Secondary Analysis Of Survey Data Research Articles

Comparative Small Business: Toward A Model

This paper addresses the issue of comparability of the small business across geographical boundaries based on organizational contextual, structural variables and the effectiveness indicators. The authors argue that (1) there are already many features, profiles, managerial challenges and the role the small businesses play in a political economy that are common to many countries; (2) the gradual homogenization (due to successful penetration and integration of web based information and transactional technology) of business cultures in a borderless and seamless global business environment may enable tentative generalizations based on empirical as well as ethnographic studies. The paper first defines small business effectiveness and then outlines several common factors through a review of case and ethnographic studies. Finally, the author takes one of the common factorsthe issue of capacity utilization and proposes a quasi deterministic empirical econometric model and shares the findings through a secondary analysis of survey data collected from 179 small scale enterprises in West Bengal, India. The findings reflect positively on the efficacy of the model. The authors conclude: the scholarly pursuits such as this are likely to enrich and contribute to the nascent comparative small business literature and enhance the empirical understanding of the small business dynamics. Consequently, a greater homogenization of the global business practices may facilitate more small business to small business transactions within the country specific diverse global business cultures.

Limitations of Self-Care in Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema

The purpose of this study was to examine patient perceptions of limitations related to self-care measures to reduce lymphedema risk following breast cancer surgery. Secondary analysis of survey data from a companion study to a study piloting a behavioral-educational intervention was conducted to examine the specific limitations in performing lymphedema risk-reduction self-care measures. Findings suggest a more comprehensive approach is needed if patients are to engage in self-care actions to reduce lymphedema risk. Understanding the concepts of self-care and personal support interventions that include motivational interviewing can help nurses design supportive-educative care systems that assist patients in overcoming limitations in the estimative, transitional, and productive phases of self-care necessary to reduce lymphedema risk.

Evaluating the impact of a new pay system on nurses in the UK

This study examines the impact of implementing a new pay system (Agenda for Change) on nursing staff in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. This new pay system covered approximately 400,000 nursing staff. Its objectives were to improve the delivery of patient care as well as staff recruitment, retention and motivation. The new system aimed to provide a simplified approach to pay determination, with a more systematic use of agreed job descriptions and job evaluation to 'price' individual jobs, linked to a new career development framework. Secondary analysis of survey data. Analysis of results of large-scale surveys of members of the Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom (RCN) to assess the response of nurses to questions about the implementation process itself and their attitude to pay levels. The results demonstrated that there was some positive change after implementation of Agenda for Change in 2006, mainly some time after implementation, and that the process of implementation itself raised expectations that were not fully met for all nurses. There were clear indications of differential impact and reported experiences, with some categories of nurse being less satisfied with the process of implementation. The overall message is that a national pay system has strengths and weaknesses compared to the local systems used in other countries and that these benefits can only be maximised by effective communication, adequate funding and consistent management of the system. How nurses' pay is determined and delivered can be a major satisfier and incentive to nurses if the process is well managed and can be a factor in supporting clinical practice, performance and innovation. This study highlights that a large-scale national exercise to reform the pay system for nurses is a major undertaking, carries risk and will take significant time to implement effectively.

Pastors’ Views of Parents and the Parental Role in Catholic Schools

Over 300 years of official Church teachings and documents affirm the importance of the home-school relationship, yet relatively little research has systematically explored the need and value of parent involvement in the school community. This study is a secondary analysis of survey data collected for the Notre Dame Study of U.S. Pastors (Nuzzi, Frabutt, & Holter, 2008) and examines pastors’ views of parents and the parental role in Catholic schools. The article closes with recommendations for action based upon analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data trends from pastors’ responses.

