Psychosocial Predictors Research Articles

Demographic, psychosocial, and physical fitness predictors of successful graduation from U.S. Army Ranger School

ABSTRACT U.S. Army Ranger School is an arduous 64-day leadership training course designed to simulate the stressors of combat. Although physical fitness has been shown to be an important predictor of successful graduation for Ranger School, psychosocial characteristics like self-efficacy and grit have not been examined. The purpose of this study is to identify personal, psychosocial, and fitness characteristics associated with successful completion of Ranger School. This study was a prospective cohort examining the association of baseline characteristics of Ranger School candidates with a primary outcome of graduation success. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the contribution of demographics, psychosocial, fitness and training characteristics to graduation success. Out of 958 eligible Ranger Candidates, this study obtained graduation status for 670 students, 270 (40%) of which graduated. Soldiers who graduated were younger, more likely to come from units with a higher proportion of previous Ranger School graduates, had higher self-efficacy and faster 2-mile run times. The results from this study suggest that Ranger students should arrive in optimal physical conditioning. Furthermore, training programs that optimize student self-efficacy and units with a high proportion of successful Ranger graduates may confer advantage for this challenging leadership course.

Behavioral and psychosocial predictors of depression in Bangladeshi medical students: a cross-sectional study.

Depression, stress, and anxiety were found in a large number of medical undergraduate students, indicating a neglected aspect of their psychology that required immediate attention. The goal of this study was to find out the prevalence of depression among medical students, as well as potential psychosocial and behavioral predictors for depression. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2021 among 840 randomly selected medical students from four medical colleges using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed through the SPSS v.23 software. Multiple regression was performed to assess the effect of several behavioral and psychosocial factors on depression. Among the 840 study participants, 55.7% (n= 468) were female and 44.3% (n= 372) were male. According to the data, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, perceived stress among medical students was found to be 28.8%, 65% and 85% respectively. A strong link was found between depression and anxiety, stress, poor sleep quality, poor academic performance, and a negative social and romantic relationship status. A significant number of medical students are depressed. In order to prevent and treat depression, medical students should be screened for depression and its associated factors.

Psychosocial markers of age at onset in bipolar disorder: a machine learning approach.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and severe mental health disorder. Early stratification of individuals into subgroups based on age at onset (AAO) has the potential to inform diagnosis and early intervention. Yet, the psychosocial predictors associated with AAO are unknown. We aim to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO. Using data from the Bipolar Disorder Research Network UK, we employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO. Twenty-eight factors were entered into our model, with AAO as our outcome measure. We included 1022 participants with bipolar disorder (μ = 23.0, s.d. ± 9.86) in our model. Six variables predicted an earlier AAO: childhood abuse (β = -0.2855), regular cannabis use in the year before onset (β = -0.2765), death of a close family friend or relative in the 6 months before onset (β = -0.2435), family history of suicide (β = -0.1385), schizotypal personality traits (β = -0.1055) and irritable temperament (β = -0.0685). Five predicted a later AAO: the average number of alcohol units consumed per week in the year before onset (β = 0.1385); birth of a child in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.2755); death of parent, partner, child or sibling in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3125); seeking work without success for 1 month or more in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3505) and a major financial crisis in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.4575). The identified predictor variables have the potential to help stratify high-risk individuals into likely AAO groups, to inform treatment provision and early intervention.

P-512 A value-based healthcare approach: Health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in women with Premature ovarian insufficiency

