Serial Cross-sectional Surveys Research Articles

Drivers of stunting and wasting across serial cross-sectional household surveys of children under 2 years of age in Pakistan: potential contribution of ecological factors.

The impact of direct and indirect drivers on linear growth and wasting in young children is of public health interest. While the contributions of poverty, maternal education, empowerment and birth weight to early childhood growth are well recognized, the contribution of environmental factors like heat, precipitation, agriculture outputs and food security in comparable datasets is less well established. To investigate the association of length-for-age z-score (LAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) with various indicators among children under 2 years of age in Pakistan using representative household level nutrition surveys and ecological datasets. Using geo-tagged metadata from Pakistan's 2011 and 2018 National Nutrition Surveys (NNS), anthropometric data from 29,887 children (9,231 from 2011 and 20,656 from 2018) were analyzed. Dietary intake and food security data for 140 districts were linked to gridded data on temperature, precipitation and soil moisture, and district measures of agriculture production of edible crops. Multiple linear regressions assessed factors associated with length for age Z score (LAZ) and weight for length z scores (WLZ) in index children. LAZ was positively associated with improved socio-economic conditions (β=0.06), food security (β=0.10), birth size (β=0.26), maternal age (β=0.02), BMI (β=0.02), height (β=0.02) and dietary score (β=0.03). Negative associations with LAZ were found for increased temperature, precipitation, diarrhea, household crowding and parity. Similar patterns were observed with WLZ for higher surface temperatures and precipitation were associated with declines in linear growth, alongside increased diarrhea prevalence and higher maternal parity. Apart from recognized multifactorial drivers of stunting and wasting among children such as poverty, food insecurity and maternal undernutrition, our analysis suggest the potential independent association with climatic factors such as heat and excess precipitation over time. These findings underscore the need for further research and potential integration of climatic mitigation and adaptation with nutrition response strategies.

Study protocol of the planetary health action survey PACE: a serial cross-sectional survey to assess the readiness to act against climate change

IntroductionClimate change is a paramount global health threat with multifaceted implications. Societal change is required to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, as well as help people adapt to...

Variations in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy over time: a serial cross-sectional study in five West African countries

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, willingness and its variation over time in order to inform more responsive strategies for increasing vaccination uptake. The specific objectives...

Team and Electronic Health Record Features and Burnout Among Family Physicians

In the context of a growing volume of electronic health record (EHR)-based work and post-COVID-19 pandemic staffing pressures, health system leaders need an up-to-date understanding of changes in family physicians' experiences of burnout, determinants of burnout, and how to enhance the family physicians' experience. To evaluate the association of family physicians' perceptions of team structure and EHR experiences with burnout and identify modifiable practice structure factors associated with team and EHR experiences. A serial cross-sectional survey study was conducted from December 1, 2016, to October 24, 2023. Participants included family physicians seeking continuous certification through the American Board of Family Medicine. Yearly prevalence of burnout, perceived team efficiency, perceived EHR proficiency, and perceived EHR time were the outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models subsequently assessed associations of team- and EHR-related experiences with burnout and the association between practice structure and staffing features in team efficiency and EHR time. The study included 10 315 physicians who answered the subset of questions related to burnout on the American Board of Family Medicine's Continuous Certification Questionnaire between 2017 and 2023. Among the sample, 5584 respondents (54.1%) were male, and the median age was 50 (IQR, 43-58) years. The proportion of physicians reporting burnout ranged from 37.9% in 2017 to a peak of 42.8% in 2022, which did not represent a significant temporal trend (P = .91). Appropriate home EHR use was associated with 0.58 (95% CI, 0.53-0.64; P < .001) times the odds of burnout, while high team efficiency was associated with 0.61 (95% CI, 0.56-0.67; P < .001) times the odds of burnout. Physician collaboration with a registered nurse was associated with greater odds of high team efficiency (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22-1.50). Collaboration with a physician assistant was associated with greater odds of appropriate home EHR time (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24). In this national cross-sectional study of US family physicians, appropriate time spent on the EHR at home and primary care team efficiency were associated with lower odds of burnout. These findings suggest that clinical leaders and policymakers should focus on optimizing primary care team support and family physicians' EHR experiences to enhance the sustainability of primary care practice.

