Random Digit Dialing Research Articles

Occupational Exposure to Diesel and Gasoline Engine Exhausts and the Risk of Kidney Cancer in Canadian Men.

IntroductionKidney cancer is the fifth most common incident cancer in Canadian men. Diesel and gasoline exhausts are common workplace exposures that have been examined as risk factors for non-lung cancer sites, including the kidney, but limitations in exposure assessment methods have contributed to inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between occupational gasoline and diesel engine exhausts and the risk of kidney cancer in men.MethodsThe National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System (NECSS) is a Canadian population-based case–control study conducted in 1994–1997. Incident kidney cancer cases were identified using provincial registries, while the control series was identified through random-digit dialing, or provincial administrative databases. Self-reported questionnaires were used to obtain information on lifetime occupational history and cancer risk factors. Two hygienists, blinded to case status, coded occupational histories for diesel and gasoline exhaust exposures using concentration, frequency, duration, and reliability. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) separately by exhaust type. The separate and combined impacts of both engine exhausts were also examined. ORs were adjusted for age, province, body mass index, occupational secondhand smoke exposure, and education.ResultsOf the kidney cancer cases (n = 712), 372 (52%) had exposure to both exhausts at some point, and 984 (40%) of the controls (n = 2457) were ever exposed. Workers who had ever been exposed to engine exhausts were more likely to have kidney cancer than those who were never exposed (OR diesel = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.99–1.53; OR gasoline = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.23–1.86). Exposure to gasoline exhaust was consistently associated with kidney cancer in a dose–response manner (P value for trends in highest attained and cumulative exposure both <0.0001). Those men with high cumulative exposure to both gasoline and diesel exhaust had a 76% increased odds of kidney cancer (95% CI = 1.27–2.43).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that occupational gasoline, and to a lesser extent, diesel exhaust exposure may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

What predicts threat perceptions toward people opposing to the government? A population-based study following Umbrella Movement, Hong Kong

We examined the incidence and predictors of threat perceptions toward people who oppose government action (i.e., protestors) following the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong (September 28th to December 15th, 2014). A population-representative sample of 1,208 citizens (mean age = 46.89 years; 52.4% female) was recruited two months after the conclusion of the Movement using random digit dialing. Upon giving their informed consent, respondents reported sociodemographics, perceived threats of protestors to the prospects of democracy, ways of life, and the economy, anxiety symptoms (STAI), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). More than half disagreed that protestors threatened the prospects of democracy (54.7%, 95% CI = .52, .57), ways of life (52.2%, 95% CI = .49, .55), and the economy (51.4%, 95% CI = .49, .54). Regression analyses revealed that male sex was associated with lower odds of perceiving threats to the prospects of democracy and ways of life. Being unmarried was associated with lower odds of perceiving threats to the economy. Secondary education level and depressive symptoms were associated with higher odds of perceiving threats to ways of life and the economy, respectively. This is one of the first population-based studies that measured socioeconomic and mental health correlates of political attitudes immediately following pro-democracy movements.

Medical Errors in Iowa: Prevalence and Patients' Perspectives.

ObjectivesThe following primary objectives of this study were to: (1) establish baselines of prevalence and causes of medical errors experienced by Iowans in medical settings, (2) determine whether Iowa patients were informed of the errors by the responsible healthcare providers, (3) understand reasons why Iowans who experienced medical errors did or did not report the errors, and (4) discover how Iowans view mandatory reporting of medical errors.MethodsA total of 1010 Iowa adults took part in a telephone survey in summer 2017. Interviews were completed via random landlines and random digit dialing of cell phone numbers.ResultsNearly one fifth of surveyed Iowa adults (18.8%) reported being involved in a medical error in their own care or in the care of someone close to them, and yet only four in 10 (39.1%) were notified of the error by the responsible provider. Most Iowans strongly agree that Iowa hospitals (79.5%), physicians (74.1%), and nursing homes (82.2%) should be required to report all medical errors to the patient and to a state agency.ConclusionsA significant proportion of Iowans will experience a medical error. They also desire full transparency from healthcare providers with respect to medical errors, including notifying the patient when an error occurs and mandating that providers report errors to a state-based agency. Iowa regulators should carefully assess and initiate stringent regulatory guidelines for mandatory reporting of medical errors.