Abstract Study question What are the consequences of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) on psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life (QOL)? Summary answer POI patients are at risk for mild to moderate depression. A multidisciplinary approach, embedded in a value-based healthcare setting, improves psychosocial wellbeing and QOL. What is known already POI is associated with an increased lifetime risk for depression and anxiety. Within the POI literature on QOL, few studies had set out to specifically and systematically examine QOL patterns and their physical and psychosocial predictors. Distinct aspects of POI such as the absence or presence of previous cancer diagnosis, concurrent unrelated health problems, vasomotor symptoms, and current treatment (e.g. fertility treatment or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) may impact upon different QOL domains. Study design, size, duration All women were seen according to a value-based healthcare clinical pathway which included annual visits to the first multidisciplinary expertise center for POI. Women with POI who visited the outpatient clinic between January 2020 and January 2022 were prospectively included. As part of these visits patients were asked to complete 6 questionnaires (BDI-II, GCS, FertiQoL, WAI, PROMIS and a general health questionnaire), once before their first visit and again after 6 and 12 months. Participants/materials, setting, methods In total 199 women between 17 and 60 years completed the first set of questionnaires, at the time of analysis 89 women also completed the questionnaires at 6 months and 55 women at 12 months. The time between POI diagnosis and the first visit ranged from 0 to 36 years. Data was analyzed longitudinally and patients who were using HRT were compared to the ones that did not use HRT. Main results and the role of chance Women with POI reported mean ± SD BDI-II score of 15.2 ± 9.5 at the first visit, which is classified as mild to moderate depression. Furthermore, 52.3% of the patients had a BDI-II score of 14 or higher, indicating mild to moderate depression. Over time the BDI-II score decrease significantly (p = 0.023). 111 women used HRT at the first visit, but there was no difference between the BDI-II score of women how already used HRT and those that did not use HRT. The GCS score also improved significantly over time (p < 0.001) especially between the first and second visit at six months, indicating that menopausal symptoms decreased over time with the biggest effect after the first visit. FertiQoL a questionnaire used to assess QOL in fertility patients showed an improvement of QOL over time, between the first visit and the second visit (p = 0.037). Limitations, reasons for caution At the time of the first visit women were at different stages of their life and disease, which could impact the outcome of the questionnaires about psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. Wider implications of the findings We want to underline the need for screening POI patients with specific questionnaires for psychosocial functioning and QOL. Furthermore, treating patients according to a value-based healthcare clinical pathway will significantly improve depression, menopausal symptoms and quality of life in patients with POI. Trial registration number N/A

Environmental and psychosocial predictors of breast cancer screening among women in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, North Central, Nigeria

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Although screening is a known cost-effective strategy for reducing its burden, uptake remains sub-optimal. This study was designed to determine environmental and psychosocial predictors to uptake of screening services among women in Gwagwalada area council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Psychosocial Predictors of Suicidal Ideation among School going Adolescents in Chennai

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (2020), Tamil Nadu ranked second in terms of student suicides in the country after Maharashtra. Student suicides spiked all over the country, contributing to 8.2% of deaths in India. It becomes necessary to understand predictive/risk and protective factors of Suicidal Ideation that might help in preventing adolescents from committing Suicide and empower them and their caregivers. The current study aims at understanding the influence of Emotional Intelligence, Quality of Interpersonal Relationships between parents and adolescents and Social Isolation on Suicidal Ideation among adolescents in Chennai. Furthermore, the study attempts to fill a relative dearth of culturally relevant studies. Earlier studies have suggested that Parenting, Interpersonal Relationships and Isolation were indicative of Suicidal Ideation while other studies posited that Emotional Intelligence was a protective factor against Suicidal Ideation. An ex-post facto research design was used for this research. Convenience sampling method was used to select samples from various schools across Chennai (n=196). The data was subjected to statistical analyses and the findings showed that dimensions of Emotional Intelligence and Quality of Relationships with parents showed strong relationships with Suicidal Ideation among adolescents. Regression analysis showed that Specific dimensions of Emotional Intelligence and Quality of Relationships with parents emerged as significant predictors of Suicidal Ideation. Keywords: Adolescence, Suicide, Parenting, Quality of Interpersonal Relationships, Isolation, Emotional Intelligence, Suicidal Ideation

Chronic Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis: Cross-Sectional Associations with Mental Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions and Childhood Maltreatment.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the rates of mental disorders, sexual dysfunctions and childhood maltreatment (CM) in women with endometriosis with either chronic pelvic pain (CPP) or minimal to no pelvic pain. Additionally, two models to predict a current mental disorder were tested, including pelvic-pain-related or psychosocial predictor variables. We examined 100 women with confirmed endometriosis (group CPP, n = 50; group NOPAIN, n = 50). Participants responded to a comprehensive questionnaire and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The Diagnostic Interview for Mental Disorders was used to assess mental disorders according to DSM-5 and to screen for sexual dysfunctions. The mean age was 28.8 ± 5.6 (CPP)/2.7 ± 6.3 (NOPAIN). Participants with CPP had higher rates of current mental disorders (p = 0.019), lifetime mental disorders (p = 0.006) and sexual dysfunctions (p < 0.001), but not CM (p = 0.074). In two binary-logistic regression analyses, a greater need for pain relief (aOR = 4.08, p = 0.026) and a sexual dysfunction (aOR = 2.69, p = 0.031) were significant predictors for a current mental disorder. Our findings confirmed the crucial role of pelvic pain for mental and sexual well-being in endometriosis. They highlight the need for pain relief and interdisciplinary care in the treatment of endometriosis.

