Random Survey Research Articles

(436) Behind Closed Doors: Assessing Sexual Medicine Physicians Sexual Behavior and Practices

Abstract Introduction It believed that those who treat sexual medicine conditions enjoy an active robust and dynamic sexual life with their partners. The perception is that medical professionals who treat male and female sexual problems are more sexually active and maybe more experimental in their behavior. It is perceived that they may have a willingness to discuss sexually related topics in public forums unrelated to work. Objective A random sample survey was conducted to assess the sexual behavior of HCP who diagnosis, treat and assess sexual concerns in their patients, to test this hypothesis that they experiment more sexually and enjoy diverse sexual practices. Methods A convenience sample of medical health care professionals (57) was assessed by a paper survey. Inclusion criteria included having attended a sexual health continuing medical educational seminar within the last 6 months and being a medical physician with prescribing abilities and assessing sexual medicine patients in your clinical practice. Counselors, therapist, educators and students were excluded from the analysis. Participants were not compensated for their time. Results Fifty surveys were included in the analysis (7 excluded due to exclusion criteria). Mean age of participants was 50 years of age ( range 28-66). The sample was predominantly heterosexual (82%) and female (82%) yet bisexuals (10%), gay (4%) and 4% lesbian populations were represented. The majority were married 70% and engaged in sexual intercourse 2.84 times per week (range 0-14.). Sexual behavior was diverse: sex in the shower (88%), view pornography (78%), Sex in public with threat of discovery (78%), anal sex (72%), use of food during sex (72%), use blindfolds (70%), threesome sex (48%), annilingus (40%), and BDSM (38%). Less frequent behavior included: rape fantasy (26%), urinating on a partner (14%) and having a sexual fetish (14%.)Sexual medicine health care professionals are often asked about their sex personal lives (64%), yet rarely disclose (16%) this information. While 32% of those surveyed have had sex in their office, none reported sex with an active patient under their care. Only 18% of HCP preform sexuality sensitivity training with their staff, and only 8% have information in their employee manuals indicating that their center discusses sexually explicit material. Conclusions While sexual medicine health care clinicians may enjoy a robust sex life, they remain remiss in sexuality sensitivity training for their employees and health care staff. In addition, their employee manuals do not mention that their center will discuss sexually explicit material. There is an educational gap in health care professionals training for their staff members and employee manual deficiencies in documenting that the center will engage in discussions concerning sexually explicit material, and that sexually charged discussions may occur. This lack of employee handbook documentation could potential lead to sexual harassment and other litigation. Health care professionals should be encouraged to review their employee manuals and modify them regularly to include a detailed discussion of their current scope of practice. Disclosure No

(308) Oxytocin Troches as an Adjunctive Intervention to Conventional Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction Medication for Men with Sexuality Concerns

Abstract Introduction Oxytocin (OT), a peptide hormone, is known to be involved in social interaction and the pleasure we derive from it is produced from the posterior pituitary. This neurotransmitter has a potential role in love, female reproductive functions, and social bonding. OT is released by both males and females, during skin to skin contact sexual arousal and orgasm/ejaculation (1,2). OT effects on the brain are dependent on its interactions with sex homes such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone. Oxytocin levels are implicated in male sexual responsivity. Oxytocin biological effects may include decrease social anxiety, increased pair bonding, intimacy and closeness enhance sexual receptivity, enhance perineal contractility, enhances pair bonding, nurturing, trust “cuddle hormone, increased intensity of orgasm in men and women, decreased latency to orgasmic release, increased pleasurable sensations and increased sexual desire and lubrication. Oxytocin troches have been used as an off label investigational compounded oxytocin as an adjunctive therapy for men’s sexual health. Objective We report the preliminary responder analysis results of a random retrospective survey on users of this medication. Methods A random convenience sample of 26 men from 5 centers ( Hawaii, Washington, Portland, Salt Lake City and Tulsa) who tried compounded oxytocin were surveyed. Surveys were anonymous, and participation was voluntary and uncompensated. Doses of Sublingual oxytocin were to be titrate up from 25 international units (IU) for optimization, but not to exceed 100 IU) Results Fourteen out of 26 participants (56%) were considered responders. Mean age was 43 and range was 22-77. Eighty-six of the participants had used between 50 IU and 100 IU and 50% were on TRT replacement whereas 57% were on Erectile medications. Only 21% were on both ED medications and TRT replacement. 86% of responders reported enhanced intimacy and connection with their partners, 100% would recommend the product to their friends. 93% of users planned to continue the medication. 86% noted increased overall pleasure and sexual satisfaction. 86% reported improved overall quality of their orgasm. There were no adverse events reported. Responders reported positive feedback which included: longer lasting before orgasmic release, increased nipple sensation, improved control with premature ejaculation, improved feelings during climax and increased ejaculate volume. Conclusions Oxytocin compounded troches appear to be a helpful addition to a preexisting treatment paradigm for erectile difficulty or testosterone replacement. This is a preliminary report with small numbers, and further larger randomized clinical trials are warranted and planned. Disclosure No