The influence of patient-clinician ethnocultural and language concordance on continuity and quality of care: a cross-sectional analysis.

Concordance refers to shared characteristics between a clinician and patient, such as ethnicity or language. The purpose of this study was to examine whether patient-clinician concordance is associated with patient-reported continuity of care (relational, informational and management) and patient-reported impacts of care (quality and empowerment). This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional patient surveys that were administered across British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec using random digit dialling. Participants were adults who spoke English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese or Punjabi and who had visited a primary care clinician in the previous 12 months (n = 3156). Patients self-identified as being of European, Chinese, South Asian and Indigenous descent. Outcome measures included patients' perceptions of continuity, quality and empowerment. Adjusted logistic regression models and odds ratio were generated. More than 64% of non-Indigenous respondents reported ethnocultural concordance. Ethnocultural concordance was associated with higher odds of relational and management continuity. This same pattern held when there was both ethnocultural and language concordance. No association was found between language concordance and any outcome measure. Chinese participants reported lower quality (odds ratio [OR] 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.48), as did South Asian participants (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.31) than did participants of European descent. Higher relational and management continuity is more likely with the presence of patient-clinician ethnocultural and language concordance. Lower continuity and quality reported by Chinese and South Asian particpants could indicate important health care disparities.

Are we interested? a trend analysis of sex offender internet registries

ABSTRACTTraditional research on community awareness and use of sex offender registries relies upon random digit dialing and other survey instruments. While important sources of data, these sources have limitations and attempts to improve on these measures are bound to funding limitations impeding the collection of larger samples. Analyzing internet search query data associated with interest in sex offender registries from 2006–2016, we explore regional and temporal trends associated with interest in sex offender registries. Results substantiate prior research using mail and telephone surveys, and that of other similar methodologies, showing that interest in sex offender registries display low to moderate interest, which are relatively stable overtime and declining in interest.

The self-reported prevalence and disease burden of asthma in Greece

ABSTRACTObjectives: The primary objective was to estimate the self-reported prevalence of asthma in Greece. The secondary one was to assess the impact of asthma control on patients’ health related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL), productivity loss, daily activities and psychological distress. Methods: A population-based, random-digit dialing, telephone nationwide survey was conducted to recruit patients with asthma. Among the responders, 3,946 met the age criterion (≥18 years) and completed the screening questions regarding asthma. Of them, 353 subjects reported that they had been diagnosed with asthma sometime in their life and completed the survey. Data on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, asthma control, comorbidities, limitations in daily activities, psychological distress, productivity loss, as well as HRQoL, were collected through telephone interview. Results: The lifetime self-reported prevalence of asthma was found to be 9.10% (95% CI:8.14%-9.94%). Sixty three percent of patients had well-controlled (WC) asthma. Asthma control was associated with gender, age, and specific comorbidities. Moreover, patients with not well-controlled (NWC) asthma were more likely to have missed work and reduced productivity during the past 12 months due to their asthma (p < 0.01). Patients with NWC asthma were more likely to declare psychological distress and limitations in their daily living activities. Patients’ HRQoL with NWC asthma was significantly worse (0.65 ± 0.24) compared to those with WC asthma (0.86 ± 0.17, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this survey revealed the link between the asthma control and burden of disease demonstrating the need for the implementation of programs aiming at the management of chronic symptoms related to this condition.