Validation of Tools to Assess Predictors of Successful Weight Loss Outcome in Individuals With Overweight and Obesity

ObjectiveTo develop and validate questionnaires to assess the behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental predictors of successful weight loss outcomes. DesignMixed method study. Questionnaires were developed using 5 steps: item generation by literature review and preexisting questionnaires, expert evaluation, pilot testing, factor analysis, and internal consistency. SettingAdults with obesity recruited via web-based survey hyperlink. ParticipantsOne hundred participants with a mean body mass index of 28.7 ± 4.4 kg/m2. Variables MeasuredThe questionnaires were generated using 221 items. Establishing content, face and construct validity, and internal consistency. AnalysisContent validity was analyzed using content validity index and content validity ratio, internal consistency through Cronbach α (CA), and structural validity by factor analysis via principal varimax rotation. ResultsAll three questionnaires had good content validity. The Behavioral Predictor Questionnaire had good internal consistency (CA, 0.7) and excellent structural validity (69.7%). Psychosocial Predictors Questionnaire (CA, 0.8, 67.5%) and Environmental Predictors Questionnaire (CA: 0.8, 72.2%) had excellent internal consistency and structural validity. Conclusion and ImplicationQuestionnaires seem to be practical, valid, and reliable tools for baseline assessment of individual-specific factors related to weight loss success.

Experiences and psychosocial predictors of professional function among intensive care nurses under the shadow of Covid-19: A mixed-methods study.

BackgroundThe outbreak of the Corona virus (COVID‐19) pandemic led to a sharp rise in morbidity and hospitalizations, and a significant therapeutic burden fell on intensive care units (ICUs). Intensive care nurses reported physical and emotional stress in response to the extra workload caused by caring for critically ill COVID‐19 patients. However, at the time of publication of the study, to the best of our knowledge there have been no studies that examined uncertainty, stress, or hope in the context of functioning among intensive care nurses.AimTo examine: (a) the challenges of operating and managing intensive care units during the COVID‐19 pandemic among nurse managers in intensive care units, and (b) the relationships between uncertainty, stress, burnout, hope, and professional functioning among intensive care nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignThis mixed‐methods study was conducted in intensive care units (ICUs) at a large tertiary medical center in Israel, during February–May 2021.MethodsThe data were collected in two phases. In the first phase, qualitative data were collected from focus groups attended by 15 senior managerial nurses. The second phase involved a cross‐sectional study among 100 staff nurses working in 5 ICUs. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsQualitative data analysis revealed two main themes: (a) challenges of the COVID‐19 pandemic and (b) positive aspects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The nurses reported high levels of burnout, emotional stress and uncertainty, but moderate State Hope Scale scores, and moderate levels of professional functioning. There were no statistical differences in study variables by exposure to COVID‐19 patients. State Hope Scale levels, uncertainty, and burnout variables contributed significantly and explained 46% of the variance of the professional functioning.ConclusionsThe intensity of the experiences and psych‐social phenomena, is not affected by exposure to treatment of COVID‐19 patients. The relationships between the study variables emphasize the importance of initiated and ongoing interventions to reduce uncertainty, address burnout, and strengthen hope. Improvement in these indices may lead to better ICU nurses' professional functioning and their work life well‐being.

Association of perceived inequality, relative deprivation and loneliness with the trajectory of anger in university students

Objective To examine the trajectory of anger and its psychosocial predictors (i.e., perceived social inequality, relative deprivation, and loneliness) as well as its association with anxiety and depression. Participants/Method Students (N = 365) completed an online survey three times over a one-year period. Results Three trajectories of anger were identified by growth mixture modeling: low/stable (i.e., a low and stable anger over time; 88.0%), low/increasing (i.e., a low level of anger with an increasing trend; 6.7%), and moderate/decreasing class (i.e., a moderate level of anger with a decreasing trend; 5.3%). A greater perception of relative deprivation, but not of perceived social inequality, was associated with the low/increasing class. A greater level of loneliness was associated with the moderate/decreasing class. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were higher in the moderate/decreasing and low/increasing class than in the low/stable class. Conclusions These results suggest that interventions targeted at anger may benefit from addressing perceptions of relative deprivation and loneliness.