Malaria risk factors amongst forest going populations in Mondulkiri Province and Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia: a large cross-sectional survey.

Cambodia strives to eliminate all species of human malaria by 2025, requiring that foci among forest-exposed populations in remote settings be addressed. This study explores malaria risk factors amongst forest-exposed groups in Mondulkiri and Kampong Speu Provinces, Cambodia as part of a multi-stage study on novel bite prevention tools (Project BITE). A serial cross-sectional survey explored the demographics, housing structure openness, mosquito bite prevention habits, and gaps in protection amongst three target groups: forest goers who work in the forest, forest dwellers who live in the forest, and forest rangers who patrol forested regions. Malaria prevalence data was collected at three time points using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for febrile individuals and qPCR for all participants. Infection locations and travel patterns of P. falciparum-infected individuals were analyzed for clustering and the potential movement of infections. 2,935 participants were enrolled between October 2022 and February 2023, consisting of 1,093 (37%) forest goers and 1,787 (61%) forest dwellers across both provinces, and 55 (5%) forest rangers in Mondulkiri province. Most worked outdoors as farmers, day laborers, and forest collectors, and reported going to the forest five to seven days a week. For housing, 29% and 39% of participants reported living in partially open primary and secondary structures, respectively. The main methods of mosquito bite protection used were insecticide-treated nets, wearing long sleeves, and burning mosquito coils, with gaps in protection during the daytime and outside at night. All febrile individuals had negative RDT test results. For qPCR, 24 P. falciparum infections (<1%) were detected among forest goers and dwellers, clustered in Pu Trom and Pu Nhav villages in Mondulkiri Province, and Banteay Roka and Banteay Roka Kirisenchey (M) villages in Kampong Speu Province. P. vivax cases were detected (216 cases, 5%) across all enrolled villages. Only two infections were found in forest rangers. Malaria elimination strategies for forest-exposed populations in Cambodia should focus on vector intervention strategies that offer protection during the day and outside at night, and the use of drug-based strategies to clear subpatent infections, targeting forest goers and dwellers in villages where cases are detected.

Antibiotic Use in Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Units and General Wards in Latin American Hospitals.

The objective of this study was to identify antibiotic stewardship (AS) opportunities in Latin American medical-surgical intensive care units (MS-ICUs) and general wards (Gral-wards). We conducted serial cross-sectional point prevalence surveys in MS-ICUs and Gral-wards in 41 Latin American hospitals between March 2022 and February 2023. Patients >18 years of age in the units of interest were evaluated for antimicrobial use (AU) monthly (MS-ICUs) or quarterly (Gral-wards). Antimicrobial data were collected using a standardized form by the local AS teams and submitted to the coordinating team for analysis. We evaluated AU in 5780 MS-ICU and 7726 Gral-ward patients. The hospitals' median bed size (interquartile range) was 179 (125-330), and 52% were nonprofit. The aggregate AU prevalence was 53.5% in MS-ICUs and 25.5% in Gral-wards. Most (88%) antimicrobials were prescribed to treat infections, 7% for surgical prophylaxis and 5% for medical prophylaxis. Health care-associated infections led to 63% of MS-ICU and 38% of Gral-ward AU. Carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, intravenous (IV) vancomycin, and ampicillin-sulbactam represented 50% of all AU to treat infections. A minority of IV vancomycin targeted therapy was associated with documented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection or therapeutic drug monitoring. In both units, 17% of antibiotics prescribed as targeted therapy represented de-escalation, while 24% and 15% in MS-ICUs and Gral-wards, respectively, represented an escalation of therapy. In Gral-wards, 32% of antibiotics were used without a microbiologic culture ordered. Half of surgical prophylaxis antibiotics were prescribed after the first 24 hours. Based on this cohort, areas to improve AU in Latin American hospitals include antibiotic selection, de-escalation, duration of therapy, and dosing strategies.