Assessing Criterion Validity of Using Internet Searches as a Measure of Public Attention

We examine the criterion validity of using internet searches as a measure of public attention to United States Supreme Court (USSC) cases. First, we construct a measure of public attention to three cases by comparing relevant search terms in Google Trends to one top search terms of the year, then sum the measure week by week during the period of the research design. To test the measure’s criterion validity, we replicate Scott and Saunders’ (2006) models using their dataset (created by conducting phone interviews of a national sample using random digit dialing) that was designed to assess awareness of USSC decisions. We find that public attention as measured by Google Trends data is predictive of public awareness of USSC decisions for two of their three models. We conclude that using free, publically available big data to measure public attention to USSC cases has criterion validity, and is a valuable tool for researchers studying public policy and process.

Should women aged 70–74 be invited to participate in screening mammography? A report on two Australian community juries

ObjectiveTo elicit informed views from Australian women aged 70–74 regarding the acceptability of ceasing to invite women their age to participate in government-funded mammography screening (BreastScreen).DesignTwo community juries held in...

INTER-ARM BLOOD PRESSURE DIFFERENCE

Objective: An increased inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IBPD) is an easily determined physical examination finding and a significant IBPD has recently been associated with worse cardiovascular outcome. But the prevalence of IBPD in Asian population is unknown and the relationship between IBPD and blood pressure (BP) variability is not yet determined. This study was performed to describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the patients with increased IBPD and to examine the association between IBPD and BP variability.Design and method: A representative population (aged 20–65 years) was selected by list-assisted random-digit dialing method from a city with a population of one million. The BP of two arms was simultaneously measured using validated automatic BP measurement devices for 3 times and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed in all included subjects. An increased IBPD was defined as > 10mmHg using the average of 3 BP differences obtained simultaneously in both arms. Results: Five hundreds of subjects were included in this study, and 13 subjects were excluded because of inadequate ABPM measurements. Mean age was 46.9 ± 9.4 years and 309 participants were female (63.4%). Overall systolic BP and diastolic BP were 118.5 ± 13.4 mmHg and 75.1 ± 10.3 mmHg and mean systolic IBPD was 5.7 ± 4.0mmHg. Of 487 subjects, 66 subjects (13.6%) had an increased systolic IBPD. Compared with those with normal IBPD, subjects with increased systolic IBPD showed higher clinic BP (127.2 ± 13.7 vs. 117.2 ± 12.8 mmHg in systolic BP, P < 0.001; 78.7 ± 11.2 vs. 74.6 ± 10.1 mmHg in diastolic BP, P = 0.002), higher 24-hour systolic BP (118.5 ± 12.0 vs. 115.6 ± 10.8 mmHg, P = 0.045) and higher 24-hour pulse pressure (42.4 ± 7.4 vs. 40.2 ± 6.5 mmHg, P = 0.012). The subjects with increased systolic IBPD showed higher 24-hour BP variability; increased standard deviation of daytime BPs, increased weighted standard deviation of BPs, increased coefficient of variation of daytime BPs and increased average real variability of both 24-hour BPs and daytime BPs (Table). There was no significant difference in nighttime dipping pattern of increased IBPD subjects. Conclusions: In this community-based cohort, an increased IBPD is common and associated with an increased short-term BP variability. Bilateral BP measurements should be emphasized in routine clinical practice.

Public perspectives toward long-term care staff's interventions in the sexual relationships of residents with dementia.

This study used a multiple segment factorial vignette to explore the attitudes of the public toward a dementia-caused non-spousal sexual relationship in a long-term care facility. Specific elements examined included the degree of intimacy, obligation of long-term care staff to intervene in the relationship, and the healthy spouse's disposition. Respondents ( N = 318) were contacted using a list-assisted random-digit dialing method and read a version of the vignette with the independent variables randomly generated. Two logistic regression models and one ordinal regression model were used to analyze the main effects of the independent design variables and respondent characteristics. Results The majority of respondents report the need for long-term care staff to intervene in sexual relationships and an obligation to inform the healthy spouse of a resident's sexual relationship. Results suggest differences of opinion exist based on respondent characteristics of education and religiosity. Discussion and implications: Public opinion is in favor of long-term care facilities incorporating spousal involvement into decisions regarding a cognitively impaired resident's ability to engage in an intimate relationship. Implications for long-term care policy focusing on staff training about sexual expression and intervention in addition to incorporating the spouse into decision-making processes are discussed.