1491-PUB: Demographic and Psychosocial Predictors of Diabetes Risk and Glycemic Control in Hispanic/Latino Adults

In the U.S., Hispanic/Latino adults face a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) , in part due to biological factors, including poor glucose control, and diagnosis delays. Beyond biology, social and environmental factors account for majority of risk for T2D progression. In this study, demographic and psychosocial predictors of T2D diagnosis and glycemic control were evaluated among Hispanic/Latino adults with T2D (Morales et al., in BMC Endocrine Disorders, 2020) . T2D was reported by 83% of participants (N=187; 90% Mexican-origin) . Of those with T2D, 69% were female (vs. 47% without T2D) , average age was 58.8±10.2 years (vs. 52.7±12.1 years without T2D) , and 60% had HbA1c &amp;gt; 7%. Females with T2D had a weight of 165.4±31.9; males 172.3±26.3 lbs. (vs. 164.3±36.4 for females and 180.5±30.5 lbs. for males without T2D) . A categorical classification algorithm (Rokach &amp; Maimon, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery Handbook, 2010) identified T2D diagnosis as most strongly predicted by older age, lower weight, and greater perceived stress (Figure 1A) . Poor glycemic control was most strongly predicted by faith/spirituality, trust in physician, and depression symptomatology (Figure 1B) . T2D interventions for Hispanic/Latino adults should consider how demographic and psychosocial determinants differentially impact and perhaps even predict T2D risk, diagnosis, and glycemic control outcomes. Disclosure S.A. Fields: None. N.M. Glantz: Research Support; Abbott. D. Kerr: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Consultant; Evidation Health. Research Support; Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Glooko, Inc., Hi.Health.

Understanding posttraumatic stress trajectories in adolescent females: A strength-based machine learning approach examining risk and protective factors including online behaviors.

Heterogeneity in the course of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following a major life trauma such as childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can be attributed to numerous contextual factors, psychosocial risk, and family/peer support. The present study investigates a comprehensive set of baseline psychosocial risk and protective factors including online behaviors predicting empirically derived PTSS trajectories over time. Females aged 12-16 years (N = 440); 156 with substantiated CSA; 284 matched comparisons with various self-reported potentially traumatic events (PTEs) were assessed at baseline and then annually for 2 subsequent years. Latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM) was used to derive PTSS trajectories, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was used to investigate psychosocial predictors including online behaviors of trajectories. LGMM revealed four PTSS trajectories: resilient (52.1%), emerging (9.3%), recovering (19.3%), and chronic (19.4%). Of the 23 predictors considered, nine were retained in the LASSO model discriminating resilient versus chronic trajectories including the absence of CSA and other PTEs, low incidences of exposure to sexual content online, minority ethnicity status, and the presence of additional psychosocial protective factors. Results provide insights into possible intervention targets to promote resilience in adolescence following PTEs.

Psychosocial predictors of young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan: comparison of four models

AbstractTo create environments conducive to the wellbeing of workers, especially older workers, it is important to gain insight into ageism among young workers as a distinct segment in the workplace. However, this ageism remains unclear. This study explored the psychosocial predictors of discrimination against older Japanese workers by their younger male counterparts. Four models – Intergroup Contact Theory (ICT), Knowledge–Attitude–Behaviour Model (KABM), Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Frustration–Aggression Theory (FAT) – formed the basis of the study. All the models included positive and negative dimensions of stereotypes as mediators between predictors and discrimination. Data from 874 participants were obtained through a voluntary web survey for employees aged 25–39 years who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. A scale describing interactions with older workers (supportive, uncomfortable and avoidance), Facts on Ageing quiz, fears of being an older worker and a job dissatisfaction survey were employed to examine the hypotheses based on the above theories. The results supported the hypotheses based on ICT and FAT but not KABM. Higher supportive contacts were significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by a higher positive and lower negative dimension of stereotypes. Contacts characterised by higher discomfort were significantly related to higher discrimination mediated by a lower positive and higher negative dimension of stereotypes. Higher job dissatisfaction was related to higher discrimination mediated by lower positive stereotypes. Interestingly, higher fear of being an older worker was significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by higher positive stereotypes, contrary to the TMT-based hypotheses. Thus, ICT and FAT regarding ageism can explain young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan, which differs culturally from Western countries. Furthermore, the results of the study suggest that boosting the quality of interactions as well as reducing bad interactions with older workers contribute to lower discrimination.