Self-Managed Abortion Attempts Before vs After Changes in Federal Abortion Protections in the US

With decreasing access to facility-based abortion in the US, an increase in self-managed abortion (SMA) using various methods is anticipated. To date, no studies have examined changes in SMA in the shifting policy landscape. To estimate changes in SMA prevalence among the general US population from before to after the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision overturning federal abortion protections. Serial cross-sectional surveys were administered throughout the US from December 10, 2021, to January 11, 2022, and June 14 to July 7, 2023. Participants included online panel members assigned female sex at birth, ages 18 to 49 years (or ages 15-17 years if a household member), who were English- or Spanish-speaking. Year of the survey (2021-2022 vs 2023). Participants were asked whether they had "ever taken or done something on their own, without medical assistance, to try to end a pregnancy" and, if so, details of their experience. Changes in the weighted SMA prevalence between survey years were examined, factors associated with SMA experience were identified, and projected lifetime SMA prevalence was calculated using discrete-time event history models, accounting for abortion underreporting. Median age of the participants was 32.5 (IQR, 25-41) years in 2021-2022 (n = 7016) and 32.0 (IQR, 24-40) in 2023 (n = 7148). Across both years, approximately 14% were non-Hispanic Black, 21% were Hispanic, and 54% were non-Hispanic White. The weighted adjusted proportion that ever attempted SMA was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.9%-3.0%) in 2021-2022 and 3.4% (95% CI, 2.8%-4.0%) in 2023-an increase of 1.0% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.7%; P = .03). Projected lifetime SMA prevalence accounting for abortion underreporting was 10.7% (95% CI, 8.6%-12.8%). In adjusted analyses, SMA experience was higher among non-Hispanic Black (4.3%; 95% CI, 2.8%-5.8%) vs other racial and ethnic (2.7%; 95% CI, 2.2%-3.1%) groups (P = .04) and sexual and gender minority (5.0%; 95% CI, 3.4%-6.6%) vs heterosexual or cisgender (2.5%; 95% CI, 2.0%-2.9%) participants (P < .001). Approximately 4 in 10 (45.3% in 2021 and 39.0% in 2023) SMA attempts occurred before age 20 years. The methods used included herbs (29.8% [2021-2022] vs 25.9% [2023]), physical methods (28.6% [2021-2022] vs 29.7% [2023]), or alcohol or other substances (17.9% [2021-2022] vs 18.6% [2023]). Few participants (7.1% [2021-2022] vs 4.7% [2023]) sought emergency care for a complication. In this serial nationally representative survey study, increased SMA was observed following the loss of federal abortion protections. The findings revealed increased SMA use among marginalized groups, most often with ineffective methods. These findings suggest the need to expand access to alternative models of safe and effective abortion care and ensure those seeking health care post-SMA do not face legal risks.

Trends in Intention to Take the Second Booster COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors in China: Serial Cross-Sectional Surveys.

