Predictors Of Use Research Articles

E-cigarette devices used on school grounds

IntroductionPreliminary evidence suggests adolescents use e-cigarettes in school. However, little is known about the types of devices that are used in schools, where they are used, and who uses them. Knowledge about these issues is critical to inform school regulations. MethodsCross-sectional surveys were conducted in 6 Connecticut high schools in 2019. Adolescents reported on current use (past 30-day use) of the following e-cigarette devices inschool: JUUL, any pod system other than JUUL, vape pens, disposables, mods, and on deviceuse in different locations: class, bathroom, hallways, outside on school grounds, and other school locations. Separate binary logistic regressions investigated predictors of use (demographics and past month use frequency of each device) in school for each device. ResultsOverall, 45.0% of current users (N = 1447) used e-cigarettes at school. Among users of each device, prevalence of current use at school varied by device with 45.7% reporting JUUL use, 41.3% other pod use, 34.6% vape pen use, 38.3% disposables use and 27.3% mod use. Current users used devices in bathrooms (75.1%), followed by outside on school grounds (52.2%), classrooms (45.7%), hallways (38.8%) and other school locations (11.7%). Greater e-cigarette past month use frequency for each device was associated with device use in school. ConclusionsThis study is the first to examine use of specific e-cigarette devices in schools and demonstrates that e-cigarette use frequency predicts school use. Despite rules against vaping, e-cigarette use remains prevalent in many school locations, suggesting alternative strategies such as prevention and e-cigarette education are needed.

The use of dietary supplements by patients in the pre-operative period in the Czech Republic.

Background The prevalence of dietary supplement use in the pre-operative period ranges from 4.8 to 80%. According to the Food and Drug Administration, some dietary supplements may show side effects before, during and after surgery. Objective The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement use in patients before surgery at University Hospital Hradec Kralove and the predictors of use. The secondary aim was to determine patient awareness regarding the correct use of and possible risks associated with dietary supplements. Setting University Hospital Hradec Kralove. Methods Between March 2017 and June 2018, a cross-sectional study focused on patients in the pre-operative period in different departments at University Hospital Hradec Kralove was conducted. The questionnaires were anonymous and entirely voluntary. The obtained data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and a regression model in Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS version 24. Main outcome measure The prevalence and predictors of dietary supplement use in patients before surgery. Results 256 questionnaires were returned (a response rate of 77.41%). 111 dietary supplements were used by a total of 42% of the respondents in the 30-day period prior to surgery. Patients with a higher probability of dietary supplement use included patients with urogenital (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2, 12.1), otorhinolaryngological (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1, 13.8) and musculoskeletal health problems (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1, 13.8). The proportion of dietary supplement users increased with the number of drugs taken concomitantly, with the probability of use being more than three times higher compared with non-dietary supplement users (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2, 9.4). A total of 45.8% of the respondents thought there was no risk associated with their current use of dietary supplements and drugs. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of dietary supplement use in hospitalized patients, with independent predictors being comorbidity and polypharmacy. No official recommendations or guidelines exist for physicians and anaesthesiologists in the Czech Republic which focus on patients that use dietary supplements in the pre-operative period. National guidelines focusing on dietary supplement use in the pre-operative period would be appropriate.

Patient and Procedural Factors Impacting Discharge on New Anticoagulation After Below Knee Arterial Bypass

Patient and Procedural Factors Impacting Discharge on New Anticoagulation After Below Knee Arterial Bypass

Use of modern contraceptives among advanced-level secondary school girls in the Rukwa Region, Tanzania, 2018

To determine contraceptive uptake, reasons for non-use and predictors of use. We conducted a cross-sectional study among girls in advanced-level secondary schools in the Rukwa region of Tanzania. Using probability proportional to size (PPS), we recruited a random sample of 660 girls out of 1447-targeted participants. A tool for data collection was a questionnaire. Data analyses included univariate analysis to describe study participants and Poisson regression analysis to assess the effect of independent factors to the dependent variable. A 5%-level of significance was used in multivariate analysis. More than 40% of the girls report being sexually active and only 25% reported current use of modern contraceptives. The main reported main method being use of male condoms (93%). Barriers for non-use of contraceptives included fear of side effects, fear of being perceived or labeled as promiscuous, inadequate knowledge about contraceptives and for religious reasons. The predictor for using modern contraceptives was attending class sessions about modern contraceptives. Although girls in advanced-level secondary schools are sexually active, the use of modern contraceptives is still low. Girls report several barriers frustrating their intention to use contraceptives, mainly based on misconceptions and lack of knowledge.