Anonymity, disclosure, and contact with donors: how experiences of donor-conceived offspring vary by family type

OBJECTIVE: To test the relationship between family type (two-parent vs. single parent) and offsprings' response to donor conception and desire to connect with donor, controlling for parents' sexual orientation. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of survey data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were gathered in two electronic surveys conducted by the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR), a non-profit website established to help donor offspring and their parents connect with donors. Respondents include 473 offspring of heterosexual parents and 286 offspring of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender parents (LGBT) ranging from age 9 to over 40. Surveys were conducted between October 2009 and January 2010. Data were analyzed using cross tabs with Chi-square tests of significance. RESULTS: Offspring of single heterosexual parents and LGBT parents (both single and partnered) learned that they were donor conceived at an earlier age than those with heterosexual parents (p=.000). The vast majority (85.2%) of offspring were conceived with sperm from anonymous donors. Family type was not significantly related to donor type but parents sexual orientation was related (p=.000). LGBT families are more likely to use a willing-to-be-known donor. Over 80% of respondents in single-parent families (heterosexual & LGBT) and dual-parent LGBT families were comfortable expressing curiosity about the donor to parents compared to 55% of offspring of dual-parent heterosexual parents (p=.000). Eighty-three percent of respondents who reported that they had no contact with their donor indicated that they want to have contact someday. Parents' sexual orientation was not related to wanting contact, but family type was weakly associated (p=.04). CONCLUSION: Offspring of single heterosexual parents and LGBT parents learn about the method of their conception at an earlier age and are more comfortable expressing curiosity about the donor with their parents than offspring of heterosexual parents.

Physical Activity Preferences and Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity counseling and program preferences in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the objectives were to determine physical activity preferences (objective 1), and whether there were any significant differences between age and/or sex groups for these preferences (objective 1a). A subsidiary objective was to explore potential associations of key social-cognitive constructs (ie, self-efficacy and social support) with physical activity preferences (objective 2). This exploratory study consisted of a quantitative, secondary analysis of survey data from a national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 244). A qualitative follow-up employing telephone interviews was conducted with 14 individuals. Consistent with hypotheses, walking was the most preferred physical activity behavior and there was a preference for engaging in physical activity with others. There were significant (P values < .05) differences in counseling and program preferences between demographic (age and sex), and physical activity cognitive scores. For example, a significantly (P < .05) higher physical activity intensity preference was found in men and younger participants. Tailoring interventions and physical activity programs to the specific preferences of individuals is an important component for health professionals and researchers in facilitating this behavior.

Techniques for Handling Missing Data in Secondary Analyses of Large Surveys

Using an appropriate method to handle cases with missing data when performing secondary analyses of survey data is important to reduce bias and to reach valid conclusions for the target population. Many published secondary analyses using child health data sets do not discuss the technique employed to treat missing data or simply delete cases with missing data. Missing data may threaten statistical power by reducing sample size or, in more extreme situations, estimates derived by deleting cases with missing values may be biased, particularly if the cases with missing values are systematically different from those with complete data. The aim of this study was to determine which of 4 techniques for handling missing data most closely estimates the true model coefficient when varying proportions of cases are missing data. We performed a simulation study to compare model coefficients when all cases had complete data and when 4 techniques for handling missing data were employed with 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the cases missing data. When >10% of the cases had missing data, the reweight and multiple imputation techniques were superior to dropping cases with missing scores or hot deck imputation. These findings suggest that child health researchers should use caution when analyzing survey data if a large percentage of cases have missing values. In most situations, the technique of dropping cases with missing data should be discouraged. Investigators should consider reweighting or multiple imputation if a large percentage of cases are missing data.

A Study of the Relationships Among Effective Supervision, Organizational Culture Promoting Evidence-Based Practice, and Worker Self-Efficacy in Public Child Welfare

The professional literature has not documented the relationship between effective supervision, an organizational culture promoting evidence-based practice, and self-efficacy in child welfare practice. Secondary analysis of survey data from one public child welfare agency was conducted to examine the relationship between these constructs. Results suggest that for inexperienced workers, there is a difference in their self-efficacy based on the effectiveness of the supervision they receive. Respondents receiving effective supervision were more likely to perceive their organizational culture as promoting evidence-based practice. Further, there was a significant difference in levels of self-efficacy based on this perception of organizational culture. This exploratory study supports further research into these promising organizational strategies for performance and outcome improvement.