The escalating complexity of the COVID-19 epidemic underscores the need for heightened attention to booster vaccinations. This study aims to examine the changing trend in the public's intention to receive the second COVID-19 booster vaccination over time and the associated factors following the COVID-19 policy optimization in China. Eight cross-sectional surveys utilizing SMS questionnaire links were conducted in Guangzhou, China, from December 2022 to April 2023. The Mann-Kendall test was employed to analyze the trend in intentions to receive the second booster vaccination across the survey time. Adjusted and multivariate logistic analyses were used to analyze the factors associated with vaccination intention. Parallel analyses were performed for two subgroups with different COVID-19 infection statuses. A total of 9860 respondents were surveyed in the eight rounds, of which 8048 completed the first booster vaccination and were included in the analysis. The overall COVID-19 infection rate was 60.0% (4832/8048), while the overall vaccination intention was 72.2% (5810/8048) among respondents. The vaccination intention exhibited a significant declining trend over time, decreasing from 81.5% in December 2022 to 52.2% in April 2023. An adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that anxiety and depression were negatively associated with an intention to receive the second booster vaccination, while COVID-19-related preventive behaviors and a high engagement in COVID-19-related information were positively associated with an intention to receive the second booster vaccination. A subgroup analysis revealed that the association between psychological and behavioral characteristics and vaccination intention remained relatively stable among individuals with different histories of COVID-19 infections. There was a significant decline in the intention to receive the second booster vaccination following the optimization of the COVID policy in China. Our findings emphasize the urgency of the second booster vaccination and provide a foundation for the development of tailored interventions to enhance and sustain vaccination intention among the public.

Evaluation of the population-level impacts of the LiveLighter® obesity prevention campaign from 2012 to 2019 based on serial cross-sectional surveys

BackgroundHalting and reversing the upward trend in obesity requires sustained implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based strategies at the population-level. The LiveLighter® program targets adults using a range of public education strategies, including mass media campaigns, to support healthy lifestyle changes to attain or maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease. LiveLighter® has been implemented in Western Australia (WA) since 2012 and, to our knowledge, includes the longest running adult-targeted mass media campaign for healthy weight and lifestyle promotion and education globally. This evaluation assessed the impact of LiveLighter® on WA adults’ knowledge, intentions and behaviours as they relate to healthy eating and body weight from 2012 to 2019.MethodsLiveLighter® mass media campaigns, which are TV-led and aired statewide, depict genuine, graphic imagery of visceral fat around internal organs to raise awareness about the link between excess body weight and chronic diseases; demonstrate how unhealthy food and drink consumption can contribute to unhealthy weight gain; and recommend healthy alternatives. Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted at baseline and following each campaign phase with an independent, randomly selected sample of WA adults aged 25 to 49 years (n = 501 to n = 1504 per survey) to assess their knowledge of the link between excess body weight and chronic diseases, and their intentions and behaviours related to healthy eating and weight. Multivariable logistic regression models were undertaken to assess differences in responses between baseline and each post-campaign survey.ResultsCompared to baseline, there were significant increases in the proportion of respondents reporting knowledge of excess body weight as a risk factor for certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, intentions to eat more fruit and vegetables and drink less sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the next seven days, and the proportion of respondents who reported meeting guidelines for daily vegetable intake. Reported consumption of SSBs significantly decreased.ConclusionsLiveLighter® is associated with improvements in knowledge of the health risks associated with excess body mass, increased vegetable intake and reduced SSB consumption in WA adults. These findings support the use of sustained, well-designed healthy lifestyle promotion and education programs as part of a comprehensive obesity prevention strategy.

Influence of School Type and Class Level on Mean Caries Experience in 12-Year-Olds in Serial Cross-Sectional National Oral Health Survey in Germany-Proposal to Adjust for Selection Bias.

Caries data from the 2016 NOHSC were adjusted for each federal state on the basis of two additional large-scale datasets for school type and class level. Twelve-year-olds in all grades in Saxony-Anhalt (n = 96,842) exhibited significantly higher DMFT values than 12-year-olds in 6th grade (n = 76,456; +0.10 DMFT; ~14.2%, p < 0.001). Adjustments for school type had effects on DMFT on the level of federal states but almost balanced out on the national level (-0.01 DMFT; ~2%). Due to putatively similar structures of the federal states, the national mean DMFT for 12-year-olds in the latest NOHSC (2016; n = 55,002) was adjusted from 0.44 to 0.50 DMFT, correcting for selection bias. Selection bias in this NOHSC leads to an underestimation of caries levels by about 15%. Due to very low caries experience in children in Germany, these precise adjustments (+0.06 DMFT) have only a minor effect on interpretations of the national epidemiologic situation. Consequently, other national caries studies worldwide using the robust marker of DMFT should also adjust for systematic selection bias related to socio-economic background rather than increasing efforts in examination strategy.