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The article shows the possibility of assessing the level of recreational transformation of public green spaces in terms of the soil penetration resistance and proved that the profile distribution of soil penetration resistance values is an information valuable indicator for establishing the level of recreational load. The measurement of soil penetration resistance within the park Novooleksandrivsky (Melitopol, Ukraine) was performed at 179 points on a quasi-regular grid with a distance between the points of accounting 30–40 m. The soil penetration resistance was revealed to be naturally increases with the growth of the depth of the soil layer from 2.42±0.023 MPa in the soil layer 0‒5 cm to 9.86±0.078 MPa in the soil layer 95‒100 cm. The process of increasing soil penetration resistance with depth is not monotonous, resulting in the presence of local penetration resistance at a depth of 50‒55 or 55‒60 cm. The variability of soil penetration resistance within one layer, which is described by the variation coefficient, is in the range of 6.98‒20.54%. This indicator naturally changes by profile. The high level of variation is peculiar to the top layer of soil 0‒5 cm, where the coefficient of variation of soil penetration resistance is 12.94 %. It is proved that under the influence of recreation there is a formation of functional layering of soil, expressed in the existence of structures in which layers of soil with greater soil penetration resistance are degraded by layers of less penetration resistance. The presence of such features can cause a complex of negative phenomena, which are associated with restriction of moisture penetration into the soil, reducing the migration capacity of air in the soil, limiting the growth of root systems of plants and the movement of animals. Functional layering can form local waterproof horizons that will limit the soil’s ability to absorb moisture. Correlational analysis of the connection of soil penetration resistance and the indicator of recreational load allowed to establish that with the increase of recreational pressure soil penetration resistance increases. The established correlational dependence of soil penetration resistance indicators and the assessment of the level of recreational load allows us to consider the possibility on the basis of penetration resistance data to quantify the level of recreational load. We completed this task with the help of multiple linear regression with the procedure of step-by-step inclusion of predictors in the model. The regression model is statistically significant and has made it easy to explain 46% of the varying indicators of recreational load. The step-by-step inclusion procedure provided an opportunity to choose the 10 most informative predictors for use in the model. The following levels of recreational load were established: low level, below moderate, moderate level, above moderate to high levels, as well as the procedure for indication of these levels based on soil penetration resistance data at different depths. The levels of recreational load were indicated on the basis of the procedure of classification trees on the soil penetration resistance data

P1129Bipolar voltage cut-off validation in electroanatomical voltage mapping to identify scar and conduction channels in ventricular tachycardia ablation: need for new cut-off in NICM

Abstract Background/Introduction Substrate-guided techniques have changed the approach and results of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation and electroanatomical voltage mapping (EAVM) constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic cornerstone in this field. In current practice normal myocardium is typically characterized by bipolar voltage > 1.5 mV, dense scar < 0.5 mV, and border zone (BZ) tissue by the range between 0.5 to 1.5 mV. Of note, evidence for these cut-off values has been derived in humans from small observational studies and in animals. Furthermore, some studies suggest that only the 60% of not transmural endocardial scars and the 35% of not endocardial scars are detected without any adjustment of these values. New voltage cut-off values are needed. Purpose The purpose of this study is to adjust voltage cut off in order to establish the threshold that more accurately define the pathological substrate in VT ablation. Additionally, predictors of usefulness of current thresholds are analyzed. Methods EAVM were created with CARTO3 System and Sensor-Force catheter (Navistar Smart-Touch and Pentaray). We delineated the conducting channels by analyzing the late potentials activation. Based on these channels we looked for the best cut-off values to detect these channels. We describe the baseline characteristics, the best cut-off values for border zone and scar core in our series and we analyzed the accuracy of the current established values to detect the arrhythmogenic VT substrate Results We investigated 51 patients (74,5% males; 41,2% ischemic cardiomyopathy, mean LVEF 38,6% +/-13,6) with sustained monomorphic VT submitted to ablation during 2016 and 2017. The range of the voltage adjustment was from 0,01-1 mV for core area and 0,2-6mV as maximum, with an average of 0,31-1,42mV. Using currently accepted bipolar voltage cut-off <0.5 mV the core scar was correctly identified in 80,4% of patients: 90,4% in ischemic and 73,3% in NICM. Regarding BZ, using classical cut off (0.5-1.5mV) only 56,9 % of the cases were well identified: interestingly, accuracy was worse in NICM (46,6%) than in ischemic patients (71,4%) (p = 0,07). Conclusions EAVM is very important to detect scar and channels in VT ablation, but several elements can affect it and recently the traditional voltage values have been questioned. Our study suggests how the threshold as currently applied in daily practice could be acceptable to detect the core scar area, but it has to be reconsidered in NICM, especially regarding the border zone. An evident trend (p = 0,07) suggests a better accuracy of current values to define VT substrate in ischemic patients than in NICM. Abstract Figure. Channel Identification