The Role of Physical Education Teachers in Managing and Refining Sport Talents and Sending them to Clubs

The study aimed to identify the level of physical education teachers’ management of talents and send them to clubs in the governorates of Gaza, and to identify the differences between their average scores in each of the questionnaires for managing talents and sending them to clubs, according to (gender, experience, and governorate). The researchers used the descriptive approach and chose the random sample survey. The sample of the study consisted of (303) physical education teachers, with a rate of (70.8%) of the members of the original community of the study (428); for the year 2021, 2022. They also used two questionnaires for the study, and the results were as follows: The level of physical education teachers’ management of talents and sending them to clubs is high, and there is a positive effect of the total degree of talent management and its dimensions (talent retention and talent follow-up) on sending them to clubs. The study recommended taking advantage of the causal model for managing sports talents because of its great impact in improving the level of sending talents to clubs and benefiting from the study questionnaires in other studies.

Leveraging Machine Learning and Simulation to Advance Disaster Preparedness Assessments through FEMA National Household Survey Data

Effective household and individual disaster preparedness can minimize physical harm and property damage during catastrophic events. To assess the risk and vulnerability of affected areas, it is crucial for relief agencies to understand the level of public preparedness. Traditionally, government agencies have employed nationwide random telephone surveys to gauge the public’s attitudes and actions towards disaster preparedness. However, these surveys may lack generalizability in certain affected locations due to low response rates or areas not covered by the survey. To address this issue and enhance the comprehensiveness of disaster preparedness assessments, we develop a framework that seamlessly integrates machine learning and simulation. Our approach leverages machine learning algorithms to establish relationships between public attitudes towards disaster preparedness and demographic characteristics. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we generate datasets that incorporate demographic information of the affected location based on government-provided demographic distribution data. The generated dataset is then input into the machine learning model to predict the disaster preparedness attitudes of the affected population. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by applying it to Miami-Dade County, where it accurately predicts the level of disaster preparedness. With this innovative approach, relief agencies can have a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of public disaster preparedness.

Investigation of some Persistent Organic Pollutants in Soil around selected Auto-Mechanic Workshops in Osogbo

Public health is at risk due to pollution from activity in car workshops as the quality of the soil near auto businesses has received less attention. This study assessed soil quality in auto shops in Osogbo, Osun State, South-West Nigeria. Two car workshops were chosen and soil samples were collected from two different points each using a random survey method (i.e., picked two sites randomly). The soil samples were collected at irregular positions within the vicinity of the two auto repair shops at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depth. The samples were taken for examination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) PAHs. The samples were analysed in the lab according to regular technique, and 16 US EPA priority PAHs and PCBs were then examined using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The potential toxicities were evaluated and values obtained were compared with United States permissible limits for soil quality. The total PAH values in the soil were between 0.17 μg/m3 to 4.97 μg/m3, with the soil samples near the truck maintenance shops having the greatest PAH concentrations between 0 – 20 cm below the surface. The most prevalent PAH species in soil samples was Fluoranthene, followed by Fluorene and Indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene. Also, PCBs were found in the location with 1,1′-Biphenyl, 2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-hexachloro- (PCB 138) having the highest concentration value followed by 1,1′-Biphenyl, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloro- (PCB 77). The findings of this study showed that both of these pollutants investigated are very prevalent in these areas. There is a grave environmental concern because the discovered levels of PCBs and PAHs exceed the permissible limits set by the USEPA standards.