Trends in Income Inequities in Cardiovascular Health Among US Adults, 1988-2018.

Mean cardiovascular health has improved over the past several decades in the United States, but it is unclear whether the benefit is shared equitably. This study examined 30-year trends in cardiovascular health using a suite of income equity metrics to provide a comprehensive picture of cardiovascular income equity. The study evaluated data from the 1988-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Survey groupings were stratified by poverty-to-income ratio (PIR) category, and the mean predicted 10-year risk of a major cardiovascular event or death based on the pooled cohort equations (PCE) was calculated (10-year PCE risk). Equity metrics including the relative and absolute concentration indices and the achievement index-metrics that assess both the prevalence and the distribution of a health measure across different socioeconomic categories-were calculated. A total of 26 633 participants aged 40 to 75 years were included (mean age, 53.0-55.5 years; women, 51.9%-53.0%). From 1988-1994 to 2015-2018, the mean 10-year PCE risk improved from 7.8% to 6.4% (P<0.05). The improvement was limited to the 2 highest income categories (10-year PCE risk for PIR 5: 7.7%-5.1%, P<0.05; PIR 3-4.99: 7.6%-6.1%, P<0.05). The 10-year PCE risk for the lowest income category (PIR <1) did not significantly change (8.1%-8.7%). In 1988-1994, the 10-year PCE risk for PIR <1 was 6% higher than PIR 5; by 2015-2018, this relative inequity increased to 70% (P<0.05). When using metrics that account for all income categories, the achievement index improved (8.0%-7.1%, P<0.05); however, the achievement index was consistently higher than the mean 10-year PCE risk, indicating the poor persistently had a greater share of adverse health. In this serial cross-sectional survey of US adults spanning 30 years, the population's mean 10-year PCE risk improved, but the improvement was not felt equally across the income spectrum.

Change in intention and hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in a cohort of adults in Quebec during the pandemic

ABSTRACT Although COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high in Quebec for the primary series, vaccine acceptance decreased for the subsequent booster doses. This article presents the evolution of vaccine intention, self-reported vaccination behaviors, and vaccine hesitancy over 2 years. A series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Quebec between March 2020 and March 2023, with a representative sample of 3,330 adults recruited biweekly via a Web panel. Panelists could have answered multiple times over the course of the project. A cohort of respondents was created to assess how attitudes and behaviors about COVID-19 vaccines evolved. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Among the 1,914 individuals with no or low intention of getting vaccinated in Fall 2021 (Period 1), 1,476 (77%) reported having received at least two doses in the Winter 2023 (Period 2). Not believing in conspiracy theory (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.65–2.64), being worried about catching COVID-19 (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.65–2.73) and not living in a rural area (ORs of other areas are 2.27, 95% CI: 1.58–3.28; 1.66, 95% CI: 1.23–2.26; 1.82 95% CI: 1.23–2.73) were the three main factors associated with being vaccinated at Period 2. Among the 11,117 individuals not hesitant at Period 1, 1,335 (12%) became hesitant at Period 2. The three main factors significantly associated with becoming vaccine hesitant were the adherence to conspiracy theories (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.95–2.66), being a female (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.48–1.90) and being younger than 65 years old (the ORs for 18–34, 35–49, and 50–64 compared with 65 and over are 2.82, 95% CI: 2.32–3.44; 2.39, 95% CI: 2.00–2.86 and 1.82, 95% CI: 1.55–2.15 respectively). As the pandemic is over, monitoring the evolution of vaccine attitudes and uptake will be important.

Military Family Physicians' Readiness to Provide Gender-Affirming Care: A Serial Cross-Sectional Study.