Twitter as a promising microblogging application for psychiatric consultation – Understanding the predictors of use, satisfaction and e-health literacy

BackgroundThe use of social media is widespread globally. It provides a quicker and faster means of efficient exchange of communications. The use of Twitter Applications to seek mental health advice is becoming popular. ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the determinants associated with Twitter use in psychiatric consultations and to assess the level of satisfaction in using the microblogging platform. In addition, the level of e-health literacy is also assessed among users. MethodsThe target population included Twitter users seeking psychiatric consultation. A leading psychiatrist's twitter account with 4.5 million followers was selected and consent obtained. A validated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire was adopted to assess the level of satisfaction in Twitter use and e-health literacy. The questionnaire was tagged to the chosen Twitter account and reminders were sent until the sample size was reached. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. The analysis included descriptive statistics tabulation, multi-response analysis, and cross-tabulation for satisfaction variables and the chi-square test was used to measure association between different variables. ResultsThe study obtained 155 completed response sheets, of which 52 were Twitter users seeking psychiatric advice while the rest sought general health advice. Most of the study participants were females (71.6 %). Women, single status and income range between 4000–9000 Saudi riyal were found to be significantly associated with Twitter use for psychiatric consultation. Generally, most of the participants were satisfied with Twitter in seeking psychiatric consultation that reduced financial disbursement. Furthermore, concerns were expressed regarding the waiting period, word limitations and issues of privacy. The e-health literacy was higher among the participants. ConclusionPsychiatric consultations via Twitter is more popular among women. By addressing privacy issues and reducing response time, Twitter may be used as a major platform to deliver mental health services to the population.

Individual and contextual factors associated with the use of anti-slip devices according to a Swedish national survey

IntroductionWalking as a means of transportation can enforce a more active lifestyle and constitutes an environmentally friendly option to motor vehicles. However, in Northern countries, ice and snow tend to increase the risk of fall injuries among pedestrians during the winter. Therefore, the use of anti-slip devices, such as ice cleats or “studded footwear”, has been suggested as a viable intervention in promoting an active lifestyle whilst reducing injury risk. We investigate the usage of anti-slip devices, focusing on people 50 years and above living in Sweden. MethodWe used nationally representative survey data for men and women aged 18–79 years and residing in Sweden (n = 23,168), focusing primarily on middle-aged to older adults (50+ years). We used logistic regression to identify predictors of use. ResultsOverall, our estimates suggest that 28.5 (95% CI: 27.0, 29.2) percent of the Swedish population use anti-slip devices during snowy and slippery road conditions, with usage rates increasing strongly with age (from roughly 10 percent at 20 years to 60 percent at 79 years). In addition, the results show that being female, experiencing a fear of falling, living in a municipality with a high number of snow days, and using other types of personal safety equipment increases the probability of being an anti-slip device user. ConclusionsOur results imply that people at risk for outdoor fall injuries are high users. Even so, the number of pedestrian injuries due to slipping on snow and ice are still substantial and there are a several potential target groups for future intervention. More research is needed to determine if the devices are used correctly, and to determine the barriers to anti-slip device use in low-use populations.

Motives for Alcohol and Marijuana Use as Predictors of Use and Problem Use Among Young Adult College Students.

This study examined (a) differences between alcohol-only users and alcohol-marijuana co-users and (b) motives for use in relation to alcohol and marijuana use and problem use. Spring 2016 data among 1,870 past 4-month alcohol users (63.6% female, 69.1% White) from seven Georgia colleges/universities were analyzed cross-sectionally and with regard to problem use measured 4 months later. Correlates of co-use (n = 345; vs. alcohol-only use, n = 1,525) included greater alcohol and marijuana use frequency, problem drinking and marijuana use, and alcohol use motives (p's < .05). Controlling for covariates, alcohol use frequency correlated with greater marijuana use frequency and Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives, but lower Conformity alcohol use motives (p's < .001); greater Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives (p's < .01) predicted problem alcohol use. Marijuana use frequency correlated with greater Coping and Expansion marijuana use motives (p's < .05); greater Expansion marijuana use motives (p = .005) predicted problem marijuana use. College-based substance use interventions should target Coping and Self-enhancement alcohol use motives and Expansion marijuana use motives.

