malaria parasite. Hence, the purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Nkwen village.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional and community-based design, conducted between June and December 2022, a total of 246 children were enrolled after obtaining informed and signed consent from parents and/ or guardians. To collect data, pre-tested, closed-ended, structured questionnaires were used, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information gathered. A digital thermometer with infrared forehead capability was used to take participants’ body temperature, providing precise measurements and respondents with temperature < 37.5 °C, and not presenting any symptoms or indicators of malaria were included in the study, ensuring the focus on asymptomatic cases. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and screened for the presence of asymptomatic parasitaemia using blood smear microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data was entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet and analysed using SPSS version 23 software. Logistic regression models were carried out to explore the risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria at household and individual levels and statistically significant association was considered at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsA total of 246 healthy children were examined for asymptomatic malaria infection using microscopy and PCR. Of the examined children, 65.9% (162/246) were malaria positive by PCR while 59.3% (146/246) were malaria positive by microscopy. Considering both diagnostic methods, females had a greater prevalence of asymptomatic malaria than males. In logistic analysis, the risk of developing asymptomatic malaria was associated several factors: previous malaria episode (OR = 5.14; CI 2.94–9.01), family history of malaria (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21–6.74), homestead near swampy areas (OR = 3.56; CI 2.10–10.61), non-utilization of insecticide treated nets (OR = 4.36; CI 2.53–7.5), non-usage of indoor residual spray (IRS) (OR = 6.67; CI 3.75–11.86) and opened eaves (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21–6.74). No associations were established between asymptomatic malaria and the following factors: age group (p > 0.05), gender (p > 0.05) and type of wall construction (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe high rate of asymptomatic malaria in this study is a significant problem and may jeopardize the current malaria control effort. Personal and house-level risk factors were linked with asymptomatic malaria. Therefore, it should be considered when evaluating and restructuring more successful malaria elimination tactics to accomplish the intended goals of malaria control.

Eexploring the Role of Personality Traits and Risk Factors in Cognitive Test Anxiety among Medical Students

Background: Cognitive test anxiety is a prevalent issue among medical students, adversely affecting their academic and professional performance. The interplay between personality traits, past test experiences, and external pressures contributes to varying levels of anxiety, necessitating targeted interventions. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships between personality traits, past test experiences, external pressures, and cognitive test anxiety among medical students to identify significant predictors of anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 352 medical students aged 22 to 26 years. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across academic years and genders. Cognitive anxiety was measured using the Trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), while personality traits were assessed with the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI). A custom-designed questionnaire evaluated past test experiences and external pressures. Data were collected online and in-person, followed by statistical analyses using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and moderation analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. Results: Neuroticism (β = 0.45, p &lt; 0.001) and conscientiousness (β = -0.15, p = 0.003) significantly predicted cognitive anxiety. Past test performance history (β = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001) and perceived test difficulty (β = 0.40, p &lt; 0.001) were positively associated with anxiety. Females reported higher anxiety scores (70.1 vs. 65.2, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Neuroticism and external pressures significantly contribute to cognitive test anxiety among medical students. Managing these factors may effectively reduce anxiety and improve performance.

Older persons' knowledge of HIV and AIDS prevention in a province of South Africa.

Population ageing and access to antiretroviral therapy have resulted in an increase in the proportion of older people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, scant knowledge is available to inform the design of educational programmes to target these persons in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to examine how persons aged ≥ 50 years view their risk of contracting HIV, and the extent to which they are supported in preventing infection and are impacted by the HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Rural sites in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This study followed a qualitative design. Two focus group discussions with persons aged ≥ 50 years and interviews with two key informants were conducted at seniors' centres. Discussions were digitally audio recorded and the recordings were transcribed, and data were thematically analysed. Overall, awareness of the risk of older persons contracting HIV infection in this population was poor. Stigmatisation of the disease in the community and at health care facilities affected individuals' willingness to be tested for the virus and/or to disclose their status, if positive. Participants viewed HIV and AIDS education programmes as focussed on the youth and educational sessions for large groups were not helpful in stemming the epidemic. Dissemination of information on older persons' vulnerability to the disease, and education on HIV and AIDS tailored for and targeted at this age group have been relatively neglected.Contribution:Educational programmes on HIV, as well as productive channels and platforms to target older populations, particularly those with a low health literacy level are required.

Metabolomic Profiling of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Predicting Disease-Free and Overall Survival.