Family physicians are increasingly more likely to encounter transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients requesting gender-affirming care. Given the significant health inequities faced by the TGD community, this study aimed to assess changes in military-affiliated clinicians' perspectives toward gender-affirming care over time. Using a serial cross-sectional survey design of physicians at the 2016 and 2023 Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians conferences, we studied participants' perception of, comfort with, and education on gender-affirming care using Fisher's Exact tests and logistic regression. Response rates were 68% (n = 180) and 69% (n = 386) in 2016 and 2023, respectively. Compared to 2016, clinicians in 2023 were significantly more likely to report receiving relevant education during training, providing care to >1 patient with gender dysphoria, and being able to provide nonjudgmental care. In 2023, 26% reported an unwillingness to prescribe gender-affirming hormones (GAH) to adults due to ethical concerns. In univariable analysis, female-identifying participants were more likely to report willingness to prescribe GAH (OR = 2.6, 95%CI = 1.7-4.1) than male-identifying participants. Willingness to prescribe was also associated with ≥4 h of education (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.1-4.2) compared to those with fewer than 4 h, and those who reported the ability to provide nonjudgmental care compared to those who were neutral (OR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.04-0.2) or disagreed (OR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.03-0.39). Female-identifying clinicians were more likely to agree additional training would benefit their practice (OR = 5.3, 95%CI = 3.3-8.5). Although military-affiliated family physicians endorsed more experience with and willingness to provide nonjudgmental gender-affirming care in 2023 than 2016, profound gaps in patient experience may remain based on the assigned clinician. Additional training opportunities should be available, and clinicians unable to provide gender-affirming care should ensure timely referrals. Future research should explore trends across clinical specialties.

Investigating seasonal changes in factors associated with COVID-19 concerns: Results from a serial cross-sectional survey study in Germany between 2020 and 2023.

COVID-19 risk perceptions are discussed to be volatile and have been shown to be connected to the adoption of preventive public health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate changes in COVID-19 concerns and influencing factors as a function of season among the German public. Sixty-three waves of cross-sectional telephone surveys with German participants aged 14 years and older conducted at least monthly between June 2020 and April 2023 provided the data basis (N = 63,471). After pooling participants of different waves by season (spring, summer, fall, winter), data were analyzed with regard to changes in physical health, mental health, economic, and social COVID-19 concerns. Individual characteristics (e.g., age), COVID-19 behavior (e.g., hygiene practices), and related perceptions (e.g., controllability of risk) were considered as predictors of composite concerns in different seasons. Results showed a higher between-seasons than within-seasons variability in concerns, with rises in physical and mental health and social concerns during fall. Multivariate regressions revealed being female, lower education, adopting protective measures, and higher perceived probability of infection in both public and private settings to be consistent predictors of higher COVID-19 concerns. Coefficients of these predictors remained comparatively stable over seasons and years. Results indicate re-occurring changes in concerns during a prolonged crisis, with distinct characteristics being consistently associated with higher reported concerns. To ensure the application of protective measures, communicators should consider that risk perceptions are subject to fluctuations, but that certain groups of individuals tend to develop them and therefore deserve particular focus.

Feasibility and acceptability of using biometric fingerprinting to track migrations and support retention in HIV prevention research in fishing population in East Africa

IntroductionFishing populations constitute a suitable key population amongst which to conduct HIV prevention trials due to very high HIV prevalence and incidence, however, these are highly mobile populations. We determined the feasibility and acceptability of using fingerprinting and geographical positioning systems to describe mobility patterns and retention among fisherfolks on the shoreline of Lake Victoria in South-western Uganda.MethodsBetween August 2015 and January 2017, two serial cross-sectional surveys were conducted during which fingerprinting of all residents aged 18–30 years on the shoreline of Lake Victoria was done. A mapper moving ahead of the survey team, produced village maps and took coordinates of every household. These were accessed by the survey team that assigned household and individual unique identifiers (ID) and collected demographic data. Using the assigned IDs, individuals were enrolled and their fingerprints scanned. The fingerprinting was repeated 6 months later in order to determine the participant’s current household. If it was different from that at baseline, a new household ID was assigned which was used to map migrations both within and between villages.ResultsAt both rounds, over 99% accepted to be fingerprinted. No fingerprinting faults were recorded at baseline and the level was under 1% at round two. Over 80% of the participants were seen at round two and of these, 16.3%, had moved to a new location whilst the majority, 85%, stayed within the same village. Movements between villages were mainly observed for those resident in large villages. Those who did not consider a fishing village to be their permanent home were less likely to be migrants than permanent residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.37, 95%CI:0.15–0.94).ConclusionUse of fingerprinting in fishing populations is feasible and acceptable. It is possible to track this mobile population for clinical trials or health services using this technology since most movements could be traced within and between villages.