Research on Chinse Residents’ Consumption Intention of Smart Home Appliances after COVID-19

Smart home appliances are an inevitable trend for future development, but COVID-19 has affected people's consumption structure. This study aims to investigate the consumption intention of smart home appliances after COVID-19 among Chinese residents and examine whether they differ based on gender, age, population size, education level, and income. A random sampling survey was used to collect 1599 questionnaire data. Use descriptive and differential analysis of SPSS 27 to analyse the collected data. The results found that the mean score of residents to consume smart appliances was 3.82, and the mean of repeated consumption intention is the highest, followed by the initial consumption, and the intention to pay more money has the lowest mean score. Additionally, the study found no significant difference in the gender and income of residents on their intention to consume smart home appliances. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in age, education level, and population size. Finally, the researcher proposed to enhance residents' intention to consume smart home appliances from three aspects: advertising, promotion, and quality.

Sensitivity and specificity of Varian Halcyon's portal dosimetry for plan-specific pre-treatment QA.

Developed as a plan-specific pre-treatment QA tool, Varian portal dosimetry promises a fast, high-resolution, and integrated QA solution. In this study, the agreement between predicted fluence and measured cumulative portal dose was determined for the first 140 patient plans at our Halcyon linear accelerator. Furthermore, the capability of portal dosimetry to detect incorrect plan delivery was compared to that of a common QA phantom. Finally, tolerance criteria for verification of VMAT plan delivery with Varian portal dosimetry were derived. All patient plans and the corresponding verification plans were generated within the Eclipse treatment planning system. Four representative plans of different treatment sites (prostate, prostate with lymphatic drainage, rectum, and head & neck) were intentionally altered to model incorrect plan delivery. Investigated errors included both systematic and random errors. Gamma analysis was conducted on both portal dose (criteria γ2%/2mm , γ2%/1mm , and γ1%/1mm ) and ArcCHECK measurements (criteria γ3%/3mm , γ3%/2mm , and γ2%/2mm ) with a 10% low-dose threshold. Performance assessment of various acceptance criteria for plan-specific treatment QA utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Predicted and acquired portal dosimetry fluences demonstrated a high agreement evident by average gamma passing rates for the clinical patient plans of 99.90%, 96.64%, and 91.87% for γ2%/2mm , γ2%/1mm , and γ1%/1mm , respectively. The ROC analysis demonstrated a very high capability of detecting erroneous plan delivery for portal dosimetry (area under curve (AUC)>0.98) and in this regard outperforms QA with the ArcCHECK phantom (AUC ≈ 0.82). With the suggested optimum decision thresholds excellent sensitivity and specificity is simultaneously possible. Owing to the high achievable spatial resolution, portal dosimetry at the Halcyon can reliably be deployed as plan-specific pre-treatment QA tool to screen for errors. It is recommended to support the fluence integrated portal dosimetry QA by independent phantom-based measurements of a random sample survey of treatment plans.

A Biogeochemical study of Pandanus candelabrum in Liberia: A potential geobotanical indicator for kimberlite pipes in tropical terranes