0158 Risk perception, outcome expectancy, and treatment self-efficacy among women and men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Abstract Introduction Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line therapy for OSA. CPAP improves OSA severity, sleep architecture, and daytime symptoms. The effectiveness of CPAP, however, is limited to poor adherence. Individual's risk perception, outcome expectancy, and treatment self-efficacy predict CPAP adherence. CPAP adherence also differs by sex. However, it is unknown if predictors of CPAP use are different for women and men. We thus assessed sex differences in risk perception, outcome expectancy, and treatment self-efficacy among those with OSA. Methods Individuals enrolled to date (target n=267) in the NICEPAP study (NCT05067088), a prospective, observational cohort examining predictors of CPAP adherence, were included. Adults newly diagnosed with OSA prescribed CPAP therapy were included, while those with a need for non-CPAP therapy or unstable medical conditions (e.g., cancer receiving chemotherapy, severe lung, heart, or mental health disorders) were excluded. The exposure was sex. Co-primary outcomes were sub-scale scores from the Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea (SEMSA) tool: Perceived Risk, Outcome Expectancies, and Treatment Self-Efficacy before starting CPAP. In addition, we assessed a comprehensive set of established psycho-social and biomedical CPAP adherence predictors using validated measures. SEMSA sub-scale scores for males and females were compared using Kruskal-Wallis statistics. Results We analyzed data for 33 females and 19 males. Females and males were 52 (41.0, 60.5) and 52 (35.0, 58) years old respectively (median [Q1, Q3]). Ten of 33 females and 4 of 19 males were Black with majority of others being White. The apnea-hypopnea index was 17.0 (9.1, 27.0) and 19.0 (13.3, 38.4), Epworth sleepiness scale and insomnia severity index scores were 9.0 (5.0, 12.0) &amp; 15.0 (11.0, 18.0) and 6.0 (4.0, 9.0) &amp; 17.0 (8.0, 19.5) for females and males respectively. There were no statistical differences in scores of Perceived Risk 2.4 (1.6, 2.9) vs 2.1 (1.8, 2.5) (p=0.717), Outcome Expectancies 2.8 (2.3, 3.4) vs 3.3 (2.4, 3.5) (p=0.371) or Treatment Self-Efficacy 3.1 (2.3, 3.7) vs 3.1 (2.0, 3.5) (p=0.977) for females vs. males. Conclusion We found no statistically significant differences in determinants of self-efficacy between women and men. Our findings may reflect a small sample size recruited to date or that self-efficacy of CPAP therapy is independent of sex. Support (If Any) This work was supported by Parker B. Francis Foundation and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH (1K23HL159259-01).

Problematic utilization of online social networking site in Chinese college students: prediction of personality and dynamic mediators.

Utilization of online social networking sites (SNSs) is often problematic in young people. However, studies seldom seek to understand personal differences and deep-seated reasons in its problematic utilization. This study aims to explore the longstanding and recent psychosocial predictors of problematic utilization of WeChat friend center (PUWF) longitudinally. A total of 433 college students (17–25 years old, male/female ratio: 389/44) were investigated over 2 successive years (T1: first year; T2: second year) using the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the problematic utilization scale of the WeChat friend center which was developed in this study. Correlation, regression, and structural equation analyses were conducted. A problematic utilization scale of the WeChat friend center was developed with Cronbach’s alpha of .836. 21.02% of students reported WeChat PUWF. Males utilized the WeChat friend center less than females, and females were at higher risk of PUWF, which was correlated with worse mental health. In the longitudinal prediction, regression and modeling analyses showed that apprehension of personality predicted PUWF consistently and directly, and this was partially mediated by T1 depression and T2 negative life events. Resultys suggest that females are at higher risk for PUWF. Apprehension personality has a direct and indirect effect on PUWF through recent depression and life events. The findings help to recognize individuals at risk for PUWF as well as to better prevent it, and provide suggestions as to the functional design of SNSs according to different need of users. Core tips: Utilization of SNSs is often problematic in young people. However, personal differences and deep-seated reasons in its problematic utilization has been poorly revealed. Through a longitudinal investigation, this study confirms that females are at higher risk for PUWF. Apprehension personality has a direct and indirect effect on PUWF through recent depression and life events. The findings help to recognize individuals at risk for PUWF and give theoretical evidence to the functional design of SNSs for diferent users.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03150-7.