Trends and correlates of naloxone possession and use among people who inject drugs in Seattle, Washington

BackgroundNaloxone distribution has been implemented as an essential opioid overdose prevention measure for people who inject drugs (PWID), and many jurisdictions in the United States have implemented policy change to increase naloxone access. This project describes temporal trends in and correlates of naloxone possession and use among PWID in the Seattle area of Washington State. MethodsUsing a repeat cross-sectional design, we utilized two sets of serial cross-sectional surveys of PWID, which included biennial surveys of Seattle area syringe service program (SSP) clients and community-based National HIV Behavioral Surveillance surveys of PWID (NHBS-PWID) conducted from 2012-2019. Survey participant characteristics were descriptively compared between participants reporting naloxone possession to those not reporting naloxone possession. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios for naloxone possession comparing later to earlier survey years, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, primary drug, and experiencing and witnessing an overdose in the past 12 months. ResultsNaloxone possession and use increased in both survey populations. The prevalence of possessing naloxone was 2.8 times greater [2019 vs. 2013= 95% CI: 2.40-3.33] among SSP participants and 2.8 times greater [2018 vs. 2012=95% CI: 2.41-3.16] among NHBS-PWID participants for the most recent time period. The prevalence of naloxone use was 1.3 times greater [2019 vs. 2017= 95% CI: 1.13-1.58] and 2.1 times greater [2015 vs. 2012=95% CI:1.62-2.73] among SSP and NHBS-PWID participants, respectively, for the most recent time period. ConclusionNaloxone possession and use increased in PWID in the Seattle area from 2012-2019, and is, at least in part, likely the result of numerous policy and programmatic efforts to facilitate easier naloxone accessibility in the wake of dramatic increases in overdose mortality. Further research on disparities in naloxone possession are needed to ensure equitable access.

National trends in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in South Korea, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2007-2021) - a nationwide representative study.

Due to the various changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, some infectious diseases showed different epidemiology and prevalence during the pandemic. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on trends in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C related to the pandemic. Thus, we compared the prevalence of hepatitis B and C before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. We conducted a comprehensive trend analysis with a nationwide serial cross-sectional survey from 2007 to 2021 (n=86,931) using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The changes in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C were evaluated using a weighted regression model to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2007 to 2021, 86,931 Korean adults aged 19 or older were included in the KNHANES data. The prevalence of hepatitis B showed a declining trend until the onset of the pandemic (1.80% in 2007-2009; 1.08% in 2016-2019; and 1.01% in 2020), at which point this trend reversed (1.39% in 2021). The prevalence of hepatitis C remained stable (0.14% in 2007-2009 and 0.18% in 2016-2019), with no particular surge related to the COVID-19 pandemic (βdiff, -0.002; 95% CI, -0.761 to 0.756). For hepatitis B, old age was identified as a pandemic-related vulnerable factor (ratio of odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.05-2.70). In this study, unlike other infectious diseases, hepatitis B and C did not show a decreasing trend during the pandemic. In particular, hepatitis B showed a rebound trend during the pandemic, which was noticeable in those aged 60 or older. Further studies are needed to support these findings.

Changing trends in Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections among female sex workers in Southern China: a surveillance data analysis spanning 2019 to 2022.