Pandanus is recently recognized as a new geobotanical indicator for kimberlite diatremes in Liberia. The plant also grows in non-kimberlite terranes making it critical to determine the differences, similarities or contrasts between the chemical nutrient uptake of elements into the tissues (roots, fronds, bark and trunk) of the plant from substrates of fertile kimberlite and those of non-economic regional country rock.A random sampling survey was adopted in which 20 soils and 59 Pandanus tissues of roots, fronds trunks, and bark were collected over a kimberlite pipe in NW Liberia. In addition, 9 soils and 27 Pandanus samples covering the equivalent botanical tissues, except for trunk, were obtained over three granodiorite gneiss, non-kimberlite locations. A total of 5,865 analyses for major and trace elements including REE were obtained by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry on Pandanus candelabrum and their soil hosts.Major Mg and trace elements of Co, Cr, Ni, Ba, Cs, Nb, Rb, Sr, Zr and REEs are enriched in the kimberlitic eluvium compared to soils from granodiorite gneisses. Diagnostic Cr, Ni, Ba, Rb, Sr, Zr and REE in Pandanus tissues on the kimberlite pipe have distinctive concentrations making the plant a new biogeochemical tool in the exploration for kimberlites in tropical cratonic terranes.

The influence of adverse and positive childhood experiences on young people's mental health and experiences of self-harm and suicidal ideation

BackgroundFew studies have examined the interaction of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) with mental health outcomes in nationally representative European populations. ObjectiveThe primary objective was to test models of resilience through investigating associations between ACEs and PCEs and young people's risk of common mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Participants and settingData were from the Northern Ireland Youth Wellbeing Survey (NIYWS), a stratified random probability household survey conducted between June 2019 and March 2020. Analysis is based on data from adolescents aged 11–19 years (n = 1299). MethodLogistic regression was used to test the direct effects of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcomes and the moderating effect of PCEs at different levels of ACE exposure. ResultsPrevalence rates of mental health outcomes were: common mood and anxiety disorders (16 %); self-harm (10 %); suicidal ideation (12 %). ACEs and PCEs both independently predicted common mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Every additional ACE increased the likelihood of a common mood and anxiety disorder (81 %), self-harm (88 %) and suicidal ideation (88 %). Every additional PCE reduced common mood and anxiety disorders (14 %), self-harm (13 %) and suicidal ideation (7 %). There was no moderating effect of PCEs on ACEs and mental health outcomes. ConclusionThe findings suggest that PCEs act largely independently of ACEs and that initiatives to increase PCEs can assist in the prevention of mental health problems.

Weed Species Composition in Paddy Field of Usur Town, Bade Local Government, Yobe State, Nigeria

Farmers are eager to know the various types of weeds in paddy fields. This will help in choosing the best weed management practice for effective weed control as well as reducing rice yield losses. The objectives of the study are to identify the weeds species affecting the rice field, to assess the composition of weeds species, to classify the weed species into different families, genera, species, common names, Hausa names, lifecycles, life forms, native/exotic species, propagation and uses, and to determine the dominant weed species. Random vegetation surveys were conducted. Weeds observed were photographed, and prepared as herbarium specimens. Standard key manuals and checklists were utilized for weed identification and later organized using the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) classification system. A total number of 72 plants species distributed within 16 families and 50 genera were inventoried. The annuals (66.67%) were the dominant weed followed by perennials (33.33%) while biennials were the least. The broad leaves were the dominant weed (44.61%) identified followed by Poaceae (27.7%) and Sedges (11.11%). Results obtained from this study could be useful in choosing the best management practice and in making a decision on the choice of herbicides and directing research towards improved weed control measures.

Vaccine hesitancy about the HPV vaccine among French young women and their parents: a telephone survey

BackgroundThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the burden of cervical and other cancers. In numerous countries, a slow uptakeof this vaccine persists, calling for a better understanding of the structural factors leading to vaccine acceptation. We aimed to assess the attitudes toward HPV vaccination among its intended public to explore its specific characteristics.MethodsA random cross-sectional telephone survey of the French general population provided data from a sample of 2426 respondents of the target public: the parents of young women and the young women aged 15-25 themselves. We applied cluster analysis to identify contrasting attitudinal profiles, and logistic regressions with a model averaging method to investigate and rank the factors associated with these profiles.ResultsA third of the respondents had never heard of HPV. However, most of the respondents who had heard of it agreed that it is a severe (93.8%) and frequent (65.1%) infection. Overall, 72.3% of them considered the HPV vaccine to be effective, but 54% had concerns about its side effects. We identified four contrasting profiles based on their perceptions of this vaccine: informed supporters, objectors, uninformed supporters, and those who were uncertain. In multivariate analysis, these attitudinal clusters were the strongest predictors of HPV vaccine uptake, followed by attitudes toward vaccination in general.ConclusionsTailored information campaigns and programs should address the specific and contrasted concerns about HPV vaccination of both young women and of their parents.