Predictors of E-cigarette and Cigarette Use Trajectory Classes from Early Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood Across Four Years (2013-2017) of the PATH Study.

This study examines predictors of trajectories of cigarette and e-cigarette use among a cohort of US adolescents transitioning into young adulthood. Comparing trajectories of each tobacco product is important to determine if different intervention targets are needed to prevent progression to daily use. Latent trajectory class analyses identified cigarette and e-cigarette use (never, ever excluding past 12-month, past 12-month (excluding past 30-day (P30D)), P30D 1-5 days, P30D 6+ days) trajectory classes, separately, among US youth (12-17; N = 10,086) using the first 4 waves (2013-2017) of data from the nationally representative PATH Study. Weighted descriptive analyses described the class characteristics. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyses examined demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral predictors of class membership. Younger adolescents 12-15 years had lower tobacco use compared to 16-17 year olds and less stable classes. In the 16-17 year group, there were five unique trajectories of cigarette smoking, including a Persistent High Frequency class. Four e-cigarette use trajectories were identified; but not a persistent use class. Shared predictors of class membership for cigarettes and e-cigarettes included mental health problems, other tobacco use, marijuana use, and poorer academic achievement. Male sex and household tobacco use were unique e-cigarette trajectory class predictors. There was no evidence that initiation with e-cigarettes as the first product tried was associated with cigarette progression (nor cigarettes as first product and e-cigarette progression). Interventions should focus on well-established risk factors such as mental health and other substance use to prevent progression of use for both tobacco products. Using nationally representative data and definitions of use that take into account frequency and recency of use, longitudinal 4-year trajectories of e-cigarette and cigarette use among US adolescents transitioning into young adulthood were identified. Results among 16-17-year olds revealed a class of persistent high frequency cigarette smoking that was not identified for e-cigarette use. Cigarette use progression was not associated with e-cigarettes as the first product tried. Risk factors for progression of use of both products included mental health and other substance use, which are important prevention targets for both tobacco products.

The First Year After Military Service: Predictors of U.S. Veterans’ Suicidal Ideation

Little is known about predictors of military veterans' suicidal ideation as they transition from service to civilian life, a potentially high-risk period that represents a critical time for intervention. This study examined factors associated with veterans' suicidal ideation in the first year after military separation. A national sample of U.S. veterans (N=7,383) from The Veterans Metrics Initiative Study reported on their mental health, psychosocial well-being, and demographic/military characteristics in an online survey at 3 and 9 months after separation. Cross-validated random forest models and mean decrease in accuracy values were used to identify key predictors of suicidal ideation. Bivariate ORs were calculated to examine the magnitude and direction of main effects associations between predictors and suicidal ideation. Data were collected in 2016/2017 and analyzed in 2021. In the first year after separation, 15.1% of veterans reported suicidal ideation. Endorsing depression symptoms and, to a lesser extent, identifying oneself as experiencing depression, were most predictive of suicidal ideation. Other psychopathology predictors included higher anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Psychosocial well-being predictors included higher health satisfaction and functioning, community satisfaction and functioning, and psychological resilience. Logistic models performed similarly to random forest models, suggesting that relationships between predictors and suicidal ideation were better represented as main effects than interactions. Results highlight the potential value of bolstering key aspects of military veterans' mental health and psychosocial well-being to reduce their risk for suicidal ideation in the first year after separation. Findings can inform interventions aimed at helping veterans acclimate to civilian life.

Cohort profile: The Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG): a long-term prospective study to understand the psychosocial, environmental, health and behavioural predictors of weight loss and regain in patients who have bariatric surgery

PurposeThe Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG) prospective study cohort was created to address limitations in the literature regarding the relationship between surgical weight loss and psychosocial, health, behaviour and environmental...

Cross-sectional study of COVID-19 knowledge, beliefs and prevention behaviours among adults in Senegal

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore COVID-19 beliefs and prevention behaviours in a francophone West African nation, Senegal.DesignThis was a cross-sectional analysis of survey data collected via a...

Vocational and psychosocial predictors of medical negligence claims among Australian doctors: a prospective cohort analysis of the MABEL survey

ObjectiveTo understand the association between medical negligence claims and doctors’ sex, age, specialty, working hours, work location, personality, social supports, family circumstances, self-rated health, self-rated life satisfaction and presence of...