Female sex workers (FSW) are particularly vulnerable to chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. However, there were few studies that detail the evolving patterns of chlamydia and gonorrhea among Chinese FSW. Therefore, our study endeavors to assess the prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea epidemics within FSW, investigate their changing trends and scrutinize associated factors. In 2019, China instituted a sentinel surveillance network focused on FSW in Guangdong Province. This network conducted an annual serial cross-sectional survey spanning from April to August. All analyses are predicated on surveillance data accumulated between 2019 and 2022. The prevalence of chlamydia increased from 10.1 to 12.3%, exhibiting an annual percentage shift of 6.8%. Conversely, the prevalence of gonorrhea dwindled from 2.0 to 1.3%, marking an annual percentage decline of 13.4% (P<0.001). After adjusting for covariates, chlamydia exhibited associations with having household registration in other provinces (adjusted odds ratio (aOR=0.55)), displaying symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (aOR=1.65) and infected with gonorrhea (aOR=5.68). In parallel, gonorrhea demonstrated associations with providing oral sex to clients (aOR=3.74), manifesting STIs symptoms (aOR=4.27) and those infected with chlamydia (aOR=5.43). Our observations underscore the imperative to implement a comprehensive intervention strategy concentrating on chlamydia, while simultaneously fortifying endeavors to expand the scope of gonorrhea prevention services.

National trends in depression and suicide attempts and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, 1998–2021: A nationwide study in South Korea

BackgroundDespite the significant psychiatric effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's limited data on the prevalence and risk factors of depression and suicide attempts among South Korean adults. MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data from 1998 to 2021 was conducted. Changes in prevalence and risk factors for depression and suicide attempts were assessed using weighted odds ratios or weighted beta coefficients. ResultsDuring the observation period (1998–2021), the prevalence of depression increased in the overall population; however, no significant surge was found regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2.78% (95% CI, 2.41–3.15) in 1998–2005–4.96% (4.32–5.61) in 2020 and 5.06% (4.43–5.69) in 2021. However, immediately after the onset of the pandemic, younger ages, male sex, urban residence, higher education, and high economic status became significant vulnerable factors compared to pre-pandemic periods. The prevalence of suicide attempts remained stable, and there was no notable surge specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 0.23% (95% CI, 0.18–0.28) in 1998–2005–0.45% (0.25–0.66) in 2020 and 0.42% (0.24–0.60) in 2021. Furthermore, no distinct vulnerable factors associated with suicide attempts have been identified. ConclusionThrough this nationwide serial cross-sectional survey study, we emphasized the need for understanding the differential impacts of global crises, such as COVID-19, across varied population subgroups, thereby highlighting the importance of specific and targeted mental health support strategies.

The concerned steward effect: Exploring the relationship between climate anxiety, psychological distress, and self-reported climate related behavioural engagement

Previous research has demonstrated that heightened levels of climate change anxiety are correlated with psychological distress. Some have argued that engagement in pro-environmental behaviour might be associated with lower levels of climate anxiety and psychological distress. As such, this study aimed to explore the association between pro-environmental behavioural engagement, climate change anxiety, and generalized psychological distress. Participants living in British Columbia, Canada aged 16+ completed a serial cross-sectional online survey. We examined inter-relationships between self-reported Climate-related Behavioural Engagement (BE) scores, Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) scores, and Kessler Psychological Distress (K6) scores using scatterplots, Spearman Rank Correlation and multivariable linear regression. Among 1553 participants, higher CCAS scores and higher BE scores were both associated with greater psychological distress. An interaction term between these variables indicated that as CCAS scores increased, the effect of self-reported behavioural engagement on psychological distress was attenuated. Findings suggest that self-reported behavioural engagement and climate anxiety are correlated, a phenomenon we refer to as the concerned steward effect. However, the association becomes attenuated among those with high levels of distress, perhaps driven by a diminishing return of behavioural engagement or difficulties of behavioural engagement among those with high distress.