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant global health concern, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) offering preoperative benefits like tumor downstaging and treatment response assessment. However, identifying factors influencing post-NACT treatment response and survival outcomes is challenging. Metabolomic approaches offer promising insights into understanding these outcomes. This study analyzed the serum of 80 BC patients before and after NACT, followed for up to five years, correlating with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and a novel statistical model that avoids collinearity issues, we identified metabolic changes associated with survival outcomes. Four metabolites (histidine, lactate, serine, and taurine) were significantly associated with DFS. We developed a metabolite-related survival score (MRSS) from these metabolites, stratifying patients into low- and high-risk relapse groups, independent of classical prognostic factors. High-risk patients had a hazard ratio (HR) for DFS of 3.42 (95% CI 1.51-7.74; p = 0.003) after adjustment for disease stage and age. A similar trend was observed for OS (HR of 3.34, 95% CI 1.64-6.80; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of the MRSS. Our findings suggest the potential of metabolomic data, alongside traditional markers, in guiding personalized treatment decisions and risk stratification in BC patients undergoing NACT. This study provides a methodological framework for leveraging metabolomics in survival analyses.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales sepsis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: risk factors for 30-day all-cause mortality and the development of a nomogram based on a retrospective cohort

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a routine endoscopic procedure that is essential for diagnosing and managing various conditions, including gallstone extraction and the treatment of bile duct and pancreatic tumors. Despite its efficacy, post-ERCP infections – particularly those caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) – present significant risks. These risks highlight the need for accurate predictive models to enhance postprocedural care, reduce the mortality risk associated with post-ERCP CRE sepsis, and improve patient outcomes in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with CRE sepsis following ERCP and to develop a nomogram for accurately predicting 30-day mortality risk.MethodsData from 195 patients who experienced post-ERCP CRE sepsis between January 2010 and December 2022 were analyzed. Variable selection was optimized via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then employed to develop a predictive model, which was evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Internal validation was achieved through bootstrapping.ResultsThe nomogram included the following predictors: age > 80 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.61), intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 90 days prior to ERCP (HR 2.64), hypoproteinemia (HR 4.55), quick Pitt bacteremia score ≥ 2 (HR 2.61), post-ERCP pancreatitis (HR 2.52), inappropriate empirical therapy (HR 3.48), delayed definitive therapy (HR 2.64), and short treatment duration (< 10 days) (HR 5.03). The model demonstrated strong discrimination and calibration.ConclusionsThis study identified significant risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in patients with post-ERCP CRE sepsis and developed a nomogram to accurately predict this risk. This tool enables healthcare practitioners to provide personalized risk assessments and promptly administer appropriate therapies against CRE, thereby reducing mortality rates.

The development of prosocial risk‐taking behavior: Mechanisms and opportunities

AbstractMany young people are inclined toward risk taking and also toward helping other people. Prosocial risk taking is a term that can describe different ways that youth provide significant instrumental and emotional support to family members, friends, and strangers, even when it involves a personal risk. In this article, we review research about different types of prosocial risk taking and highlight examples, emphasizing a developmental perspective by examining change across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Research to date suggests that young people are more likely to engage in prosocial risk taking when they are more tolerant of uncertainty, have greater sensation‐seeking, perspective‐taking, and empathy, and when they are motivated by reputational concerns. Individual differences in prosocial risk‐taking behavior depend on youth's access to opportunities to explore, practice, and experience positive social feedback. Providing opportunities for youth to direct their risk‐taking tendencies toward prosocial outlets may help minimize risks to their psychosocial health and promote individual and community well‐being.

A personalised algorithm predicting the risk of intravenous corticosteroid failure in acute ulcerative colitis.

An episode of acute ulcerative colitis (UC) represents an important watershed moment in a patient's disease course. To derive a personalised algorithm for identifying patients at high risk of corticosteroid non-response from variables available at hospital presentation using a large prospectively collected acute UC patient database and machine learning-based techniques. We analysed data from 682 consecutive presentations of acute UC. We used an Akaike information criterion-based elastic net model to select variables based on the 419 earliest presentations of acute UC (1996-2017). We constructed two risk-scoring algorithms, with and without utilising additional endoscopic variables, using logistic regression models. We validated these risk scores on separate cohorts of 181 (2018-2022) and 82 (2015-2022) acute UC presentations. The partial risk of rescue (ROR) score included the admission indices of oral corticosteroid treatment, bowel frequency ≥6/24 h, albumin, CRP ≥12 mg/mL and log10CRP. The full ROR score incorporates the same variables with the addition of the Mayo endoscopic subscore and disease extent. The AUCs in the main validation cohort were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69-0.83) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71-0.85) for the partial and full ROR scores, respectively. These pragmatic personalised risk scores (available at www.severecolitis.com) have comparably strong performance characteristics and usability enabling the identification of individuals at high risk of corticosteroid non-response before or after endoscopic assessment. The ROR scores have the potential to challenge conventional acute UC treatment paradigms by identifying patients who may benefit from early rescue therapy or participation in relevant clinical trials.