Evaluating the reliability and validity of SF-8 with a large representative sample of urban Chinese

BackgroundThe Short Form-8 (SF-8) is a widely used instrument for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version SF-8 using a large, representative sample of city residents in mainland China.MethodsWe surveyed residents of 35 major cities in China using random digit dialing of both landlines and cell phones. We adopted a multi-stage stratified sampling scheme and selected a probability sample of 10,885 adults. Internal consistency reliability of the SF-8 was evaluated with item-total correlations and Cronbach’s alphas. Construct validity was assessed with factor analysis. Known-groups validity was examined based on known HRQOL differences in age, gender, income, and overall quality of life.ResultsWe showed that SF-8 has very good internal consistency reliability and known-groups validity. Our results also confirmed that the traditional 2-factor structure of SF-8 (physical and mental health) is reasonable among Chinese city residents. Further, we showed that a 3-factor model (physical, mental, and overall health) fit the data better than the traditional 2-factor model.ConclusionsThis study is the first to confirm the traditional 2-factor structure of SF-8 using a large, representative sample from China. We have shown that the SF-8 Chinese version is feasible, reliable, and valid. Our findings support the use of the SF-8 summary scores for assessing general HRQOL among Chinese. Future studies may further explore the possibility of a 3-factor structure for the SF-8 among the Chinese population.

Cesarean Delivery and Risk of Infant Leukemia: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Background: Studies have reported increased risks of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among children born by cesarean delivery (CD). However, no previous study has examined the impact of CD on risk of infant leukemia specifically.Methods: In this study, 443 infants diagnosed with acute leukemia, including both ALL and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), were identified at Children's Oncology Group institutions between January 1996 and December 2006; 324 controls frequency matched by year of birth were identified though random digit dialing and random selection from U.S. birth registries. Using interview data and, for a subset of participants, medical record data, we analyzed CD overall and by indications that likely resulted in pre-labor CD (PLCD) or emergency CD (ECD). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of ALL and AML were estimated using multivariable unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for year of birth, birth weight, and maternal race.Results: We observed an increased point estimate for the association between CD and ALL (OR, 1.52 and 95% CI, 1.02-2.25). We did not observe an association between CD and AML (OR, 1.02 and 95% CI, 0.64-1.62). In analyses of indication for CD, we observed elevated effect estimates for the associations of both PLCD and ECD and infant ALL.Conclusions: Our analysis suggests an increased risk of infant ALL following CD, including both PLCD and ECD. Altered microbiota colonization may be involved in development of leukemia in infants, but clear biological mechanisms have yet to be determined.Impact: This study provides the first in-depth examination of CD and infant leukemia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 473-8. ©2018 AACR.

Conducting Community Health Needs Assessments in the Local Public Health Department: A Comparison of Random Digit Dialing and the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response