A study of intention to recycle pesticide packaging among rural farmers in China based on the logistic model

A consequence of the improvement in China’s agricultural production capacity has been increased production of pesticide packaging waste, which is a major obstacle to the sustainable development of rural areas. Although the Chinese government has made great efforts to control pollution by waste pesticide packaging, a unified recycling system has not yet been established. Therefore, determining whether farmers are willing to participate in recycling of pesticide packaging is of great relevance. This study conducted a random questionnaire survey in which 459 responses were obtained in rural areas in Liaoning, Henan, Guizhou, Anhui, Gansu, and Hunan provinces. The disorderly classification logistic model was used to analyze the individual characteristics of farmers, pesticide container sizes, perception of risk, conditions of local facilities, and awareness. The result showed that the individual characteristics of farmers and awareness had no influence of their willingness to participate in recycling, whereas container size, perception of risk, and condition of local facilities did have an influence. Container specifications have the strongest correlation with farmers’ willingness to recycle, and attempts can be made to promote pesticide packaging of about 500 ml; raising farmers’ awareness of environmental safety and possible health hazards, all of which can increase farmers’ participation in the work. Using these results, this study proposed suggestions for pesticide container waste disposal. Attempts can be made to establish a suitable recycling model and management mechanism through the establishment of additional recycling points. Refine pesticide packaging waste recycling, collection and storage, disposal and other measures to purify the environment of origin, to achieve green agricultural development, and promote the construction of ecological civilization.

Curbing the Menaces of Rape and Sexual Violence in Contemporary Nigerian Societies

The aim of this research work is to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies. This became necessary because rape and sexual violence are some of the challenges which many suffered from in contemporary Nigerian societies. These vices have gradually become a serious threat to vulnerable people in the country. It is no longer safe for female children and women to walk alone in some places because of the fear of being raped or sexually abused. The findings of the research have shown that there are alarming rate of rape and sexual violence in Nigerian society. For there are many instances in which children, especially female children have been raped on their way to or from school or at home when their parents left for works. Therefore, this problem has done a lot of damage to many female children and women alike. It has also shattered the life of many people, who have been victims of this evil menace. Although people who have been affected by the evil of rape and sexual violence are suffering from the trauma of what happened to them, yet little is being done to curb this menace. This research has shown that this is a pathetic situation that requires urgent attention from all concerned and well-meaning citizens. The major question which this research paper has answered is that: What is it that should be done in order to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence against those who are vulnerable to these inhuman acts in Nigerian societies? While the method that was used in this research is “Random surveys” of cases of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria. The researcher finds it necessary to adopt this method because it is suitable for an objective generalization of the findings. Meanwhile, the theory on which this research hangs is the “Holistic Approach Theory”. The premise of this theory is that curbing the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies requires the collective efforts of the community, the church, the government, civil society/NGOs, mass media and that of the concern citizens. The research presupposes that unless all efforts are collectively put together, it will be difficult to fight these evils that have ravaged our societies.

Study on the Relationship Between High Commitment Human Resource Management, Job Autonomy and Job Satisfaction

In order to explore the relationship between high commitment human resource management, job autonomy, and job satisfaction, a random questionnaire survey is conducted on 194 teachers in higher education institutions nationwide. SPSS24.0 is used in methods including descriptive statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, back testing, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and stepwise regression analysis. The following results are obtained: 1.High commitment human resource management and job autonomy were significantly and positively correlated; 2.High commitment human resource management is significantly and positively correlated with job satisfaction; 3.Job autonomy is significantly and positively correlated with job satisfaction; 4.High commitment human resource management and job autonomy are significantly different in terms of education. Job satisfaction is significantly different in terms of employee status and years of working. High commitment human resource management, job autonomy, and job satisfaction are significantly different in terms of school location (provincial capital, non-provincial capital); 5.Job autonomy plays a partially mediating role in the relationship between high commitment huamn resource management and job satisfaction. In response to the results, it is suggested that Chinese higher education institutions should implement high commitment human resource management model to reasonably expand employees’ job autonomy and improve their job satisfaction according to the actual situation.