Using polygenic risk modification to improve breast cancer prevention: study protocol for the PRiMo multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionEstablished personal and familial risk factors contribute collectively to a woman’s risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Existing clinical services offer genetic testing for pathogenic variants in high-risk genes to...

Ritual, Risk, and Danger: Avoidance Rituals among Antiquity Looters

This paper deals with the role of taboos and avoidance rituals as a means of psycho-cultural adaptation to taking personal risks among illicit antiquity looters in the Black Sea region of Turkey. My ethnographic fieldwork showed that antiquity looters indeed cared more about the possibility of being crushed by spiritual creatures than of being caught by law enforcement. Spiritual creatures, namely jinn, are the most unpredictable threats imagined by illicit antiquity looters. They force looters to perform rituals to mitigate the perceived danger, including temporary or permanent loss of sanity, loss of limb, or loss of life. The paper concludes that looters’ avoidance rituals play a functional role rather than a rational one, and they are performed to show that looters are willing to get along with a spiritual environment beyond their control.

Child Maltreatment and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Evidence suggests that child maltreatment (CM) is associated with an elevated risk of adult diseases in later life. Emerging evidence shows that CM in childhood is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood. However, no study has systematically examined the evidence. Hence, this review aims to synthesise the evidence on the association between forms of CM and MetS in adulthood. Electronic databases of CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, SOCINDEX, and Scopus were systematically searched using predefined key terms to identify relevant published studies on the association between CM and MetS from the beginning of indexing to 1st January 2024. Studies were included if they met the selection criteria. The quality of studies was appraised using suitable criteria for cross-sectional and prospective studies. The search revealed a total of 2411 studies. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings revealed that there was an association between physical abuse and MetS in women across two studies and one study in men. In addition, one study reported an association between emotional abuse and the risk of MetS in men, while two studies revealed increased odds with CM. However, no significant associations were reported between MetS and childhood sexual abuse and neglect, respectively. These findings suggest that some forms of CM may increase a person's risk of having MetS. However, there is a need for methodological improvements due to heterogeneity in studies, mainly on the assessment and definition of CM. Further research is needed on forms of CM and MetS to understand the underlying mechanisms of the associations found and to identify targeted strategies to prevent the impact of CM on MetS and subsequent future health.

Simulation of electric potential distribution and assessment of personal safety risks near grounding devices of urban high-voltage transmission line towers

Simulation of electric potential distribution and assessment of personal safety risks near grounding devices of urban high-voltage transmission line towers

Personality, Social Factors, Brain Functioning, Familial Risk, and Trajectories of Alcohol Misuse in Adolescence

The development of an alcohol use disorder in adolescence is associated with increased risk of future alcohol dependence. The differential associations of risk factors with alcohol use over the course of 8 years are important for preventive measures. To determine the differential associations of risk-taking aspects of personality, social factors, brain functioning, and familial risk with hazardous alcohol use in adolescents over the course of 8 years. The IMAGEN multicenter longitudinal cohort study included adolescents recruited from European schools in Germany, the UK, France, and Ireland from January 2008 to January 2019. Eligible participants included those with available neuropsychological, self-report, imaging, and genetic data at baseline. Adolescents who were ineligible for magnetic resonance imaging or had serious medical conditions were excluded. Data analysis was conducted from July 2021 to September 2022. Personality testing, psychosocial factors, brain functioning, and familial risk of alcohol misuse. Hazardous alcohol use as measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores, a main planned outcome of the IMAGEN study. Alcohol misuse trajectories at ages 14, 16, 19, and 22 years were modeled using latent growth curve models. A total of 2240 adolescents (1110 female [49.6%] and 1130 male [50.4%]) were included in the study. There was a significant negative association of psychosocial resources (β = -0.29; SE = 0.03; P < .001) with the general risk of alcohol misuse as well as a significant positive association of the risk-taking aspects of personality with the intercept (β = 0.19; SE = 0.04; P < .001). Furthermore, there were significant positive associations of the social domain (β = 0.13; SE = 0.02; P < .001) and the personality domain (β = 0.07; SE = 0.02; P < .001) with trajectories of alcohol misuse development over time (slope). Family history of substance misuse was negatively associated with general risk of alcohol misuse (β = -0.04; SE = 0.02; P = .045) and its development over time (β = -0.03; SE = 0.01; P = .01). Brain functioning showed no significant association with intercept or slope of alcohol misuse in the model. The findings of this cohort study suggest known risk factors of adolescent drinking may contribute differentially to future alcohol misuse. This approach may inform more individualized preventive interventions.