Community health needs assessments (CHNAs) are now required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for nonprofit hospitals and the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for local health departments that seek accreditation. Currently, various primary data collection methods exist that meet the ACA and PHAB requirements. To compare 2 CHNA data collection methods implemented in the same geographical area from a local health department perspective. Two community surveys, one door-to-door and one telephone, in the 76706 zip code area of McLennan County, Texas. Adult survey respondents (Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response [CASPER]: N = 184; random digit dialing [RDD]: N = 133) of the 76706 zip code in McLennan County, Texas. Survey response rates, sociodemographic characteristics of survey respondents, and self-reported health behaviors from both community survey types. The CASPER survey had a contact rate of 36.0% and a cooperation rate of 60.5%, compared with a 10.1% response rate for the RDD survey. CASPER respondents were younger (26.6% aged 18-24 years), had lower education attainment (17.4% less than high school), and had a higher proportion of Hispanics (24.5%) than RDD respondents (4.6%, 10.5%, and 17.3%, respectively). CASPER respondents were less likely to report being overweight or obese (56.5%), to report days where no fruit or vegetables were consumed (7.1%), and to report days where no walking activity was conducted (9.8%) than RDD respondents (70.2%, 27.8%, and 21.8%, respectively). The CASPER survey cost less to conduct ($13 500) than the RDD survey ($100 000) and was logistically easier for the local health department to conduct using internally available resources. Local health departments use various data collection methods to conduct CHNAs for their populations and require varying levels of commitment and resources. RDD and CASPER can be used to meet ACA and PHAB requirements, collecting valuable health needs estimates and offer various strengths and weaknesses. PHAB and ACA requirements can be met using the CASPER or RDD survey to conduct CHNAs. However, local health departments may consider the CASPER survey a viable alternative to the RDD survey when time and resources are limited. The CASPER survey offers flexibility and efficiency and requires limited equipment and training.

Parental ethnicity associated with risk for multiple sclerosis: A population-based incident case–control study in Iran

BackgroundThe epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) includes a consideration of geography and population ethnicity. To determine whether there is any association between ethnicity and risk of MS in a multiethnic, population-based case–control study. MethodsWe conducted a population-based case–control of 547 incident MS cases and 1057 healthy controls between August 2013 and February 2015, Tehran, a multi-ethnic city. The patients were identified and enrolled through the Iranian MS Society. Case status was confirmed by a panel of MS specialists beside of 2010 McDonald criteria. Controls were selected through random digit dialing. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate the odds ratios (95%CI) adjusted for age, sex, tobacco smoking and socioeconomic status. ResultsThe risk of MS for Kurd, Turk and Fars ethnicities was apparently smaller compared to one specific ethnic background (Lor); OR 0.36 (0.15–0.86) for Kurd, OR 0.42 (0.24–0.74) for Turk and OR 0.53 (0.31–0.89) for Fars. Heterogeneity in parental ethnicity of common ethnic groups was significantly associated with increased risk of MS OR 1.61 (1.13–2.29). All associations remained after adjustment for relevant confounders. ConclusionsMS was unequally distributed in the ethnic groups. Moreover, heterogeneity in parental ethnicity seems to be a risk factor for MS.

Abstract TMP50: Smoking Increases Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Men

Introduction: There is a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in young women, but there are few data examining this association in young men. We examined the dose-response relationship between the quantity of cigarettes smoked and the odds of developing an IS in men under age 50. Methods: The Stroke Prevention in Young Men Study is a population-based case-control study of risk factors for IS in 1145 men ages 15-49. Controls were identified by random-digit dialing and were balanced to cases for geographic region of residence, age, and ethnicity. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio for IS occurrence comparing smokers to never smokers. In the first model, we adjusted solely for age. In the second model, we adjusted for potential confounding factors, including age, race, education, hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina, diabetes mellitus and body mass index. Interaction terms were used to examine potential effect modification by other risk factors. Statistical tests were 2-tailed and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The table shows that IS risk increased with amount of current smoking and that 2 packs per day current smokers had over a 5-fold increased risk of IS. There were no significant interactions with other risk factors. Conclusions: We found a strong dose-response relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked daily and IS among young men. While complete smoking cessation is the goal, even reducing the number of cigarettes smoked may reduce the risk of IS in young men.