Complementary medicine practitioner consultations amongst 1,314 individuals with chronic conditions: Characteristics of users, reasons for and predictors of use

BackgroundThe complexity of chronic conditions challenges health systems and patients. Patients with chronic conditions often consult complementary medicine (CM) practitioners. Optimal care of chronic conditions requires understanding of the characteristics and consultation behaviours of these patients. MethodsCross-sectional survey (n = 2025 adults), broadly representative of the Australian population. Measures included sociodemographics, health status and health service utilisation. Data from participants with chronic conditions were analysed. ResultsOf the 1314 participants reporting chronic conditions, 38.4% consulted a CM practitioner. Significant differences were observed between participants who did/did not consult CM practitioners, across all sociodemographics and some health status items. The most reported reason for consultation was to support wellbeing. Predictors of consultation were younger age, employment, and private health insurance coverage for CM, however, predictors varied by profession consulted. ConclusionCM consultations amongst those with chronic conditions appear to be influenced by sociodemographic and economic factors, and quality of life needs.

Teleheath for ALS: Utilization and Predictors of Use by Patients (1378)

Teleheath for ALS: Utilization and Predictors of Use by Patients (1378)

Resident-Level Predictors of Dementia Pharmacotherapy at Long-Term Care Admission: The Impact of Different Drug Reimbursement Policies in Ontario and Saskatchewan: Prédicteurs de la pharmacothérapie de la démence au niveau des résidents lors de l'hospitalisation dans des soins de longue durée : l'impact de différentes politiques de remboursement des médicaments en Ontario et en Saskatchewan.

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are approved for Alzheimer disease in Canada. Regional drug reimbursement policies are associated with cross-provincial variation in ChEI use, but it is unclear how these policies influence predictors of use. Using standardized data from two provinces with differing policies, we compared resident-level characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy at long-term care (LTC) admission. Using linked clinical and administrative databases, we examined characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy use among residents with dementia and/or significant cognitive impairment admitted to LTC facilities in Saskatchewan (more restrictive reimbursement policies; n = 10,599) and Ontario (less restrictive; n = 93,331) between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2015. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to assess resident demographic, functional, and clinical characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy. On admission, 8.1% of Saskatchewan residents were receiving dementia pharmacotherapy compared to 33.2% in Ontario. In both provinces, residents with severe cognitive impairment, aggressive behaviors, and recent antipsychotic use were more likely to receive dementia pharmacotherapy; while those who were unmarried, admitted in later years, had a greater degree of frailty, and recent hospitalizations were less likely. The direction of the association for older age, rural residency, medication number, and anticholinergic therapy differed between provinces. While more restrictive criteria for dementia pharmacotherapy coverage in Saskatchewan resulted in fewer residents entering LTC on dementia pharmacotherapy, there were relatively few differences in the factors associated with use across provinces. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess how differences in prevalence and characteristics associated with use impact patient outcomes.

The use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in the US is infrequent and inconsistent.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer commonly develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and may not be adequately treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). To estimate the frequency of diagnostic testing for exocrine insufficiency, and appropriate use of PERT, in a commercially insured population in the US. We utilised a nationally representative administrative database representing 48.67 million individuals in over 80 US healthcare plans to assess testing for and treatment of exocrine insufficiency in patients who received a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (n=37061) or pancreatic cancer (n=32461) from 2001to 2013. We identified the details of any testing for exocrine insufficiency and PERT use. We defined appropriate PERT use as a dosage of ≥120000 USP units of lipase daily. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of appropriate use of PERT. In patients with chronic pancreatitis, 6.5% had any testing for exocrine insufficiency, 30.4% filled a prescription for PERT, and 8.5% were prescribed an adequate dose. In those with pancreatic cancer, 1.9% had testing for exocrine insufficiency, 21.9% filled a prescription for PERT, and 5.5% were prescribed an adequate dose. Number of comorbidities, testing for exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic surgery and duration of enrolment were independent predictors for use and appropriate dosing. Testing for exocrine insufficiency, and appropriate dosing of PERT in patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, is infrequent and inconsistent in an insured US population. Efforts are needed to educate medical providers on the best practices for managing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in these patients.