East Asia and English language speakers: a population estimation through existing random sampling surveys

ABSTRACT Many applied linguists have attempted to quantify the number of English-speaking populations, both globally and in specific countries. However, thus far, those in East Asia have not been estimated through a robust technique. This paucity of estimation can be partly attributed to the lack of censuses or large-scale sociolinguistic surveys; nonetheless, other secondary data can be used for this purpose. This study analyses two nationally representative surveys conducted in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan – the East Asian Social Survey (conducted in 2008 and 2018) and AsiaBarometer (2003–2008) – and estimates their English-speaking population. The results indicate that English speakers (those who evaluated themselves as having a fair or high level of English proficiency) account for approximately 10% of the population in China and Japan and approximately 20% in South Korea and Taiwan. Furthermore, English proficiency varied according to generation and educational level in all four jurisdictions. Based on these findings, this article discusses cross-national variations of English-speaking populations in the four jurisdictions, the absolute number of speakers, its implications, and possible self-report biases and their assessment.

Promoting fishing profession and general well-being: A call for labour policy

Fishing is a longstanding occupation in the world. Small-scale fishing (SSF) communities of South Asia face many challenges in their lives and livelihoods. This study was conducted in one Jaladas village of southeastern Bangladesh to determine the conditions of fishing labours in big boats and provide some evidence-based recommendations for enhancing their holistic well-being. This study adopted the qualitative research design, specifically the Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A random survey of 50 households was conducted to find out socio-economic conditions. This paper finds that the young Jaladas are pushed away from their birth-ascribed occupation and engaged as fishing labours in big boats. Their existing working environment is like an ancient slavery system. Fishing labours are bound to work under such adversative conditions for survival. SSF communities become poorest of the poor due to lake of sufficient concentration from the government, NGOs, private sector, international development agencies and other actors. Moreover, relevant articles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and FAO initiated SSF Guidelines are not implemented properly in support of fishing labours working in large boats. Highest profit-earning mentality of commercial entrepreneurs, apathy, absence of rules of law; and non-recognition the rights of labours under small-scale fisheries sector in Labour Law of Bangladesh are major reasons for plights of fishing labours. Still research works are very inadequate in this area. Therefore, global human rights organizations are in dark from real scenario. This paper urged that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) should include prioritized needs of fishing labour as provisions during the amendment of Labour Law. Proper execution of Labour Law and establishing the rules of law are concerning issues for ensuring the well-being of fishing labours.

Assessment of Attitude towards Research among Nursing students in Rajasthan, India

Background: Research is a scientific process that gathers and analyses information in order to increase our understanding of a specific topic or problem. Research can provide answers to previously unknown questions, filling knowledge gaps and changing the way healthcare professionals work. Therefore, present study aims to assess attitude towards research in nursing students of Rajasthan, India. Method: Descriptive survey research design was selected to conduct the study. Modified Attitude Towards Research (ATR) scale used as research instrument. 373 nursing students from various nursing colleges of Rajasthan were included as participants in the study through random online Googledoc survey. Results: In the present study 75.10% nursing students have not attended any conference, seminar, webinar regarding research. For the total modified ATR scale statements, 49.56% (184.86) nursing students were agreed while 35.92% (134.02) nursing students were not agreed and 14.56% (54.34) nursing students remained neutral with the statements regarding attitude towards research. On the basis of scoring of the ATR scale, around half of the nursing students, 54.42% (203) had positive attitude level, 41.83% (156) had neutral attitude level while only 3.75% (14) had negative attitude level regarding research. Findings revealed that there was significant association between level of attitude regarding research among nursing students with demographic variable like how many conferences, seminar, webinar attended regarding research. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is strong need for educational interventions like conference, seminar and webinar besides regular curriculum for nursing students regarding research as they are future health care providers. Building a positive attitude towards research will help nurses for more scientific approach and providing nursing care on evidence based practices.