Abstract WP176: Temporal Trends in Public Awareness of Stroke: Knowledge is Key

Introduction: Recognition of stroke symptoms is vital for accessing medical care and administration of thrombolytics and/or endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke. Awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors is key to treatment and prevention, respectively. Methods: Surveys were conducted in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016 to respondents randomly drawn to reflect the age, race and sex distribution of the ischemic stroke population in the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Stroke Study. All surveys are based in the same biracial population of 1.3 million, subjects were contacted using random-digit dialing. Open-ended questions regarding stroke risk factors and warning signs were asked and demographic and stroke risk factor information collected. Multiple regression was used to examine changes over time and adjust for covariates. Results: Over the 20-year period, 10,393 surveys were completed. Survey respondents were 60% female, 27% black, with median age 67 years. As depicted in the Table, knowledge of risk factors and warning signs has significantly increased over time, however not within the past 5 years. This is also true after adjustment for age, race, sex and education of the respondents. Female sex and higher education levels were significantly associated with higher knowledge, but age and race had no independent effect. Conclusions: Public awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs has improved over the past 20 years, although progress has slowed during the past five years despite numerous national and regional stroke awareness campaigns. Knowledge of risk factors continues to be significantly worse than knowledge of warning signs. Further study of the effectiveness of stroke public awareness campaigns are needed.

Survey research with a random digit dial national mobile phone sample in Ghana: Methods and sample quality.

IntroductionGenerating a nationally representative sample in low and middle income countries typically requires resource-intensive household level sampling with door-to-door data collection. High mobile phone penetration rates in developing countries provide new opportunities for alternative sampling and data collection methods, but there is limited information about response rates and sample biases in coverage and nonresponse using these methods. We utilized data from an interactive voice response, random-digit dial, national mobile phone survey in Ghana to calculate standardized response rates and assess representativeness of the obtained sample.Materials and methodsThe survey methodology was piloted in two rounds of data collection. The final survey included 18 demographic, media exposure, and health behavior questions. Call outcomes and response rates were calculated according to the American Association of Public Opinion Research guidelines. Sample characteristics, productivity, and costs per interview were calculated. Representativeness was assessed by comparing data to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey and the National Population and Housing Census.ResultsThe survey was fielded during a 27-day period in February-March 2017. There were 9,469 completed interviews and 3,547 partial interviews. Response, cooperation, refusal, and contact rates were 31%, 81%, 7%, and 39% respectively. Twenty-three calls were dialed to produce an eligible contact: nonresponse was substantial due to the automated calling system and dialing of many unassigned or non-working numbers. Younger, urban, better educated, and male respondents were overrepresented in the sample.ConclusionsThe innovative mobile phone data collection methodology yielded a large sample in a relatively short period. Response rates were comparable to other surveys, although substantial coverage bias resulted from fewer women, rural, and older residents completing the mobile phone survey in comparison to household surveys. Random digit dialing of mobile phones offers promise for future data collection in Ghana and may be suitable for other developing countries.

Internet Exposure Associated With Canadian Parents' Perception of Risk on Childhood Immunization: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThere is a large presence of provaccination and antivaccination content on the Internet. The Internet has been identified as an important source for parents to seek and share vaccine information. There are concerns that parental fears or hesitancy on childhood immunizations are increasing due to the popularity of social media and exposure to online antivaccination sentiment. No other studies have investigated the association between seeking vaccine information online and Canadian parents’ perception of risk on childhood immunization.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the potential association between seeking vaccine information on the Internet and Canadian parents’ perception of risk on childhood immunization in order to quantify the perceived association and increase our understanding on the impact of the Internet to help guide public health interventions.MethodsWe analyzed this association in two population samples: a self-selecting Web-based sample of Canadian parents recruited through Facebook (n=966) and a population-based sample of parents recruited by random digit dialing (RDD; n=951). The outcome was parental perception of vaccine safety on a seven-point ordinal scale from “not safe” to “extremely safe.” An ordinal regression model was used to investigate if Internet information seeking on childhood vaccination predicted parental perception of vaccine safety.ResultsAfter adjusting for income level, Internet reliability, age of parent, and region, the odds of perceiving vaccines as less safe rather than more safe were 1.6 times higher (95% CI 1.3-2.1) for parents who used the Internet to search for vaccination information compared to parents who did not search the Internet in the Web-based sample, and 2.0 times higher (95% CI 1.6-2.5) in the population-based RDD sample.ConclusionsThe results suggest the Internet is significantly associated with Canadian parents’ negative perception of vaccine risk. Governmental and scientific sectors should consider the development and implementation of Web-based vaccine interventions to promote confidence in immunization.