Side effect concerns and their impact on women\u2019s uptake of modern family planning methods in rural Ghana: a mixed methods study

BackgroundDespite availability of modern contraceptive methods and documented unmet need for family planning in Ghana, many women still report forgoing modern contraceptive use due to anticipated side effects. The goal of this study was to examine the use of modern family planning, in particular hormonal methods, in one district in rural Ghana, and to understand the role that side effects play in women’s decisions to start or continue use.MethodsThis exploratory mixed-methods study included 281 surveys and 33 in-depth interviews of women 18–49 years old in the Amansie West District of Ghana between May and July 2018. The survey assessed contraceptive use and potential predictors of use. In-depth interviews examined the context around uptake and continuation of contraceptive use, with a particular focus on the role of perceived and experienced side effects.ResultsThe prevalence of unmet need for modern family planning among sexually active women who wanted to avoid pregnancy (n = 135) was 68.9%. No factors were found to be significantly different in comparing those with a met need and unmet for modern family planning. Qualitative interviews revealed significant concerns about side effects stemming from previous method experiences and/or rumors regarding short-term impacts and perceived long-term consequences of family planning use. Side effects mentioned include menstrual changes (heavier bleeding, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea), infertility and childbirth complications.ConclusionAs programs have improved women’s ability to access modern family planning, it is paramount to address patient-level barriers to uptake, in particular information about side effects and misconceptions about long-term use. Unintended pregnancies can be reduced through comprehensive counseling about contraceptive options including accurate information about side effects, and the development of new contraceptive technologies that meet women’s needs in low-income countries.

Physician and Hospital Utilization of P2Y12 Inhibitors in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States: A Study From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry's Research to Practice Initiative.

Background Ticagrelor and prasugrel are potent P2Y12 inhibitors with superior efficacy compared with clopidogrel among patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), though use in recent practice is not well described. In this retrospective study, we assessed trends, predictors, and variation in use of P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with STEMI in the United States. Methods and Results We identified 169 505 STEMI patients in the Chest Pain-Myocardial Infarction Registry from October 2013 through March 2017. We determined national utilization rates of P2Y12 inhibitors at discharge, patient predictors for each medication, and variation in use between hospitals. In a subset of 9655 Medicare patients ≥65 years old, we compared 1-year adjusted risks of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and bleeding based on hospital quartile of potent P2Y12 inhibitor use. Rates of ticagrelor use increased from 18.0% to 44.0%, while rates of prasugrel and clopidogrel use decreased from 24.6% to 13.5% and 57.4% to 42.6%, respectively. Prior percutaneous coronary intervention was the strongest clinical predictor for use of ticagrelor (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09-1.18]) and prasugrel (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.21-1.34]) compared with clopidogrel. Predictors of clopidogrel use included no insurance, insurance with Medicare or Medicaid, and features associated with higher bleeding risk. The median hospital usage rate for newer P2Y12 inhibitors was 51.3% (interquartile range, 35.0%-65.9%), with substantial variation between hospitals (adjusted median odds ratio, 2.92 [95% CI, 2.77-3.10]). Among patients ≥65 years old, there were no differences in adjusted 1-year risks of adverse outcomes across hospital quartiles of potent P2Y12 inhibitor use. Conclusions Almost one-half of STEMI patients by 2017 were discharged on ticagrelor while far fewer received prasugrel. Patient characteristics are associated with P2Y12 inhibitor selection, though substantial hospital variation exists. Identifying barriers to use of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors may improve patient-centered decision-making for STEMI patients.

Association of income inequality with orthodontic treatment use

BackgroundIncome inequality has been associated with worse oral health outcomes and reduced dental care use. It is unknown whether income inequality may motivate people to seek orthodontic treatment. MethodsThis was a logistic mixed-effects model of deidentified claims from a private insurer in the United States with enrolled members having at least 1 orthodontic visit in the calendar year as the dependent variable. Total number of dental visits, age, and sex were individual-level covariates. Median household income, Gini coefficient, female population proportion, number of practicing dentists and orthodontists, population size, and population density were zip code-level covariates. ResultsA total of 1,860,709 people had at least 1 orthodontic claim. Adjusting for population demographics, the Gini index was significantly positively associated with orthodontic use for children but not for adults (odds ratio, 1.69 for children; P < .0001). Being female was the strongest predictor of orthodontic use for adults and was a significant predictor of use for children (odds ratio, 1.50 and 1.45, respectively; P < .0001). ConclusionsThe Gini index is associated with orthodontic use in children in a privately insured population. Individual characteristics are more predictive of orthodontic use among privately insured adults. Practical ImplicationsDemographic and economic traits of communities can affect oral health care use; effects on orthodontic use may be more dramatic than on other forms of oral health care.