Profiling Characteristics of Internet Medical Information Users

ObjectiveThe Internet's potential to bolster health promotion and disease prevention efforts has attracted considerable attention. Existing research leaves two things unclear, however: the prevalence of online health and medical information seeking and the distinguishing characteristics of individuals who seek that information. DesignThis study seeks to clarify and extend the knowledge base concerning health and medical information use online by profiling adults using Internet medical information (IMI). Secondary analysis of survey data from a large sample (n = 6,119) representative of the Atlanta, GA, area informed this investigation. MeasurementsFive survey questions were used to assess IMI use and general computer and Internet use during the 30 days before the survey was administered. Five questions were also used to assess respondents' health care system use. Several demographic characteristics were measured. ResultsContrary to most prior research, this study found relatively low prevalence of IMI-seeking behavior. Specifically, IMI use was reported by 13.2% of all respondents (n = 6,119) and by 21.1% of respondents with Internet access (n = 3,829). Logistic regression models conducted among respondents accessing the Internet in the previous 30 days revealed that, when controlling for several sociodemographic characteristics, home computer ownership, online time per week, and health care system use are all positively linked with IMI-seeking behavior. ConclusionsThe data suggest it may be premature to embrace unilaterally the Internet as an effective asset for health promotion and disease prevention efforts that target the public.

Factors influencing consistency of triage using the Australasian Triage Scale: Implications for guideline development

To examine the influence of the nurse, the type of patient presentation and the level of hospital service on consistency of triage using the Australasian Triage Scale. A secondary analysis of survey data was conducted. The main study was undertaken to measure the reliability of 237 scenarios for inclusion in a national training programme. Nurses were recruited from a quota sample of Australian ED according to peer group. Analysis was performed to determine concordance: the percentage of responses in the modal triage category. Analysis of variance (anova) and Pearson correlations were used to investigate associations between the explanatory variables and concordance. A total of 42/50 (84%) participants returned questionnaires, providing 9946 scenario responses for analysis. Significant differences in concordance were observed by variables describing the type of patient presentation and level of urgency. Mean scores for the comparison group (adult pain; 70.7%) were higher than the groups involving a mental health or pregnancy presentations (61.4%; P<or= 0.001; 65.0%; P= 0.02). Modal responses at the extreme ends of the scale were higher than in the middle categories (P<or= 0.001). There was a significant main effect on concordance by type of service according to peer group (P= 0.03). Of the nine variables that described nurse characteristics, age was the only factor to influence the outcome (P= 0.05). We identified significant problems with the consistency of triage for mental health and pregnancy presentations. Further research is needed to improve the guidelines on the implementation of the Australasian Triage Scale for these populations.

Female traditional principals and co-principals: Experiences of role conflict and job satisfaction

This paper presents a secondary analysis of survey data focusing on role conflict and job satisfaction of 102 female principals. Data were collected from 51 female traditional principals and 51 female co-principals. By examining the traditional and co-principal leadership models as experienced by female principals, this paper addresses the impact of the type of leadership model (traditional principalship or co-principalship) has on women principals with regard to role conflict and job satisfaction. The co-principals experienced lower levels of role conflict and higher levels of job satisfaction than did the female traditional principals.

Empowerment, engagement and perceived effectiveness in nursing work environments: does experience matter?

We examined the impact of empowering work conditions on nurses' work engagement and effectiveness, and compared differences among these relationships in new graduates and experienced nurses. As many nurses near retirement, every effort is needed to retain nurses and to ensure that work environments are attractive to new nurses. Experience in the profession and generational differences may affect how important work factors interact to affect work behaviours. We conducted a secondary analysis of survey data from two studies and compared the pattern of relationships among study variables in two groups: 185 nurses 2 years post-graduation and 294 nurses with more than 2 years of experience. A multi-group SEM analysis indicated a good fit of the hypothesized model. Work engagement significantly mediated the empowerment/effectiveness relationship in both groups, although the impact of engagement on work effectiveness was significantly stronger for experienced nurses. Engagement is an important mechanism by which empowerment affects nurses feelings of effectiveness but less important to new graduates' feelings of work effectiveness than empowerment. Implications for nursing management Managers must be aware of the role of empowerment in promoting work engagement and effectiveness and differential effects on new graduates and more seasoned nurses.