Consumer physical activity tracking device ownership and use among a population-based sample of adults.

Consumer physical activity tracking devices (PATs) have gained popularity to support individuals to be more active and less sedentary throughout the day. Wearable PATs provide real-time feedback of various fitness-related metrics such as tracking steps, sedentary time, and distance walked. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of PAT ownership and use among a population-based sample of adults. A representative sample of adults ≥18 years (N = 1,215) from Alberta, Canada were recruited through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods in summer 2016. Questionnaires assessed demographic and health behaviour variables, and items were designed to assess PAT ownership and usage. Logistic regression analysis (odds ratios) was used to assess correlates of PAT ownership and use. On average, participants (N = 1,215) were 53.9 (SD 16.7) years and 50.1% were female. Of the sample, 19.6% (n = 238) indicated they currently own and use a PAT. Participants who owned a PAT wore their device on average 23.2 days within the past month. Currently owning a PAT was significantly associated with being female (OR = 1.41, CI: 1.10 to 1.82), being <60 years of age (OR = 1.86, CI: 1.37 to 2.53), having at least some post secondary education (OR = 1.88, CI: 1.36 to 2.60), having a BMI ≥25 (OR = 1.52, CI: 1.16 to 1.99), and meeting physical activity guidelines (OR = 1.45, CI: 1.12 to 1.88). Similar correlates emerged for PAT use. Correlates significantly associated with PAT use and ownership included being female, being less than 60 years of age, having a post-secondary education, meeting physical activity guidelines, and being overweight/obese. This is the first study to examine characteristics of PAT ownership and use among Canadian adults.

Using Walk Score® to Aid Understanding of Walking Patterns in Alberta: Patterns from 2010-2016 ( poster )

Background Low levels of physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour are two growing public health concerns both linked to chronic disease development. Active transportation, can contribute to achieving daily physical activity through the life-course. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between neighbourhood walkability and walking levels among a population-based sample of Albertans between 2010-2016. Methods Adults ≥18 years from Alberta, Canada were recruited biennially through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods in summers 2010-2016. A minimum response of 400 in each of Edmonton, Calgary, and the rest of the province were obtained. Questionnaires assessed demographic and health behaviour variables. Walking behaviours for work, transportation, and leisure were determined using IPAQ questions for walking. Postal codes were entered into Street Smart Walk Score® to group individuals into one of five walkability categories. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between neighbourhood walkability and walking levels of Albertans. Results A combined sample of 3742 Albertans (50.2% female) was obtained (2010 n=1201; 2012 n=1206; 2014 n=1203; 2016 n=1213) with an average age of 52.2 (SD:16.7), and mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.3 kg/m 2 (SD:27.3; 2014-16 only). The proportion of Albertans achieving high walking levels (≥3000 MET-min/week; ~12,500 steps/day) was 20%, except in 2014 with 14.7%. Within each assessment year, over 60% of Albertans lived in car-dependent neighbourhoods, and less than 2% in “Walker’s Paradise”. Ordinal logistic regression showed significant associations inconsistent with the hypothesis for walkability and walking levels in 2010 and 2014. Compared to Albertans achieving high walking levels (3000 MET-min/week), those achieving moderate walking levels (600-2999 MET-min/week) in 2010, and those achieving low walking levels ( Conclusions The majority of Albertans were found to live in car-dependent neighbourhoods, with few achieving high walking levels. Although some associations were found between walking levels and neighbourhood walkability, caution of interpretation is warranted for planning and health promotion evaluations, as associations may differ by region.