Reduction in COVID-19 related resource loss and decline in prevalence of probable depression in Chinese adults: an application of the Conservation of Resource Theory

BackgroundThe levels of resource losses due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mental distress may change during the pandemic period. Based on the Conservation of Resource (COR) Theory, this study investigated such changes and the mediation between survey time (Round 2 versus Round 1) and depression via resource losses.MethodsTwo serial random population-based telephone surveys interviewed 209 and 458 Hong Kong Chinese adults in April 2020 and May 2021, respectively. Probable depression was defined as 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10. The validated Conservation of Resources Scale for COVID-19 (CORS-COVID-19) scale was used to assess resource losses due to COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, hierarchical logistic regression analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the association, interaction, and mediation hypotheses, respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of probable depression declined from 8.6% to 1.0% over time, together with reductions in losses of financial resource (Cohen’s d = 0.88), future control (Cohen’s d = 0.39), social resource (Cohen’s d = 0.60), and family resource (Cohen’s d = 0.36) due to COVID-19. All the overall scale/subscales of the CORS-COVID-19 were positively and associated with probable depression [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) ranged from 2.72 to 42.30]. In SEM, the survey time was negatively associated with the latent variable of resource loss (β = − 0.46), which in turn was positively associated with probable depression (β = 0.73). In addition, the direct effect of survey time on probable depression was statistically non-significant (β = − 0.08), indicating a full mediation effect of resource losses.ConclusionsThe lessening of the resource losses might have fully accounted for the significant decline in probable depression from Month 3 to 15 since the first COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, China. The level of depression might have increased during the first phase of the pandemic, but might decline in the later phases if resources losses could be lessened. All stakeholders should hence work together to minimize individuals’ COVID-19-related resource losses to prevent depression in the general population, as COVID-19 might be lasting.

THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF TEACHER COLLEGIALITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating effect of teacher collegiality on the relationship between instructional leadership and professional development of teachers. Utilizing quantitative, non-experimental design via correlational technique, data were obtained from 300 elementary public school teachers who belong to the 3 districts, Magsaysay, Bansalan and Matan-ao under the Division of Davao Del Sur. Davao Del Sur. The researcher utilized stratified random sampling technique and survey mode of data collection. The researcher also utilized the statistical tools mean, Pearson r and Medgraph using Sobel z- test. From the results of the study, it was found out that there is a very high level of mean scores for all variables of teacher collegiality, instructional leadership and professional development of teachers. Also, results revealed that there are significant relationships between instructional leadership and between teacher collegiality and professional development of teachers. Further, it was revealed that there was full mediation effect of teacher collegiality on the relationship between instructional leadership and professional development of teachers. This implies that the teacher collegiality conveys instructional leadership of teachers.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0029/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Confidence intervals for prevalence estimates fromcomplexsurveys with imperfect assays.

There are established methods for estimating disease prevalence with associated confidence intervals for complex surveys with perfect assays, or simple random sample surveys with imperfect assays. We develop and study methods for the complicated case of complex surveys with imperfect assays. The new methods use the melding method to combine gamma intervals for directly standardized rates and established adjustments for imperfect assays by estimating sensitivity and specificity. One of the new methods appears to have at least nominal coverage in all simulated scenarios. We compare our new methods to established methods in special cases (complex surveys with perfect assays or simple surveys with imperfect assays). In some simulations, our methods appear to guarantee coverage, while competing methods have much lower than nominal coverage, especially when overall prevalence is very low. In other settings, our methods are shown to have higher than nominal coverage. We apply our method to a seroprevalence survey of SARS-CoV-2 in undiagnosed adults in the United States between May and July 2020.