The omnivorous orientation in the UK

This paper uses the findings from a new study of cultural tastes and participation in the UK to explore the characteristics of the cultural omnivore. It identifies some uncertainty in the existing literature about the precise elements of an omnivorous orientation in relation to (i) the relative importance of volume and composition of omnivorous tastes, (ii) the reliance on the secondary analysis of survey data for the identification and exposition of omnivorousness and (iii) the relationship between tolerance for a range of cultural items and other forms of tolerance. Taking as a starting point the claim that cultural omnivores are relatively open to diversity, and drawing on both survey data and qualitative interviews with omnivores, the paper analyses the characteristics of an omnivorous portfolio and considers in detail what and how omnivores dislike. It concludes that, whilst there is strong evidence of a decline in overt snobbishness in the UK, there is also evidence that omnivores have a more intensive involvement with ‘legitimate’ culture which goes alongside a selective appropriation of popular culture. In particular their dislikes reveal limits to openness which imply, paradoxically, a role for an omnivorous orientation in processes of distinction.

Article 11: Relationship of Ambulation and Independence in Locomotion With Long-Term Outcomes After Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: To identify the association of mode of locomotion (ambulation vs wheelchair use) and independence in locomotion (independent of assistance vs partial or complete dependence) with health, participation, and subjective well-being. Design: Secondary analysis of survey data. Setting: Data were collected from 2 rehabilitation hospitals in the Midwest and a specialty hospital in the Southeast. Participants: 1493 adults with traumatic spinal cord injury of at least 1 year in duration. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Health outcomes included general ratings and number of hospitalizations and treatments. Participation was measured by the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique. Subjective well-being was measured with the Life Situation Questionnaire and the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant main effects and an interaction effect. Independence in locomotion was favorably related to every outcome, whereas a mixed pattern was observed for mode of locomotion. Ambulation was associated with higher levels of participation and some aspects of subjective well-being, but also a greater number of depressive symptoms, more pain interference, and more poor health days. Among the participants who were dependent on help from others in order to ambulate, nonwheelchair users and those who were at least partially dependent in wheelchair use reported substantially poorer outcomes than those who were independent in wheelchair use. Conclusions: We must balance our zeal for interventions designed to return people to ambulation with more traditional valued outcomes of independence from assistance of others in order to promote optimal outcomes.

Patients' attitudes to co-payments for general practitioner services: do they reflect the prevailing system?

Most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have introduced cost-sharing. This study compares the views of patients who are used to a service that is free at the point of delivery with those who are used to a system where 70% of patients pay for consultations. Secondary analysis of survey data from a random sample of 11,870 patients in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A 52% response rate was achieved, though respondents were representative of the two populations. Attitudes generally reflected the national status quo with little support for co-payments where there was currently no charging, but broad support where charging was established. Charging for missed appointments would be supported where there were delays in getting an appointment. More research is needed to understand what underlies support for, or opposition to, charges. However, it is apparent that patients' opinions need to be considered when formulating health care policy.

Community capacity and micro‐economic development: a study from Peru

A secondary analysis of survey data collected in 1999 was conducted to explore the associations between community capacity and micro‐economic development in 20 communities of Peru's mountain region. Elements of community capacity are human capital, social capital and organisational resources. Indicators of micro‐economic development are annual household income in soles (Peruvian currency) and perceptions of changes in income and property. Findings revealed that human capital was the most significant predictor of income. Social capital was a significant predictor of the belief that amount of property had increased but not a significant predictor of the belief that incomes had increased. Participation in a development programme for a year or more was the only significant predictor of all three indicators of micro‐economic development.