Topical Hemostatic Agents in Gynecologic Surgery for Benign Indications.

Since a variety of procoagulant products, collectively called hemostatic agents, became available to surgeons in the mid-20th century, their use has increased across multiple specialties, including gynecology. Congruent with past research on the causes of regional variation in the practice of medicine, available evidence suggests that a central predictor for use of these products is physician preference rather than documented clinical necessity. Use of these products adds risks and avoidable cost. This article seeks to highlight specific gynecologic circumstances in which evidence and surgical judgment supports hemostatic agent use and other settings in which use should be reconsidered.

Provider general attitudes versus specific perceptions of evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD.

This study examined the role of attitudes toward evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) in predicting use of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), two EBPs for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among PTSD treatment providers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Providers' general attitudes toward EBPs, as well as their specific perceptions of PE and CPT, were examined as potential predictors of use. One hundred fifty-nine providers from 38 Department of Veterans Affairs' residential PTSD programs across the United States completed an online survey that included the predictors listed as well as self-reported use of PE on an individual basis and CPT on an individual and on a group basis. Although general attitudes toward EBPs were related to use of individually administered CPT, they were not related to use of PE or group-administered CPT. For each of the 3 treatments, however, specific positive perceptions were related to use. In examination of other training, skill, and delivery-related variables, general attitudes appear more in line with perceptions and delivery of CPT than PE. Perhaps this is because of the unique exposure component of PE. Assessing provider perceptions of specific EBPs may help providers in guiding their own practice as well as aid treatment developers, trainers, and administrators to more effectively tailor dissemination and implementation efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Herbal medicines: a cross-sectional study to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of use among Jordanian adults

IntroductionUnderstanding why adults resort to herbal medicine can help in planning interventions aimed at increasing awareness regarding herbal use. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and to determine factors for predicting the use of herbal medicine among Jordanian adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 378 older adults who were randomly selected from two different areas of Jordan. A questionnaire was used to gather data and validation criteria for validity and reliability of the content were tested by content and face validity in a panel of experts.ResultsFrom a total of 500 invited participants, 378 completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of the use of of herbal products in this study was high at 80.2%. Herbal medicines use was not associated with any demographic factors other than age (p < 0.05). Moreover, the only associated health-related characteristic was the patient’s disease state including, notably, hypertension (p < 0.05). Reasons for not using herbal medicines as reported by nonusers included mainly a lack of belief in their efficacy (52.2%). Another two important reasons were that the individuals believed themselves to healthy and have no need for their use (31.3%) and the unavailability of enough information about the herbal medicines (29.7%). Finally, the most common side effects as reported by patients in this study were nausea and vomiting (9.3%), and, to a lesser extent, skin rash (2.1%).ConclusionThere is a high rate of use of herbal medicines in Jordan, especially among hypertensive patients. Therefore, there is a need to establish effective herbal medicine policies and health education programs to discuss the benefits and risks of herbal medicine use, with the aim of maximizing patient-desired therapeutic outcomes.

Prevalence and Gender-Specific Predictors for the Use of Marijuana in the General Population of the Metropolitan Area of Lima, Peru: an Analysis of Contextual and Individual Factors

Marijuana is the illegal drug most consumed in Peru and gender-specific predictors have not yet been identified in the general population. This information will be relevant for increasing the knowledge of processes involved in marijuana use. This research has the objective of identifying gender-specific predictive factors for marijuana use in the general population of Lima. The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical, and used the database of the Study on Drug Prevention and Consumption in the General Population of Metropolitan Lima and Callao—2013. The sample consisted of 18,562 randomly selected participants from 12 to 65 years of age. Descriptive analyzes and logistic regressions were used for complex samples. In general, statistically significant differences were found between males and females in the last 12-month prevalence of marijuana use. For both genders, the perceived access to marijuana was the strongest predictor for marijuana use in the last year. In males, the age group of 30 to 65 years had protective effects against the use of marijuana. On the other hand, illegal drug use in the neighborhood, low risk perception of regular use of marijuana, and low risk perception of occasional use of marijuana were identified as risk factors. In females, the age groups of 19 to 29 years and 30 to 65 years were identified as protective factors. Furthermore, low risk perception of occasional use marijuana was determined as a predictor of marijuana use. The results show differences and similarities between males and females in identifying gender-specific predictors. These findings suggest the need to consider gender-specific risk factors in the design and implementation of preventive programs for marijuana use.