Exploring lay uncertainty about an environmental health risk

How do laypeople perceive uncertainties about environmental health risks? How do risk-related cognitions and emotions influence these uncertainties, and what roles do sociodemographic and contextual factors, risk judgments, and information exposures play? This study explores these questions using secondary analyses of survey data. Results suggest that uncertainty reflects individual-level emotions and cognitions, but may also be shaped by a variety of social and contextual factors. Emotions (worry and anger) are strongly associated with perceived uncertainty, and perceived lack of knowledge and perceived likelihood of becoming ill are weakly associated with it. Several demographic variables, information exposures, and risk judgment variables affect perceived uncertainty indirectly, primarily through perceived knowledge and emotions. These findings raise a variety of questions about the complex and dynamic interactions among risk contexts, socioeconomic factors, communication processes, perceived knowledge, emotions, and perceived uncertainties about risks.

Sexual abstinence, contraception, and condom use by young African women: a secondary analysis of survey data

Drug therapy for people with AIDS is a humanitarian priority but prevention of HIV infection remains essential. Focusing on young single African women, we aimed to assess trends in a set of behaviours-sexual abstinence, contraceptive use, and condom use-that are known to affect the rates of HIV transmission. We did a secondary analysis of public-access data sets in 18 African countries (132,800 women), and calculated changes in a set of behavioural indicators over time. We standardised these trends from nationally representative surveys to adjust for within-country changes in age, education, and type of residential location. Between about 1993 and 2001, the percentage of women reporting no sexual experience changed little. During the same period, the percentage of sexually experienced women who reported no sexual intercourse in the previous 3 months (secondary abstinence) rose significantly in seven of 18 countries and the median for all 18 countries increased from 43.8% to 49.2%. Use of condoms for pregnancy prevention rose significantly in 13 of 18 countries and the median proportion increased from 5.3% to 18.8%. The median rate of annual increase of condom use was 1.41 percentage points (95% CI 1.12-2.25). In the 13 countries with available data, condom use at most recent coitus rose from a median of 19.3% to 28.4%. Over half (58.5%) of condom users were motivated, at least in part, by a wish to avoid pregnancy. Condom promotion campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa have affected the behaviour of young single women; the pace of change has matched the rise in contraceptive use by married couples in developing countries over recent decades. Thus continuing efforts to promote condom use with emphasis on pregnancy prevention are justified.

Lowering the Bar or Moving the Target: A Wage Decomposition of Michigan's Charter and Traditional Public School Teachers

Background: The quality of a school's teaching force has a significant effect on student learning. One potential lever for increasing teacher quality is through selecting and rewarding teachers with desired characteristics. Purpose: To analyze differences and similarities in the salary determinants of Michigan's charter and traditional public schools. Participants: The representative sample included 723 full-time traditional public school teachers and 468 full-time charter school teachers in Michigan during the 1999-2000 school year. Research Design: This is a multivariate analysis of quantitative data. A secondary analysis of survey data was performed, allowing for greater generalizability across the population of interest. Data Collection and Analysis: The 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey was the data source. This NCES survey provides comprehensive data on school and staff characteristics that are representative at the state level. Findings: The average Michigan charter school teacher earns more than $15, 000 less than the average Michigantraditionalpublic school teacher. Two thirds of this salary difference is because charter school teachers often have lower endowments of valued characteristics, such as experience and certification. Conclusions: Charter school administrators appear to be selecting and rewarding teachers in innovative ways thatcouldhavea positive impactonteacher quality. They are hampered in these efforts by the depressed salaries offered in many charter schools.

Variations in Mental Health Courts: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call for Caution

Mental health courts have quickly proliferated in the United States and represent an attempt to expand legal leverage and enhanced treatment access to select persons with severe mental illness who are also involved in the criminal justice system. A national survey of mental health courts has begun to elucidate the procedural, clinical, and operational aspects of these courts and the defendants they adjudicate. A secondary analysis of survey data was performed to determine the similarities and differences among these courts. Results revealed large variability among existing mental health courts across multiple domains. The implications of this variability are discussed in terms benefits and limitations.